Upon hiring a new employee, there is a range of obligations and responsibilities you will have to meet when it comes to KiwiSaver.
Start the enrolment process
Firstly, you will be required to check whether they are eligible to join KiwiSaver. The employee needs to be enrolled in KiwiSaver (providing they are eligible for automatic enrolment) unless you offer an approved alternative superannuation scheme.
You must provide every new employee with KiwiSaver information (KS3), including a KiwiSaver deduction form (KS2) and an Opt out request (KS10) form. Ensure you keep a copy of the KS2 form for your records. If your employee does not complete the KS2 form, you can apply the default rate of 3 per cent.
Should you have an employer-chosen KiwiSaver scheme, you will be required to confirm this in writing for the new employee explaining that you have chosen a scheme they will be allocated to unless they choose their own scheme. You will need to provide them with your scheme’s investment statement as well.
First pay
Once they begin their job, you must make KiwiSaver deductions from the employee’s first pay until:
– The opt out notice takes effect.
– They no longer receive a salary or wage.
– Their contributions holiday is granted.
– The IRD notifies you to stop making deductions.
– The employee is eligible to and withdraws their savings.
New employees who have been automatically enrolled in KiwiSaver can opt out anytime on or after day 14 and on or before day 56 after starting their new position.
Employer superannuation tax (ESCT)
Generally, an employer superannuation tax (ESCT) will be deducted from the contributions you send to the employee’s KiwiSaver or super account. You must contribute at a minimum 3 per cent of their salary or wage.
Provide employee details
When they should be automatically enrolled, provide IRD with your employee’s full name, IRD number and address via a KiwiSaver employee details (KS1) form (you only need to give the information that the employee gives you).
This must be provided no later than the date for providing the IR348 or EI that corresponds to the employee’s first pay.
When they are an existing member
If your new employee is already enrolled in KiwiSaver, they must give you a:
– KiwiSaver deduction form (KS2),
– or a valid KiwiSaver contributions holiday request (KS6)
Usually, you will not have to send a KS1 for a new employee that is an existing member.