NZ Compliance Checklist
NZ COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
Click on the image below for the pdf version:
Monthly Compliance Tasks
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) – Due 20th of the following month
What it is:
Tax deducted from employee wages
Action required:
Calculate and deduct PAYE from employee wages
File the employer monthly schedule online via myIR
Pay deducted amounts to IRD
Common mistakes:
Missing the 20th deadline, incorrect tax calculations
Resources:
IRD PAYE Calculator | myIR Portal
GST Filing – Due 28th of following month (if GST registered)
What it is:
Goods and Services Tax return
Action required:
Calculate GST on sales (output tax)
Calculate GST on purchases (input tax)
File GST return online
Pay net GST owing or claim refund
Common mistakes:
Not claiming all eligible input tax, missing filing deadline
Resources:
GST Guide | GST Calculator
ACC Levies – Due with wage payments
What it is:
Accident Compensation Corporation levies for workplace injury cover
Action required:
Calculate ACC levies on employee wages (typically 1.39% of gross wages)
Pay levies monthly with PAYE
Ensure correct classification codes for your business
Common mistakes:
Using wrong classification code, not paying for all employees
Resources:
ACC Levy Calculator | Classification Units
Employee Leave Tracking
What it is:
Monitoring annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday entitlements
Action required:
Track annual leave accrual (4 weeks per year minimum)
Monitor sick leave usage (10 days of sick leave per year)
Calculate public holiday payments
Maintain accurate leave records
Common mistakes:
Not tracking leave properly, incorrect public holiday calculations
Resources:
Employment NZ Leave Guide | Holiday Pay Calculator
Quarterly Compliance Tasks
Health & Safety Policy Review
What it is:
Ensuring workplace health and safety compliance
Action required:
Review and update health and safety policies
Conduct workplace risk assessments
Ensure incident reporting procedures are followed
Check that safety equipment is maintained
Common mistakes:
Having policies but not implementing them, not updating after incidents
Resources:
WorkSafe NZ | Health & Safety Templates
Employment Agreement Updates
What it is:
Ensuring employment contracts remain compliant
Action required:
Review employment agreements for compliance with current law
Update job descriptions and responsibilities
Check minimum wage rates are being met
Ensure trial periods and other clauses are lawful
Common mistakes:
Using outdated agreements, not updating for minimum wage changes
Resources:
Employment Agreement Builder | Minimum Wage Rates
Record Keeping Assessment
What it is:
Maintaining proper business and employment records
Action required:
Ensure employee records are complete and up to date
Maintain payroll records for at least 6 years
Keep health and safety records
Organise financial records for tax purposes
Common mistakes:
Inadequate record keeping, not storing records for the required timeframes
Resources:
Employment Records Guide | IRD Record Keeping
Annual Compliance Tasks
Companies Office Annual Return
What it is:
Required annual filing for incorporated companies
Action required:
Update company details and shareholding information
Confirm registered office address
Pay annual return fee ($50 for most companies)
Submit by anniversary date of incorporation
Common mistakes:
Missing the anniversary date, not updating director details
Resources:
Companies Office Portal | Annual Return Guide
Business Insurance Review
What it is:
Ensuring adequate business insurance coverage
Action required:
Review public liability insurance
Check professional indemnity coverage
Assess business interruption insurance needs
Update coverage amounts based on business growth
Common mistakes:
Underinsuring, not updating coverage as business grows
Resources:
Insurance Council of NZ | Business Insurance Guide
Performance Reviews & Salary Assessments
What it is:
Formal review of employee performance and compensation
Action required:
Conduct annual performance reviews
Assess salary levels against market rates
Ensure compliance with minimum wage requirements
Document performance discussions
Common mistakes:
Not conducting reviews, failing to meet minimum wage obligations
Resources:
Performance Review Templates | Pay Equity Resources
Annual Tax Return Filing
What it is:
Annual income tax return for your business
Action required:
Prepare profit and loss statements
Calculate business income and expenses
Claim all eligible deductions
File return by March 31st (or later if using tax agent)
Common mistakes:
Missing deductions, poor record keeping, late filing
Resources:
IRD Business Tax Guide | Business Expense Guide
Quick Reference Calendar
Monthly Deadlines
20th:PAYE filing and payment
28th:GST filing and payment (if registered)
Quarterly Dates
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31:
Review health & safety policies
Every 3 months:
Employment agreement and record keeping review
Annual Dates
March 31: Income tax return filing deadline
Company anniversary date: Annual return due
April 1: New minimum wage rates typically come into effect
Emergency Contacts & Resources
IRD Business Hotline: 0800 700 334
Employment Relations Help: 0800 20 90 20
WorkSafe NZ: 0800 030 040
Companies Office: 0508 266 726
This checklist is designed to help female founders stay compliant with NZ regulations. Always consult with professional advisors for specific legal and tax advice relating to your business.
