FAQs

If you use your car for work in New Zealand, you can claim money back based on how many kilometres you drive. The IRD has set rates for the 2024–2025 year to help cover car costs like fuel, repairs, insurance, and rego. For the first 14,000 km, you can claim $1.04 per km (called Tier 1). After that, the rate drops (Tier 2) because fixed costs are already covered — for petrol cars it’s $0.35 per km. For example, if you drive 20,000 km for work, you could claim a total of $16,660. The rates are slightly lower for hybrid and electric cars. These rules apply whether you're self-employed or reimbursing employees. Keeping a record of your travel is important. Using the correct rate helps you get back what you’ve spent on work travel.

If you're a rideshare driver in New Zealand (using platforms like Uber, Ola, DiDi, or Zoomy), the IRD allows you to claim a wide range of business-related expenses to reduce your taxable income. Common vehicle-related costs you can claim include fuel, registration, warrant or certificate of fitness, insurance, repairs, maintenance, tyres, and even car washes or grooming—especially if keeping your vehicle clean is essential to your service. If you own your vehicle, you can also claim depreciation, or if you lease it, the lease payments. You can also claim operational costs such as tolls, parking fees (when work-related), road user charges for diesel or electric vehicles, and a portion of your mobile phone and data costs used for work. Expenses like cleaning products, GPS subscriptions, or in-car accessories (like phone mounts or chargers) are also deductible if they’re used for business. Platform-specific fees, such as rideshare service commissions and airport access charges, are claimable too. Administrative expenses, including accounting or tax agent fees, business-related bank charges, and office supplies used for your rideshare business, may also be deducted. If you took out a loan to buy your vehicle, the interest on that loan is claimable based on the percentage used for business. You can even claim costs for uniforms (if required) and licensing or training fees needed to drive for the platform. It's essential to keep accurate records, including receipts and a logbook, especially if you use your car for both personal and business purposes. You can choose to claim either actual expenses (based on your business-use percentage) or use the IRD’s kilometre rates as a simplified method. Keeping everything well-documented will help ensure you claim the maximum allowable deductions and stay compliant with tax rules.

Once you're familiar with the IRD’s kilometre rates, the next step is learning how to properly claim or charge for business travel. Whether you're self-employed, managing a team, or working for someone else, having a reliable system helps ensure you get paid back correctly for work-related driving. The first thing you need is a way to track your trips. Use a logbook or a mileage app (like TripLog or Stride) to record each business journey. Note down the date, distance, and purpose of the trip, and make sure it’s separate from your personal travel. Then, use the appropriate IRD rate to calculate what you can claim. For the first 14,000 km each year, use the Tier 1 rate, which includes all your vehicle costs. If you go over that, switch to the lower Tier 2 rate, which covers only running expenses like fuel and servicing. Self-employed people can bill this to their business or clients, while employees should submit a claim to their employer. Make sure your system for recording and submitting claims is simple and clear. Each trip should be listed with distance, rate, and total amount. Employers should also create a policy that explains which rates to use, the types of vehicles covered, and how to include extra expenses like parking or tolls. For example, if you travel 500 km in one month using a petrol car, and the Tier 1 rate is $1.04 per km, you’d claim $520 for that month. By tracking everything properly, you make claiming easier and ensure nothing is missed. Having a straightforward process keeps things transparent, saves time, and makes sure you're fairly reimbursed for every kilometre you drive for work.

Yes, we specialise in managing overdue returns and negotiating directly with the IRD for payment arrangements or penalty relief. Our role is to take the stress away by bringing your filings up to date and working with the IRD to ease financial pressure.

Our pricing is based on the complexity of your tax needs. We offer clear, fixed-fee packages for individuals and businesses, ensuring transparency and no hidden costs. Contact us for a no-obligation quote.

Yes! We work with clients across New Zealand via phone, email, and video calls. You can send documents securely online and get expert advice without leaving your home.

You can book online through our website, give us a call, or send us a message via our contact form. We'll get back to you promptly to arrange a time.

Using a tax consultant ensures your return is accurate, compliant, and optimized for all possible deductions. We help you save time, reduce stress, and potentially lower your tax bill.

Yes. We provide guidance on setting up a business, including advice on whether a sole trader, partnership, or company structure is most suitable for your situation.

You must keep invoices, receipts, bank statements, and any business-related financial documents for at least 7 years. We can help you stay compliant.

Yes, in most cases overseas income is taxable if you are a New Zealand tax resident. We assist with foreign income tax credits and ensure you avoid double taxation.

For most individuals in New Zealand, the tax return deadline is 7 July. If you are registered with a tax agent such as Kiwiana Tax Consultants, you may qualify for an extension beyond this date.

Yes. We prepare returns for rental property owners, including deductions for mortgage interest, rates, insurance, and depreciation (if applicable).

For most individuals in New Zealand, the tax return deadline is 7 July. If you are registered with a tax agent such as Kiwiana Tax Consultants, you may qualify for an extension beyond this date.

PAYE tax is deducted by your employer from your wages in New Zealand. If you are self-employed, you must calculate and pay your own income tax directly to the IRD.

Yes. You can claim actual costs or use a mileage rate. We’ll advise the best method based on your situation.

If you miss a New Zealand tax return deadline, the IRD may charge penalties and interest. We can assist by reducing these risks, filing overdue returns, and applying for late-filing waivers where possible.

Yes, if you work from home, you can claim a portion of your home expenses such as electricity, rent, internet, and insurance. We'll help you calculate your eligible deductions.

Provisional tax is a way of paying income tax in advance. If you earn over $5,000 in tax after deductions, you might be required to pay it. We’ll calculate and manage this for you.

We use encrypted systems and secure client portals to ensure your data is protected at all times, complying with NZ privacy and data protection laws

If you have earned income in New Zealand, you will likely need to file a tax return. We check your residency status and guide you through filing correctly with the IRD.

Yes, we provide advice on trust setup, compliance, and tax efficiency, and work with lawyers for estate planning if needed.

Yes, we manage everything from company formation to annual returns, financial statements, and tax filing.

At Kiwiana Tax Consultants, we work with businesses of all sizes, from sole traders and freelancers to small and medium-sized companies. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, we provide tailored tax and accounting services to meet your specific needs. Our team specializes in helping small businesses navigate their tax obligations, manage their finances, and optimize their tax positions. No matter the size or complexity of your business, we're here to help you stay compliant, reduce your tax burden, and support your growth."

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