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NZ business owners can claim back 2 years of petrol tax

Baqir Hussain
17 April 2026 1 min read

New Zealand business owners can claim back 2 years of petrol tax.

Here’s how:

You’re eligible for a cash refund if the petrol is used off-road commercially.

How does it work?

The logic is simple.

Fuel tax is meant to pay for public roads. So if you’re not using public roads, you shouldn’t be paying it.

But in reality, most people still are. And if you’re not claiming back, you’re missing out.

For many first-time claims, refunds average $3,000. Because you can go back and claim the last 2 years.

This applies to petrol used in:

  1. Forklifts and other off-road vehicles (farm bikes, forklifts).
  2. Farm vehicles (tractors, quad bikes)
  3. Construction equipment (generators, compactors)
  4. Landscaping tools (chainsaws, lawnmowers)

Watch out for…

However, any fuel used in a vehicle being driven on a public road is not eligible. Even if its 100% business use.

Takeaway

You can check your eligibility with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

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Specialist property accountants for New Zealand investors and businesses.

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