Companies Office fee changes effective 1 August

Today the Companies Office introduced a series of changes to the fees it charges for services, and also starting collecting levies to fund the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and the External Reporting Board (XRB).

The new Companies Office fee structure was introduced to address a funding deficit and better reflects the true cost of delivering services to the users of the Companies Office registers.

FMA and XRB levies are now included within most registration fees, annual return fees and with the filing of a prospectus. 

Note | All fees and levies shown are in New Zealand dollars (NZ$) and include GST.

• Annual return fees
• Registration fee changes
• Registering a prospectus
• FMA and XRB
• Other changes
• How do I pay?

Annual return fees

The company annual return fee has been re-introduced as the Companies Office can no longer continue to provide this service for free.  The new annual return fee is $45, this includes a $25 registration fee, a $10 FMA levy and a $10 XRB levy.

A new annual return fee has also been introduced for building societies, while annual return fees for Credit Unions and Friendly Societies have been reduced.  FMA and XRB levies will be collected for all of these entities, as well as for NZ and overseas Limited Partnerships (LP’s). 

Registration fee changes

Registration fees for NZ and overseas Companies virtually remain the same, with a slight reduction to $150.

Friendly Societies, Credit Unions and Limited Partnership registration fees have also been reduced, while a fee for registration of a Building Society has been introduced.

• View the new fee tables now

Registering a prospectus

The fee for registering a prospectus with the Companies Office now includes an FMA levy of $2,000.

• View the new fee tables now

FMA and XRB

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA), an independent Crown entity established on 1 May 2011, is New Zealand’s financial services and market conduct regulator.  FMA’s operational activities contribute to improving confidence in capital markets and financial service providers through education, licensing and supervision.

The External Reporting Board (XRB) is responsible for all aspects of financial reporting and auditing and assurance standards setting.

New Zealand needs well-functioning capital markets to provide a vital source of finance to help our businesses grow, this includes having clear rules and regulations for market participants to follow.

Through the establishment of the FMA and XRB the government aims to restore investor confidence and help drive economic growth in New Zealand.  In order for the FMA and XRB to do their job they need to be adequately resourced and the collecting of levies is essential to fund this.

Other changes

Registered Financial Service Providers will also pay the new FMA levy, upon registration and filing of their annual confirmation.  Read more…

Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) fees for searching, registration and renewal have also changed.  Read more…

How do I pay?

Where you are required to pay a fee, you can choose between credit card payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Diners), debit card payment, or direct debit (if you have created a logon with a direct debit option with us).

• Read more about the payment options