Important ACC Levy changes now in effect
ACC has announced several levy changes that took effect from 1 April 2026. These updates are intended to keep the scheme fair and financially sustainable. The key points are outlined below.
No Claims Discount Removed
The current 10% discount or loading based on a business’s claims history will end.
- Employers will see this change in their 2026 provisional invoice.
- Self‑employed people will see it from 2027.
Experience Rating Becomes Self‑Funding
Businesses in the Experience Rating programme will pay an additional programme rate (currently 7.2%) on top of their Work Account levy. This change means the programme will fund its own discounts rather than being subsidised by other levy payers.
Interest on New Instalment Plans
Interest will now apply to all new or rolled‑over levy instalment plans, including the three‑ and six‑month plans that were previously interest‑free.
- Existing instalment plans that run past 31 March 2026 will remain at 0%.
- Any new invoices or rolled‑over plans dated after 1 April 2026 will have interest applied.
Late Payment Interest Changes
Late payment charges will move to an interest‑based system. Interest will be calculated daily and compounded monthly. The rate will be linked to the instalment interest rate.
Both instalment and late payment interest rates will be based on the floating mortgage rate published by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. ACC will confirm the final rates closer to implementation.
For more detail, ACC has published a full update on these changes.
Need help understanding how these changes affect you?
Get in touch with the team at Gunson McLean. We can talk through the updates and help you plan ahead with confidence.
To discuss all your account matters please call us on 09 438 1001
