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IRD says I was overpaid Working for Families at the end of the year. Why do I have to pay it back?

Your payments during the year are based on your income estimate. After the tax year ends, IRD recalculates using your actual family income. If your estimate was too low, you were paid too much. You must pay it back in full by 7 February of the following year, or by 7 April if you have an extension through a tax agent.

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From the guide “Working for Families tax credits”Last verified Official pages checked daily

Official figures

Family tax credit (eldest child)
Up to NZ$7,921 a year (NZ$152 a week)1
Family tax credit (each other child)
Up to NZ$6,454 a year (NZ$124 a week)1
In-work tax credit weekly maximum
NZ$147 (temporary increase from 1 April 2026; it was NZ$97)2
In-work tax credit full yearly amount
NZ$7,670 for 1–3 children; from the 4th child, an extra NZ$780 for each additional child2
Abatement threshold
You can get the full amount if your family income is NZ$44,900 a year or less1

Official sources

  1. Family tax creditInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
  2. In-work tax creditInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
  3. Residency requirementsInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
  4. Register for Working for FamiliesInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz

Read the full guide: Working for Families tax credits →

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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.

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