Privacy Policy

Last updated: 21 September 2026

Your privacy matters to me. This policy explains, in simple words, what information I collect when you visit SmartPAYE.nz, why I collect it, how I use it and what choices you have. I run this website, and when I say “I”, “me” or “my”, I mean the owner of SmartPAYE.nz. When I say “you”, I mean anyone who visits the site.

I try to follow New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020 and the information privacy principles in it.

What information do I collect?

I collect as little information as I can. It falls into three groups.

Information you give me. If you use the contact form or email me, I receive your name, your email address and the message you write. I also keep any details you choose to include, so please keep your messages free of sensitive information.

Information collected automatically. When you visit the site, your browser sends me some technical data. This can include your IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, the pages you view, the time you visit and the website that sent you here. This helps me see how the site is being used and fix problems.

Information from cookies. The site uses cookies and similar tools. I explain these in more detail below.

Do I store the figures I enter in the calculator?

I do not ask you to create an account, and I do not ask for your name, IRD number, employer or bank details to use the calculator. The income and tax details you enter are used to show you an estimate on the screen. I do not link them to your identity, and I do not use them to build a profile about you.

Please still avoid entering personal information into any field that does not need it. The calculator only needs numbers and simple choices, such as pay frequency and tax code.

How do I use your information?

I use the information I collect to:

  • Reply to your questions and requests
  • Run, protect and improve the website and the calculator
  • Understand which pages are useful and which ones need work
  • Keep the site secure and prevent spam or misuse
  • Meet my legal duties

I do not use your information to make automated decisions about you, and I do not use it for anything that would surprise you.

What are cookies, and how do I use them?

Cookies are small text files that a website saves on your device. Some are needed to make the site work. Others help me understand how people use it, and some may be used to show advertising.

You can control cookies in your browser settings. You can block them, delete them or ask your browser to warn you before saving them. If you turn off cookies, some parts of the site may not work as well as they should.

Which third party services do I use?

I use a few outside services to run the website. These can include website hosting, analytics tools such as Google Analytics, and advertising services such as Google AdSense. These providers may collect information such as your IP address and browsing activity through their own cookies, and they handle it under their own privacy policies.

I only choose providers that I believe are reasonable and reliable. I do not control how they use the information they collect, so I encourage you to read their policies too.

Do I sell your information?

No. I do not sell your personal information, and I do not rent it out. I share it only in the limited cases below.

When might I share your information?

I may share information:

  • With service providers who help me run the website, such as hosting and analytics providers
  • With advertising partners, in the form of cookie based data, if ads are shown on the site
  • If the law requires me to, for example in response to a valid legal request
  • To protect the site, my rights or other people from fraud, abuse or security problems

In each case, I share only what is needed.

Is my information sent overseas?

It can be. Many of the services I use, including hosting, analytics and advertising providers, have servers outside New Zealand. This means information about your visit may be processed in other countries. I try to work with providers that take reasonable steps to protect your information, but the privacy laws in those countries may be different from New Zealand’s.

How long do I keep your information?

I keep messages only as long as I need them to reply to you and to keep a record of the conversation. After that, I delete them within a reasonable time. Analytics data is kept for the period set by the analytics provider or shorter, and it is used mostly in summary form.

How do I keep your information safe?

I take reasonable steps to protect the information I hold. These include using secure hosting, keeping the website software up to date and limiting who can see messages sent to me. Still, no website or internet connection is completely secure, so I cannot promise absolute security. If a privacy breach happens that could cause you serious harm, I will follow the notification rules in the Privacy Act 2020.

What are your rights?

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you can:

  • Ask me whether I hold personal information about you and ask to see it
  • Ask me to correct information that is wrong
  • Ask me to delete information I no longer need, where I am able to do so

To make a request, email [email protected] with the subject line “Privacy Request”. I will respond as soon as I can and within the time the law allows. If you are not happy with how I handled your information, you can talk to me first. You also have the right to complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in New Zealand.

Is this website for children?

SmartPAYE.nz is written for adults who work and pay tax. It is not aimed at children, and I do not knowingly collect information from them. If you believe a child has sent me personal information, please contact me and I will delete it.

What about links to other websites?

The site contains links to other websites, such as Inland Revenue and ACC. I do not control those sites or their privacy practices, and this policy does not cover them. Please read the privacy policy of any site you visit.

Will this policy change?

Yes, it may change from time to time, for example when I add a new tool or when the law changes. I will update the “last updated” date at the top of this page whenever I make a change. Please check back now and then.

How can you contact me about privacy?

If you have any question about this policy or about your information, please write to [email protected] or use the form on the Contact Us page. I am happy to explain anything that is unclear.