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Get set for summer

Summer can be a challenging time for small businesses and contractors. Minimise any headaches by being prepared and knowing what your obligations are. Here you’ll find information and advice to help you plan for the summer season, including:

  • cash flow
  • tax on bonuses and Christmas parties
  • claiming expenses
  • hiring seasonal workers
  • tips for landlords and contractors.
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Quiz: Can my customer return it?

Test yourself on when you must give a refund, repair or replacement for a faulty product or service.

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Festive cash flow

Avoid the Christmas cash flow blues with these expert tips to keep the money coming in.

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Landlord = running a business

If you collect rent, you’re running a business and must comply with residential rental property rules.

Dos and don'ts

Get paid on time

Avoid being left out of pocket over the summer slowdown with our helpful tips on invoicing customers.

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Test yourself on FBT

Know your fringe benefit taxes from your employee allowances and expenses? Take our quiz and find out.

 When you’re done, follow links from the answers to pick up tips and find out more.

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What you can claim if you work from home

Find out what business expenses you can claim for when you work from home.  You may be surprised!

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What can I claim for?

Test yourself on what expenses you can claim.  Then follow links from the answers to find out more.

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Holidays and leave

There are different rules for different types of leave. Understand your obligations as an employer.

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How to pay employees for leave

Whether you’re paying staff for holiday, parental or sick leave, our guide helps you get it right.

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Hire great summer staff

Attract the best people to see you through the seasonal rush, while following employment laws and processes.

Here's how

Finding contracting work

To build your reputation and keep the contracting work coming in, follow these 10 steps.

Get started

End-of-year bonuses

Performance bonuses are a great way to reward your employees. Here’s how to calculate the right tax.

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Scammers don’t go on holiday

Get your systems in good shape before Christmas so you can rest easy.

Here's how
Pohutakawa

Prepping for Christmas

Get ready for the holiday run-up with a quick guide to claiming expenses and leave rules for any staff.

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Improve your management and leadership: overview

From shaping your work culture and managing performance, to good communication and choosing a leadership style.

Learn to do it well
Quick-fire business plan

Quick-focus planning to make sure you work on the right things for your growing business - every day.

It’s important to take time to reflect on your business strategies and plan. It doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task.

Download [PDF, 203 KB]
When to consider intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) is about protecting the time, money and effort you put into business.

This shows you key times when it’s important to think about IP, with tips on protecting it. 

See key IP milestones

Hiring the right staff types

Employee, contractor or intern — which is right for your business and the tasks you need doing? Here's an overview of staff types so you can choose the right kind of help.

See the difference