From 1 March 2020, Inland Revenue will no longer be accepting cheques if customers have an alternative payment option available. This includes post-dated cheques (cheques dated after 1 March 2020).

How to prevent and what to do if you have been a victim of identity fraud.

Chronic bad payers of tax – take heed.

NZ Inland Revenue is going to have the power to disclose tax debts to debt collectors.   

An update to help employers with the latest NZ fringe benefit tax (FBT) requirements.

NZ Inland Revenue is improving services in myIR for managing your GST, with new services available in early 2017.

In essence, providing food and wine gifts are only 50% deductible. Historically there has been ambiguity around this but as of 1 September 2016 it is definitely only 50%. (This is of particular relevance to real estate agents.)

Trustees are personally liable for the tax obligations of the trust.

If a trustee resigns as trustee of a trust they must let IRD know in writing, as soon as possible following the resignation, so IRD can update all records.

Alliott NZ welcomes the simplification of business tax changes announced by the government this week, it will be a boon for small businesses to be able to manage taxes on a pay as you go manner or, where they choose not to, use that particular method and not be exposed to the use of money interest charges that applied on miscalculating your payments.

Paid parental leave in New Zealand will increase from 16 to 18 weeks in April 2016.

To be eligible for the increase, the baby must be due or born on or after 1 April 2016.

With IRD's continued focus on compliance in the New Zealand construction industry, some operators may receive correspondence from IRD regarding their obligations to declare all cash jobs in their GST and income tax returns.

#helpingyoutradebetter

Companies having 66% or more common shareholding can be grouped for tax purposes.

We briefly outline how it works.

IRD proposes updating how employee car parking spaces are treated for fringe benefits tax.

Whilst the new ruling is yet to be adopted, it's worth getting your head around it now.

In case you haven’t heard this is a summary of the government’s announcement on the crackdown of property speculators. We look at some frequently asked questions and the rules for residents vs non-residents.

The Inland Revenue have announced a focus on the cash economy particularly in the trade’s sector with, as part of a wider campaign, a particular focus on sub-contractors in Flatbush, Takanini, Silverdale and Albany. If you think you're fine because you haven’t been operating in those areas, be aware that it mightn't take much to be pulled into an IRD investigation as part of another's investigation.

From 1 October 2014 the Inland Revenue is changing its current payment services through Westpac and how it views payments as having been 'received on time'.

Kiwi business, especially those involved in contracting and service industries often close for annual holidays just prior to Christmas and re-open in the New Year. Many businesses encourage their Staff to take leave over the festive season 'when things are quiet'. Staff employment agreements will include provision for staff to take at least part of their annual leave during this close down period. The calculation of holiday pay is an integral part of employees' final pay for the calendar year.

Let's look at the tax treatment of saying thanks to customers and staff typically with gifts, wining and dining.

Our quick reference guide gives the following examples of where entertainment expenses are 50% deductible and a list of 100% deductible items:

• Taking customers, suppliers and business associates out for dinner or putting on a function for them
• The traditional Christmas party for staff

Since the Penny & Hooper decision by the Supreme Court, have you checked your tax status?

We've prepared a report that covers a synopsis of the Penny and Hooper Decision and the IRD's current position in more detail.