Getting a tax refund

Most people automatically get a tax refund if they’re owed one.

Who gets automatic refunds

Your refund will be automatic if your income is from:

  • employment (such as salary and wages)
  • investments (such as interest or dividends under $200 from bank deposits or savings)
  • an employee share-scheme benefit where tax is already deducted
  • schedular payments
  • income-tested benefits
  • taxable Māori authority distributions
  • New Zealand superannuation (NZ Super).

If you’re self-employed or get income from somewhere not listed above, you need to:

Complete my individual tax return (IR3)

Check if you have a refund

Log in to Inland Revenue to see if you have a refund.

While you’re there:

  • check your contact information is correct
  • nominate a bank account where IR can deposit your refund.

Get your refund

If you have an account with IR, and they have your bank account information, they’ll deposit your refund. You do not have to do anything.

IR will let you know if they need your bank account details. You can check if your details are up to date.

Update my details — IR

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

Was this page helpful?
Thanks, do you want to tell us more?

Do not enter personal information. All fields are optional.

Last updated