Consultations listing

This interpretation statement sets out the Commissioner’s view on the meaning of “taxable activity”. The Commissioner has discussed this concept in numerous public items, but generally in a specific context such as subdivisions of land, horse racing or horse breeding. This statement is of more general application.

The Commissioner is seeking public feedback on changes to six existing QWBAs. The changes relate to the bright-line test for selling residential land. These updates will align the QWBAs with the current 2-year bright-line test, improving clarity for customers. Although the Commissioner is consulting on these updates, the substantive change relates to changes in the law since the original QWBAs were published. These changes include: updated terminology for when the bright-line test starts and ends changes to how the main home exclusion works expanded and revised rules for rollover relief These changes are similar across all the new QWBAs. The only interpretive change is in the item concerning s CB 6 (PUB00460), which has been updated to state that “disposing” in s CB 6 (in terms of the required intention) is disposing of by way of sale or similar. The project team also updated the language and appearance of the QWBAs to make them easier to read and consistent with other public guidance from the Tax Counsel Office. Additionally, QB 17/02 has been split into two draft QWBAs – one on bright-line start date and the other on date of acquisition for other land sale rules. A reading guide with more details on the main changes is provided.

This question we’ve been asked explains the GST consequences when a land sale agreement is cancelled and the seller retains the deposit. It updates previous guidance from 2005. The answer remains that GST does not apply to the deposit but the reasoning has been expanded to consider matters that have arisen since the last statement was published that may have affected the answer.

This QWBA explains how the income tax rules apply when a close company provides short-stay accommodation (eg, through Airbnb, Bookabach, Booking.com or Holiday Houses). It explains when and how the mixed-use asset rules and the standard tax rules apply, and when shareholders or employees will receive income from their use of the property.

The Government Chief Digital Office is reviewing the Application Programming Interface (API) guidelines to make sure that they’re fit for purpose and meet agencies’ needs.

The guidelines are open for feedback now until the 31st March 2025 and are available at: docref.digital.govt.nz.

Instructions on how to submit your annotations and comments are listed in the user guide.

Read more about why and how we’re reviewing the guidelines on digital.govt.nz.