The IETC, explained

The Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC) is worth up to $520 a year — a credit many middle-income New Zealanders are entitled to but never claim.

Who qualifies

• You earn between $24,000 and $70,000 a year.
• You're not receiving a main benefit, NZ Super, or Working for Families.

How much you get

You get the full $520 on income up to $66,000. Above $66,000 it reduces by 13 cents for every dollar, reaching zero at $70,000. So someone on $68,000 gets about $260; someone on $70,000 gets nothing.

How to claim it

Use the ME tax code (or ME SL with a student loan) so it's applied automatically through the year. Our take-home calculator already factors the IETC in — enter an income in the eligible band and you'll see the credit in the breakdown.