Newsletter Archives
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October 2020

• ACC Amendments - Keeping Employers in the Loop
• Companies Office - Fees and Levies Changes
• FBT on Vehicles during Lockdown
• Westpac and IRD payments - Barcodes
• What is Revenue?  The Core Definition
• Additional Compliance Statements for New Tenancy Agreements
• Employee or Contractor?? - Getting it Right
• Annual Leave and Holiday Pay
• 16 & 17 October 2020 - Poverty Bay A&P Show - Pet Competition
• Light Humour - Ain't that the Truth

 

August 2020

• Paid Parental Leave Increases
• In Work Tax Credit Change - Removal of "hours" test
• ACC Levies remain unchanged
• Support for Apprentices and Other Learners
• The Internet Age and The Privacy Act 2020
• Employment Rights in COVID 19
• Rental Property Alerts
• How much Tourism do we want?
• Livestock Valuations - Declines in the Herd Scheme Values
• Changing of the Guard
• Light Humour - Self Assessment

 

June 2020

• NZ Business Number - Global Identifier
• Transparent Remuneration Package
• Something for everyone - Tax Changes to Provide Cashflow Advantages
• Coronavirus and X Chromosome
• Wage Subsidy Extension
• Our New Staff Member - Jeani Coetzee
• Livestock Valuation
• Light Humour - Rubber Gloves

• Employee Use of Telecommunications and Usage Plans
• COVID 19 Information for Landlords
• Graham & Dobson in Lockdown Level 3
• Government COVID 19 Assistance for Businesses
• Weekly Wage Subsidy vs Lump Sum Payment?
• Wage Subsidy for Sole Traders/Contractors
• Work, Sleep, Eat, Repeat!!!  (Working from home during COVID 19)
• Up-to-date Email Addresses in myIR
• The making of ANZAC Day
• Minimum Hourly Wage Rates from 1 April 2020
• Light Humour - Taxi, Taxi...

February 2020

• Summer Holidays - Annual Leave in Advance
• Road Tax Misery 
• RWT Changes - Providing your IRD Number and Exemption Certificates
• Choosing the Right Secondary Tax Code
• Are You Responsible?
• Australian Bushfires
• Landlord and Tenant Updates
• Agricultural Emissions
• Compliance for "Internet Enabled" Connected Gadgets
• Light Humour - Driven and Outsmarting an Old Geezer

December 2019

• Generation Z - The Workforce of the Future
• Ever Dreamt Of Being Your Own Boss? - Wacky ideas to Inspire you
• Playground in Parliament
• Preparing for the Christmas Season - Employer's Guide to Cancelling a Shift 
• Cloud Based Accounting and Payroll Data - What Are Your Responsibilities
• Governance for Small Businesses
• Three's a Cruise Ship Crowd
• Light Humour - What Goes Around!

November 2019

• IRD to stop taking cheques – March 2020
• 5 Steps to Protecting your Identity
• Income Tax Scams
• Unusual Tax Rulings in the US
• Residential Bright Line Test
• Kiwi Access Identity Cards
• The New Trusts Act – 30 January 2021
• The Minimum KiwiSaver Contribution Rate – will this be enough?
• Captain Cook's Cartography Achievements
• Light Humour – Perfect Eyesight

August 2019

• Increase of Paid Parental Leave from 1 July
• Immigration's levy on foreign visitors
• Buying or selling a property? – requirement to have an IRD number 
• To reuse or not to reuse…?  The coffee cup dilemma
• Annual A&P Show Pet Competition
• Ring Fencing your Residential Rental Property Losses
• Emergency Locator Beacon (Rural farmers aid to survival)
• Tax Evasion – the "black economy". 
• Don't be scammed – Fake IRD Tax Refund Emails
• Recycling - Good place for a "Cigarette Butt". 
• Light Humour – The Geography of a Woman and a Man

June 2019

• IRD's consulting on tax obligations for various forms of residential rental re Air Bnb, Bookabach, boarders or home-stay students etc
• Tax Informant – is this the job for you?
• Scammers Alive!!! Why you shouldn't reveal passwords or important information
• Selling or buying tax? Flexibility regarding tax obligations.
• American Fast-food chains - Paying employees as fast as their food 
• Crush Protection on Quad Bikes - WorkSafe's recommendations.
• Are you paying the correct KiwiSaver Prescribed Investor Rate?
• Claiming Vehicle Costs
• National Average Market Values for the years 2016-2019
• Light Humour - Backyard Stuff!

May 2019

• Minimum Wage Increase
• One Billion Trees - Government's Grant for the establishing, maintaining and regeneration of trees for at least a 10 year period
• KiwiSaver Changes - New Contribution Rates of 6% and 10%
• Heating & Ventilation - Landlord Responsibilities for their Rental Properties
• Landlords - Proposed changes to deducting losses made from residential rental properties.
• New Mileage Reimbursement Rates  
• Employee vs Contractor - The real nature of the relationship
• Working for Accommodation - Tax and other related implications
• GST on Low Value Imported Goods $1,000 or less
• Winding up a Company - The Process
• Wage & Salary Earners - Welcome to the New Age!
• Light Humour - All Too True!

• The Tax Working Group's Recommendations
  • Capital Gains Tax
  • Retirement Savings
  • International Tax
  • Raising the Low Income Tax Threshold
  • Simplifying Small Business Tax Compliance
• Ir-File Discontinuing.  Are you ready for Payday Filing
• 2018 Law Changes - Letting fees ban; Payday filing; New hazardous substances regulations
• Employment Law Changes
• Employee Information Reminder
• Are Bad Debts Tax-Deductible?
• Light Humour - The Italian Book Keeper

December 2018

• Is it appropriate for IRD to contact  clients directly?
• Deductible Legal Expenses when buying or selling a rental property
• CashManager Rural Retirement - Rural Online Migration
• Tax Invoice Documentation - the arrival of electronic invoices
• The Three Certain things in Life - Death, Taxes and Employment Agreements!
• Employers and Domestic Violence Leave - Preparing for the law change in April 2019
• The Coalition's stance on Capital Gains Tax
• Town & Around - Joanna Bradnock
• Light Humour - Champagne Christmas

October 2018

• Offshore persons applying for IRD Numbers - Satisfying the IRD Commissioner
• Kiwibuild Homes - What, Where and Eligibility 
• Road User Charge increases from 1 October 2018
• Are you ready for Payday Reporting - Employer Obligations for PAYE "Payday" filing
• The Definition of a "Payday"
• Insulating Rentals before the compulsory date of 1 July 2019
• The End of Tripod Farm Petrol Tanks 
• Anti Money Laundering - Graham & Dobson Compliance Requirements
• Staff Member in the Spotlight - Rachel Cook
• Light Humour - Any Last Requests

August 2018

• IRD Requests to pay Tax now being sent directly to clients
• GST Refunds withheld - what are you rights?
• Australian Biosecurity - "Don't be sorry, just declare it!
• A Dream Project- BCITO Apprentice project encouraging more young Kiwis to sign up for a building apprenticeship
• Anti Money Laundering Compliance - A significant problem in New Zealand and worldwide.
• POLi Internet Banking - G&D now offer POLi Internet Banking to pay invoices
• Work Related Meetings - Employees must be paid!
• Illegal Interview Questions - What you need to know
• Investment Properties for Land-type Businesses 
• Vehicle Registrations - Top Five Selling Vehicles
• Does your Employment Agreement contain the mandatory terms required?
• Parliament and Cameras
• Poverty Bay A&P Show - Pet Competition - G&D Diamond Sponsor
• Light Humour - Not Food as we knew it!

June 2018

• Best Start Tax Credit – A new weekly payment for babies born on or after 1 July 2018
• Changes to Paid Parental Leave from 18 weeks to maximum of 22 weeks 
  
• Cryptocurrency and Tax. What do you need to know?
  
• Swift Acceptance of a Heated Resignation – An unjustified Dismissal?
• Key Messages for Employers – Holiday and Leave Entitlements.
• Interest-Free Advances to assist with Home Insulation
• Companies Office Website Access Security
• Wellbeing in the Workplace – Promoting good health and wellness within the workplace.
• Livestock Valuation – National Average Market (Herd) Values 2015-2018
• Light Humour – Seeing Eye to Eye!
  

April 2018

• Auckland's new petrol tax to raise funds for 10 year transport programme
• Congratulations to G&D client announced as winner of Gisborne/Wairoa Hill Country Farmer of the year
• 2018 increase to paid parental leave scheme
• Trouble in toyland as older brands struggle to keep up with digital technology
• IRD audits – what you need to know
• Employment: Trial Periods vs. Probationary Periods
• Public holidays and 'otherwise working day' considerations
• Compulsory insurance for builders?
• Light humour... The Bagpiper

February 2018

• Minimum wage increase from 1 April 2018
• NZ trailblazing uncharted territory for pay parity 
• Livestock rustling creating serious risk to farmers and their businesses... amendment bill to deter this is before Parliament
• Tip jar squabbles in USA - who 'owns' the tips? Proposed rule changes pending...
• Food sellers - are you registered for the new Food Act which comes into effect 1 April 2018?
• Callaghan Innovation - are you aware of this crown entity offering research and development grants?
• Enduring Powers of Attorney - some things you need to know
• Employment Law - proposed changes regarding breaks, trial periods, collective agreements and unions
• Car Insurance and warranty products - it is important to know what you are paying for
• Light humour... Married 50 years!

December 2017

October 2017

• IRD attempting to make tax simpler - draft bill in parliament proposes collecting more information on various earnings much more frequently
• Are you earning income from YouTube or other online platforms?
• The right to disconnect and not check emails during rest periods
• Do you hire 'casual' employees? A note of caution regarding holiday and leave entitlements
• The "Internet of Things" - The evolution of internet connectivity and networking across various devices
• Annual leave entitlement and 'continuous' employment - the effect of unpaid leave
• The commercial use of drones
• Does your business use petrol for purposes other than driving on public roads? You may be entitled to and excise duty refund.
• Light humour... the long and the short of it

August 2017

• A warning on companies offering "Lay-by" or "buy now pay later" services
• Minimum wage update and annualised minimum wage calculations
• Paying employees under 16 years of age
• Cash Manager Rural - cloud based development
• The Australian budget - tax measures that may affect NZ businesses
• NZX recommendation to disclose listed companies' executive pay packets
• GST filing online - how to amend errors and allowing others to manage your MyIR
• Significant changes coming to payroll reporting and administration of PAYE
• Livestock valuations - NAMV 2014-2017
• Let us know if you will receive money from overseas
• Poverty Bay A&P Show - G&D is annual sponsor of Best Pet (Lamb, Goat or Calf) competition
• Light humour: Hard of Hearing...

 June 2017 

• Worksafe's clarification:  Carrying passengers on quad bikes
• Interesting graphs and statistics - vegetation in our district and global mobility
• Beware of paying family members excessive salaries
• When in Norway… 
• GST refunds must now be paid by direct credit to nominated bank account
• Improvements to how IRD charges interest on provisional tax
• Are you recording your employees' start & stop dates? How to amend them if necessary
• Applying for an IRD number made simpler
• Charities reporting regime – year two
• Taxation of insurance receipts
• New paid parental leave rules - options with other leave
• Inland Revenue information sharing with the Registrar of Companies
• ACC changes - work levy to go down
• Light humour: Well, I never...

April 2017 

• School expenses - are you claiming a donation rebate on your school donation?
• IRD refunds $100million to 166,000 customers... and $700m more unclaimed
• Changes to schedular payments allows contractors to chose their own tax rate
• The basic requirements of an employment agreement
• Market value of employee accommodation
• Changes to farm dwelling expenditure deductibility
• Non-structural, seismic restraints failure in last year's earthquake
• Making deductions from wages or salaries - know the rules
• Rural areas to be covered nationally by Fire & Emergency Levies - possible rates reductions for rural property owners
• New way to calculate mileage claims for business - take your odometer reading now!
• Reminder about entertainment expenses and the percentages deductible
• Light humour - Bragging!

February 2017 

• AirBnB - are you renting out a room?
• New minimum hourly rate from 1 April 2017
• Worksafe's ten year strategic plan
• Market rent data for Gisborne properties
• an unusual tax balance date in the UK... quite a story behind this!
• Proposed legislative changes to Trusts
• Major improvements to GST filing with MyIR
• Changes to FBT on the horizon
• Tax planning before 1 April with regards to bad debts, asset purchases, accruals and provisions and charitable donations
• Rations - what can be claimed by farmers?
• Certificates of exemption from Withholding Tax
• Hot topic - funding for the fire service from insurance levies
• emailing wages or HR enquiries - please use payroll@grahamdobson.co.nz

December 2016 

• Do you provide food and accommodation in exchange for work? There are tax implications!
• Full time students with student loans may be able to get an exemption for repayments over summer
• KiwiSaver for temporary employees (employed for 28 days or less)  
• Casual employee versus permanent part time - do you know the difference?
• Paying staff, 'Days in Lieu' and "Mondayisation" this holiday period
• Is your business cyber safe? NZ lags behind comparable economies
• Farmhouse expenses - 25% concession is changing from 2018 tax year
• Staff inductions: under-rated and underutilised
• Light humour - The thoughtful Christmas gift! 

November 2016

• Employment agreements must be current and up-to-date
• Smoke alarms now required in all residential rental properties
• Paying the Police for certain costs that benefit private individuals
• IRD focusing on tax compliance with regards to deducting withholding tax
• New Reserve Bank restrictions on high loan to value ratio lending
• Profit - the nuts and bolts - what can you learn from your financial statements?
• Buying a property and depending on the LIM report provided by vendor? Our tips...
• Entertainment expenses - gifts of food and drink - what can you claim?
• Don't be caught unaware by insolvent debtors
• Are you correctly filing BOTH employer forms each month?
• Light humour - You can't argue with kids! 

August 2016

• Unemployment rate drop points to strong economic growth
• G&D is annual sponsor of the A&P Show Pet Competition
• Dairy prices down
• Construction Contracts Act 2015 - further amendments
• Vehicle Fringe Benefit Tax - are you paying too much?
• Instant fuel discounts
• Need to correct your Employer Monthly Schedule after filing?
• Banking on the law
• Farming land sales subject to the Bright-Line test
• Charities reporting changes - common issues
• Livestock Valuations -National Average Market Values (Herd Scheme) 2014-2016
• Light humour - Poor Ole Bill  

June 2016

• Changes to the child support qualifying age
• KiwiSaver contributions by new employees 
• Would you like to attend a refresher workshop at G&D for Banklink or Xero?
• Use of Money Interest - what is it?
• Reduced vehicle registration costs from 1 July
• Does wearing a tie increase your productivity?
• New reporting requirements for charities - do you know where you fit?
• Private use of business vehicles - are you paying FBT?
• Changes to paid parental leave for primary carers
• Reduction in mileage rates for expense claims
• GST to be charged on remote services from October 2016
• Light humour - Irish Medical Terminology  

April 2016 

Changes to IRD's administrative systems with regards to GST and PAYE

IRD's focus areas for audits

How is your record keeping system? Recent prosecutions indicate it would be a great time to check on yours!

Rental property chattels and depreciation

New employment laws came in 1 April 2016 - what do you need to know?

NZ Superannuation - read the fine print if you want to get it!

What happens to your estate if you don't have a will?

Light Humour - They walk amongst us!

February 2016 

A round up of law changes in 2016:
     - ACC levy changes
     - Health and safety at work
     - Zero hour contracts
     - Enforcement of employment standards

Do you hire overseas workers?  Make sure you're aware of the changes to work visas

Health and Safety when working from home or on holiday

Tenancy agreements for farm employees provided with accommodation

Thinking of purchasing a business? Be sure to do your own due diligence

No room for passive company directors - new rules bring potential personal liability

Light Humour - Dress for the job you want!?!

December 2015 

What is your BIC Code and how do you find it?

Are fines tax deductible?

Are you moving or travelling overseas long term? Be sure to sort your student loan obligations!

Managing your payroll with regards to the Christmas and New Year public holidays

Feejoa - a new loyalty scheme to pay off your student loan faster!

Using Toll Roads?  Some options for paying the tolls due

Is your business ready for Health & Safety law changes?

Light Humour - Who says men don't remember!?!

October 2015

Do you receive cash-back rewards on your credit card?

Reduction in mileage rate for 2016 year onwards

Changes to MYOB Banklink data

G&D continues to sponsor the A&P Show pet competition

Employing part time or casual workers over summer? Read this!

What are the costs of your fixed term debt?  Consider benefits of changing the terms as OCR drops

Key changes regarding tax issues for the NZ housing market

Health and Safety - who will do what when new laws come into effect April 2016?

Oz tax system favours big cheeses!

Light Humour - waiting for the paternity results...

August 2015

Bonuses and lump sum payments to employees - are you deducting the correct amount of tax?

Whinray Ecological Trust - did you know you can "sponsor a hectare" to help protect wildlife? We do!

Windows 10 upgrade email scam - don't get caught out!

Reduce spending by identifying "leakage" in your farming business

Rules around forfeiture of wages if an employee fails to give notice

Kiwisaver first home withdrawal changes

Are you updating your information with the Companies Office? Talk to us first!

The practice of "seasonal averaging of wages" is in the spotlight

2015 Livestock Values for NSC and Herd Schemes

New mobile app simplifying GST filing

Light Humour - If you marry an Aussie girl...

June 2015

Kiwisaver: changes for first home withdrawal, and will you get the full government top up this year?

Companies Amendment Act - what do you need to do?

Minimum employment standards - some changes are proposed

ACC vehicle licencing levy reduction - maximise your registration savings now!

Has the "sharing economy" touched your business?

Variation of Employment Agreements - what you need to know

"The Budget" - an outline of changes including income tax on house sale proceeds

IRD use of money interest rates increased on 8 May

Light Humour in the Rugby World Cup year

April 2015

Adult minimum wage increase from 1 April 2015

ANZAC day falls on a weekend this year - what you need to know about the first "Mondayisation"

Customers want help first, selling last.  Are you giving your customers what they want?

Meetings matter - some tips for facilitating a good one

Don't forget employee start and finish dates on your IRD employer returns - they're important!

Good record keeping for business is a legal requirement - what do you need?

Social media and employment - a "private" conversation with 200 friends?

Farm expenses increased according to Statistics NZ's Price Index

Farming Women Tairawhiti - bringing together women with an interest in rural life

Light Humour - understanding cricket

February 2015

Changes to paid parental leave from 1 April 2015

NZ log prices hit a nine month high

Kiwi shoppers played 'chicken' for online bargains last Christmas

Could drones reveal tax evasion in New Zealand?

The "Tea Break" Bill - changes regarding rest and meal breaks and flexible working arrangements

Is it time to review your business finance function?

Facebook for business - are you in the social media loop?

Light Humour - excuses for missing the tax return deadline...

December 2014

Details regarding property revaluations completed in 2014

Are you or your staff entitled to a paid statutory holiday?

Living on high street - some astounding house prices in the UK

GDC rates remissions - some things you should know

Directors' responsibilities - is your Interests Register up to date?

Winding up a company - what needs to be done?

Employers' "Good Faith" obligations to employees

Thinking of hiring new staff?  A calculator to estimate the true cost including ACC, Kiwisaver and FBT

Are you entitled to a refund on excise duty or road user charges?  We can help...

January sales - check out Lasoo and Salefinder to find some great deals

Light Humour - Christmas at Grandmas / A sign of the times

 October 2014

Important reminders and changes regarding payments made to IRD

Kiwi websites have option to ditch .co and .org

#gigatowngis - are you part of Gisborne's bid to win Ultra Fast Broadband?

New requirements for NZ registered companies

Crowd funding - what is it?

"Mum & Dad investments" under National government - we look at Kiwisaver and energy companies

Changes to the 2015-2016 ACC levies

Renting your house out for Rhythm and Vines? Read this!

Can you claim GST on second hand goods used in your business?

Student loan repayment obligations for wage earners - don't get a bill from IRD!

Light Humour - Unforseen Outcomes

 August 2014

Nowhere to run to hide from tax obligations - NZ enters into new agreements with tax haven countries

Are you a Trustee? A basic reminder about the duties of Trustees

Are you a self employed junk mail delivery person? What about a pizza delivery driver?

Recycling toner cartridges into... scooter docs?

KiwiSaver guidelines for business owners

Government changes to Paid Parental Leave

"Consumable Aids" - do you have any of these on hand at balance date?

QR codes... what are they and what do they do?

Fencing costs on lifestyle blocks - a deductible expense?

Always losing receipts? Perhaps a smartphone scanning app is for you...

Light Humour - Scam Warning

June 2014

Guide for agricultural vehicles used on the road and public places

Billions raised through UK tax cut - NZ's rates will no doubt debated again this election year

Deadline changes for IRD payments - if you pay by cheque you need to read this!

Ambitious World War One online database set up

No GST on food... would that change have the desired outcome?

KiwiSaver - default providers for next seven years

Drought lowers stock numbers

Managing working capital in business

Residential rental investments - some things to be aware of

Employers' ACC Earners Levy - be sure to use current tax tables for correct rates

Livestock values (NSC/Herd) for 2014 income year released

Get a head start on health and safety with a new guide for small to medium businesses

Light Humour - The Young Accountant

April 2014

Companies already have their own business number - other entities to follow under new Government proposal

Tax rate change for casual agricultural employees (CAE tax code) from 1 April 2014

Pending workplace health and safety reform will be the biggest in 20 years

Minimum wage increased on 1 April 2014

A guide to vehicle expense claims: log books and fringe benefit tax

Easter and ANZAC public holidays - employer obligations

ACC first week compensation - who has the liability to pay?

ACC levy rate changes for 2014/2015 year

Light Humour - Turn yerself arount lad!

February 2014

Casual employee or part time employee?

Minimum wages for farm employees

Student Loan repayments due for overseas-based borrowers

Hola!  NZ's latest meat export market... Peru!

The rules for "Bad Debt" claims - important info as the financial year draws to a close

Volume does not equal profit - monitor your profitability

Fringe benefit tax

New financial reporting standards proposed for Incorporated Societies

Information deficit on performance of Kiwisaver Funds

Marineland to become a skate park

Memorable quote from Jean Baptiste Colbert

Light Humour - Counting Calories

December 2013 

IRD has unclaimed money owing to 71,000 people... are you one of them?

Investor wins Blue Chip appeal

Trust taxed on regular pattern of buying and selling family homes

Travel expenses for companions on business trips - that is my researcher!

Tax reforms encourage conservation plantings

New legislation makes comparing Kiwisaver providers easier

Household Economic Survey 2013 - household expenditure guide used by lenders

Use of company car may reduce tax credits and other allowances

Is ignorance bliss?  Misconceptions about liability of company directors

Changes to system requirements for Banklink products

NZs Top 10 used cars 2013

Certificates of expemption needed when paying contractors

Non-taxable allowances - you can't just 'guess'!

Light Humour - The Christmas Cake Recipe

October 2013

Global Competitiveness Index - NZ more competitive than Australia!

Obtaining IRD numbers for new babies

Providing complete details on GST forms - situations with nil GST effect

Taxing cashed up annual holidays correctly

Child restraint laws are changing from 1 November 2013

Checks on quad bikes - be sure to operate them safely

A reminder about interest deductions - what were the borrowed funds used for?

India beats to a different drum - a new way to tackle tax evasion

A man's salary is from Mars, a woman's salary is from...?

Transferring a pension to NZ? Urgent news here!

Advance Australia Fair - some pifalls of living in the 'lucky' country

Payment for non-attendance at work for reasons outside employees control

Eastland Rescue Helicopter Trust - support for new hangar project

Light Humour - The Benefits of Milking It

August 2013

The new e-GST system

Government initiative to encourange employers to employ youth

Parental leave payments increase

Excise duty increases

"Mondayisation" of ANZAC and Waitangi days from 2014

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism ACT

The end of dial-up internet...

Government working to introduce GST on overseas purchases

Significant changes proposed for student loan scheme

Keeping the Wolf from the door - tough tax times in early years of business

Light Humour - Everything I needed to know, I learnt from Noah's Ark!

June 2013

Useful tax snippets re: FBT on carparks, capital gains tax, capital income tax and personal tax rates

Excerpts from the budget regarding property investments and ACC levies, with comments from G&D

Tax minimisation for multi-national corporations - how do they do it?

McDonald's remove lamb from "Lambton"

2012-2013 Livestock values

Xero Business Management software - could it be beneficial for your business?

"Pro Bono Publico" work done by Graham & Dobson to support community organisations

Light Humour - Five rules for men to follow for a happy life!

April 2013

New classes for ACC levies for heavy trucks and light goods and services vehicles

Use your vehicle off road? You may be able to claim refund on petrol excise levy or RUCs

ACC levy discounts may be available for those with robust health and safety systems

Minimum wage increase details

Potential changes ahead for non-residents for tax purposes, and for trustees based overseas

How is your KiwiSaver performing?

Working two jobs and have a student loan? You may be able to apply for special deduction rate

Take caution with "Tax Refund" companies. Could you do it yourself instead?

The hidden snags of cyber shopping...

From the Irish Medical Dictionary...

Light Humour - Another tale of the wrong email address!

February 2013

Tax changes for employers with regards to KiwiSaver, child employees, tax codes and student loan changes

Getting your new year finances in order, a "must read" for those with a 31 March balance date

Self employed contractor or Employee?

KiwiSaver... the gift that keeps on giving? Or should you put the money on the mortgage?

Heightened exposures for company directors with regards to health and safety risks

Tax statistics

Light Humour - A Blonde Guy joke...

December 2012 

End of year Best Wishes from Graham & Dobson

Tax changes in regards to assets costing $50,000+ with private use component

Tax changes on lease inducement payments

War Memorial Theatre - Platinum Donation for a worthy project

Important reminders regarding holiday season employment and cashing up annual holidays

First KiwiSaver seniors have been in scheme for five years - what now?

The making of a great entrepreneur

QANTAS loses battle over GST on missed flights - implications for NZ?

Social media and employment relationships

Christmas thoughts...

October 2012

GST - don't get caught out with Zero Rating provisions

Travel Expenditure - what the IRD needs to know

Revenue milestone for Ravensdown

Mileage rates for business - what can you claim?

Cash for casual workers... is it really worth the risk?

GDC Rates remission categories - do you qualify?

GST input claim when transferring private assets into your new business

Without bees, no one would roll in clover!  Major threats to our apiculture

Livestock valuation law change welcomed

What is intellectual property?

An advertisement kiwi-style for a great job!

August 2012

Australia - the land of tax trips and traps

Inflation at lowest annual rate since 1999...

New Farm Price Index launched

Small block farms or "Lifestyle Blocks"... longstanding issues with the IRD

Work breaks as determined by the Employment Relations Act 2000

Taking the plunge... using social media for business

Sky Television - can you claim a deduction?

Bid to emulate US Success with Shale Oil

Employee trial periods - are they worth having?

Paraprosdokians... Winston Churchill loved them!

June 2012

Graham & Dobson expands

Hiring contractors and the ACC Levy - are you filling in your Employer Monthly Schedule correctly?

Employees who need and IRD number - urgent applications available

"Coffee & Muffin" expenses - are they deductible?

IRD Interest and Penalties

National Average Market Values for Sheep and Beef for the 2012/12 Herd Scheme

GST Processes and controls

Who says Aussie is better for tax!?! Some interesting calculations...

ACC and accident insurance - do you have the right kind of cover?

How to avoid a tax shock

Light Humour - Elder Banking

April 2012

Calculating an Employee's ESCT Rate

Casual Agricultural Workers tax rate change

New minimum wage rates

School children employees and deduction of PAYE

The hidden cash economy... how big is it?

Holiday pay and parental leave

Director responsibilities

Review of Trust Law

Obligations when ceasing to operate a business

Disease resistant Kiwifruit gives industry hope

Light Humour - In the Highlands

February 2012

GST treatment of credit card surcharges and donations

Student Loan changes

The future according to Pita Alexander!

The "How Much" question... what are your plans for retirement?

Are you guilty of Re-gifting post Christmas?

Banking relationships 

"Cloud Computing" - what is it?

Light Humour - Financial advice the Kiwi way...

December 2011

Eat, drink and be merry... for tomorrow we pay more tax

Dog, Horse and Saddlery allowances

GST - what is a supply?

Are you protecting your farm and future?

Tax avoidance and unrealistic salaries

The flight of the Kiwi... exodus to Australia

Motivated staff key to farm success

Festive season holiday entitlements

Palm kernel extract in the dairy farming industry

Brazen scams - don't get caught!

Light Humour - Anecdote about Neil Armstrong

October 2011

Employers Superannuation Contribution Tax

Kiwisaver - exemptions from automatic enrolment rules

What is the Inland Revenue taking an interest in this year?

Fringe Benefit or Entertainment?

Changes to Gift Duty

GST on second hand goods

Child Support protected net earnings

Changes to the Student Loan scheme

Graham & Dobson Town & Around... Paul Dobson honoured

Light Humour - Anecdote about Neil Armstrong

August 2011

KiwiSaver turns four with an $8billion Treasure Chest

New rules for financial services providers

When was the last time you reviewed your insurance?

IRD and offshore income

Completing your Employer Monthly PAYE Schedule

ACC Levies

Water marks NZ as the "Real lucky country"

Tough choices ahead over interest rates

Graham & Dobson Town & Around... 2011 Sporting Excellence Awards

Light Humour - "The Taliban Test"

June 2011 

New GST apportionment rules for Business/Private usage of vehicles

Changes to the company tax rate

Cashing up annual holidays

Business basics - relationship building

KiwiSaver is changing - but still a good bet for retirement

Vehicle mileage rate changes for 2011 income year

NZ's export boom - can it be sustained?

Raise a glass to excise tax changes

Credit ratings... having a squeaky clean one is very useful!

Light Humour - "Under Construction"

April 2011

"Family Income" defined for Working for Families Tax Credits, Community Services Cards

GST changes from 1 April 2011

Key changes to employment law from 1 April 2011

Electronic payments to the IRD

New rates for Child Support assessments

Home affordability the best in seven years according to Roost Home Affordability report

Travel expenditure - what is deductible?  What records do you need to keep?

Light Humour - Retirement advice

February 2011

Student Loan Scheme debt collection for serious non-compliance

Claimable entertainment expenditure

"Family Income" defined for Working for Families Tax Credits changes from 1 April 2011

Housekeeping reminder re 'blank' cheques

Employment Best Practice - what you need to know about Employment Agreements

Free VisaView checks - how to check a non-NZ worker is entitled to work in NZ

Formal written agreements for family arrangements

National Standard Costs for livestock released for 2011 year

Light Humour - Camping's Life Lessons

December 2010

Acc CoverPlus Extra premiums now deductible for shareholders-employees

Your rights when IRD withholds your GST refund?

Definintion of "dwelling" clarified

Changes to the Qualifying Company / LAQC regime

Leaky buildings and tax deductions

Properties transferred to Trusts - are they really safe from Creditors?

Gift duty to be abolished in 2011

Electricity competition may force reforms

Costly spring storms

Graham & Dobson town and around... 

Light Humour - "Christmas Turkey"

October 2010

Casual Agriculture Employees (CAE) tax rate changes

GST fractions to use for the new 15% rate

Obligations under  a Service Tenancy

Leases with Associated Persons

Tax treatment for payments to employees - relocation costs, overtime meals, allowances

IRD Survey says tax compliance takes less time!

Kiwi's missing out on interest from savings

Depreciation Bias between residential landlords and commercial landlords

Business Forward Newsletter launched

Light Humour - "Pirated"

BUSINESS FORWARD - ISSUE ONE - OCTOBER 2010

Looking ahead... how we can help

Plan, plan, plan to stay in business

Key points of a business plan

SWOT your business, stun your market

August 2010 

• Upcoming GST rate changes - are you prepared?
• Petrol Rebates for Farmers - make sure you claim back your Excise Duty
• Cheques in full settlement of debt
• Bank accounts
• Want to create your own PDF Documents for free? 
• It's good and it's true... IRD changes re depreciation on employees' vehicles
• A&P Show pet competition sponsored by Graham & Dobson
• Light Humour -  An act of bravery at the Football World Cup

 June 2010  

• Households saving more
• Kiwisaver and business transfers
• Changes to withholding tax rules affecting fruit crops, vegetables and viticulture
• Tips for creating strong Pa$Sw0rd$
• No tax on Kiwisaver first home subsidy
• paying income tax from trading
• Light Humour -  An act of bravery at the Football World Cup

 

April 2010

• Is your business ready for a GST increase?
• GST Increase - commercial issues
• GST Increase - practical business considerations
• International recession bikes farming incomes
• Legal expenditure: Capital vs. Revenue
• Selling property "Off the plan"
• Trusts and Prescribed Investor Rates (PIRs)
• Light Humour -  Fishing NZ style

February 2010

• Mending the broken tax system!
• Tax working group targets depreciation
• How would a land tax work?
• Asset class lessons... shares, bonds, commodities
• Student loan threshold remains the same
• Changes to RWT rates
• Light Humour -  Australian Tourism

December 2009

• Tax tip re working directors and company shares
• Auditor Blues and the Duke of Wellington
Avoiding Bad Calls - mobile phone use while driving
• Mileage rate for business use of motor vehicles - 3 methods
• Payroll giving scheme for charitable donations
• From kilobytes to terabytes... to petabytes!
• Light Humour -  The New Employee Bricks Test

October 2009

August 2009

• Your credit rating - new reporting system with Veda Advantage
•  Tax implications of renting out your holiday home
• NZ Agriculture - supply adjusting to land use changes
• Rental properties - an oversupply puts pressure on the market
• Retirement savings portability - trans Tasman possibilities
• Tax free beer?  Boutique breweries and excise tax
• Light humour - Inner Peace

June 2009

• Giving credit to trade creditors - information about the Personal Properties
  Securities Register (PPSR)
• Student Loans - 10% bonus on voluntary repayments
• Personal tax cuts deferred
• The IRD and realistic salaries... business structures and taxation
• More help with Childcare and OSCAR subsidies
• Kiwisaver in the black!
• Light humour - New-age proverbs completed by school children

May 2009

• Winning in challenging times... be pro-active and positive!
• Mortgage break fees in times of dropping interest rates
• Changes to personal tax rate thresholds in the coming years
• Initiatives for reducing tax compliance costs for small and medium sized enterprises
• 90 day employment trial periods
• Barter deals / swaps / shared labour - the tax implications of these
• Light humour - The world according to... cows!

February 2009

• Tough challenges for Farm Industries
• Changes to the KiwiSaver Scheme from 1 April 2009
• Flexible working arrangements
• Cars - should you buy or lease?
• Voluntary administration for insolvent companies
• Half full or half empty?  A few snippets of good news we found...
• A piece of philosophy - "The mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee"

December 2008

• Family tax credit increases from April 2009
• FBT interest rate rise for low-interest loans
• New secondary tax rate from April 2010
• Regional state of play: the housing market, growth and tourism
• House Insurance: Where does your premium go?
• Banks tighten up lending
• Turn, turn, turn: a new government - time for change!
• Uncertain times:  reminders regarding cash position, stock, debtors and cost management
• Light Humour

October 2008

• "Fraud Proof" your Business
• Compliance Costs
• Warren Buffet's current view on the Financial Markets
• Log prices keep rising
• IRD and LAQC Audits regarding residential rental properties
• Four drawer filing cabinets surplus to requirements for sale at Graham & Dobson
• Light Humour

August 2008

• Improvements for small and medium sized enterprises
• KiwiSaver and Employer Contributions
• Buying and selling property - Q&A on tax implications
• Obtaining new IRD numbers for individuals - new process to prevent identity theft
• Tax rebates on redundancy payments
• Light Humour

June 2008

• Tax issues for investors in failed finance companies
• Alert to taxpayers receiving income from personal services through a company or trust structure
• Jared Ingoe resigns as Principal of Graham & Dobson
• Donations and rebates
• Budget highlights
• Herd scheme values announced 
• Light Humour

April 2008

• Company tax rate reduction
• Withholding payment regulations - are you confused?
• Your business - a goldmine or a coffin?
• Livestock National Standard Cost Values 2008
• Drought help
• Reminder our phone number has changed to 869 1234
• Light Humour

February 2008

• Change of dates for Provisional Tax Instalments
• End of financial year checklist (things to do that may save you tax!)
• Reminder our phone number has changed to 869 1234
• Light Humour

December 2007

• Kiwi Saver Enrolments
• GST & Provisional Tax - a new option
• Carbon Units
• Trusts and the IRD
• Online source of up to date interest rates for both borrowers and investors
• GST and late filing penalties
• Government issuing discussion document on ways to reduce compliance cost for business - YEAH RIGHT!

October 2007

• Tips for landlords and residential properties
• Applications for the 2008 Hill Country Farmers of the Year Award are now being accepted
• Reminder of Graham & Dobson new telephone number
• Fringe Benefit Tax and Cars
• Investors new PIE investment structures. Supply your PIR!
• Renewing securities on the PPSR after 5 years
• E-mail newsletter winner
• Light humour

August 2007

• From the IRD Corner
• Graham & Dobson Website
• Minor Beneficiary Rule Clarification
• Depreciation of your rental
• KiwiSaver Tips
• Charities Commission Newsflash
• Newsletter via e-mail
• Light Humour

June 2007

• Drought Affected Farmers
• Budget Highlights
• Tired, Listless, Lacking Energy?
• Burgernomics
• Selling a Business
• Livestock - 2007 Herd Values
• Newsletters via the web
• Light Humour