The Federal Court in Australia has ruled the requirement for the Australian Tax Office to pay out GST refunds "within a reasonable period" did not allow them to withhold payment until they had completed an investigation into the accuracy of the refund claims. This was...
Iain Blakeley
Barrister - Tax Expert - Business Adviser - Director, Professional, Practical, Fast, Affordable Australia
Who’s making submissions?
I'm interested in hearing from anyone who is considering making a submission in response to the latest discussion document from Inland Revenue on GST. They are looking for feedback on the suggestion of loosening the rules for overseas businesses wanting to recover GST...
Eating Australian style
The Australian Tax Office has updated their GST Food List. The 86 page Food List details from 'A' to 'Z' the GST treatment of hundreds of food items. It is necessary because in Australia some foods are subject to GST and some are not. For example, a fruit bun with a...
Capital gains tax
I know it's wishful thinking to expect real analysis in political debates but, honestly, whether it's time to introduce a capital gains tax in New Zealand is an issue which deserves more than the usual ping pong game of political rhetoric. The refrain of the most...
How complicated can you get?
The Australian legislature has just passed some new regulations confirming parking charges, road tolls, facility hire charges, tip fees and fees for access to information are subject to GST. One thing we should be thankful for as taxpayers is that we live in a country...
Insurance claims
A lot of issues are appearing with insurance claims and leaky homes settlements. A recent bulletin from the Australian Tax Office is a good example of why it's important to get it right. The ATO's bulletin deals with a situation where a home owner makes an insurance...
Good news for tourists to Australia….
The Australian Government is looking at making its GST refund scheme for tourists more generous. Amongst the measures is a proposal to allow purchases made up to 60 days before departing Australia eligible for GST refunds (currently 30 days). They are also proposing...
Australian generosity
The Australian Government is to pass legislation providing for donations made to the Christchurch earthquake relief fund to be tax deductible in Australia for two years. Fantastic! See here
What a cracker!
The Full Federal Court of Australia has decided a mini ciabatta is a "cracker". This is a decision of some significance because it means mini ciabatta are subject to GST. On the other hand, if the Court decided they are "bread" there would be no GST. Here's a picture...
More on NZ’s low value import rules
NZ Customs is proposing to relax the low value asset threshold for imported goods. Here's a paper they've prepared for Government's consideration. Click here. In essence NZ Customs suggests allowing more low value goods to be imported without GST or other customs...
Australia shines spotlight on e-tailing
The Australian Government has set up an enquiry by their Productivity Commission into online shopping and the impact on retailers. There'll be lessons here for New Zealand. I think it's difficult to contemplate an end to tactile retail therapy which so many Kiwis seem...
Singapore innovates for its tourists
Tourists in Singapore will benefit from mid 2011 when that country takes its GST Tourist Refund Scheme into the electronic age. The existing paper based system is going to be replaced by a procedure which will see tourists using tokens to record purchases as they go....
Free beer for Aussies!
VB have decided they're going to give a free beer to every adult in Australia if that country wins the next Ashes cricket series against England. More details here. The problem for the Government with these sorts of giveaways is they don't get any GST - that is if the...