WorldTax Compareโ† All Comparisons

New Zealand vs United States
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand
vs
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States
Tax Year:

๐Ÿ’ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison โ†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
10.5โ€“39%
Thresholds may be adjusted; 39% top rate under review
No change
10โ€“37%
TCJA provisions extended; no sunset
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
15%
15% maintained; no plans to change
No change
0โ€“11%
No federal sales tax; state avg ~6โ€“9%
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
28%
28% stable
No change
21%
Federal flat; proposals to raise to 28% stalled
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
0โ€“39%
No comprehensive CGT; Bright-line 2-year rule maintained
No change
0โ€“20%
+ 3.8% NIIT; thresholds inflation-adjusted
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~3.5%
ACC levy review; no major structural change
No change
~15.3%
SS wage base ~$180,000 est. 2026
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand โ€” Local & Regional Council Rates

New Zealand's 67 councils (cities and districts) levy property rates (analogous to council tax). There are no provincial or state-level income taxes โ€” all income tax is national. GST is a national tax. Regional councils levy rates for transport, environmental, and water services. Auckland Council is New Zealand's largest with significant combined rating authority. The Earthquake Commission (EQC) levy is a national building insurance premium.

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States โ€” State & Local Taxes

The U.S. has 50 states each setting their own income tax (0%โ€“13.3%). California tops at 13.3%, while Texas, Florida, and Nevada levy no state income tax. NYC adds its own income tax (up to 3.876%). Sales taxes vary from 0% (Oregon) to over 11% combined. Property taxes are primarily local. Some states like Washington have introduced capital gains levies.

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025โ€“2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

New Zealand vs United States: Key Tax Differences (2026)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Income Tax: ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand has a higher top income tax rate (10.5โ€“39% vs 10โ€“37%). ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States is more favourable for high earners.

๐Ÿ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: New Zealand has a higher consumption tax (15% vs 0โ€“11%).

๐Ÿข Corporate Tax: ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States offers a lower corporate rate (21% vs 28%), which can influence business location decisions.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Capital Gains: ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States taxes investment gains at a lower rate (20% vs 39%), benefiting investors.

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