Quick Reference Guide

Accidents and injuries in New Zealand are covered by a publicly funded insurance scheme administered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

Year-end tax planning is an important part of managing your tax expense. Year-end tax planning should be undertaken prior to year end. For 31 March balance date businesses, this review should be conducted in February.

Unless these matters are handled by a bookkeeper or dealt with efficiently, a considerable amount of your otherwise productive business time will be expended in complying with your basic tax obligations.

Failure to meet tax obligations may result in civil penalties, criminal penalties (discussed below) or both. Further, the penalties are not deductible for taxation purposes!

The business laws addressed in this chapter have a huge bearing on how you can and can’t do business in New Zealand. In the documentation that you keep for running your business, it is well worth noting relevant legal matters and how you plan to ensure compliance.

This section summarises key points to help you fulfil your obligations as a good employer, reduce day-to-day problems and comply with the law.