Articles

Some tax changes deserve an article of their own. The proposed reform to New Zealand's transitional tax residence rules is one of them. Buried amongst the more widely publicised changes to the FIF and financial arrangement regimes is a proposal that could significantly improve the tax position of many new migrants and returning New Zealanders.

Today's Bill introduces the Budget promises which includes a number of international tax measures designed to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for migrants and internationally mobile investors, while also modernising some long-standing tax settings. Several of these changes will be of particular interest to taxpayers with overseas investments, foreign currency assets, and cross-border financing arrangements.

Inland Revenue has released draft guidance addressing a question that has generated significant discussion since the introduction of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa: can an AIP visa holder become a New Zealand tax resident under the permanent place of abode (PPOA) test?

The Opportunity Party has released a wide-ranging tax and welfare policy built around a clear objective: tax land more heavily, tax work differently, replace much of the benefit system with universal payments, and move retirement funding towards compulsory saving. This article is a practical overview of the key measures and what they are likely to mean if implemented.

The Green Party has released its 2026 tax policy with a clear objective: shift the tax burden away from wages and towards wealth, large corporates, and capital. At a high level, the proposal is simple in concept but significant in impact. We have prepared a practical overview of the key measures and what they are likely to mean if implemented.

When you pay staff, you are required to deduct certain amounts from their wages (such as PAYE, KiwiSaver contributions, and student loan repayments) and pass those amounts on to Inland Revenue. Although the money moves through your business bank account, it is not business income. It belongs to your employees and the tax system. Inland Revenue has recently made it very clear that failing to pass these deductions on is treated as a serious issue, not an administrative slip.

From 1 April 2026, people transferring a UK pension to a New Zealand QROPS will be able to access a new tax payment option known as “scheme pays”. This change represents a significant shift in how overseas pension transfers are taxed in New Zealand and is expected to be particularly beneficial for individuals on higher marginal tax rates. However, while the new rules offer welcome flexibility, they also highlight just how important it is to correctly understand New Zealand

Revenue Minister Simon Watts has today introduced the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025-26, Compliance Simplification, and Remedial Measures) Bill. This Bill contains the long-awaited (and very overdue) amendments to the FIF rules, amongst other things. We have set out the key points relating to the FIF changes from the Bill, along with our comments and suggestions for further changes.

In collaboration with David Tzimenakis of The US Tax Team New Zealand, we’re delighted to offer a complimentary webinar covering the New Zealand and US tax implications of the investment required under New Zealand’s new Active Investor Plus Visa, along with some of the broader tax issues for clients to consider.

It is becoming increasingly clear that IRD is continuing to amp up its tax compliance work and the numbers show just how serious they are!

Yesterday the Minister of Revenue announced that the FIF changes which had been released for consultation will be made in the next tax bill.

On 18 February 2025, Inland Revenue notified that it is increasing its focus on payday filing.