KiwiSaver calculator.

Worked example: $60,000 at 3.5% each

1. You contribute 3.5% of $60,000: $2,100.00.
2. Your employer adds $2,100.00; employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) at 17.5% takes $367.50, leaving $1,732.50.
3. The government adds 25 cents per dollar you contribute, up to $260.72 a year: $260.72.
4. Total into the account in year 1: $4,093.22. With a 5% net return held for 10 years and no salary growth, the projection is about $52,653.53.

Rates and assumptions

Rules used: minimum employee and employer rates of 3.5% from 1 April 2026 (4% from 1 April 2028); ESCT on the employer contribution at 10.5%, 17.5%, 30%, 33% or 39% depending on salary plus employer contributions (thresholds $18,720, $64,200, $93,720 and $216,000); government contribution of 25 cents per dollar you contribute, maximum $260.72, with $1,042.86 of contributions needed for the full amount and taxable income of $180,000 or less. The ESCT rate for a real employee is set from the previous year’s income; this tool uses the salary you enter. The government contribution is paid for the 1 July to 30 June year; the first year is treated as a full year.

The projection compounds monthly at the net return you enter with contributions at each month end. It is arithmetic, not a forecast, and ignores fees and tax unless you reduce the return yourself. Government contribution rules and eligibility such as age and residence are set by Inland Revenue.

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