Grab a first year tax discount and other tax tips
News and updates from business.govt.nz

You're in your first year of business and it's time to look at your tax. You don't have to pay your income tax until well after the financial year-end on 31 March. But if you do pay before then - and you're self-employed or in a partnership - you could be eligible for a 6.7 per cent discount. (If you use a company or a trust in the conduct of your business you are not eligible for this discount.)

If your business made a profit in its first year, you will need to pay tax on it. But there are ways to reduce the impact on your business.

Early payment discount

You don't have to pay the tax on your first year's profits when you file your tax return at the end of your financial year. Your payment date may be months after you file your tax return.

But you can make voluntary tax payments in that first year to spread the cost. You might also qualify for this early payment discount of 6.7 per cent.

The discount may not sound like much, but it adds up quickly.

-  Danny owes $5,000 income tax. The discount saves him $335.
-  Miriama owes $20,000 income tax. The discount saves her $1,340.

If you have not been making tax payments in your first year, you must pay the tax by 7 February the following year if you have the standard 31 March year-end date. If you have a tax agent, you must pay by 7 April of the following year. 

Here are some other tax-reducing tips:

-  Claim for valid business expenses.
-  Depreciation - claim a deduction on your business assets, eg computers and vehicles, for value lost through wear and tear.
-  Pay on time to avoid penalties - online banking is quickest and easiest.
-  Hire a tax agent - their knowledge can save you time and money.
-  Don't over-pay - Inland Revenue will refund you but the interest they pay is at a lower rate than you'll get in a high-interest savings account.

To find out if you qualify for the early payment discount, or would like to know if you are claiming as many expenses against your income as possible, contact our office today for an appointment to discuss your personal circumstances.