All articles
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
Business interruption due to Covid-19
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic had an immediate impact on businesses nationwide. Lockdowns and the border closure have caused massive disruption. For many this was temporary, for some, permanent. Inland Revenue has released a draft Interpretation Statement “Income tax and GST – deductions for businesses disrupted by Covid-19 pandemic”. The statement sets out Inland … Read more
Penalising R&M
Classifying expenditure as either deductible repairs and maintenance (R&M) or non-deductible capital expenditure is not clear cut. It is a question of fact and no two situations are the same. But it is advantageous from a tax perspective to classify as much expenditure as possible as R&M, which gives rise to the risk of pushing … Read more
Employment recovery
Over a year on from NZ’s level four lockdown, businesses and communities alike have experienced their fair share of highs and lows. Many have had to rapidly adapt to the Covid-19 induced restrictions. For some, they have benefited from unpredictable productivity gains, meanwhile others have struggled to regain pre-pandemic momentum. Employment levels slumped to an … Read more
Government addresses housing affordability
On the 23rd March 2021 the Government announced that it would make a number of changes to the taxation of residential property to address housing affordability. Legislation has been enacted implementing some of the announced changes, whilst the balance is to be consulted upon before further legislation is drafted. Legislated changes – The bright-line test … Read more
Director’s Duties
Company directors have a duty under the Companies Act 1993 to not trade recklessly or take on obligations that their business cannot perform. Balancing the continued survival of a company versus their obligation against reckless trading has been a key feature of the Covid-19 economic environment. Recognising that the economic impact of Covid-19 placed some … Read more
The 39% Rate Change
The top personal marginal tax rate increases to 39% on income over $180,000, with effect from 1 April 2021. Businesses should consider what the flow-on effects are and forward plan to ensure they are not caught off guard. Two key areas are discussed in this article. Simplistically put, a company pays income tax at 28%. … Read more
New Trust Annual Requirements
In December 2020 the legislation enacting the new 39% tax rate was passed. Within the same bill, somewhat overshadowed by the rate change, was the introduction of a new “annual return” requirement for trusts. Not to be confused with the new Trustee Act that came into effect at the end of last month which requires … Read more
New Years aspirations
For many, a new year signals the start of a fresh beginning allowing goals and motivation to be reset. We typically try to leave the downsides of the prior year in the past and reassess our aspirations for the year to come. However, given the year that was 2020 and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, … Read more
