Childcare Support

FamilyBoost

FamilyBoost is an IRD tax credit that refunds part of what you pay a licensed early childhood education (ECE) provider for children aged 5 and under. It refunds 40% of eligible fees up to $1,560 a quarter, and unlike Working for Families it has no visa-class gate — NZ tax residency is enough. Many working families above the Working for Families cut-out still qualify: entitlement only ends at household income of $57,286 a quarter (roughly $229,144 a year).

What is this?

FamilyBoost is administered by IRD. Income Tax Act 2007, subpart MH (FamilyBoost)

Am I eligible?

You're the caregiver of a child aged 5 or under with fees from a licensed ECE provider
You're a NZ tax resident (no citizenship or visa-class requirement)
Household income is below $57,286 a quarter — the full rate applies below $35,000 a quarter
Fees count only after 20 Hours ECE and any MSD Childcare Subsidy; donations don't count

How much could I get?

40% of eligible ECE fees, up to $1,560 per quarter — a maximum of $6,240 per year.

The full rate applies while household income is under $35,000/quarter; above that it reduces by 7¢ per $1, reaching zero at $57,286/quarter.

Claimed after each quarter through myIR, with your ECE invoices as evidence.

Rates current as of Budget 2026. Personal amounts depend on your situation.

How to apply

Register for FamilyBoost in myIR (one caregiver per household)
Keep licensed ECE invoices or statements for each quarter
Submit a claim in myIR after each quarter ends (June / September / December / March)
The refund is paid to your bank account — typically within a few weeks

Documents you'll need

· Licensed ECE invoices or statements showing fees actually paid
· IRD number and myIR login
· Bank account number for the refund

IRD application →

Frequently asked questions

Can I get FamilyBoost on a work visa?

Yes — FamilyBoost is based on NZ tax residency, not visa class. If you live and pay tax in New Zealand and meet the income test, you can claim it even if Working for Families is closed to you.

Can I get FamilyBoost as well as 20 Hours ECE and the Childcare Subsidy?

Yes, but FamilyBoost only applies to what you actually pay after those supports. Donations and amounts covered by the MSD Childcare Subsidy don't count as eligible fees.

How is FamilyBoost paid?

As a refund after each quarter: you submit your ECE invoices in myIR, and IRD pays up to $1,560 into your bank account.

Related benefits you might also qualify for

Childcare Subsidy

Childcare Subsidy pays up to $6.72/hour for approved childcare. See 2026 rates, income brackets and how to apply via MSD.

Working for Families Tax Credit

Working for Families pays weekly tax credits to families with children. See 2026 rates, income thresholds, abatement rules and how to register with IRD.

Best Start Tax Credit

Best Start pays up to $77/week for each child under 3. See 2026 eligibility, the new Year 1 income test, and how to claim via IRD.

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