A common complaint about Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) is that it is too complex, particularly when it comes to motor vehicles, which becomes a point of frustration given it is one of the most commonly provided benefits. This is borne out by how common it is for mistakes to be identified during an Inland Revenue […]
When is a motor vehicle subject to Fringe Benefit Tax? Read More »
Although not desirable, it is not unusual for an employee to raise a personal grievance with their employer. Section 123 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 (ERA) provides for a number of remedies where an employee has a personal grievance. If an employee suffers humiliation, loss of dignity, or injury to feelings one remedy is
PAYE and personal grievances Read More »
In today’s business environment, effective decision-making is key to navigating change and achieving sustainable growth. For small to medium sized enterprises where there can be fewer individuals at a senior decision-making level, there is arguably a greater need to have a strong decision-making process to ensure decisions are not made in a vacuum. However, how
Effective decision making Read More »
Welcome 2025! The ‘Survive til 25’ slogan had us all anticipating a grand recovery this year. To date it’s still very tough out here. Costs are still high and interest rates drops have still got a way to glow through. On the plus side we might get some rain this week and ease the water
From my desk: Feb – April 2025 Read More »
A common complaint made by employers is that the amount of time it takes to meet their FBT obligations is disproportionate to the amount of tax it actually generates. This frustration is arguably borne out in the number of mistakes that are often made when calculating the amount of FBT payable. A good example is
Snippets; FBT and home to work travel Read More »
For some, the increase in the trust tax rate from 33% to 39% has prompted them to ask the question – should we wind up our trust? Rather than looking at the purpose of having a trust with a narrow tax lens, it may be of benefit to consider your circumstances more broadly and ask
Snippets: Trusts – The big picture Read More »
Over the last 18 months there have been a number of businesses fall over – which in and of itself has not been surprising given the recent economic climate. However, one element that serves as a warning for us all is the flow on effect of those failures. Not just in a tangible sense, where
Protect your reputation Read More »
If a company sells a capital asset (e.g. commercial land) and derives a non-taxable capital gain, it’s reasonable to expect the shareholders to want access to the cash. However, the problem often arises that in order for a capital gain to be distributed tax-free, the company needs to be wound up. This is a result
The depreciation rate for non-residential buildings has been reduced to 0%, effective from the 2024 / 25 income year. However, commercial fit-out remains depreciable. This makes the distinction between the two important because it is the difference between not being able to deduct any depreciation at all versus being able to claim a good proportion
The depreciable asset Read More »
It is important to regularly ask whether you are providing the products that your customers want and whether there are any new products that you could provide to ensure you are evolving with changing times as you look for the next income stream. There are plenty of examples of new products meeting an unexpected demand