As part of Budget 2015, the Government has passed into law a “bright-line” test for the sale of residential property. The test will require income tax to be paid on any gains from the sale of residential property that is bought and sold within two years. This came into effect from 01 October 2015. What’s […]
Bright-line Property Rule Read More »
Imposing Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the digital economy has been a hot topic this year as New Zealand retailers push for equal GST treatment between local and foreign suppliers. At present, foreign providers of cross-border services and intangibles (including music, e-books, videos and software purchased from offshore websites) do not have to pay
GST on Foreign Supplies Read More »
The Government wants to change the law so that everyone renting in New Zealand can live in safer, warmer and healthier homes. Lets see what this means for tenants and landlords. If the changes go ahead, all rental properties would have to meet new insulation standards and be fitted with smoke alarms. This would ensure
Are you a Landlord? Tenancy Law Changes coming Read More »
There is currently significant public interest in the New Zealand housing market, whether it be issues relating to the Auckland ‘bubble’, property speculation, non-resident buyers, banking restrictions or a combination of these. In response, the Government is introducing a number of changes designed to either directly influence the market, or assist with decision making when
Land – themes of change Read More »
Each year on average, 75 people die on the job and 1 in 10 people are injured at work. With statistics this high, it’s not surprising the Government is reforming New Zealand’s health and safety landscape. A new Health and Safety Reform Bill (the Bill) is currently before Parliament and is expected to pass later
Health & Safety Reform Read More »
On 26 February 2015, the Government introduced the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2015 – 16, Research and Development, and Remedial Matters) Bill (the Bill). It is the first sizeable bill to introduce amendments to the tax rules since November 2013. The Bill contains changes intended to address tax impediments to research and development (R&D) and
Many people are not aware that specific tax rules exist that can deem income derived by a company or trust to be derived by them personally. The rules were first introduced when the 39% tax rate was introduced to stop people getting a tax advantage by trading through a company or trust to access the
Attribution of Personal Services Income Read More »
ACC is continuing to deliver on levy reductions. This year the average levy paid by employers and self-employed people in Work Account levies will fall to 90 cents per $100 of liable earnings, down from 95 cents. Indicative rates for levels of cover for the 2015/16 levy year will be effective from 1 April: ACC
ACC’s Levy Reductions Read More »
With April fast approaching it’s a timely reminder that minimum pay rates have now increased to $14.75 per hour, so please ensure your staff are being paid the correct amount. Call the office if you need help with this or are unsure.
The “general permission” under the Income Tax Act broadly allows expenditure to be deductible if it is: incurred in deriving assessable income, or incurred in the course of carrying on a business for the purpose of deriving assessable income. A recent Taxation Review Authority (TRA) case provides a strong reminder to us of the importance
A Lesson for Us All Read More »