Inflation pricing pressures and consumer engagement

From initial fears of a prolonged economic slump due to Covid-19, the global economy has seen a resurgence led by unprecedented demand. To experience such strong activity following months of lock-down where key industries cut back on activity to reduce costs, a backlog has been created such that global supply chains may take years to … Read more

Short process rulings

It is inevitable that at some stage a person will undertake a transaction where the applicable tax treatment is complex or unclear. This could be due to a complex factual scenario, new legislation, new Inland Revenue commentary, or the existence of complex or poorly drafted legislation. An option to mitigate risk and acquire certainty is … Read more

Where is this going?

On 2nd December 2020, legislation was introduced by the Government that increased the top personal marginal tax rate to 39% on income over $180,000 from the start of the 2021/22 income year. Three other changes were included in that legislation. It introduced: new information-gathering powers for the purpose of tax policy development, a new requirement … Read more

New Tax Legislation

On 9 September 2021, the Government introduced the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22, GST and Remedial Matters) Bill (“the Bill”) into Parliament, containing over 100 tax amendments. Changes of note are summarised as follows. One significant amendment is in relation to purchases from associated persons. Under current law, if a GST registered person (‘the purchaser’) … Read more

Challenges & Opportunities in a turbulent Job Market

In the middle of a pandemic, it can seem at times that the grass is greener elsewhere. Almost two years into a global health crisis that many could not have imagined in their lifetimes, the concept of lockdowns, working from home, a fading connection to the workplace, and the overwhelming feeling of burn-out is driving … Read more

Clarity for property investors

In March 2021 the Government announced changes to the bright-line test and interest deductibility for residential properties. Following the release of a discussion document in June, there has still been significant uncertainty regarding the specific details of how the new rules will apply. However, the government has now provided clarity through the release of draft … Read more

Cryptocurrencies – Are they on your radar?

Cryptocurrencies have been garnering worldwide attention recently, particularly with Bitcoin’s dramatic rise to over NZD$90,000 for a Bitcoin in April 2021, and its subsequent 50% crash through May and June. Other cryptocurrencies, deemed ‘altcoins’, have also seen similar price volatility. These coins adopt the same principles as bitcoin, with slight changes and tweaks to differentiate … Read more

Paid parental leave for who?

Earlier this month, the Government released Budget 2021. Included in the budget was a boost to all main benefits, including an increase to paid-parental leave. From 1 July 2021, eligible parents will be entitled to a maximum of $621.76 a week (before tax), an increase of 2.5% on the prior rate of $606.46. While the … Read more

The ‘ute’ – Kiwi icon or tax dodge

Recently, there has been a large volume of media attention being directed to the ‘ute’ and it has become a focal point of protest action against the Government. The Government announced the “Clean Car Discount” scheme in June, which from 1 July until 31 December 2021 will see purchasers of imported electric vehicles receive a … Read more

New builds discussion document

Since the Government’s announcement in March, regarding the tax-deductibility of interest on residential investment properties and the extension of the bright-line period to 10 years, investors have been waiting for more detail on the new rules. On 10 June 2021, Inland Revenue released a 143-page discussion document titled “Design of the interest limitation rule and … Read more