The Week In Tax

Inland Revenue gains another tool for its crypto-asset activities, a useful case highlighting the hidden traps of the financial arrangements regime and Iran and the All Whites might have a bigger opponent in the US Internal Revenue Service

Government’s "timely, targeted and temporary" fuel relief package comes into effect but other changes effective from 1st April bite into that package and problem of low abatement thresholds remains. With terminal tax payments coming up new tax bill provides more options around tax pooling and Inland Revenue warns of cyber attacks.

Changes to thin capitalisation and student loan debt relief announced, Inland Revenue issues warning over employers failing to pass on tax deductions and some suggestions for providing timely targeted and temporary relief for those most affected by the surge in petrol prices.

The Finance and Expenditure Committee report on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025–26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) bill contains good news for holders of financial arrangements, meanwhile the controversial Inland Revenue shareholder loan proposals hit a major roadblock. And finally property flippers should beware.

This week more insights on Inland Revenue’s investigation priorities, how the Iranian Crisis is affecting tax exiles and a poll suggesting New Zealanders support more taxes on ultra-rich coincides with Tax Justice Aotearoa’s release of a Wealth Tax Policy Note on the high concentration of wealth in New Zealand

This week the new "scheme pays" option for UK pension scheme transfers to QROPS, Inland Revenue is consulting on banking taxation changes, and an interesting and useful Taxation Decision Review relating to foreign investment funds

It’s only February but the main tax drivers for the year seem already set, Inland Revenue’s crackdown on debt will continue as will its investigation activities with Crypto-assets under particular scrutiny, the US carves out special treatment for its multinationals, and finally it’s election year so expect plenty of politicking around tax.

This week, a potentially unwelcome consultation affecting the taxation of not-for-profits and a look back at the year that’s been, the surprises and big themes.

This week we discuss yesterday's bombshell proposals from Inland Revenue about changing the tax treatment of company loans to shareholders. One of the most significant changes to the taxation of small and medium enterprises in recent years.

My guest this week is Tony Morris from Inland Revenue who has key responsibility for managing tax debt. We discuss the nature of the $9.3 billion debt and what new initiatives Inland Revenue has introduced to maximise recovery.

This week we look at Inland Revenue’s annual report for the year ended 30th June 2025, how it is managing its responsibilities and tax debt and the results of additional funding. with Oracle New Zealand’s May 2025 results highlight the issues identified in Tax Justice Aotearoa's Big Tech, Little Tax report. An interesting Official Information Act request reveals how many taxpayers are reporting foreign investment fund income.

This week the Government releases a “refreshed” Tax and Social Policy Work Programme and Inland Revenue’s updated draft interpretation statement on the deductibility of repairs and maintenance expenditure has a controversial take on the treatment of leaky buildings.

My guest this week is David Tzimenakis co-founder of the US Tax Team, an Auckland-based firm providing American tax services primarily to American citizens living here in New Zealand. We discuss the complex issues involved with United States taxation of New Zealand residents and his initial thoughts on the proposed Foreign Investment Fund Revenue Account Method.

This week an important decision regarding the taxation of cryptoassets, Inland Revenue’s crackdown on debt continues., a new report from Tax Justice Aotearoa on the taxation of capital gains in the OECD and comparable nations and the Governments new job seekers policy results in an effective marginal tax rate of 1,394,200%

This week raising the rate of GST to 32% and the age of entitlement for New Zealand Superannuation to 72 are two of the more eye-catching suggestions in Treasury’s latest statement on the country’s long-term fiscal position, the income tax implications of providing sponsorship & changes to Family Boost take effect

My guest this week is John Cuthbertson FCA from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and head of CAANZ's tax team. We discussed CAANZ’s public advocacy role, the Generic Tax Policy Process, the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025−26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) Bill and how CAANZ would go about submitting on it.

This week the OECD releases its Tax Policy Reforms 2025 report, happy 40th Anniversary to Australia’s CGT, what does the public think about CGT and an international expert gives his view on the challenges facing our tax system.

This week more on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025−26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) Bill and last week’s NZLS Tax Conference, "Big Tech, Little Tax" a report on tax minimisation in the technology sector highlights the low income tax bills of companies such as Amazon and Google, and how do tax agents rate Inland Revenue's performance?

Tthe recently released Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025−26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) Bill is noteworthy for as much as what’s not included and do we really need a comprehensive capital gains tax, a provocative highlight from the New Zealand Law Society’s 2025 tax Conference.

My guest this week is Casey Plunket formerly of Inland Revenue NZ after 25 years as a tax partner in major law firms. Casey is now off to Paris to work at the OECD.We discussed Casey's career, what prompted his move to Inland Revenue and his reflections on the state of the New Zealand system and the tax landscape here in New Zealand.

My guest this week is Angus Ogilvie, Managing Director of Auckland based Generate Accounting and also the chair of accounting body CPA Australia's New Zealand Tax Committee. Angus joins me to discuss Inland Revenue’s long-term insights briefing Stable bases and flexible rates: New Zealand’s tax system

This week rising overdue tax debt reveals inconsistencies in Inland Revenue’s management of the issue, could a capital gains tax help solve the house-price affordability crisis? And how many taxpayers are reporting overseas income?

This week how Australian capital gains tax can apply to the sale of a New Zealand property, CPA Australia suggests it’s time to consider a capital gains tax, more on effective marginal tax rates and the meaning of 'payment' for GST purposes.

How a family earning under $60,000 can face an effective marginal tax rate of 71.2%, the Green Party and the Taxpayer's Union agree on a tax change and Inland Revenue updates its guidance on when a taxpayer is carrying on a "business" for income tax purposes.

This week, Sir Roger Douglas enters the chat on the future shape of New Zealand’s tax system, the pros and cons of raising GST to 18%, the first ever sentencing for possession of tax evasion tools and a useful technical decision summary on payments to non-resident contractors.

The Finance Minister eyes up the major banks for a tax increase, announces changes to the FamilyBoost scheme, Inland Revenue releases submissions on the taxation of not-for-proftis and a major report on climate adaptation ducks a key issue.

This week, Inland Revenue’s draft long-term insights briefing goes out for consultation, have the G7 killed off Pillar Two and is it time for a major rethink of the Student Loan scheme?

John Cantin and I discuss Inland Revenue's recent trust disclosures post-implementation review and John's independent review of the trust disclosure regime. What are the purposes of such reviews and what John found surprising.

This week Inland Revenue reminds everyone that twin-cab utes are subject to FBT The results of a clampdown on the horticultural sector A damning new report from the IMF highlights New Zealand's low productivity growth is this a by-product of not taxing capital? And is the era of supply side economics over.

Why the Government backed away from charities taxation reform, the latest Rich List re-ignites the wealth tax debate, Inland Revenue’s new kilometre rates for the 2025 tax year have a surprise and how long does it take Inland Revenue to answer the phone?

This week more on the Budget announcements, including concerns from the former independent advisor to the last Tax Working Group about the efficacy of the Investment Boost initiative, how Inland Revenue will use its additional funding and the Digital Services Tax is dead but what takes its place?

This week Inland Revenue consults on the taxation of mutual transactions of associations, including clubs and societies. We discuss its latest update about n its crackdown on student loan debt. We look ahead to next week's Budget and the Green Party's alternative. Finally, it’s Tax Freedom Day and also a Happy Anniversary to me.

What has Mickey Mouse got to do with our tax system, Inland Revenue uncovers more than $150 million in undeclared income tax and GST from the property sector, and I have five suggestions to improve our tax system.

My guest this week is Matt Edwards, the (newish) CEO of tax pooling company Tax Management New Zealand. We discussed tax pooling, how his non-tax background offers interesting insights into the operation of tax pooling and the tax system, and the opportunities tax pooling offers for small businesses in particular.

This week Inland Revenue consults on FBT changes, reports on the results of its recent audit activity, and calls in Baycorp. Meanwhile, is GST a tariff and removing GST from fresh fruit and vegetables a well-meaning but inefficient policy?

This week the United Nations statement on tax policy concerns over rising GST debt, the Australian budget and an absurd VAT (GST) case from the UK involving Mega Marshmallows.

This week, get ready for tax year end - what needs to be done by 31st March, lessons from the largest known GST fraudster – could it happen again and corporate tax cuts – who benefits and what does the public think?

This week, the International Monetary Fund suggests a comprehensive capital gains tax, the Government will proceed with changes to the foreign investment fund regime and a novel proposal for helping fund New Zealand Superannuation.

My guest this week is Richard Abel, Chair of the Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of New Zealand (ATAINZ). We discuss the role of ATAINZ and tax agents generally and interacting with government. We also look ahead to ATAINZ's annual conference starting today which will be opened by the Minister of Finance Nicola Willis.

This week, the Finance and Expenditure Committee reports back on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024−25, Emergency Response, and Remedial Measures) Bill, Inland Revenue releases its long-awaited consultation on the taxation of not-for profit organisations and an update on data-sharing with the United States and the nominee for the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner once proposed its abolishment.

This week as President Trump blows up the international tax order, could our Netflix tax be under threat of retaliation? Time running out for a potentially important GST election and notes from this year’s International Fiscal Association conference.

This week tax guru Robin Oliver on the pros and cons of a possible cut in the corporate tax rate, Netflix’s tiny tax bill and what it and Uber have in common, and Inland Revenue guidance on the treatment of repairs to newly acquired assets.

This week are corporate tax cuts on the Government’s agenda? Could our digital services tax be a target under President Trump? And the UK grants an extra concession on its controversial non-dom reforms.

The Government announces a new Digital Nomads visa but will it make any difference to the existing tax treatment? Potentially big changes afoot for US citizens tax resident outside the US and the latest Inland Revenue consultation on depreciation.

President Trump sets the tone for the tax year by withdrawing America from the OECD Two-Pillar international tax proposal and fires a warning shot about retaliatory tax proposals. Meanwhile is the recent increase to the International Visitor's Levy a harbinger of things to come? Inland Revenue's crackdown on parents receiving overpayments of working for families credits.