Leaving New Zealand: KiwiSaver, student loan, ACC and tax

KiwiSaver when you leave

• Other countries (not Australia): per IRD, after living overseas for 1 year you may be able to take out most of your KiwiSaver savings. Providers usually require a statutory declaration and proof you live overseas. Ask your provider what happens to any government contribution.
• Australia: no cash withdrawal on emigration. You can transfer your savings to an Australian complying superannuation fund (not a self-managed super fund). Transferred savings are subject to Australian rules and are generally locked in until retirement age.
• You can stop contributions if you're overseas, but you stay a member. Savings stay invested unless you withdraw or transfer.
• Other early-withdrawal grounds (first home, serious illness, significant financial hardship) have their own rules: ask your provider.

Student loan

• Contact Inland Revenue before you leave. Your loan stays interest-free while you are New Zealand-based (in New Zealand 32 or more days in any 184-day period). If you spend 31 days or fewer here in that period you become overseas-based, and interest is backdated to the day after you left.
• Once overseas-based, repayments are based on your loan balance, not your income (IRD publishes the schedule: check the current one).
• Temporary repayment suspension: up to 12 months, and you can apply before you leave or within 6 months of leaving. Interest is still charged from the day after you leave. You need an alternate contact person in New Zealand aged 18 or over.
• Use the Travelling overseas section in myIR to keep track of your dates away.

Tax and IRD

• Tell IRD you're leaving and update your address in myIR.
• Check whether you need to file a return and whether you're owed a refund.
• Keep your IRD number for life: you'll need it if you come back.
• If you hold overseas income, savings or property, tax rules may apply in both countries: ask a tax professional.

Inland Revenue: 0800 227 773.

ACC and health

• ACC covers accidents in New Zealand for citizens, residents and visitors. If you leave, cover for new accidents overseas is limited. Ask ACC about your situation (acc.co.nz) and check your travel or health insurance.
• If you have an open ACC claim, tell your case manager you're leaving and update your contact details.
• Ask your doctor for health records and a medicines supply before you travel.

Moving to Australia: superannuation and tax file number

• You'll need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) and a super fund. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has the current guidance.
• You can ask your Australian fund to arrange the KiwiSaver transfer.
• See our trans-Tasman guide for work and welfare rights.