Dennis Curin & Associates

25/05/2026

What is a tax residency?

Your tax residency determines whether you pay tax in New Zealand on all your income worldwide or just your New Zealand-sourced income.

In most cases, if you spend 183 days or more in New Zealand in a 12-month period, you’re considered a tax resident. Other factors, like having a permanent home here, can also apply.

📎 More info from IRD: https://www.ird.govt.nz/international-tax/individuals/tax-residency-status-for-individuals

11/05/2026

What is a Low-Value Asset Deduction?

In New Zealand, if you buy an asset that costs $1,000 or less, you can usually deduct the full cost in the year you purchase it instead of depreciating it over several years.

This makes it easier for small businesses to claim the cost of tools, equipment, or office items without complex depreciation calculations.

📎 More info from IRD: https://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax/income-tax-for-businesses-and-organisations/types-of-business-expenses/depreciation/claiming-depreciation

21/04/2026

What is an employer KiwiSaver contribution?

From 1 April 2026, employers in New Zealand must contribute at least 3.5% of an employee’s gross salary to their KiwiSaver account, unless the employee has opted out.

This is part of ongoing KiwiSaver changes, so it’s important for both employers and employees to stay up to date.

📖 Read our latest blog on the changes from 1 April 2026:

📎 More info from Inland Revenue: https://www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver/employers/kiwisaver-employer-contributions

10/04/2026

Several important changes affecting businesses in New Zealand took effect on 1 April 2026, including updates to minimum wage, KiwiSaver contribution rates, ACC levies, and new Customs import levy charges.

Read our latest blog with all the details -

Several important changes affecting businesses in New Zealand took effect on 1 April 2026, including updates to minimum wage, KiwiSaver contribution rates, ACC levies, and new Customs import levy charges.

08/04/2026

Can I claim the cost of a laptop for business?

Yes! If your laptop is used for business purposes, you can claim it as a tax deduction:

- Under $1,000: You can usually claim the full cost in the year you buy it.
- Over $1,000: You need to depreciate it, spreading the deduction over its useful life.
- Mixed use: If you also use it personally, only the business-use portion can be claimed.

Keep receipts and records to support your claim.

📎 More information:
IRD – Claiming depreciation: https://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax/income-tax-for-businesses-and-organisations/types-of-business-expenses/depreciation/claiming-depreciation

22/03/2026

Do Self-Employed People Pay PAYE?

No, self-employed individuals do not pay PAYE. Instead, they manage their own income tax and ACC levies by making provisional or terminal tax payments. This means staying on top of tax deadlines and accurately estimating earnings to avoid underpayment penalties.

➡️ Read more about self-employment tax: https://www.ird.govt.nz/roles/self-employed

15/03/2026

Start preparing for the 31 March financial year end in NZ.

Read our new blog which includes a simple checklist to help business owners prepare records, expenses and accounts: https://www.denniscurin.co.nz/post/end-of-financial-year-checklist-for-nz-businesses-2026

10/03/2026

What is withholding tax?

Withholding tax is a system for collecting income tax at the source. It is deducted directly from payments like interest, dividends, or contractor income before the recipient is paid. This ensures tax obligations are met throughout the year rather than at the end. The payer deducts the tax and submits it to Inland Revenue on behalf of the recipient.

We have a whole blog on withholding tax, read it here: https://www.denniscurin.co.nz/post/what-is-withholding-tax

08/03/2026

Did you read our February newsletter?

Each month we send out a newsletter with helpful updates and insights to keep you informed about changes that may affect you or your business.

If you missed it in your inbox, you can always find our newsletters on our website to refer back to anytime.

Our latest one was a good one, take a few minutes to have a read here:

As we move further into the year and the end of the financial year approaches, we wanted to share a few important updates and opportunities with you.

17/02/2026

One of the most common questions New Zealand business owners ask is: “What expenses can I actually claim?”

To make things easier, we’ve created a simple Business Expense Claim Guide showing common expenses you can claim.

Check it out over on our blog:
https://www.denniscurin.co.nz/post/what-business-expenses-can-i-claim-as-a-tax-deduction-in-nz