Property Accountants

•Exorbitant development contributions proposed•Disconnect between Council and developers in Auckland•Red zones emerging for sewer and fresh water making sites non-developable•Abuse of monopolies by local government and utility providers•Concern this will spread across New Zealand to other councilsI have noticed many of our property developer clients complaining of what they called "abusive costs" proposed by Auckland Council, Watercare/Veolia and Vector, ... Continue reading 

If you've ever wondered whether gold and precious metals belong in your investment portfolio, you're not alone. Many Kiwi investors are curious about these "alternative" assets but aren't sure where to start. In this article I look at the sorts of things you need to think about. Why Consider Precious Metals?Precious metals such as gold and silver can be like ... Continue reading 

Almost a year to the day since the Government announced rules to eliminate tax deductions on interest for property investors, the legislation has all but reached its final destination. In the last two weeks the Select Committee report on the first draft of the legislation has been released and amendments have been made to the first draft reflecting these ... Continue reading 

The IRD have recently announced ways in which they can provide some relief for those hit by the recent adverse weather events. Although these measures are not new, it is useful to know about them and to be aware the IRD will actively consider application to those affected.Removing Penalties and InterestThe IRD charges penalties on late filing and late ... Continue reading 

As you are probably already aware, trusts now have more reporting requirements with the IRD. However, in some circumstances, trusts, especially family trusts, may have been made non-active with the IRD, which means there is no income to report (and no tax to pay). Although a trust may not generate any income, and therefore may not be required to file ... Continue reading 

In today’s business environment, real-time financial visibility is no longer a luxury - it’s essential. Yet many business owners still treat accounting as something to look at once a year, often relying on outdated spreadsheets or systems that weren’t designed for the demands of a modern organisation.If you want to grow sustainably, maintain control, and avoid unnecessary stress, adopting ... Continue reading 

A Guide to the Revenue Account Method (RAM)If you're a new migrant to New Zealand, a Kiwi returning home after a long time away, or someone who pays tax in two countries, you've likely encountered New Zealand's complex Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules. These rules are designed to tax New Zealand residents on their offshore equity / share investments ... Continue reading 

New legal and regulatory requirements are slowing things down and costing people time and money, especially if they leave things to the last minute before involving their professional advisers. The following story illustrates.   Recently, a client faced the problem of failing to obtain bank funding from a registered bank. They did not contact us in advance of their settlement, ... Continue reading 

The next few months could see a shock to some Kiwi households’ budgets, as around 60% of existing mortgages are having their fixed rates expire within 12 months. Interest rate increasesThis time last year, a large number of borrowers were fixing on the 12-month rate because this had proven to be the way to go over a cycle where interest ... Continue reading 

No matter what business you are in (property investment, self-employed, salaried, or retired), health insurance should be part of your risk mitigation strategy. Consider this question: How much would you pay to live for an extra year? If you are diagnosed with serious illness, the right health insurance that gives you access to the best treatments can make a ... Continue reading