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TAX •  24 JUNE 2024 • 5 MIN READ

What is independent earner tax credit and how do I get it?

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What is Independent Earner Tax Credit?

Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC) is a tax credit you can get if you earn between $24,000 and $48,000* per annum and are not claiming a Working for Families Tax Credit.  It is a tax credit of up to $520 so if you’ve paid more than this in tax, you can receive this back as a tax refund.

*Changes from 31st July 2024 - the upper threshold is changing from $48,000 to $70,000 (details below).​

Who is eligible to claim Independent Earner Tax Credit?

You can get IETC if you meet the following conditions: 

  • You are an NZ tax resident and your income is between $24,000 and $48,000 ($70,000 from 31st July 2024)
  • You or your partner: 
    • Are not entitled to Working for Families Tax Credit, and 
    • Don't receive an overseas equivalent of Working for Families Tax Credit 
  • You are not receiving:
    • An income-tested benefit 
    • NZ superannuation
    • Veteran’s pension
    • An overseas equivalent of any of the above 

Use this tool provided by IRD to check if you’re eligible for IETC. 

How much can I get?

If your pre-tax income is between $24,000 and $44,000 per annum, you can get $10 per week; if your annual pre-tax income is between $44,001 and $48,000, IETC reduces by $0.13 for every dollar exceeds $44,000.

Changes from 31 July 2024

The government has announced an upward adjustment to the thresholds, effective from 31st July 2024. Consequently, the full IETC will apply up to an increased pre-tax income limit of $66,000 with the same $0.13 per dollar abatement rate for those with an annual pre-tax income between $66,000 and $70,000.

As this change is taking effect during the 2024/25 financial year, there will be a transitional calculation done by your accountant when you submit your 24/25 accounts. The new IETC entitlement for those earning between $48,000 and $70,000 will apply in full from the 2025/26 tax year.

How do I get Independent Earner Tax Credit?

If you’re a Beany client, you don’t have to do anything as we claim it for you whilst we’re doing your tax returns. If you’re not a Beany client, then you can file a return online at the IRD and claim it, or become a client (register with us today so you don’t miss out on IETC).​ You can see more information on Independent Earner Tax Credit on IRD’s website.

Call us on 0800 755 333 or contact support@beany.com for more information on this or any other tax query.​

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Sue de Bièvre

Sue de Bièvre

Beany Co-Founder

An intrepid entrepreneur and feminist with a penchant for disruption; spotting problems and rolling her sleeves up to fix them makes Sue tick.

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