Welcome! If you're a New Zealand tax resident investing in overseas assets – like international shares, ETFs (e.g., Vanguard S&P 500 - VOO, VT), or foreign unit trusts – you've likely encountered mentions of the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules. Understanding your NZ tax obligations on these foreign investments can seem daunting. Official guidance is thorough but often uses technical language that's hard for everyday investors to decipher.
That's why this website exists. We're here to translate the complex FIF tax rules into plain English. Our goal is to be the most helpful, practical resource for individual Kiwi investors, providing clarity on whether the rules apply to you, how calculations work (like FDR and CV methods), and what you need to consider when managing your portfolio and tax compliance. We want to empower you with the knowledge to invest internationally with confidence.
Do FIF Rules Apply to Me?
Understand the crucial NZ$50,000 cost threshold exemption and other key FIF exemptions
Try the NZ FIF Calculator
Estimate your FIF income using the common FDR and CV methods
Common FIF Questions
Find answers to frequent queries about FIF tax
Who Is This Site For?
This resource is designed primarily for:
- Individual NZ tax residents investing internationally
- Users of investment platforms like Sharesies, Hatch, Stake, IBKR, etc.
- Investors nearing or exceeding the NZ$50,000 cost threshold for foreign investments
- Anyone confused by terms like FDR, CV, attributing interest, or FIF cost basis
- Recent migrants understanding their tax obligations after transitional residency
Latest Updates (As of April 2024)
Proposed FIF Changes for Recent Migrants
The NZ Government has announced plans for a new "Revenue Account Method." This proposed change, primarily for individuals becoming NZ tax residents on or after 1 April 2024, aims to tax eligible foreign investments (acquired before residency) on a realisation basis (i.e., when sold or dividends paid) rather than on deemed income. Legislation with full details is expected later in 2024.
Learn more about transitional residency rules →