TalkTax

As year-end is approaching quickly, it is important to remember that the maximum imputation ratio for dividends is 28:72 for the 2012 income year (previously 30-70 up to end of the 2011 income year). The Resident Withholding Tax (RWT) rate on dividends remains at 33 cents in the dollar meaning dividends are still taxed at 33% in the hands of the recipient (i.e. shareholder). RWT must be paid by the company for the imputed dividend shortfall. Read more

An Inland Revenue report on the abolition of gift duty is set to cost professionals such as accountants and lawyers around $70 million in lost compliance fees. It is estimated that the government will save around $430,000 in administration fees but forego the $1 million a year in duty they were receiving from the scheme. Read more

The Supreme court has today released its long-awaited decision about a landmark tax case – Penny & Hooper. The case was decided in favour of Inland Revenue and this decision has widespread implications for the many small businesses using trust structures.

The case is a classic example of taxpayers complying with the ‘black-letter’ of the law, yet not acting within the ‘scheme and purpose’ of the Income Tax Act.

This case involved the restructuring of the business of two surgeons (Penny & Hooper) from sole practitioners earning an income of approximately $500,000 per year, into a company owned by a family trust for the benefit of the surgeons and their respective families. The surgeons became employees of their companies, on salaries of approximately $120,000 per year, while the remainder of the profit from their services was retained by the companies and allocated to the trusts.

Legitimate tax planning or avoidance – what is your view?

… and so the battle continues as to whether or not New Zealand should introduce a capital gains tax. Today labour released its tax policy – a capital gains tax was at its centrepiece. The proper income tax treatment of capital gains has raised much debate and controversy amongst New Zealanders for many years.

Any good tax system or tax policy requires equity (equality), certainty, convenience and efficiency. Given a capital gains tax has the convergence of these key tax policy criteria, I believe the case for the introduction of such a tax is justified. What is your view?