While we have enjoyed relative freedom in New Zealand, the Government has continued to work on Covid-19 support packages. The COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme allows those who have been told to self-isolate, to receive two weeks income if they are unable to work from home. In addition to this scheme, from mid-February 2021 a Short-Term […]
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Australia has recently released its 2020-21 Federal Budget where they plan to combat the effect of Covid-19 by investing in infrastructure, job creation, asset write offs and personal tax cuts. Meanwhile in New Zealand, Labour continues their plan to keep New Zealand moving by investing in people, jobs, small businesses, infrastructure and global trade. Australia’s
Is the grass greener over the ditch? Read More »
On 26 June, Inland Revenue (IRD) released Interpretation Statement 20/05. The statement describes how GST applies to the sale of a dwelling that is included within a wider supply of land. A common example that the statement applies to is the sale of a farm that comprises both farmland and a farmhouse. The generic GST
GST on the family farmhouse Read More »
Currently, if you enter into a sale and purchase agreement for the sale of business assets, there is no standard practice for how the price should be allocated to the assets. For example, a single price may be agreed for all assets, or the agreed price might be allocated on a line by line basis
Purchase price allocations Read More »
If you are an owner of a residential property, you will be familiar with the Healthy Homes Standards that were introduced on 1 July 2019. The standards set out the minimum requirements all landlords are required to comply with. Examples of the mandatory requirements include fixed heaters in the main living room, smoke alarms, ceiling
Deductibility of Healthy Homes Costs Read More »
The treatment of employee accommodation (and taxable allowances) can be confusing. In 2015 the rules around employer-provided accommodation were subject to a reform, with the changes intended to provide greater clarity and cohesion for employers to understand their tax obligations. Previously, a net benefit approach was acceptable, where accommodation provided to an employee was not
Employee Accommodation Read More »
Say what you want about millennials, there is no denying their presence in the workforce. According to Statistics New Zealand, millennials currently represent the largest age group in the workforce. Millennials are also attributed with having become problematic to attract, develop and retain – perhaps in part due to their unique preferences when it comes
Employee benefits for millennials Read More »
In 2013 the law commission was asked to review the Trustees Act 1956 and NZ Trust law generally. Following this initial review, nearly eight years later, the long-awaited “Trusts Act 2019” will finally come into effect on 31 January 2021, replacing the entire 1956 Act. One of the most significant changes in the new Act
New trustee disclosure obligations Read More »
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
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%.
The 39% rate change Read More »
