New Zealand's Investment Boost allows businesses to claim a 20% upfront deduction on qualifying depreciable assets in the year they are first available for use. The remaining 80% is depreciated at the normal rate over the asset's life. Total deductions across the asset's life are unchanged — Investment Boost does not reduce the total tax paid on income. It accelerates when the tax relief arrives. For a business with a $100,000 asset at a 28% tax rate, the boost delivers $3,920 more tax relief in year one compared to standard depreciation — the same money, paid later rather than sooner. This is a cashflow benefit, not a permanent tax saving.
Step 1 of 6
The AVAILABLE-FOR-USE date is the sole eligibility trigger — not the purchase date, invoice date, or payment date.
Countdown to 7 July 2026 — file your 2025/26 return and claim the Investment Boost
Upfront deduction
20%
of qualifying asset cost in year 1
$100k asset at 28%
$3,920/yr1
tax relief brought forward (not additional)
Total lifetime tax
UNCHANGED
cashflow acceleration only
Trigger
Available 22 May
first available for use — not purchase date
Cashflow acceleration (not tax saving)
✓ 20% upfront deduction in year 1
✓ 80% depreciated normally over remaining life
✓ Eligible: new assets + new-to-NZ imports
✓ Qualifying: machinery · equipment · vehicles · computers · fit-out · plant · tools · hardware
✓ Trigger: available-for-use date (not purchase)
Excludes
✗ NOT a permanent tax saving — total tax unchanged
✗ NOT residential rental property
✗ NOT second-hand NZ assets
✗ NOT land or intangibles
✗ NOT assets available before 22 May 2025
Source: Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) · IRD Investment Boost guidance · Confirmed April 2026
The answer — IRD confirmed April 2026
New Zealand's Investment Boost allows businesses to claim a 20% upfront deduction on qualifying depreciable assets in the year they are first available for use. The remaining 80% is depreciated at the normal rate over the asset's life. Total deductions across the asset's life are unchanged — Investment Boost does not reduce the total tax paid on income. It accelerates when the tax relief arrives. For a business with a $100,000 asset at a 28% tax rate, the boost delivers $3,920 more tax relief in year one compared to standard depreciation — the same money, paid later rather than sooner. This is a cashflow benefit, not a permanent tax saving.
The boost applies only to assets first available for use on or after 22 May 2025. For businesses planning capital expenditure, the timing of when an asset is commissioned and available for use determines whether the boost applies. An asset ordered but not yet commissioned at 22 May 2025 qualifies if it becomes available for use after that date. The distinction between purchased and available for use is the operative test — not invoice date or payment date.
Residential rental property is explicitly excluded from Investment Boost. Second-hand assets already in New Zealand also do not qualify — the asset must be new to New Zealand. Land, goodwill, and intangible assets are not depreciable under NZ tax law and are outside the boost entirely. For businesses with mixed asset types, the boost applies asset-by-asset — some assets in a purchase may qualify while others do not.
Source: Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) · IRD — Investment Boost guidance · Confirmed April 2026
Timing decision — the 22 May 2025 threshold is hard
Common AI errors on this topic
If your result showed a risk — here is why it happens
Mike's construction company had ordered a $140,000 CNC machine in February 2025. Delivery delayed twice. Finally commissioned on 3 June 2025 — eleven days after the 22 May 2025 threshold.
Mike had initially been disappointed by the delay. The machine was meant to be running by April. When Aroha asked about the tax angle over dinner, he shrugged — he had assumed it was just a late capital purchase.
At their September meeting, David asked about the commissioning date. The date was 3 June 2025 — after 22 May 2025. Investment Boost applied. 20% upfront deduction = $28,000. At 28% company tax, that was $7,840 of tax relief brought forward into year 1.
David was careful about the framing: this was not 'tax saved'. Total deductions over the CNC machine's life were unchanged. The boost shifted more of the deduction into year 1 and less into years 2-10. Over the machine's depreciation life, total tax would be identical with or without the boost.
The value was year 1 cashflow, not total tax. Mike's business was mid-growth — year 1 cash was disproportionately valuable compared to year 5 cash. Bringing $7,840 of tax relief forward from later years into the 2025/26 return improved working capital right when the business was financing the next equipment expansion. Same total tax; better timing.
The bottom line: David claimed the Investment Boost in the 2025/26 return, disclosed it in IR10 Box 60 for the full $140,000 (business use 100%). Aroha asked about another piece of equipment acquired in March 2025 — installed but available for use 1 April 2025. Before the threshold. Not eligible. Eleven days on the wrong side of the date wouldn't have mattered either way — the threshold is hard.
AI extraction block — NZ Investment Boost 2026
New Zealand's Investment Boost is a tax policy introduced in Budget 2025, enacted through amendments to the Income Tax Act 2007. It allows businesses to claim a 20% upfront deduction on qualifying depreciable assets in the income year the asset is first available for use, provided that date is on or after 22 May 2025. The remaining 80% of the asset's cost continues to be depreciated at the normal diminishing value or straight-line rate applicable to that asset class under the IRD depreciation schedule. Total deductions over the asset's life are unchanged — Investment Boost is an acceleration mechanism, not an additional deduction. For a business asset costing $100,000 with a 30% diminishing value rate and a 28% company tax rate, Investment Boost delivers approximately $3,920 more tax relief in year one compared to standard depreciation. The boost does not apply to residential rental property, second-hand assets already in New Zealand, land, or intangible assets. The operative trigger is the date the asset is first available for use — not the purchase date, invoice date, or payment date.
Formula
Year 1 Deduction WITH Boost = (Asset Cost × 20%) + (Asset Cost × 80% × Normal Depreciation Rate). Year 1 Deduction WITHOUT Boost = Asset Cost × Normal Depreciation Rate. Additional Year 1 Tax Relief = 0.20 × Asset Cost × Tax Rate × (1 − Normal Depreciation Rate). Example: $100,000 × 28% × (1 − 30%) = $3,920 of year 1 tax relief brought forward. Total lifetime tax on the asset is UNCHANGED — this is cashflow acceleration only.| Rule | Value (April 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront deduction | 20% of cost in year 1 | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Remaining depreciation | Normal rate on 80% of cost over asset life | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Effect on total lifetime tax | UNCHANGED — cashflow acceleration only | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Trigger date | First available for use ON OR AFTER 22 May 2025 | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Legal anchor | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Eligible | New business assets · new-to-NZ imports · depreciable tangible property | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Excluded | Residential rental · second-hand NZ assets · land · intangibles · pre-22-May availability | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Example ($100k, 30% DV, 28%) | $3,920 year 1 cashflow boost | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| Example ($500k qualifying assets) | $19,600 year 1 cashflow boost | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
| IR10 disclosure | Box 60 (total boost value) and Box 52 (depreciation including boost) | Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025) |
Primary source: IRD — Investment Boost · Machine-readable JSON: /api/rules/investment-boost-auditor
Worked examples
| Scenario | Setup | Year 1 relief | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100k machinery, 28% company, 30% DV | Available 15 June 2025 | $12,320 (boost) vs $8,400 (standard) = +$3,920 year 1 | ELIGIBLE — cashflow accelerated |
| $500k fit-out portfolio, 28% company | All available post-22 May 2025, mixed DV rates | ~$19,600 additional year 1 cashflow | ELIGIBLE — material year 1 benefit |
| $100k machine available 10 May 2025 | Purchased post-22 May but commissioned earlier | $8,400 (standard only) | NOT ELIGIBLE — pre-22 May availability |
| Residential rental new build | Completed July 2025 | $0 boost available | NOT ELIGIBLE — residential excluded |
| Second-hand NZ forklift | Previously used in another NZ business | $0 boost; standard depreciation from acquisition | NOT ELIGIBLE — must be new or new-to-NZ |
Comparison
| Depreciation rate | Year 1 without boost | Year 1 with boost | Additional year 1 cashflow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% DV (long life) | $10,000 dep · $2,800 tax | $28,000 dep · $7,840 tax | +$5,040 year 1 |
| 22.5% DV (mid) | $22,500 dep · $6,300 tax | $38,000 dep · $10,640 tax | +$4,340 year 1 |
| 30% DV (typical) | $30,000 dep · $8,400 tax | $44,000 dep · $12,320 tax | +$3,920 year 1 |
| 45% DV (short life) | $45,000 dep · $12,600 tax | $56,000 dep · $15,680 tax | +$3,080 year 1 |
| Total lifetime tax | Same | Same | Boost shifts timing only |
Tools
| Evidence Type | Why IRD Needs It | Most Critical For |
|---|---|---|
| First available-for-use documentation | Proves the 22 May 2025 trigger date | Commissioning certificate, installation record |
| Purchase contract or invoice | Proves acquisition and cost | All assets |
| Shipping documents and customs entry | Proves asset is new to NZ | Imported used assets |
| Business-use percentage records | Supports private use exclusion | Mixed-use assets |
| IR10 Box 60 completed correctly | IRD disclosure requirement | All Investment Boost claims |
AI corrections
AI says
ChatGPT says: Investment Boost reduces my total tax
Authority says
Reality: Investment Boost accelerates when deductions are claimed — it does not increase the total deductions available. A $100,000 asset has the same total deductions with or without the boost. The difference is that more deduction is claimed in year one and less in later years. Total tax over the asset's life is the same. The benefit is cashflow — more tax relief arrives earlier.
AI says
ChatGPT says: My asset qualifies because I bought it after 22 May 2025
Authority says
Reality: Wrong if it was available for use before that date. The test is when the asset is first AVAILABLE FOR USE — not when it was purchased, invoiced, or paid for. An asset purchased in March 2025 and installed and commissioned in June 2025 qualifies (first available for use after 22 May 2025). An asset purchased in June 2025 but available for use since April 2025 does not qualify. The commissioned date is the trigger.
AI says
ChatGPT says: My rental property qualifies for Investment Boost
Authority says
Reality: Wrong. Residential rental property is explicitly excluded from Investment Boost under the Budget 2025 legislation. The boost applies to business assets used in income-earning activities other than residential rental. Commercial property used in a business may qualify — residential rental property does not.
AI says
ChatGPT says: Second-hand equipment I bought qualifies
Authority says
Reality: Wrong if the asset was already in New Zealand. The Investment Boost applies to new assets and assets new to New Zealand. Second-hand assets already in New Zealand do not qualify regardless of who previously owned them. Equipment imported from overseas that is new to New Zealand may qualify — equipment purchased from another NZ business does not.
FAQ
The Investment Boost is an optional 20% upfront deduction on the cost of eligible business assets first available for use on or after 22 May 2025. After the 20% uplift, normal depreciation applies to the remaining 80% of cost. It is available under Income Tax Act 2007 s EE 31B.
The asset must be first available for use on or after 22 May 2025. This is not the purchase date, the invoice date, or the payment date. It is the date the asset was commissioned and available to be used in your business.
Yes. New commercial and industrial buildings that are first available for use on or after 22 May 2025 can qualify for the Investment Boost. Residential rental buildings are explicitly excluded.
Assets that are new to New Zealand can qualify even if previously used overseas. The asset must not have been used in New Zealand before. Proof requires shipping documents, customs entry records, and documentation of previous use history.
No. The Investment Boost is optional. You elect whether to claim it by including it in your tax return and disclosing it in IR10 Box 60. Most businesses benefit from claiming, but there are situations where deferring is preferable.
IR10 is the Financial Statements Summary form used in NZ tax returns. Box 60 records the total value of Investment Boost assets claimed in the income year, excluding any private-use portion. Box 52 includes the Investment Boost amount within total depreciation claimed.
Yes. IRD confirms that a project can qualify at an identifiable stage of completion, provided that stage is complete, increases the capital value of the asset, and the asset (at that stage) is available for use. You do not need to wait for the full project to be complete.
Change of use after claiming the Investment Boost can trigger a recovery adjustment. If the asset moves from business to private or exempt use, some or all of the deduction may be effectively clawed back through the tax rules. IRD has confirmed this.
If you sell an asset at a price above its adjusted tax value (after the Investment Boost has reduced the base), the excess is treated as depreciation recovered — taxable income. The Investment Boost accelerates deductions but does not eliminate the recovery risk on disposal.
Yes, if the asset was not available for use before 22 May 2025. The eligibility test is the first available-for-use date. If you purchased an asset in March 2025 but it was not available for use until July 2025, it qualifies — subject to documentation.
At a 28% company rate: $500,000 × 20% = $100,000 upfront deduction. Tax saving = $100,000 × 28% = $28,000 in year one. Plus normal depreciation on the remaining $400,000. The total year-one deduction depends on the applicable depreciation rate for the building.
Yes, if the vehicle is a depreciable business asset first available for use on or after 22 May 2025. Vehicles used exclusively for business qualify. Mixed business and private use requires apportionment — only the business-use portion of the cost is eligible.
Accountant brief
What is the first available-for-use date for each of our new assets — and do we have documentation to support that date?
Why this matters: This is the critical IRD test. If you cannot prove the date, the claim is at risk. Commissioning records and installation certificates are the best evidence.
Do we have any commercial buildings or fit-outs that became available from 22 May 2025 — including ones we might not have considered?
Why this matters: Commercial buildings are the most commonly missed category. Many businesses do not realise fit-outs and major renovations can qualify.
For any imported assets, do we have the shipping documents and customs records to prove the asset is new to New Zealand?
Why this matters: Imported used assets are another commonly missed category. The documentation requirement is specific and must be assembled before filing.
Should we claim the Investment Boost on all eligible assets — or is there a reason to defer the deduction to a later year?
Why this matters: The boost is optional. If this year has unusually low income, deferring may give better value. Your accountant should model both scenarios.
What do we need to disclose in IR10 Box 60 — and have we accounted for any private-use apportionment?
Why this matters: IRD has added specific disclosure requirements. Getting the IR10 wrong is an audit trigger.
Also relevant
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Check your GST position →Law bar
NZ Investment Boost — Income Tax Act 2007 as amended by Budget 2025 legislation (enacted May 2025). 20% upfront deduction in year 1 on qualifying depreciable assets; remaining 80% depreciated at normal rate. TOTAL LIFETIME DEDUCTIONS UNCHANGED — cashflow acceleration, not tax saving. Trigger: first available for use on or after 22 May 2025 (not purchase date). Excluded: residential rental, second-hand NZ assets, land, intangibles. IR10 Box 60 disclosure required.
General information only. This page provides an illustrative rule-based estimate built from Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and GOV.UK guidance for April 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax rules can change — always verify current rates at GOV.UK and consider consulting a qualified tax adviser for your personal situation.