Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, presented her second budget this afternoon.

Businesses like right-leaning governments. It’s no surprise that approval for the Government’s economic management has shot up since before the last election, when leaders’ approval ratings had plummeted almost to single figures in our Baker Tilly Staples Rodway polling.

A limp economy has brought little relief to New Zealanders despite a shift in tax brackets, according to this year’s Tax Freedom Day calculations.  Kiwis are set to spend 135 days paying tax this year, a day more than in 2024.

Our 2025 pre-budget survey has revealed a mixed business scorecard on the Government’s performance.  Business optimism ahead of this year’s Budget is markedly better than it was pre-election, but the overall report is "could do better".  

Inland Revenue has released an exposure draft on not-for-profit (NFP) transactions – including a proposal that threatens the existence of some small clubs and societies across New Zealand…

Kiwi trusts increasingly include beneficiaries who have crossed the ditch and become Australian tax residents.  So, before providing any payments, distributions or benefits to them, the trustees need to be cautious about the potential Australian tax costs for those beneficiaries.

With 1 April fast approaching, there are several tax rate changes taking effect that you should be aware of.

Are you a US citizen who recently migrated to New Zealand or are thinking of doing so?

With 31 March approaching, it is the ideal time to consider tax issues and also planning opportunities where available. Key matters are outlined below.

The Government and Inland Revenue have made a roaring start in 2025, having been busy with myriad tax policy announcements and documents towards the end of last year. Let’s touch on these in brief…

Recent changes to the bright-line test, interest deductibility and ownership transfer rules may make this a suitable time for property owners to review how ownership of their residential investment properties is structured.  If you haven’t assessed your holdings recently, restructuring could provide you with some benefits.  

Over the past few years there has been a shift in the investment property market with more owners offering their investment property as a short-term holiday rental.