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FamilyBoost Rebate Calculator

Estimate your FamilyBoost childcare rebate. Up to $120/week (40% of ECE fees) for households earning under $229,144/year. Updated for the 2025 expansion.

By Konstantin IakovlevPublished 28 March 2026Last reviewed
Updated 2026-27 FYData stays on your deviceIRD sourced data

About this calculator

This calculator implements FamilyBoost rebate rules (max $120/wk, $229k income cap) from Inland Revenue (IRD). Last consulted 18 May 2026. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.

Current FamilyBoost rebate rates

Income Tax (FamilyBoost) Amendment Act 2025
  • •Rebate proportion: 40% of ECE fees (was 25%)
  • •Maximum weekly rebate: $120/wk (was $75/wk)
  • •Fee cap: $300/wk of ECE fees count
  • •Full rebate threshold: Up to $35,000/quarter income
  • •Cuts to $0: $57,286/quarter (~$229,144/yr)
  • •Eligible child age: Under 6 in licensed ECE

Source: IRD — FamilyBoost

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available IRD data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.

How NZ FamilyBoost rebate is calculated

40% of your licensed ECE fees, capped at $120/week. Abates above $35,000/quarter household income, cuts to $0 at $57,286/quarter (~$229,144/yr).

  1. 1

    Cap weekly fees

    Eligible_fees = min(weekly_ECE_fees, $300)

    Fees above $300/wk don't increase the rebate.

  2. 2

    Gross rebate

    Gross_rebate = min(eligible_fees × 40%, $120)

    40% rate set by FamilyBoost Amendment Act 2025.

  3. 3

    Income abatement

    If quarterly_income > $35,000: abatement = (excess) × $120 ÷ $22,286

    Linear taper from $120 down to $0 between $35,000 and $57,286/quarter.

  4. 4

    Net weekly rebate

    Weekly_rebate = max(0, gross_rebate − abatement)

    Quarterly claim = weekly × 13. Annual = weekly × 52.

Worked example

Inputs: Household $120k/yr, $280/wk ECE fees

Result: Quarterly income $30k (under $35k cap) → no abatement. Gross: min($280 × 40%, $120) = $112/wk. Annual: ~$5,824.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does FamilyBoost work in 2026?
FamilyBoost is a quarterly tax rebate from IRD that refunds 40% of your licensed ECE (early childhood education) fees, up to $120 per week. You pay the ECE provider as normal, then claim the rebate through myIR every three months. The rebate is paid for children under 6 attending licensed ECE (kindergarten, daycare, kohanga reo, home-based care). The household income cap is $229,144/year ($57,286/quarter) — above that you get nothing. Source: IRD — FamilyBoost.
What changed with FamilyBoost in 2025-26?
The Income Tax (FamilyBoost) Amendment Act 2025 made three big changes: (1) the rebate proportion rose from 25% to 40% of ECE fees; (2) the maximum weekly rebate doubled from $75 to $120; (3) the income cap rose from $180,000 to $229,144/year. NZ Herald reported that some families were under-claiming because they used the old calculator — always check IRD’s current calculator. Source: IRD media release, NZ Herald.
Can I claim FamilyBoost AND Working for Families or Best Start?
Yes — FamilyBoost is separate from Working for Families (FTC, IWTC, MFTC) and Best Start. They don’t reduce each other. The only requirement is that your child must attend a licensed ECE service for FamilyBoost to apply, and you must have paid the fees yourself (not had them covered 100% by the 20-Hours ECE subsidy or WINZ Childcare Subsidy). Whatever you paid out of pocket is eligible. Source: IRD — FamilyBoost FAQs.
How do I actually claim my FamilyBoost rebate?
Register for myIR if you don’t already have an account, then add the FamilyBoost service. Each quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec) you upload invoices/receipts from your ECE provider showing what you paid. IRD calculates the 40% rebate against the $120/wk cap, applies the income abatement, and pays the lump sum into your nominated bank account. Claims close 3 months after quarter end (e.g. Q1 Jan-Mar must be claimed by 30 June). Source: IRD — FamilyBoost.

How this calculator works

This familyboost rebate calculator uses the latest data from official New Zealand government sources to provide accurate results. All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device.

Updated for the 2026-27 financial year (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027).

All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.

Last reviewed:

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