NZ Family Tax Credit 2024 – Know FTC Eligibility Criteria & Benefits Updated!

The Family Tax Credit (FTC) in New Zealand, effective from April 1, 2024, aims to offer financial assistance to eligible families, ensuring a minimum weekly income of $677 for low-income households. Eligibility requires single parents to work a minimum of 20 hours weekly or two-parent families to work a combined 30 hours weekly.

NZ Family Tax Credit 2024

The New Zealand Family Tax Credit is a government initiative designed to assist families with dependent children by providing financial support. It is calculated based on the family’s annual income after taxes.

To qualify, your family income must be below specified thresholds. The program aims to supplement your family’s after-tax weekly income to a minimum of $677 starting April 1, 2024. The primary goal of the NZ Family Tax Credit is to reduce financial pressure and promote the well-being of families.

This support is crucial in alleviating the impact of rising inflation and living expenses for households with low incomes. By ensuring that working families are financially better off compared to receiving a main benefit, the FTC encourages workforce participation and economic stability.

Eligibility Criteria NZ Family Tax Credit 2024

To qualify for the Working for Families tax credit in New Zealand, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have dependent children under 18 years old, or between 18 and 19 years old and still in school or tertiary study.
  • Serve as the principal caregiver.
  • Be 16 years of age or older.
  • Be a resident of New Zealand (citizen, residence visa holder, or permanent residence visa holder).
  • Be employed for a salary or wages (not self-employed).
  • In a two-parent family, at least one parent must work at least 30 hours per week combined.
  • A minimum of twenty hours of labor per week is required of a single parent.
  • Families receiving an income-tested benefit, a parent’s allowance, or a children’s pension from Veterans Affairs New Zealand are not eligible for the minimum family tax credit.

Additionally, the income threshold for the New Zealand Family Tax Credit in 2024 is an annual income after tax of less than $35,204. This credit ensures that starting from April 1, 2024, your family’s after-tax weekly income is at least $677.

How much does NZ Family Tax Credit 2024 provide? 

The New Zealand Family Tax Credit offers financial support to eligible families, with the amount received depending on several factors. Key determinants of the 2024 payment include:

  • The number of dependent children in your care who are under 18 years old.
  • Your total family income, which encompasses interest, dividends, and income from your children.
  • The combined weekly hours worked by both you and your partner.
  • The type of income earned, whether from wages, self-employment, or benefits.

For an estimation of your entitlement, you can use the calculator provided at https://www.ird.govt.nz/topics/working-for-families/can-i-get-working-for-families. Keep in mind that these criteria are general, and specific circumstances may lead to variations in the actual payment amount.

Minimum working hours for NZ Family Tax Credit 2024

To be eligible for the minimum family tax credit in New Zealand, specific weekly work hour requirements must be met based on your employment status:

  • Single parents must work a minimum of 20 hours per week in salary or wage employment to qualify for certain benefits.
  • In families with two parents, either one or both must work a combined minimum of 30 hours per week to meet the eligibility criteria.

It’s important to note that failing to work the minimum required hours in any given week will make you ineligible for certain benefits. This requirement applies regardless of whether you are self-employed or employed in salary or wage positions. For self-employed individuals, eligibility for the minimum family tax credit hinges on meeting the stipulated minimum work hours in salary or wage employment.

How can I get the NZ Family Tax Credit 2024?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the New Zealand Family Tax Credit in 2024:

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria based on household income, number of children, residency, and other relevant factors.
  2. Gather Documents: Collect the necessary documents:
    • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
    • Details regarding your family income, including interest, dividends, and income from children.
    • Work hours information for both you and your partner.
  3. Visit the Official Website: Go to the Inland Revenue website (https://www.ird.govt.nz).
  4. Login to myIR: Log in to your myIR account. If you don’t have one, create an account.
  5. Navigate to “Working for Families”: Once logged in, find and select the “Working for Families” section.
  6. Complete Application: Enter accurate details on your application form and upload any necessary documents to support your application.
  7. Review and Submit: Be sure to verify all details before applying.
  8. Await Approval: Expect notification from Inland Revenue regarding the status of your application once reviewed and approved.
  9. Payment: If eligible, the family tax credit will be deposited directly into your bank account. Ensure your bank details are current and updated in your myIR account.

By following these steps diligently, you can successfully apply for the New Zealand Family Tax Credit and receive the financial assistance your family is entitled to.

Leave a Comment