Income tax, GST and donations
- If your records are destroyed
- Provisional tax estimation/re-estimation
- Donations of trading stock
- GST refunds
- Certificates of exemption from RWT
- Income equalisation deposits/withdrawals
- Foreign workers' tax obligations
- Donations to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
If your records are destroyed
If your business records have been destroyed and you can't file your returns please call us on 0800 227 771.
Provisional tax estimation/re-estimation
If you think your taxable income for the year is going to be less you may want to consider your provisional tax payments at the next due date. You could:
- talk to your tax agent
- re-estimate your provisional tax
- arrange an early refund if provisional tax has been overpaid.
Donations of trading stock
If you donate or sell trading stock for less than the market value you need to show the amount you've received as income, if any, in your income tax return if the donations:
- are made to provide relief to people adversely affected by the Canterbury earthquakes, and
- aren't made to associated persons, and
- are made between 4 September 2010 and 31 March 2012 (inclusive of both dates).
You need to show the market value as income in your income tax return if you donate or sell trading stock for less than the market value and the donations:
- aren't made to provide relief to people adversely affected by the Canterbury earthquakes, or
- are made to associated persons, or
- aren't made between 4 September 2010 and 31 March 2012.
GST refunds
If you're expecting a refund and urgently need the money, please call us on 0800 473 566.
If you're expecting GST refunds over the next few months you may want to apply to change your filing frequency to either monthly or two monthly returns. This way you'll get your refunds more regularly.
To change how often you file your GST returns please call us on 0800 377 776.
Certificates of exemption from RWT
You may be able to apply for an exemption from the deduction of resident withholding tax on interest you receive.
Find out more about certificates of exemption from RWT
Income equalisation deposits/withdrawals
Farmers who have money deposited in this scheme may be able to make an early withdrawal.
Find out more about the income equalisation scheme
Foreign workers' tax obligations
If you hire someone to work from you who isn't a New Zealand resident there are a few things you'll need to do. First, you'll need to work out if they're a contractor or an employee.
Find out if you've hired a employee or contractor
Non-resident contractors
Non-resident contractors may be required to pay tax while in New Zealand.
Find out more about the tax requirements for non-resident contractors
Non-resident employees
If you hire a non-resident employee you'll need to deduct PAYE from their salary or wages, unless they have a certificate of exemption.
Find out more about certificates of exemption
It's a good idea for non-resident employees to file end of year tax returns because they may be entitled to a refund.
To discuss any questions you have please contact our non-resident contractors team on 04 890 3056 or by emailing nr.contractors@ird.govt.nz.
Find out more about non-residents and visitors
Donations to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
Companies making donations
Donations to the Red Cross and other approved donee organisations made by companies are tax deductible. The maximum deduction a company can claim is the amount of its net income, calculated before taking into account the deduction.
Find our more about company donations
Date published: 02 Jun 2011
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