As from 1 July 2018 lawyers will be asking clients for more personal information to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (“AML”). The AML requires law firms to conduct client due diligence on all clients who want the firm to carry out some activities on their behalf. The law applies…
A quick update on the extension of the Bright-Line Test and the status of the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill. Extension of the Bright-Line Test The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2017-18, Employment and Investment Income, and Remedial Matters) Act (“the Act”) received Royal Assent last Thursday, being 29 March 2018. The Act amends a number of…
An Auckland construction company has been fined $6,000 by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) for poor record keeping of employment records. The ERA found that the company did not keep compliant wage, time, holiday, or leave records or provide employees with employment agreements. As from 1 April 2011, all employers must have a written employment…
A will is an important legal document that contains your wishes on how you want your property to be dealt with after you die. You should review your will as your life changes and if any of the following apply to you. You have married or entered into a civil union since your last Will…
The IRD has released a helpful booklet in relation to Fringe Benefit Tax (“FBT”) and its application to motor vehicles. FBT arises when an employer makes a motor vehicle available to an employee for private use in connection with their employment. The booklet provides a clear explanation of what constitutes private use (e.g. travel between…
The Ministry of Employment, Business and Innovation has launched a new free online tool to assist employers develop workplace policies. You can access the Workplace Policy Builder by click on the link below: https://wpb.business.govt.nz/workplacepolicybuilder/startscreen/ What are Workplace Policies? Workplace polices set out the rules for employees in your workplace. Workplace policies may be hidden away…
Have you considered your digital legacy when you die? Your local lawyer, Kirsten Murfitt, was asked to provide comment on this emerging issue along with the immediate past President of the New Zealand Law Society and a colleague. Read the full New Zealand Herald article here
For those that are interested, here is the link to the article and video about our move to Tauranga 19 months ago. We have never looked back. With Skype and technology I am able to provide legal services to clients around New Zealand for a fraction of the price that a firm in Auckland may…
An article about your local lawyer in the Bay of Plenty Times this morning. A great story by Juliet Rowan showing different perspectives of those that have moved from Auckland to the beautiful Bay of Plenty.
Kiwis living aboard may face residential land withholding tax (“RLWT”) of up to 28% if they sell residential property in New Zealand within two years of acquisition. RLWT may impact on the profitability of the sale of residential property by those deemed to be an offshore person. Who is an Offshore Person? The definition of…