Latest News
Emerging from Covid-19
As New Zealand moves down the COVID-19 alert levels businesses face a long transition period from the unknown to the ‘new normal’. Social distancing, strict health and safety guidelines, restricted international and regional travel are amongst numerous practises that will likely continue to apply for as long as COVID-19 remains a global threat. This may
In the Office…
Introducing our new staff… Kecia Laing-Timu I started at Hughson & Associates back in November after being a manager at a local restaurant for 4 years. You will find Kecia at reception at our Hawera office. Outside of work I like to keep active and social by playing sport and catching up with friends. I
Snippets: Nov 19 – Jan 20
Wacky business ideas Ever dreamt of being your own boss? Well, millions of people have turned that dream into a reality and some even claim it’s easy! Recent studies conducted by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reveal that 40% of respondents thought starting a business was easy and 46% thought there were plenty of opportunities to
Property sales – business premises exclusion
The land taxing provisions deem certain sales of land to be subject to income tax, subject to a limited number of exceptions. One such is exception is for ‘business premises’. However, the circumstances in which it applies can be a grey area. Hence, two recent ‘Questions We’ve Been Asked’ (QWBA) issued by Inland Revenue (IRD)
Generation Z – our future workforce
The rise of Generation Z (‘Gen Z’) is imminent in today’s workforce. Comprised of those born between mid-1990s and early-2000s, Gen Z has grown up in a world with technology at their fingertips. Common traits include: confidence, desire to succeed, thriving on recognition, being adaptable and tech-savvy. However, their most valuable aspect is they represent
IRD – Non acceptance of cheques
From 01 March 2020, the IRD will no longer accept cheques. Developments in electronic payment methods and improved ease of online payments from your smartphone or tablet, means processing cheque payments has become a rather laborious task. However old habits die hard, and a significant amount of people continue to use cheques – IRD alone
Is a Trust beneficiary also a settlor?
Family Trusts are used widely in New Zealand; often being viewed as beneficial for asset protection and to keep assets in the family for future generations. A reason for their popularity has been the relative simplicity of the legal and tax regime. However, the rules are evolving. In addition to the widely publicised re-write of
Court case – tax avoidance arrangement
Two recent (connected) cases at the Taxation Review Authority (TRA) demonstrate that unnecessarily complex transactions can raise a red flag for IRD. Both cases related to a taxpayer referred to as Mr Brown, who acquired a 2/3 interest in a joint venture known as the NPN Partnership (NPN) back in 1981. NPN held several residential
Corporate governance for small businesses
Good corporate governance is often viewed as important for large companies with an established board of directors. However, the principles that underpin good corporate governance can benefit any organisation, irrespective of size. Why is it then that the term governance often raises alarm bells with small business owners? Perhaps it’s the fear of losing control
From My Desk…
Hi All, In the lead up to Christmas our business is frantic getting GST and Tax Returns completed. By the 24th we will all be looking for a place to put our feet up and enjoy some family time. Our New Plymouth office is gaining favour with our northern clients who are finding the location
Finicky Bothersome Tiresome (FBT)
Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) on privately used vehicles is neither new nor rare. However, errors in FBT calculations are common due to the murky and complicated nature of the rules and principles that apply. Generally, FBT is payable when a business-owned vehicle is available for private use by an employee. The availability component of this
Working remotely
In recent years, we have seen many businesses shift away from traditional office spaces and make the move to an open plan work environment. Whilst open plan offices have been credited with boosting collaboration, breaking down hierarchies and encouraging conversation, new research suggests that working remotely can be a great way to increase productivity and
