Sharesies vs Hatch vs IBKR Fee Calculator

For small balances (<$50k), Sharesies' $5/mo subscription + 0.5% transaction fee is competitive. For larger balances or US shares, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is cheapest with $0 subscription, $1/trade minimum, and 0.02% FX. Hatch has no subscription but charges US$3/trade. Jarden Direct is for active NZ market traders. Sources: heaps.nz broker comparison.

FIF (Foreign Investment Fund) tax applies when you hold more than NZ$50,000 (cost basis) in foreign shares. Below $50k, foreign shares are taxed only on dividends like NZ shares. Above $50k, the default method is FDR (Fair Dividend Rate) — IRD assumes a 5% return × your marginal rate, regardless of actual performance. NZ-domiciled funds (NZX-listed, KiwiSaver) are exempt from FIF. Source: IRD — FIF.

Generally yes if you hold foreign shares. (1) NZ shares only via Sharesies/InvestNow — usually no return needed; PIE-structured funds handle tax at 28% PIR (or your declared rate). (2) Foreign shares under $50k cost basis — you pay tax on dividends only; declare on IR3. (3) Foreign shares over $50k cost basis — FIF rules kick in. Use FDR method: deemed 5% return × your marginal rate, regardless of actual performance. Must file IR3 with FIF schedule. Sharesies, Hatch, and IBKR provide end-of-tax-year statements to make this easier. If you only invest through KiwiSaver, no separate return needed — the scheme handles it. Penalty for not declaring: late filing $50-500 + interest on unpaid tax. Source: IRD — Foreign Investment Funds.

Yes — and many NZ KiwiSaver providers offer this. Growth funds typically hold 65-85% in international equities (US, Europe, Asia) automatically. Top-rated international-tilted funds: Simplicity Growth, Generate Focused Growth, Booster Socially Responsible Growth, Milford Active Growth. For thematic exposure (clean energy, tech), check Pathfinder, Kōura, and InvestNow's KiwiSaver wrap. Advantages over Sharesies/Hatch: PIE tax structure caps at 28% (vs 33-39% marginal); employer 3.5% match; government $260.72 contribution. Disadvantages: locked until 65 (with first-home and hardship exceptions); fund manager fees ~0.5-1.5% p.a. Source: Sorted KiwiSaver Fund Finder + MoneyHub.