New Zealand VAT Rate 2026: 15% Standard Rate

Standard rate 15% · Currency NZD

New Zealand VAT Calculator

Current New Zealand VAT Rate: 15%

How Much Is GST in New Zealand?

The standard GST rate in New Zealand is 15% in 2026. Other rates: 0% — Exports, services to non-residents, land sales between GST-registered persons, sale of a going concern. Locally the tax is called Goods and Services Tax (GST). Standard VAT/GST rates worldwide range from around 5% to 27%.

How to calculate New Zealand GST

To add 15% GST to a net (tax-exclusive) price, multiply it by 1.15. To remove GST from a gross (tax-inclusive) price, divide it by 1.15.

  • Add GST: NZD 100 net × 1.15 = NZD 115 gross (that is NZD 15 of GST)
  • Remove GST: NZD 115 gross ÷ 1.15 = NZD 100 net (that is NZD 15 of GST)

Use the New Zealand GST calculator above for any amount, or compare New Zealand with every other country in our GST rates by country table.

New Zealand VAT Rates Overview

Every VAT rate currently in force in New Zealand

Current VAT Rates (2026)

Rate type Rate Applies to
Standard rate 15% Almost all goods and services, including food, imports, remote services and low-value imported goods
Reduced value rule Effective 9% Long-term stays (over 4 weeks) in commercial accommodation such as hotels and serviced apartments
Zero rate 0% Exports, services to non-residents, land sales between GST-registered persons, sale of a going concern

VAT History and Local Rules in New Zealand

How the rates got here, and country-specific points to watch

Key VAT milestones

  • 2024: Platform operators required to collect GST on ride-sharing, food delivery and short-stay accommodation from 1 April 2024
  • 2019: GST applied to low-value imported goods of NZD 1,000 or less from 1 December 2019
  • 2016: GST on remote services supplied by offshore businesses from 1 October 2016
  • 2010: Rate raised from 12.5% to 15% on 1 October 2010
  • 1989: Rate raised from 10% to 12.5%
  • 1986: GST introduced at 10% on 1 October 1986

Is the VAT rate the same everywhere in New Zealand?

Yes, 15% GST applies uniformly throughout New Zealand; there are no regional or local sales taxes.

Good to know

New Zealand's GST is famously broad: fresh food, medicines and most everyday items are taxed at 15%, with very few exemptions.

Since 1 April 2024 platforms such as ride-sharing, food delivery and accommodation apps collect GST on underlying services, and may pass a flat-rate credit of 8.5% to unregistered sellers.

Inland Revenue released an issues paper in May 2026 on current GST issues, including accommodation rules and offshore service thresholds; no rate changes are proposed.

Zero-Rated and Exempt Supplies in New Zealand

The difference matters: zero-rating keeps input-VAT recovery, exemption does not

Zero-rated supplies (0%)

VAT is charged at 0%, but the seller can still recover input VAT on related costs:

  • Exports of goods
  • Services supplied to non-residents outside New Zealand
  • Land transactions between GST-registered persons
  • Sale of a business as a going concern
  • International transport
  • Financial services to registered businesses (optional)

VAT-exempt supplies

No VAT is charged, and the seller generally cannot recover input VAT on related costs:

  • Financial services
  • Residential rent
  • Sales of donated goods and services by non-profit bodies
  • Fine metals (such as investment gold and silver)

New Zealand VAT Registration & Compliance

Key facts for businesses registering for and reporting VAT in New Zealand.

Local nameGoods and Services Tax (GST)
VAT number formatGST number is the IRD number: 8 or 9 digits (e.g. 123-456-789)
Registration thresholdNZD 60,000 of taxable supplies in the past or next 12 months
Non-resident businessesOffshore suppliers of remote services or low-value goods must register once supplies to NZ consumers exceed NZD 60,000 in 12 months
Filing frequencyTwo-monthly by default; monthly (required above NZD 24 million turnover) or six-monthly (turnover under NZD 500,000)
Filing and payment deadline28th day of the month after the period ends, except 15 January for November periods and 7 May for March periods
E-invoicing / reportingNo mandatory e-invoicing; Peppol e-invoicing is voluntary, with government agencies adopting it
Tax authorityInland Revenue (Te Tari Taake)

Thresholds, deadlines and e-invoicing rules are revised regularly. Always confirm current requirements with Inland Revenue (Te Tari Taake) before relying on them.

Cross-Border Sales and Refunds in New Zealand

Selling into the country from abroad, and getting VAT back

Cross-border rules

Digital services and e-commerce: Offshore suppliers of remote services (streaming, apps, software, online advertising) to New Zealand consumers must register and charge 15% GST once their NZ consumer supplies exceed NZD 60,000 in 12 months; electronic marketplaces are liable for supplies made through them.

Tourist VAT refunds: No tourist GST refund scheme; goods shipped overseas directly by the retailer can be zero-rated.

For the general rules, see the reverse charge mechanism, VAT on digital services, VAT invoice requirements and VAT refunds for tourists and businesses.

Compare VAT Rates

VAT rates in neighboring and similar economies

Nearby Countries

🇦🇺 Australia

Standard Rate: 10%

🇯🇵 Japan

Standard Rate: 10%

🇰🇷 South Korea

Standard Rate: 10%

🇨🇳 China

Standard Rate: 13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about VAT in New Zealand

What is the current VAT rate in New Zealand?

The standard VAT rate in New Zealand is 15% in 2026. Other rates in force: Effective 9% (reduced value rule), 0% (zero rate). See the rates table above for exactly what each rate covers.

How do I calculate VAT in New Zealand?

To add 15% VAT, multiply the net price by 1.15. To remove it from a VAT-inclusive price, divide by 1.15; the difference is the VAT. The calculator at the top of this page does both.

Is GST charged on food in New Zealand?

Yes. Unlike Australia, New Zealand charges 15% GST on all food, including fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. There are no reduced rates for everyday goods.

When do I need to register for GST in New Zealand?

You must register if your taxable supplies exceeded NZD 60,000 in the last 12 months or are expected to exceed it in the next 12 months. You can register voluntarily below that.

Can tourists get a GST refund in New Zealand?

No. New Zealand has no tourist refund scheme, but goods that a retailer ships directly to an overseas address can be sold GST-free.

Sources

Official and professional references used for this page

Last reviewed on 27 September 2026.