PIR questions that can catch retirees out - Ask Susan

Got questions? RNZ has a podcast, 'No Stupid Questions', with Susan Edmunds.We'd love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but even better, you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz..I recently completed a draft tax return, which resulted in a bill for $1469.75.The reason I received a bill was that my PIE tax rate is calculated to be 28 percent, based on income for the previous two years. My income has fallen sharply since then.I have retired and my only income in the year ending 31 March 2026 is national superannuation. My current PIR is 17.5 percent, but because my PIR rate for this year is based on a much higher income, I have been assessed at 28 percent.I believe assessing PIR tax rates