Business expenses: What can you claim?
All self-employed people can claim expenses, contractors included. If you work from home you can claim some household expenses, too. Learn about valid expenses.
News
Selling online: Hobby or business?
If you regularly sell online, you are “in trade”. This means paying tax and complying with consumer laws.
Customer complaints: Fixing delivery problems
Step-by-step advice for sellers on what to do if a customer complains about damaged parcels or delayed deliveries.
Exporters: Get a big tick for your products
Products grown, made or designed in New Zealand are in demand. A FernMark licence is the government-approved trade mark that shows yours is a Kiwi product.
Relocation: Is it the right move?
New business premises can unlock new opportunities, but can also cause disruptions. Make sure you know why you’re moving and have a plan.
In the red? Practical tips to manage debt
Many small businesses borrow money to keep on track or to grow. But if your debts are getting too heavy, check out these tips to ease your cash flow woes.
Guard your business against cyber attacks
A few easy practices will lower your risk of being exposed to a cyber security threat. These will also help keep important business data safe and secure.
Want well-trained staff? Hire an ex-prisoner
Released prisoners are a great source of untapped talent, especially in industries short of skilled labour. Plus employers get free recruitment and HR support.
Protect customer information: Free online training
Many businesses collect personal information about customers or employees. Find out your privacy responsibilities with a new 30-minute training module.
ACC motor vehicle levies fall
Driving is about to get cheaper for most vehicle owners. The ACC levy portion of the rego will fall by about 12.5% — and the petrol levy will also drop.
Immigration advice to staff: Dos and don'ts
Do you hire or employ migrants or overseas staff? There are rules on what kinds of immigration or visa advice you can give.
Health & Safety: Involving everyone at work
It’s a myth that small businesses are exempt from health and safety laws. You and your workers must all be involved in keeping people safe at work.
Government grants: Avoid scams + get free advice
Every year the Government invests millions into businesses through grants and incentives. But bogus grant-finders also offer to help — for a fee.
Retirement planning for small businesses and sole traders
What will future-you live on when you slow down or stop working? It can be a challenge to plan for this, but these tips from Sorted can help.
Changes to parental leave payments
Parents can now choose to take parental leave after they’ve first used other types of leave, eg annual, even if this is after the child arrives.
Lions Series and RLWC: Advertising dos and don'ts
With two international rugby events about to hit New Zealand, do make the most of the extra tourists. Don’t get caught out by major event advertising laws.
R&D: Get cash back from your tax losses
If you do research and development (R&D) work, a special tax credit up to $224,000 can ease cash flow problems and hasten your product to market.
Get free in-job training for your team
In tourism, hospitality or retail? In-job training helps you upskill and retain staff. Check out how to get free or low-cost training programmes at work.
Grants and support for hiring disabled staff
Most disabled people don’t need anything different to do their jobs. For those who do, grants and services can help you cater for their needs.
Webinar: Keeping your small business safe online
Tips and resources recommended by our panel of experts to protect your business from scams and hack attacks.