Originally Posted by
jasonelsa56
I noticed on the NZ govenment site that like the uk they have family tax credits. Can anyone tell me if a newly arrive immigrant with PR can claim for them. Using thier online calculator we would get an estimated $180 per week (4 kids) which would put our finances back in the black.
I don't quite understand how they work, as lots of people here on the forum get it, but the IRD website says you have to have been a resident for a year. So apply by all means, but they might, if you call them, tell you a different story each time you call them (but you'll be familiar with that from the UK Tax credit people).
As James points out, you have to consider your overseas income. We did some calculations, and for us, it was better to not make use of the tax exemption but claim for tax credit here. But everyone's situation is of course different.
$180 seems a lot, though, I think I would probably assume less than that and then be pleasantly surprised if it is more, if you know what I mean.
Good luck,
Daniela