All self-employed people, including contractors and sole traders, can claim expenses against their income.
What you can claim for
Business expenses can include:
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vehicle expenses, transport costs and travel for business purposes
rent paid on business premises
depreciation on items like computers and office furniture
interest on borrowing money for the business
some insurance premiums
work-related journals and magazines
membership of professional associations
home office expenses
work-related mobile phones and phone bills
stationery
work uniforms
tax agent’s fees.
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If you own an investment property, expenses you can claim for include:
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repairs and maintenance (but not renovations that substantially improve the value of the property)
professional services fees, like accountants, lawyers or property managers
rates and insurance
mortgage repayment insurance
vehicle and travel expenses when you travel to inspect your property or do repairs
depreciation on capital expenses, like whiteware, appliances or heat pumps
legal fees involved in buying a rental property, as long as the expense is $10,000 or less.
How much can you claim?
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You can't claim the whole cost of all items, even those only for business use. Some things you can only claim half for, eg some entertainment expenses. You can only claim 100% of the cost for an expense that’s entirely for business use.
If you have an expense that’s partly for your business and partly for your private use, you can claim the proportion that relates to your business.
Example:
If you spend half the time driving a vehicle to deliver goods and the other half for your own reasons, you can claim 50% of the travel costs for your business.
For some expenses, like business entertainment, eg client meals and staff functions, you can only claim half.
Working from home
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If you use an area of your home for your business, eg your study or garage, you can claim a portion of the household expenses, eg:
rates
power
house and contents insurance
mortgage interest if you own the home
rent if you are renting the home.
You must keep invoices for these expenses.
How it works
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If your home is 100 square metres and your working space is 10 square metres — 10% of the total area — you can claim 10% of expenses that are not solely for your business, eg your home phone line.
If you aren't using a separate area of your home for business, you'll need to take into account how much time you spend on your business and the area used.
If you're GST registered, the GST content on home office expenses can be claimed as they’re paid — in each GST return period — or at the end of your tax year. Mortgage interest and rent don’t include GST.
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.5% Yes
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33.6% Maybe?
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24.9% No
Tips and advice to stay street smart this summer
Summer is finally here!
Time for BBQs, holidays, Christmas, travelling and events galore.
We've put together a whole range of tips and advice so you can put your feet up and relax this summer, knowing that it's all good in your hood.
Our first piece of advice to make your neighbourhood safer this summer, is to get to know the people who live around you! People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
Shop Safe - Preventing Fraud & Scams
You might find yourself making more purchases than usual at this time of year, and many of those might be online, so here's a set of tips and advice to make sure you stay safe and secure whilst doing your Christmas shopping this year. And remember to think about the security of your online shopping when it gets delivered!
Heading away this summer?
It's a busy time of year on new Zealand roads and everyone wants to get from A to B safely. It's also important that your home stays safe while you're away enjoying your 'home away from home'. We have put together a set of tips and advice to help make that happen!
Keeping your car, home and belongings safe
From recording valuable possessions to securing locks, keeping valuables hidden and informing trusted neighbours that you will be away, there are many things you can do to keep your car, home, and belongings safe. Here's a bunch of handy tips!
Party planning checklist and fire-wise tips
Whether it’s a small backyard gathering, or a big celebration for a special occasion, a little extra planning and consideration will go a long way in keeping you, your guests, and your neighbours happy. We also have some tips to make sure you and your families stay fire-wise during summer.
Get to know your neighbours - look out, reach out, help out
The most important action you can take to make your community safer is get to know the people who live around you. People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
It is also important to know who to contact in an emergency and when to use the non-emergency contact for NZ Police. Learn more about Neighbourhood Support, get tips on getting to know your neighbours and the best way to contact the police below.
Strong communities start with small hellos
In terms of crime prevention, your neighbours are the best and cheapest security system you can have. You don't have to love your neighbour, but at least get their number just in case!
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Have a happy, safe and connected summer!
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