Gunson McLean Ltd

Interest deductibility proposals at a glance

25 November 2021

The Government intends to limit the ability to deduct interest to make residential properties a less attractive investment option and to help level the playing field for first home buyers.


The proposal is that, from 1 October 2021 (yes this October), interest will not be deductible for residential property acquired on or after 27 March 2021. For the properties acquired before 27 March 2021, generally investors’ ability to deduct interest will be phased out between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2025. Some properties are excluded from these rules and some exemptions are proposed.


Below is a quick overview of the proposals. Please note these are set to be considered by Parliament so may change. 


Phasing out interest deductions for properties acquired before 27 March 2021:

Date interest incurred Percentage of the interest that can be claimed.
1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 100%
1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021 100%
1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 75%
1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 75%
1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 50%
1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 25%

Acquired date for tax purposes

For tax purposes, a property is generally acquired on the date that a binding Sale and Purchase Agreement is entered into – even if some conditions still need to be met prior to settlement.


An investment could also qualify for phased-out deductions even if the property is acquired on, or after, 27 March 2021, provided the purchaser did so as a result of an irrevocable offer made on or before 23 March 2021.


Generally, any residential investment property in New Zealand that is suitable for people to live in long-term will be affected by these proposed changes. Typically, this would mean a house or an apartment, whether it is used for providing short-term or long-term accommodation.


Exemptions

There are exemptions, however. To minimise any impact on housing supply; property development and new builds will be exempt from the proposed rules.


Types of property to be excluded from the changes.

The main home is not affected by these proposals.


Commercial property unrelated to the provision of accommodation is not affected by the interest limitation proposal.


There are types of residential property that are proposed to be excluded from these rules are they are:

  1. Main home
  2. Farmland
  3. Certain Maori land, papakainga and kaumatua housing, and land transferred as part of a settlement under the Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi
  4. Emergency, transitional, social and council housing
  5. Commercial Accommodation
  6. Care facilities
  7. Retirement villages
  8. Employee accommodation
  9. Student accommodation
  10. Land outside of New Zealand


Previously denied interest deductions may be available when residential property is sold if the sale is taxable, although the deduction may be limited to the gain of the sale. As you can see these proposed changes are complex and we strongly suggest you talk to us should you think that these proposed changes may affect you and your business. We deal with these types of amendments often and will guide you through the rules and proposals in plain English, so you are clear about the changes and how they could affect your business.

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The end of the financial year is fast approaching, so if you’re balance date/end of financial year is 31 March, there are a few things you need to do to help us prepare your financials. Take a stocktake If your business sells products or has stock, you’ll need to do a stocktake on 31 March. If you’re a business that sells products, then you need to take a stocktake of your physical inventory. If you’re a farmer, then you need to take a physical livestock tally. Send in your EOY papers Compile a folder (digital or hard copy) with a copy of the following documents: Bank statement that shows the balance on 31 March 2025 for all your bank accounts and loans. Insurance invoices. ACC invoices. Loan statements for the year (if applicable). Any new loans or refinancing documents. Invoices for assets purchased and sold. GST workings and reports. Submit the online questionnaire You’ll also need to fill out and submit the online questionnaire. You should receive an email from us in April/May, with a link to fill out and submit the questionnaire. If you haven’t received an email with the link by the end of May, let us know.
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At Gunson McLean we are more than just a business offering financial expertise we also support our communities in Dargaville and Whangārei. By partnering with various local organisations, we help sustain and strengthen sports, recreation, and community initiatives in the region. Empowering Local Sports Clubs We understand the role sports play in bringing people together, promoting teamwork, and supporting youth development. We are proud to sponsor the Old Boys Marist Rugby & Sports Club, Hikurangi Rugby Football Club Inc, Maungakaramea Hockey Club, Maungakaramea Bowling Club, Mid Western Rugby Squash Club, Kamo Rugby & Squash Club, New Zealand Vikings Rugby Football Club Inc., and the Cobham Cricket Club. Promoting Outdoor Education We also believe that outdoor education is essential for youth development and are proud to work with the charitable trust, Pātaua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust (POERT). We have been closely involved in the Trust’s activities for the past 8 years – handlings its financial matters – and Craig Gunson is the current Treasurer. Backing Community Halls & Facilities We’re proud to support the Whareora Hall Society and Whareora Cemetery Board as well as local cycling and motorcycling groups Marsden Wheelers Cycling Club Inc., and the Whangārei Motorcycle Club. We are passionate about the causes we support, and the opportunities and growth this enables in our Dargaville and Whangārei communities.
7 February 2025
Most people agree that optimising your business is a good idea and spend hours looking at optimising the supply chain, storage, overheads etc. However, they forget that people are one of the most critical elements in your business. By providing a caring, supportive workplace for employees you also drive the success of your business. Studies show happy workers are productive workers and, as an employer, it’s a no-brainer to provide a workplace where employees feel valued, and where they can flourish. Here are five key ways to build employee relationships, nurture your team, and create a great workplace for your employees: 1. Invest in your employees This doesn’t mean ‘casual Friday’s’ or a pizza night once a month. This is about offering your employees access to training programmes, workshops, conferences, and mentorship programmes. It’s about the professional growth of your employee and how you can enhance their skills and make them feel truly valued as team members. 2. Create a positive work environment Creating a positive work environment is about cultivating a workplace culture that feels positive and supportive of your employees. Be open and transparent with your employees, listen to their feedback and have a strong focus on employee wellbeing. This could include offering flexible working arrangements, benefits such as health insurance, and other perks. 3. Recognise and reward your employees When an employee goes above and beyond, make sure your recognise and reward them. This could by through a performance bonus, employee-of-the-month programmes or even extra time off in lieu. Feeling valued comes partially from feeling rewarded and can be an amazing motivator. 4. Give employees autonomy One of the key ways employees feel trust, is by being given autonomy. Being trusted to come up with their own solutions, processes, and ideas is key to making people feel as if they ‘own’ their role. This helps employees feel fully involved and also brings new ideas, solutions, processes, and efficiencies to the table. 5. Put wellbeing at the heart of your culture Life is stressful. And work-life can be stressful. A well though out wellbeing programme can help your employees manage stress and, in turn, benefits your business. A wellbeing programme is different for each business but some ideas could be checking in with team members, creating a ‘ask for help’ culture, flexible working arrangements including work-from-home days, and offering mental health support. Making sure you’re a caring and supportive employer is vital to your business strategy. With a team who feel valued, nurtured, and encouraged, you’ll all be happier and more productive.
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