Money-laundering levy rules are changing
Rules for the levy supporting anti-money-laundering work are being changed, mainly affecting covered businesses.
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (Levy) Regulations 2026
What's changing
- Certain reporting entities must pay an annual anti-money-laundering levy.
- Different classes of reporting entities will pay different levy amounts.
- The levy will be invoiced, and the amount may be calculated or reasonably estimated.
- The levy will be separate from GST, which must also be paid if GST applies.
- Entities can challenge an invoice if they are not liable or the amount is wrong.
Who's affected
Reporting entities in the listed levy classes are affected, unless they are exempt from the relevant anti-money-laundering requirements.
When
The regulations start on 8 October 2026, but the levies apply from the financial year beginning 1 July 2027 and later financial years.
What you might need to do
- Check whether your business is in a levy class.
- Pay the invoiced levy by the stated due date, unless you challenge the invoice.
- If challenging an invoice, do so before its latest due date and explain why it is wrong.
Background
The government says the levies will recover part of the costs incurred by the Ministry of Justice, the anti-money-laundering supervisor, and the Police in carrying out their roles. They will also recover some costs linked to the national strategy and work programme, plus the full cost of collecting the levies.