NZ FBT Calculator 2025-26

What Is Fringe Benefit Tax in New Zealand?

Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) is a tax paid by employers on the value of non-cash benefits provided to employees. It is designed so that employees cannot avoid income tax by receiving goods or services in lieu of salary. FBT is the employer's obligation — employees do not pay it directly — but the cost is typically factored into total remuneration packages. Common benefits that attract FBT include private use of a company motor vehicle, subsidised or interest-free loans, employer-paid insurance premiums, free or discounted goods or services, and car park spaces. FBT legislation is contained in the Income Tax Act 2007, and IRD administers it under the PAYE system. Based on IRD guidance, rates effective 1 April 2025.

FBT Rates and Filing Methods for 2025-26

Employers can choose between the single rate method and the alternate rate method. Under the single rate method, all attributed benefits are taxed at 63.93% — a flat rate designed for simplicity that suits most small-to-medium businesses. Under the alternate rate method, the FBT rate is matched to the employee's income level: benefits attributed to employees earning over $160,000 are taxed at 49.25%; those earning $13,400–$57,600 at 32.69%; those earning $57,601–$160,000 at 42.86%; and those earning under $13,400 at 11.73%. The alternate rate method requires more record-keeping but produces a lower overall FBT bill when your workforce is predominantly lower-income. FBT is filed quarterly or annually — annual filers must opt in with IRD.

Company Motor Vehicle FBT Explained

Motor vehicles are the most common FBT trigger for NZ employers. The annual taxable value is 20% of the vehicle's original cost price (inclusive of GST), regardless of actual private use — unless the work-related vehicle exemption or restricted private use rules apply. A vehicle costing $40,000 therefore has a taxable value of $8,000 per year. At the single rate of 63.93%, this produces an annual FBT liability of approximately $5,114. Quarterly filers use 5% per quarter. Electric vehicles do not have a separate FBT rate but may qualify for exemptions under the clean car discount programme, and cost price is still GST-inclusive.

Low-Interest Loan Benefit Calculation

If an employer provides a loan to an employee at below-market rates, the difference between the IRD prescribed interest rate and the rate charged is a fringe benefit. The IRD prescribed rate for 2025-26 is 6.99% per annum. For a $50,000 interest-free loan, the annual taxable value is $50,000 × 6.99% = $3,495. At the single FBT rate of 63.93%, the employer owes $2,234 in FBT annually. Loan balances fluctuate, so quarterly calculations should use the average outstanding balance for each period. The $2,000 minor benefit exemption applies — loans under $2,000 in taxable value per year may qualify.