ACC Levy changes from 1 April 2026
Please read below on all ACC Levy changes that will take effect from 1 April 2026
ACC has confirmed a few changes that will affect how levies are charged and how payments work. Some of these apply straight away, and others will start showing up from the 2026/27 ACC year. We wanted to give you an early heads up.
Here’s a quick rundown.
ACC payment plans – no more interest free option
ACC has removed the popular 6month interest free payment plan.
Any ACC payment plan will now include interest, with the rate linked to the floating mortgage rate. For most businesses, this is expected to sit at around 6%. ACC says this change brings payment plans more in line with standard commercial lending.
Late payment penalties will apply sooner
ACC invoices usually allow 5 weeks to pay. If payment isn’t made within that time, penalty interest will now apply straight away.
The penalty rate is 1% per month, compounding. In the past, ACC was often more relaxed about enforcing this, but they’ve indicated this will now be applied more consistently.
7.2% increase for Experience Rating businesses
If you’re in the Experience Rating scheme, there will be a 7.2% levy increase.
ACC has said the scheme needs to be self funding, as it’s currently being subsidized by employers who aren’t in it. This increase will appear as a separate Experience Rating charge, itemized on your 2026/27 ACC invoice.
No Claims Bonus ending
The No Claims Bonus is being scrapped. This mainly affected smaller businesses and self-employed people, where ACC levies were adjusted based on claims history.
ACC says its data shows the scheme hasn’t led to better health and safety outcomes, so it’s being removed.
What does this mean for you?
Paying ACC on time will be more important to avoid interest and penalties
Experience Rating businesses should plan for higher ACC costs in 2026/27
Smaller businesses may see higher levies once No Claims discounts are removed
If you’d like to talk through how this affects your business, cash flow, or ACC budgeting, just get in touch with your usual HJ Accounting and Advisory contact — we’re happy to help.
HJ Accounting and Advisory