YourTax: Election 2026

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yourtax.nz shows, in dollars, how each party’s announced tax policy would affect you.

We look at every party’s tax and economic policy, compared to the current situation, and reveal how it’s relevant to you. We don’t rank parties, we don’t offer an opinion on better or worse. We simply take what the parties say and run the calculations.

All claims are cited. You can see the breakdown of how each number comes together. You don’t have to trust us; you can verify.

How to read a result

An example with stand-in parties (A–E). Every household sees its own result, with the real parties.

  1. 1The red line is today’s situation. It’s where you’d stay if nothing changed.
  2. 2Each bar shows the change to your household if that party’s policy was fully implemented. Right of the line is more money in your pocket, left is less.
  3. 3A hatched bar means a party has expressed a vision but not provided enough specifics for the impact to be calculated. We don’t guess.

Clicking on a party in the chart opens a receipt that tells you how we calculated the number. All the claims that went into it, with citations.

The same stand-in result, opened line by line.

Every party’s policy, cited

Every announced change, with the word-for-word quote and dated source behind each figure. It’s built from the same policy set the calculator runs on, so the two can’t drift apart. Current as at 22 June 2026.

ACT

Income tax · announced direction

Has announced a two-rate income tax with a top rate of 28%, but hasn’t published the lower rate or the threshold between the rates.

“ACT has proposed a two-rate income tax system with a top rate of 28 percent, aligning personal, trust, and company tax rates.” view source7 Jun 2026

Green Party

Also announced: a 33% Capital Acquisitions Tax on inheritances and gifts received over $1m, plus corporate, bank-levy, big-tech and landlord tax changes — all outside a household income-and-wealth calculator. “The Green Party will introduce a 33 percent tax on inheritance and gifts valued above $1 million, with small gifts, family farms and the family home exempt from the tax.” view source

Income tax

A full reset of the brackets: the first $10,000 you earn is tax-free, then stepped rates (10%, 17.5%, 25.5%, 30.5%, 33.5%) up to $160,000, with a new 45% top rate over $160,000. 96% of people pay less.

“Our income tax thresholds: $0-$9,999 0%; $10,000-$19,999 10%; $20,000-$39,999 17.5%; $40,000-$59,999 25.5%; $60,000-$79,999 30.5%; $80,000-$159,999 33.5%; $160,000 and over 45%” view source21 Jun 2026
“The Green Party will create a new top tax bracket of 45 percent on income over $160,000 or more.” view source21 Jun 2026

Working for Families

Drops the Family Tax Credit and In-Work Tax Credit, replaced by the Family Top-Up under Child payments below. Best Start doubles to $146 a week and covers every child under three, with no income test.

“Introduce a Family Top-Up payment of $220 per week for a family's first child, and $135 per week for every other child, replacing the complex set of Working for Families payments” view source7 Jun 2026
“Double the Best Start payment to $146 per week, and extend it to every child under three as a universal child benefit for the early years” view source7 Jun 2026

Wealth tax

2.5% a year on net assets over $10 million, counted per person, so a couple has roughly $20 million before it applies. Your family home is exempt.

“For an individual with net assets above $10m, or $20m for a couple (minus mortgages and other debt), a 2.5 percent annual tax will apply on those assets.” view source21 Jun 2026
“The family home will be exempt from the tax.” view source21 Jun 2026

Child payments

A Family Top-Up that replaces Working for Families. $220 a week for your first child, $135 for each one after. Paid in full under $61,000 of family income, then tapering by 18 cents in the dollar.

“Introduce a Family Top-Up payment of $220 per week for a family's first child, and $135 per week for every other child, replacing the complex set of Working for Families payments” view source7 Jun 2026
“Provide that the Family Top-Up will be paid in full for all whānau with an income under $61,000 a year, and then reduce gradually at a rate of 18 cents in the dollar (instead of the current threshold of $42,700 and abatement rate of 27 cents in the dollar for the Family Tax Credit under Working for Families)” view source7 Jun 2026

Income Guarantee

A minimum income of $395 a week (plus $140 for sole parents) for people out of paid work or studying, including if you have no income at all. It stands in for a main benefit or student allowance, and any other income counts toward the $395. Earnings up to $200 a week don’t reduce it; the rate it reduces at above that isn’t announced, so the calculator only puts a number on it below that point.

“Introduce an Income Guarantee to ensure everyone out of paid work or studying has an income of at least $395 a week, plus top-ups of $140 a week for sole parents. Recipients will be able to earn up to $200 per week before their payment begins to reduce” view source19 Jun 2026

Free early childhood education · announced direction

Announced free early childhood education (20 hours/week from six months to school age, $10/day above), but the saving can't be calculated from fees alone without childcare hours.

“Provide 20 hours free care per week for children from six months until school age, with no strings attached” view source19 Jun 2026

Labour

Capital gains tax

A flat 28% tax on the profit when you sell a residential or commercial investment property, for gains made after 1 July 2027. Your family home, farms, shares, KiwiSaver and business assets are exempt. No adjustment for inflation.

“The tax will be set at a flat rate of 28 percent at the individual level, with no indexation for inflation.” view source28 Oct 2025
“There will be a 28 percent tax on any profit made after 1 July 2027 when a commercial or residential property (excluding the family home) is sold.” view source28 Oct 2025

Public transport fare cap

Caps weekly fares at $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 everywhere else. Once you hit the cap, the rest of that week is free.

“Labour will make it cheaper for New Zealanders to catch the bus or train, by capping weekly fares at just $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 a week everywhere else in New Zealand.” view source10 Jun 2026

National

Also announced (not modelled): a $1,500 Baby Boost into every newborn's KiwiSaver, government contributions during paid parental leave, and KiwiSaver for over-65s. These are savings top-ups, not take-home changes. “National will automatically enrol every baby born in New Zealand into KiwiSaver at birth and contribute a $1500 Baby Boost payment to kick-start their savings.” view source

KiwiSaver (compulsory)

Makes KiwiSaver compulsory and lifts the minimum employee contribution to 6% by 2032. If you contribute less than 6% now, your rate is raised to 6%, so more of your take-home pay goes into your locked savings. Already at 6% or above? No change.

“We've already committed to gradually lifting KiwiSaver contribution rates to 6 per cent each for employers and employees, totalling 12 per cent to match Australia by 2032.” view source22 Jun 2026

NZ First

KiwiSaver (compulsory) · announced direction

Announced compulsory KiwiSaver for the workforce with contributions rising to 8% then eventually 10%, but doesn't say how much is the employee's share or when. The effect on your pay can't be calculated.

“compulsory KiwiSaver enrolment for the wider workforce and increasing employee and employer contributions to 8% initially and eventually to 10%” view source23 Jun 2026

Te Pāti Māori

Has committed to making the wealthiest pay their fair share, but hasn’t announced which taxes would change, or any rates or thresholds. “Make sure the wealthiest pay their fair share.” view source

Opportunity

Income tax

Three rates. 28% up to $50,000, 34% from $50,001 to $200,000, then 39% above $200,000.

“28% for income up to $50,000 p/a” view source7 Jun 2026
“34% for income between $50,001 and $200,000 p/a” view source7 Jun 2026
“39% for income at $200,001+ p/a” view source7 Jun 2026

KiwiSaver (compulsory)

Makes KiwiSaver compulsory and lifts the minimum employee contribution to 6% (matched by 6% from employers, 12% in total), phased in over time. If you contribute less than 6% now, your rate is raised to 6%, so more of your take-home pay goes into your locked savings. Already at 6% or above? No change.

“contributions will total 12% of gross earnings: 6% employer contribution and 6% employee contribution” view source7 Jun 2026

Working for Families

Rolls Working for Families (the Family Tax Credit, In-Work Tax Credit and Best Start) into the per-child Child Support Incomes under Child payments below.

“These Child Support Incomes replace: Working for families payments (family tax credit and in work tax credit), Paid Parental Leave payments, and Best Start payments.” view source7 Jun 2026

Universal payment

A Citizen’s Income of $19,400 a year for every adult resident, paid fortnightly. It replaces main benefits and the student allowance.

“Every New Zealand Citizen and resident aged 18 and over receives an annual amount equivalent to the Jobseeker benefit; currently $19,400 annually, paid fortnightly into their bank account.” view source7 Jun 2026
“The Citizen's Income replaces many main benefits, including:” view source7 Jun 2026

NZ Super (no longer paid)

For superannuitants the Citizen’s Income takes the place of NZ Super: your NZ Super stops, and the Citizen’s Income (above) plus the top-up (below) stand in for it.

“Superannuitant top-ups of $5,250 in total for a couple or $10,000 for a single person” view source7 Jun 2026

Superannuitant top-up

A top-up paid alongside the Citizen’s Income to superannuitants ($10,000 a year for a single person, or $5,250 in total for a couple), so the tax-free total lands near current NZ Super.

“Superannuitant top-ups of $5,250 in total for a couple or $10,000 for a single person” view source7 Jun 2026

Child payments

Child Support Incomes that change with a child’s age. $18,250 in the first year, $13,750 up to age 2, then $7,750 to 18, with a little less for each child after the first. Sole parents get an extra $9,500. It tapers by 10 cents in the dollar from $50,000.

“First year: First child $18,250 ; Each subsequent child $17,250” view source7 Jun 2026
“Second year: First child $13,750 ; Each subsequent child $12,750” view source7 Jun 2026
“Years 4-18: First child $7,750 ; Each subsequent child $6,750” view source7 Jun 2026
“Sole parents will receive an additional allowance of $9,500 per annum” view source7 Jun 2026
“Each type of support will gradually reduce by 10 cents for every extra dollar earnt, starting from household income between $50,000 and $75,000.” view source7 Jun 2026

Land value tax

A yearly tax on the unimproved value of land. 1.75% urban, 0.5% rural. The buildings on it don’t count.

“An annual tax on the unimproved value of all urban land set at 1.75%. Critically, this does not include the value of buildings or other improvements.” view source7 Jun 2026
“A lower land value tax rate of 0.5% is therefore appropriate.” view source7 Jun 2026

Current law

Income tax

Five rates. 10.5% to $15,600, 17.5% to $53,500, 30% to $78,100, 33% to $180,000, then 39% on anything above.

“From 1 April 2025: $0 - $15,600 — 10.5%; $15,601 - $53,500 — 17.5%; $53,501 - $78,100 — 30%; $78,101 - $180,000 — 33%; $180,001 and over — 39%” view source7 Jun 2026

ACC earners' levy

The ACC earners’ levy takes 1.75% of your earnings, up to $156,641. Self-employed people also pay the average ACC Work levy.

“1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 — $1.75 per $100 (1.75%)” view source7 Jun 2026
“1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 — $156,641 maximum earnings with $2,741.22 maximum levy payable” view source7 Jun 2026
“Average work levy rate | $0.63 per $100 liable earnings | $0.66 | $0.69 | $0.72 | 1 April each year” view source10 Jun 2026

KiwiSaver (compulsory)

KiwiSaver is voluntary: you choose your contribution rate (3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of pay), or opt out. Nothing forces a minimum.

“KiwiSaver is a voluntary, work-based retirement savings scheme.” view source23 Jun 2026

Independent earner tax credit

A $520 tax credit if you earn between $24,000 and $70,000. It starts shrinking by 13 cents in the dollar once you’re over $66,000.

“The most you can receive is $520 per year. ... $24,000 and $66,000 – you get $10 per week” view source7 Jun 2026
“If you're a New Zealand tax resident and you earn between $24,000 and $70,000 in a tax year, you might be able to get the independent earner tax credit (IETC).” view source7 Jun 2026
“$66,001 and $70,000 – your entitlement reduces by 13 cents for every dollar you earn over $66,000.” view source7 Jun 2026

Working for Families

The Family Tax Credit, In-Work Tax Credit and Best Start. Payments start reducing once family income passes $44,900.

“Eldest child: "$7,921" / "$152" weekly; every other child: "$6,454" / "$124" weekly” view source7 Jun 2026
“79B Section MD 10 amended (Calculation of in-work tax credit) (1) In section MD 10(3)(a), replace '5,070' with '7,670'.” view source7 Jun 2026
“s MF 4L: "(a) amount A is — (i) for the period starting on 1 April 2026 and finishing on the day before the change date, $7,670: (ii) for the period starting on the change date and finishing on 31 March 2027, $5,070: (b) amount B is $780"” view source7 Jun 2026
“The full entitlement is $77 a week. ... A full entitlement for a year: $4,041” view source7 Jun 2026
“entitlement will reduce for every dollar you earn over $79,000 ... $7,850 x 21% = abatement of $1,648.50” view source7 Jun 2026
“In section MD 13(3)(a)(i), replace '$42,700, 27 cents' with '$44,900, 27.5 cents'. ... Subsections (1) and (2) apply for the 2026–27 and later tax years.” view source7 Jun 2026

Wealth tax

There’s no wealth tax.

“New Zealand also does not levy financial transaction taxes, wealth taxes, or a general capital gains tax.” view source7 Jun 2026

Capital gains tax

There’s no general capital gains tax.

“New Zealand also does not levy financial transaction taxes, wealth taxes, or a general capital gains tax.” view source7 Jun 2026

Universal payment

There’s no universal payment to adults.

“The current social security system is based on paid employment as the primary mechanism for providing income, augmented by income from the state through the welfare system when required. The issue of a citizen’s wage or universal basic income was raised in consultation hui and submissions made to us.” view source7 Jun 2026

NZ Super (no longer paid)

NZ Super is paid as it is now, and taxed as income.

“The current social security system is based on paid employment as the primary mechanism for providing income, augmented by income from the state through the welfare system when required. The issue of a citizen’s wage or universal basic income was raised in consultation hui and submissions made to us.” view source7 Jun 2026

Superannuitant top-up

There’s no separate top-up for superannuitants.

“The current social security system is based on paid employment as the primary mechanism for providing income, augmented by income from the state through the welfare system when required. The issue of a citizen’s wage or universal basic income was raised in consultation hui and submissions made to us.” view source7 Jun 2026

Child payments

There’s no universal per-child payment outside Working for Families.

“The period of retrenchment and increased targeting and conditionality included a shift in 1991 to remove any universal provision in family assistance – Family Benefit, which had eroded in value, was abolished.” view source7 Jun 2026

Land value tax

There’s no land value tax.

“Previous reforms have eliminated the sales tax, excess retention tax, land tax, estate duty, stamp duty, gift duty and cheque duty.” view source7 Jun 2026

Public transport fare cap

Public transport fares aren’t capped.

Income Guarantee

There’s no guaranteed minimum income. Support when you’re out of work comes through Jobseeker and other benefits, which are income-tested.

“The current social security system is based on paid employment as the primary mechanism for providing income, augmented by income from the state through the welfare system when required. The issue of a citizen’s wage or universal basic income was raised in consultation hui and submissions made to us.” view source7 Jun 2026
Assumptions

A first version has to draw some lines. The main ones:

  • Working for Families is worked out as if the household meets the In-Work Tax Credit’s work test.
  • Best Start is treated as income-tested from birth.
  • Each policy is modelled fully in force. We ignore the start dates and phase-in timetables parties attach to them.
  • Where a party hasn’t said anything about a tax, we leave it at current law.

Report an error, or get in touch

A wrong number is worse than no number. If a figure or a quote looks off, tell us where and we’ll fix it. We’re at info@yourtax.nz.