Latest changes you need to be aware of in 2019

Payday filing

We have mentioned this in the past, but don’t forget payday filing for employers is compulsory from 1 April 2019. Please contact us if you need any help with complying with the new process and rules.

Minimum wage glides closer to $20

More than 200,000 New Zealanders and their families will benefit from the minimum wage going up to $17.70 an hour on 1 April 2019 – an increase of $1.20.The starting-out and training minimum wage rates will increase from $13.20 to $14.16 per hour (remaining at 80% of the adult minimum wage) and the Government has set indicative rates of $18.90 from 1 April 2020 and $20 from 1 April 2021.

Domestic violence leave

Employees will be able to apply for up to 10 days' domestic violence leave per year to deal with the effects of domestic violence, such as court appearances, doctor visits and looking after children.

No more cheques for IRD

Do you send post-dated cheques for tax payments? It’s time to go digital!From now on you’ll need to use online banking to make future-dated payments as the IRD no longer accepts post-dated cheques. Plus, if you’re one to put your tax payments in the Inland Revenue’s dropboxes, you’ll now have to head to an IRD office reception area during office hours to do so.

Writing off bad debt? Get your ducks in a row

If you’re expecting a tax break from writing off bad debt, you may also expect to hear from the IRD asking you to prove the debt is, in fact, bad. A new ruling means the IRD could request evidence of any steps you took to recover the debt (before writing it off) and proof there is no reasonable likelihood the debt will be paid. So, get your paperwork in order!