Self-employed or running a business

Find out how to set up a business, including self-employment, and what your responsibilities are when running a business.

Setting up a new business

There are some things you need to think about before making any decisions about starting a business or becoming self-employed.

Questions to ask yourself before you start — business.govt.nz

There’s a 10-step guide on business.govt.nz to help you set up your business.

Guide to starting a business — business.govt.nz

If you are buying an existing business

If you’re going contracting

Sorting out your finance

You’ll need to work out the money side of starting a business.

Pay tax and ACC levies

You’ll need to keep accurate records, file tax returns and make payments to Inland Revenue and ACC.

Claim expenses

You can claim business expenses, such as home office expenses, and deduct these from your income before calculating tax.

Claiming expenses — business.govt.nz

Get your business online

Having a website makes it easier for your customers to find you. Find out how to get your business online and how to avoid some common mistakes.

Selling on online shopping sites

Usually when you sell things online you no longer want or need, you do not have to pay tax on those sales. But, if you’re selling things on a regular basis for profit, you may be in business and you will have to pay tax.

Online trading: a hobby or a business? — business.govt.nz

Protect the data and information you collect

You need to protect data and information you collect about your customers and employees. Business.govt.nz explains how to protect:

If you do not take steps to protect your information, you could put your business at risk.

You might also damage your business or personal reputation.

Check Own Your Online by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) — they have advice for:

Advice and support for your business

There is help and support available for you and your business.

Grants and help from government organisations

Contact a business advisor

Help from Inland Revenue with tax

Online harm: women working — Ministry for Women and Netsafe

If you work in online spaces or have a public profile, find out how to:

  • navigate online harm while keeping your confidence to stay active in your work
  • know how other women handle online challenges.

Free-to-lead toolkit — Ministry for Women | Netsafe

Utility links and page information

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