Your tax bill and how reducing it helps you
On this page, your tax bill refers to the income tax your business pays on its profit. Reducing your tax bill saves you money, giving you more to spend on your business.
You can reduce your tax bill in two main ways:
- File your tax and pay the correct amount on time.
- Claim the expenses you’re allowed to.
You may also be able to claim deductions or tax credits for donations you make.
File your tax and pay the correct amount on time
Meeting your deadlines means you won’t have to pay interest or penalties, which can be high.
If you can’t pay, let Inland Revenue or ACC know as soon as possible.
You might be able to pay in instalments.
You should also:
- Check if you can get an early payment discount in your first year of business. You’ll have to meet Inland Revenue’s criteria.
- Pay the right amount of tax. If you underpay, you’ll have to pay a penalty. If you overpay, you’ll have to wait for a refund. And although you’ll earn interest, it’ll be less than from the bank.
Claim the expenses you’re allowed to
Expenses are your costs for running your business, and you can claim many of them.
If you work from home, you might be able to claim some household expenses too.
The more expenses you claim the less tax you have to pay, because you pay tax on your taxable income minus your expenses.
Follow these tips when you claim:
- Keep all your expense receipts and invoices for seven years.
- Try to pay for anything that could be a claimable business expense through your business account, so you have a record.
Claim deductions or tax credits for donations
If your business is a company or Māori authority, you can claim the amount of any donation over $5 as an expense.
If you’re an employee, a sole trader or a partnership, you can claim a tax credit for donations but not the full expense.
What's next
Guide to business tax
Paying employees
Funding your business
Getting government grants
Business finance basics