Your main job: M or ME
M is the code for your main or highest-paying job, and for NZ Super, Jobseeker and other benefits that are your main income. It uses the normal progressive brackets, so the first $15,600 of the year is taxed at 10.5%.
ME is M plus the independent earner tax credit (IETC). Use it if your total annual income is between $24,000 and $70,000, and you do not get Working for Families, an income-tested benefit, NZ Super or a veteran's pension. It is worth up to $520 a year, paid as a little less tax each payday.
If you have a student loan, add SL: M SL or ME SL. Your employer then takes 12% of every dollar above the repayment threshold.
Second jobs: SB, S, SH, ST and SA
A second job uses a flat secondary rate, because your main job has already used the lower brackets. Pick the code for the bracket your total income from all jobs falls into. The secondary tax guide explains how.
Other codes
- ND, no declaration: used when you have not given your employer a tax code. Tax comes off at 45% plus the ACC levy, 46.75% in all, so give your employer a code as soon as you start.
- CAE: casual agricultural workers on day-to-day contracts of under three months, a flat 17.5% plus the ACC levy.
- EDW: election day workers, a flat 17.5% plus the ACC levy.
- STC, a special tax code: a rate Inland Revenue sets for you, for example a tailored code for a second job. Your employer uses the rate on your certificate.
What if I pick the wrong code?
Too little tax means a bill after the year ends; too much means a refund, but you go without the money until then. You can change your code at any time by giving your employer a new tax code declaration (IR330).
Source: Inland Revenue, tax rates for individuals. Rates checked 10 November 2026.