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Inland Revenue is "five years late" to tackle the mammoth issue of the country's estimated billion-dollar "hidden economy", a tax expert says. A Victoria University and IRD study released in April estimated that New Zealand is missing out on about $800m in its annual tax … View moreInland Revenue is "five years late" to tackle the mammoth issue of the country's estimated billion-dollar "hidden economy", a tax expert says. A Victoria University and IRD study released in April estimated that New Zealand is missing out on about $800m in its annual tax take. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand believe this is likely to be in excess of $1b each year. The tax department yesterday announced it had carried out a series of unannounced raids on hospitality businesses in the Queenstown and Central Otago region - new measures in a bid to curb unreported cash sales and staff being paid cash under the table. Using court-issued search warrants, IRD raided three hospitality businesses and made unannounced visits to six others. It seized wage records, computers and other business records, along with information on employer-provided accommodation, working for Families Tax credits and payroll matters. It found that businesses were paying staff in cash without PAYE being deducted, and documents revealed some were making cash deposits into private bank accounts without being returned for GST or income tax. IRD says it would continue to use the strategy to catch operators failing to comply with tax law, but Terry Baucher, founder of Baucher Consulting, says IRD has in recent years took its "eye off the ball" as it became "too focused" on its business transformation programme rather than growing hidden economy. "The business transformation programme should have happened five years ago, at the very latest," Baucher told the Herald. "We don't know the size of the hidden economy and that's the point coming out ... my view is that this sector is bigger than people realise, much bigger. "Inland Revenue is now returning its focus on to this matter. With its new upgraded systems I think it has got better data matching abilities - they are now enhanced, so it can now go about this with a renewed figure." Baucher said New Zealand's GST system enabled it to pick up on under-the-table activity. "Because our GST is so comprehensive, I believe that policymakers, that means Inland Revenue, have been a little complacent about the extent of the cash economy." IRD estimates that approximately $256m worth of income was not reported in 2018 and 2019 - about $108.8m identified in 2019, and $148m in the 2018 year. According to it annual report, for every $1 spent on efforts to crack down on the hidden economy, IRD received about $6 in return revenue last year. "They targeted getting $4.59 [back] so they were 20 per cent above what they were expecting," said Baucher said. IRD research has found that the proportion of people participating in cash jobs was beginning to decline. In 2011, 34 per cent of people said they participated in cash jobs. This is now down to 27 per cent, while just 16 per cent of people said they were now likely to ask for a cash price discount compared with 27 per cent previously. About 49 per cent of people said cash jobs were acceptable, down from 72 per cent from 2011. Baucher said IRD's unannounced visits and raids to its assessed "high-risk businesses" would have a positive impact on tackling New Zealand's hidden economy. He said New Zealand could also follow Sweden by implementing a surcharge or similar for cash payments. Inland Revenue customer segment leader for micro, Richard Philp, said there were 90 tax evasion prosecution cases before the court, and that IRD was making progress on the issue. "The construction industry and the hospitality industry are two industries that typically represent a higher level of cash transactions, and particularly with the hospitality industry, there are small amounts one-by-one but collectively they can build up to be substantial amounts of cash suppressed and not declared annual GST returns," Philp said. The IRD first began focusing on a crackdown on cash payments in the hospitality industry about three years ago. Unannounced visits to businesses, however, are a new strategy the tax department is undertaking to clawback tax owed. "Cash jobs undercut legitimate operators so our goal is not to prosecute everyone but to have enough examples and representation around our enforcement work that helps guide people to do the right thing."
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“Parkable really has been a game-changer for me.” - Jon Kowski
By renting his single parking spot on Parkable, Jon makes an extra $2,500 each year. That means less stress about finances and a better lifestyle.
How much could you earn with Parkable? Find out by clicking through!
If you … View more“Parkable really has been a game-changer for me.” - Jon Kowski
By renting his single parking spot on Parkable, Jon makes an extra $2,500 each year. That means less stress about finances and a better lifestyle.
How much could you earn with Parkable? Find out by clicking through!
If you list your space by the 30th of November 2019, you'll go in the draw to win a $50 gift voucher.
Our new website is now live and ready for visitors. Click below to see it for yourself.
Aucklanders, do you want to help your Museum become even better?
We’re seeking feedback from the community on our Draft Annual Plan for 2020/2021. We want to know what’s important to you when it comes to your Museum.
If you can spare a few minutes, please visit the link below to rank our … View moreAucklanders, do you want to help your Museum become even better?
We’re seeking feedback from the community on our Draft Annual Plan for 2020/2021. We want to know what’s important to you when it comes to your Museum.
If you can spare a few minutes, please visit the link below to rank our priorities and have your say. Submissions close 5pm 25 November 2019.
A body has been found in the search for a woman who went missing in the water at a West Auckland bea…
Police are urging members of the public to come forward with information after a woman was assaulted by an unknown man while walking in an Auckland park on Saturday.
The unprovoked attack happened on Manutewhau Track in Moire Park, West Harbour around 6:30 pm.
Please call Police on 105 or … View morePolice are urging members of the public to come forward with information after a woman was assaulted by an unknown man while walking in an Auckland park on Saturday.
The unprovoked attack happened on Manutewhau Track in Moire Park, West Harbour around 6:30 pm.
Please call Police on 105 or 0800 555 111 if you noticed a man in the Moire Park area around this time. He may have been acting suspiciously or wearing muddy clothing.
Get ready for the best Chinese in town.
Asian Wok focuses on using fresh seasonal produce and authentic flavours, featuring signature dishes that include: Peking duck, handcrafted dim sum and loads of other options.
You can also order online now! Have your weekend meals sorted.
130 … View moreGet ready for the best Chinese in town.
Asian Wok focuses on using fresh seasonal produce and authentic flavours, featuring signature dishes that include: Peking duck, handcrafted dim sum and loads of other options.
You can also order online now! Have your weekend meals sorted.
130 Lincoln Rd, Henderson - Auckland.
The search continues for a woman who fell into the sea at Auckland's west coast. Police used a heli…
FREE 8 Week Bible SEMINAR In Your Area
‘There must be more for me to learn about the Bible story and that can involve my family?’
We agree. The Gospel Message, is usually only heard at Christmas and Easter but it can be the truth about life & death - yours.
Join us as we explain the Key … View moreFREE 8 Week Bible SEMINAR In Your Area
‘There must be more for me to learn about the Bible story and that can involve my family?’
We agree. The Gospel Message, is usually only heard at Christmas and Easter but it can be the truth about life & death - yours.
Join us as we explain the Key to God’s Master Plan and the Gospel Message of living for ever. Free Study Book for you to keep. Bring this Invite with you. Registrations: 6.45pm
‘Learning God’s Master Plan Seminar ’
It's also a little reminder that I'm making two new batches of marmalade, one is lemon and lime, and the other is orange and lemon. I've got the lemons and limes cooking right now, and will make a post for both batches when I've got them done. =D In the meantime, enjoy this … View moreIt's also a little reminder that I'm making two new batches of marmalade, one is lemon and lime, and the other is orange and lemon. I've got the lemons and limes cooking right now, and will make a post for both batches when I've got them done. =D In the meantime, enjoy this pretty little pink flower!!!!!!!! =D It's a little cutie pie. =D Heheheheh. =D
Innovative technology is paving the way in protecting one of Auckland's biggest native forests from …
Any ideas please on where I can recycle older computers and models where they will go to a charity?
Get in quick to book your spot for St Doms Car Boot Sale. On line bookings and payments close on Wednesday the 30th but you can still turn up on the day and pay if sites are still available.
From mountain air to ocean breeze, you can explore the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand in comfort with our great journeys.
Our three iconic trains, Coastal Pacific, Northern Explorer and TranzAlpine connect you to many spectacular destinations along the way.
See it all through the panoramic … View moreFrom mountain air to ocean breeze, you can explore the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand in comfort with our great journeys.
Our three iconic trains, Coastal Pacific, Northern Explorer and TranzAlpine connect you to many spectacular destinations along the way.
See it all through the panoramic windows and savour summer on one of our scenic trains.
After 20 pleasurable years, the owners of The Peppertree are now ready to move on. They want a sale and have instructed us to present all offers.
Beginning life as a renowned restaurant and currently operating very successfully as boutique accommodation, The Peppertree works very well as a … View moreAfter 20 pleasurable years, the owners of The Peppertree are now ready to move on. They want a sale and have instructed us to present all offers.
Beginning life as a renowned restaurant and currently operating very successfully as boutique accommodation, The Peppertree works very well as a function centre and would also make a superb cellar door. Located with State Highway frontage close to Blenheim and situated on the soon to open Picton to Kaikoura cycleway, it is ideally positioned to cash in on Marlborough’s growing tourism industry.
Each of the five beautifully appointed suites has been subtly themed, providing individual charm as well as comfort. The heart of the home is a spacious, recently renovated farmhouse kitchen enjoying garden and orchard views. A large wood burner with wetback and solar heats the water for a series of radiators around the house, ensuring warmth year-round.
Encompassing four hectares and featuring organically managed vineyard and gardens, fruit trees, berry patches, olives and grazing for sheep, cattle, and horses, The Peppertree is close to being self-sufficient. The extra land also offers an opportunity for future expansion and development.
The rateable value for land and improvements is $1,520,000.
All offers requested to be received by 4 pm Wednesday 27 November 2019.
For more information or an appointment to view, please contact Michal or Tim.
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