Hi Friend,

Guess what?!  Yesterday was Tax Freedom Day.

On average, it takes just over 146 days for Kiwis to pay off what the Government takes in tax.

So with the 146 days working for the Government now done, today's the first work day you get to take home all of what you earn!

Happy Tax Freedom Day! 🍾🍾🍾

That means today is the first full day of the year that you are working for yourself – and not the Government!

Well that's a relief, right? 

I wouldn’t go popping the champagne quite yet...  😔 

When Grant Robertson took over the Government books in 2017, Tax Freedom Day fell on 20 May. 

Now, the average Kiwi is working an extra week a year for Wellington. 

And when income tax brackets were last set for most New Zealanders back in 2010, Tax Freedom Day fell even earlier, on 18 May. 

Not adjusting tax brackets for inflation means Tax Freedom Day is getting later and later ⏰

Tax Freedom Day keeps sliding later and later because the inflation tax keeps dragging New Zealanders into higher tax brackets and ramping up your tax bill. 

Friend, Government spending has increased 84 percent since 2017 and Government debt has now passed $90,000 per household for the first time ever.

On Thursday, Nicola Willis has the chance to put things right as part of her first Budget. To reset the clock back to 2010 when tax brackets were last set, she needs to deliver $49 a week to the average New Zealand taxpayer. Anything less isn't tax relief, it's short changing New Zealanders.

Bring on Thursday!

Callum Purves Head of Campaigns New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union

ps. Tax Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to stand with fellow Kiwi taxpayers and become a member of New Zealand's largest union. Becoming a member costs just $25 and helps ensure Tax Freedom Day comes a little earlier next year, allowing you and your loved ones to keep more of what you earn.