GST registration is a key milestone for any growing business, but getting the timing and setup right matters just as much as registering itself. This guide explains when GST registration is required, the pros and cons of registering early, and how to choose the right filing frequency and GST basis to support cash flow. A little planning upfront can save a lot of stress later.

Crypto is becoming more common in investment portfolios, but the tax rules can feel confusing. In New Zealand, there’s no special “crypto tax” — instead, normal income tax rules apply. The key question is: when do your crypto activities create taxable income?

Tax returns can feel overwhelming! If you don’t know what you’re looking at, they are appear to be full of of numbers, jargon, and confusing schedules. But getting a clear picture of what your return is telling you is key to staying on top of your obligations and planning ahead. We’ve broken down the parts of a tax return below and what each area means.

The new Investment Boost scheme lets you claim 20% of a new asset’s cost upfront as a tax deduction. It’s a great timing benefit, but not a reason to spend just for tax savings. In this blog, we break down how it works, what qualifies, and whether buying new really makes sense over second-hand.

One of the most common misconceptions we see among business owners is the idea that spending more helps reduce their tax bill.

But here’s the thing - spending $1 to save ~33c in tax still costs you 67c.

Tax savings are great if you need to spend the money anyway, but spending for the sake of a deduction? That’s rarely a smart move. In this blog we break down why that’s the case.

If your business hasn't performed as well this year, there's a silver lining: you might not need to pay as much in your third provisional tax instalment due on 7 May. However, to adjust your payment safely and avoid any potential interest or penalties from Inland Revenue (IRD), it's crucial to review your financials and calculate the correct amount of tax to pay (if any) promptly.

For small businesses in New Zealand engaging in international trade, understanding how Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to imports and zero-rated sales is crucial. Whether you’re buying goods from overseas suppliers or selling to customers outside New Zealand, navigating GST correctly ensures compliance and optimizes cash flow.

If you're a small business owner trading through a company, you probably have a shareholder current account – even if you don’t realise it! This is simply the record of money flowing between you and the company. Ideally, this account should stay in the black (positive balance), but sometimes it goes the other way – and that's where problems can start.

Navigating the intricacies of entertainment expenses for tax purposes can be challenging. In New Zealand, the deductibility of such expenses is governed by specific rules that determine whether an expense is 50% or 100% deductible. Understanding these rules is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance and optimise their tax positions.