Consultations listing

The Government is inviting feedback on the Illustrative National Policy Direction (NPD), a key component of the country’s proposed new planning system.

The Government is now seeking feedback on the recommendations in the investigation report before deciding whether to make regulations to remove or modify the specified provisions of the Auckland Unitary Plan.

This interpretation guideline addresses payments made by New Zealand entities to non-residents in connection with software transactions. Its focus is on explaining the principles behind the classification of common types of software transactions. It also outlines the relevant income tax implications of those transactions under New Zealand law, including the impact of double tax agreements (DTAs).

This draft operational statement explains the income tax treatment of amounts societies, clubs and other not-for-profit associations receive from members, other than amounts subject to a specific tax exemption such as for charities or sports clubs. It describes how the mutual association provisions override the principle of mutuality meaning that supplies of trading stock and services to members may be taxable. In addition, following legislative changes proposed in the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2026–27, FBT Simplification, Foreign Investment Funds, and Remedial Measures) Bill, membership subscriptions, fees and levies will generally be exempt income for not-for-profit organisations. Organisations with net income of less than $10,000, will have no tax liability and may choose not to file tax returns. The statement applies from 1 April 2027 and will be prospective in application when finalised.

There have been some questions and uncertainty raised around the potential for Active Investor Plus visa holders to trigger New Zealand tax residence. We have been asked, in particular, whether an Active Investor Plus visa holder buying a residential property in New Zealand and staying there when in New Zealand during the investment period (and beyond) may result in the person having a permanent place of abode in New Zealand and so being tax resident here. This “question we’ve been asked” (QWBA) provides guidance on how the Commissioner sees the permanent place of abode test applying in various AIP visa scenarios.