5. Payroll Giving

What is payroll giving?

The Heart Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of everyday New Zealanders to fund its life saving work. Opting in to a payroll giving scheme is a great way for you to donate. Payroll giving is a scheme administered by employers in New Zealand that allows employees to make regular donations to approved charitees. Introduced in 2010 it provides a channel for people to support specific organisations through their regular electronic pay.

As with other donations, people are entitled to a tax credit for all donations made through the payroll giving scheme. However, instead of needing wait until the end of the year to receive the credit, 33.33 cents for every dollar donated is credited to your pay at the time of the donation. There is more information  available on the scheme and tax benefits on the Inland revenue Department website.

Which companies can introduce a payroll giving scheme? 

As payroll giving is still new to New Zealand, not every employer offers the scheme so ask your manager or HR contact if it is available in your workplace. Any organisation that electronically file their employer monthly schedule and deduction form with the Inland Revenue Department  can choose to offer payroll giving to their employees. Please check with your finance or human resource team if you are unsure.