Some student loan borrowers didn't get full interest write-offs while they were studying even though they were eligible for them. This is because we didn't receive their IRD numbers when they enrolled for their courses.

This only affects the 2001-2006 tax years (2000-2005 study years). From the 2007 income year (2006 study year) interest write-offs are based on whether a borrower is New Zealand or overseas based.

Getting the write-off

Some borrowers may have received part of their write-off entitlement already through a base interest write-off or interest reduction.

We've obtained the missing information from StudyLink as we want to ensure that all borrowers receive their full entitlements. Most borrowers have now had their full interest write-off automatically credited to their student loan account. However, some borrowers still need to do something to get the full interest write-off. Check the tables below for your particular circumstances.

If you were studying full-time, full-year

If you were studying part-time, part-year

Personal tax summary (PTS) or IR3 individual tax return assessment

How the interest write-off appears on student loan statements

If you've had an interest write-off calculated it will show as "Interest write-off" or "Interest write-off adjustment" with the year the write-off applied. This will show on your November 2009 student loan statement. It will also show on your statement if you request one after September 2009.

Refunds resulting from the interest write-offs

You may be entitled to a refund of any balance. This could happen when we add an interest write-off to your student loan that pays it off, or the loan was already paid off.

You'll receive your refund over the next few months.