Is the tax in the UK higher compared to New Zealand?

Yes, overall, tax rates in the UK are generally higher than in New Zealand.

- UK income tax rates: 20%, 40%, and 45% (for the 2026 - 2027 tax year), plus National Insurance contributions that increase your total tax burden.
- New Zealand income tax rates: 10.5%, 17.5%, 30%, 33%, and 39% (for the 2025 - 2026 tax year), with no separate National Insurance - only an Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) levy of 1.67% on earnings up to a certain limit.

When you consider both income tax and additional contributions, the UK typically imposes a higher overall tax burden than New Zealand. Tax rates and policies are subject to change.