There are common misconceptions in relation to how portfolio shareholdings in foreign companies are treated for tax purposes. One misconception is that if either the profits of the foreign company or the dividends it pays have been subject to tax overseas then New Zealand (NZ) tax does not apply. Another is that if the foreign […]
Shares held in foreign companies 101 Read More »
Whether it’s a cold, flu, a tummy bug from day-care or the notorious C-word, we’re only partway through winter and already the amount of sick leave being taken seems higher than normal. In New Zealand, most employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave per year – this was only increased recently on
Sick leave balances taking a hit Read More »
On 20th July 2022 Inland Revenue released a 51-page interpretation statement 22/04 – Claiming depreciation on buildings. In light of the re-introduction of depreciation on non-residential buildings from the 2021 income year, the interpretation statement is intended to give guidance to building owners on when they can claim depreciation on buildings. Specifically, the statement emphasises
Depreciation on buildings Read More »
Residential property acquired after 27 March 2021 is subject to a 10-year bright-line period, or 5 years if the property qualifies as a ‘new build’. The extension to 10 years has increased the likelihood that a property transfer will be caught. In an attempt to alleviate the risk that related party transfers would be unfairly
Rollover relief – Does it go far enough? Read More »
The introduction of the 39% tax rate for individuals who earn over $180,000 from 1 April 2021 has reignited Inland Revenue’s interest in the income attribution and market salary regimes. These rules currently prevent a person from having income earnt from individual efforts or “personal services” taxed through an associated entity at a lower tax
Attribution vs market salary rules Read More »
No physical interaction, no leaving your home, talking to people over the internet – a COVID nightmare, or the future of our society? The metaverse is a topic that has gained a lot of traction recently, particularly with Facebook’s rebranding to ‘Meta’ and its announcement that it will now be especially focused on creating its
An introduction to the metaverse Read More »
As Covid restrictions at home and abroad start to ease, a feeling of normality begins to surface; gone are the mandates, the scanning in and selected compulsory mask wearing. Life starts to feel good again, as if the last two years were just a fever dream. And yet, nothing is the same. During awkward silences
What is the new normal? Read More »
There are over 28,000 registered charities in New Zealand. To register, the organisation must show that it has a charitable purpose; to relieve poverty, advance education, advance religion or be beneficial to the community. But some examples make you wonder. The ‘Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster’, is an organisation that is legally recognised as
A charitable world Read More »
On 30 March 2022 the IRD released an interpretation statement (IS 22/01) regarding the deductibility of costs incurred due to Covid-19. It addresses the uncertainty around the deductibility of costs incurred as a result of the pandemic. Employee-related costs incurred due to Covid-19 include: relocating employees, retaining teams in New Zealand, incentive payments, provision of
Covid-related costs Read More »
Two changes have recently surfaced in relation to trusts and the disclosure of trust information. Firstly, the Tax Administration (Financial Statements—Domestic Trusts) Order 2022 was made on 7 March 2022. This Order sets minimum standards for financial statements prepared by trusts. The Order applies to income years ending on or after 31 March 2022 and
Changes to trust disclosures Read More »