New Zealand Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
New Zealand's tax revenue was 31.88% in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 3.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's tax revenue stood at 31.88% in 2025, a rise of +1.21% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 31.88% by 2025. New Zealand ranked 3rd globally.
New Zealand’s tax revenue as a share of GDP has risen steadily over the 41‑year series, moving from a low of 24.47 in 1972 to an all‑time peak of 33.25 in 1987, before settling at 31.88 in 2025, which ranks third globally. The post‑peak decline reflects a gradual easing of fiscal pressure after the late‑1980s reforms, yet the figure remains well above the early‑1970s trough and only modestly below the 1987 high. Compared with peer economies, Norway records a slightly higher share at 32.74, while Denmark lags at 29.24, underscoring New Zealand’s relatively strong tax base among advanced nations. The long‑run upward trajectory suggests that future shifts in tax policy, economic growth, or demographic pressures could either reinforce the current level or reverse it, with any substantive reform likely to shape the next phase of revenue performance.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 32.61% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 31.88% | - | - |
| 2025 | 31.88% | +1.21% | #3 |
| 2023 | 30.67% | +1.07% | #97 |
| 2022 | 29.60% | +0.58% | #112 |
| 2021 | 29.02% | +1.69% | #125 |
| 2020 | 27.33% | −0.81% | #133 |
| 2019 | 28.15% | +0.68% | #133 |
| 2018 | 27.46% | +0.16% | #133 |
| 2017 | 27.31% | +0.06% | #139 |
| 2016 | 27.25% | −0.15% | #138 |
| 2015 | 27.39% | +0.57% | #139 |
| 2014 | 26.83% | +0.13% | #134 |
| 2013 | 26.70% | −0.15% | #125 |
| 2012 | 26.86% | +1.22% | #127 |
| 2011 | 25.64% | −0.45% | #121 |
| 2010 | 26.09% | −3.53% | #120 |
Analysis
New Zealand's tax revenue was 31.88% in 2025, a rise of +1.21% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 31.88% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's tax revenue was 31.88% in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
New Zealand's tax revenue peaked at 33.25% in 1987.
The lowest tax revenue in New Zealand was 24.47% in 1972.
New Zealand ranks 3rd globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's tax revenue is projected to reach 31.88% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of New Zealand in 2025 was 31.88%. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_tax-revenue,
title = {New Zealand Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}