PIR Calculator NZ — Find Your Prescribed Investor Rate
Test both previous income years in one calculation, see which threshold determines your 2026/27 PIR, and compare it with the rate currently notified to your PIE or KiwiSaver provider.
Published by GrowThenDraw Editorial Team · Editorial policy · Methodology & sources
Compare a term deposit with a PIE
Carry this calculated PIR into the existing after-tax deposit-versus-PIE calculator. Enter rates actually offered by providers; no live rate or product recommendation is assumed.
Use 17.5% in the PIE comparisonTwo-year PIR audit
The lower rate supported by either complete income year applies.
| Income year | Taxable income | Net PIE income/loss | Combined income | Supported PIR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| year ended 31 March 2026 | $60,000 | $2,000 | $62,000 | 28.0% |
| year ended 31 March 2025 | $48,000 | $1,500 | $49,500 | 17.5% |
Threshold audit
Each lower rate requires both the taxable-income and combined-income tests to pass in the same year.
| Year ended March | Rate tested | Taxable / limit | Combined / limit | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10.5% | $60,000 / $15,600 $44,400 over |
$62,000 / $53,500 $8,500 over |
Does not pass |
| 2026 | 17.5% | $60,000 / $53,500 $6,500 over |
$62,000 / $78,100 $16,100 headroom |
Does not pass |
| 2025 | 10.5% | $48,000 / $15,600 $32,400 over |
$49,500 / $53,500 $4,000 headroom |
Does not pass |
| 2025 | 17.5% | $48,000 / $53,500 $5,500 headroom |
$49,500 / $78,100 $28,600 headroom |
Pass |
Your PIR uses the better of two previous income years
For the PIR applied in the income year ending 31 March 2027, a New Zealand resident individual checks the years ended 31 March 2026 and 31 March 2025. Each year is tested separately, and the lower rate supported by either year applies.
A quieter year can therefore matter. The result shows the rate from each year and identifies exactly which year supports the final PIR instead of asking you to compare two separate calculations.
Every PIR band has two income tests
The 10.5% band needs taxable income excluding PIE income or loss of no more than $15,600 and combined income of no more than $53,500. The 17.5% band needs no more than $53,500 and $78,100 respectively. Both limits for a band must pass in the same prior year.
PIE losses cannot reduce taxable income for this test. When a negative net PIE figure is entered, the calculator includes zero PIE income in combined income and leaves taxable income unchanged.
Use the tax-difference figure as an illustration
The calculator multiplies your estimated current PIE income by both the calculated PIR and the rate you say is currently notified. That shows the direction and size of a possible difference, but it cannot see the amount your provider will actually attribute or the information in myIR.
Inland Revenue normally squares up incorrect individual PIR deductions through the year-end assessment process. Review your rate annually and notify every relevant provider; do not treat this estimate as a guaranteed standalone refund or bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is a prescribed investor rate?
A PIR is the rate a multi-rate portfolio investment entity uses to calculate tax on income attributed to an investor. For an ordinary New Zealand tax-resident individual, the usual rates are 10.5%, 17.5% and 28%.
Which two income years determine my 2026/27 PIR?
For the PIR applied in the year ending 31 March 2027, check the income years ended 31 March 2026 and 31 March 2025. The lower qualifying rate supported by either year applies.
Does PIE income count when calculating PIR?
Yes. Each rate has one limit for taxable income excluding PIE income or loss and another for taxable income including net PIE income. PIE loss cannot exceed PIE income or reduce taxable income in this test.
What happens if my notified PIR is too high or too low?
Inland Revenue's year-end PIE calculation can produce tax to pay or an overpayment credit or refund. The final adjustment depends on actual attributed PIE income, deductions during the year and your complete assessment.
Does this calculator cover companies, trusts or non-residents?
No. It is limited to ordinary New Zealand tax-resident individuals. Entities, trusts, superfunds, new or transitional residents, non-residents and foreign-investment PIEs can have different choices or rules.
Is every KiwiSaver scheme taxed at my PIR?
No. Inland Revenue says default KiwiSaver schemes are PIEs, but some schemes can use another structure. Check the provider's product disclosure statement before applying this result.