Taxes

The tax system in New Zealand works via the IRD number, which you can apply for directly from the Inland Revenue Department. It takes 8-10 days to get your IRD number. The tax year in New Zealand runs from 1 April to 31 March of the next calendar year. 

Switzerland and New Zealand concluded a convention for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income which has been in force since 1981. This agreement is particularly relevant for Swiss nationals living in New Zealand who (continue) to earn various forms of income from Switzerland, including income from real property, gainful employment, pensions, dividends and interest. The convention restricts Switzerland's right to tax income derived from sources in Switzerland and/or requires New Zealand to allow such income as a credit against New Zealand tax payable in respect of that income.

The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published a list of the withholding tax rates on dividends and interest allowed under the relevant Swiss double taxation agreements. This list also indicates the form to be used to apply for a withholding tax refund. 

On 2 December 2016, Switzerland and New Zealand signed a joint declaration on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters. Subject to parliamentary approval, since 2018 Swiss financial institutions have been collecting information on accounts of tax payers resident in New Zealand. Since 2019, the FTA has been automatically forwarding this information to the New Zealand tax authorities every year. The New Zealand authorities likewise forward tax information to the FTA.

The AEOI applies to Swiss nationals whose tax domicile is in New Zealand and who have a bank account or securities account with a Swiss financial institution. The AEOI also involves the exchange of information on accounts into which state pensions are paid.