NZ has no Capital Gains Tax However, some capital gains are taxable - there are fish hooks! We can advise you on what you can sell without paying tax on any profit. Rather than listing which gains are taxable, it’s simpler to tell you which capital gains are currently tax free:

Profits when you sell your home

Let’s assume that you live in your home full-time and you’re not a property trader. When you sell your home at a profit, that gain is not taxable. Gains on the sale of an inherited property are also tax-free, and the same applies if you are selling a house as the executor of an estate.

Profits when you sell other properties you’ve owned for more than 10 years

Once you’ve owned an investment property for more than 10 years, you won’t pay tax on any profits you make when you sell it. This includes a rental or a family holiday home. If you bought the property before 27 March 2021, the bright-line time limit may be shorter: zero, two or five years, depending on when you purchased it.

Profits on the sale of shares you’ve purchased for an income

If you bought your shares to make an income from them, rather than with the intention to sell at a profit, any gains you make when you sell shares are not taxable. However, tax will apply if you are deemed a trader by Inland Revenue - this can be tricky, so definitely get advice when you’re buying and selling shares regularly.

Profits from the sale of your business 

When you sell a business, the profit you make is not taxable.

It’s complicated!

Unfortunately, under every one of these categories, there are plenty of fishhooks. For instance, intention may be important, so you need to be clear about your intentions when you buy or sell shares or a home.

Tax is a complex topic. Don’t be caught out by making avoidable mistakes get advice when you buy or sell. It’s as simple as a phone call or an email, and we can give you the expert tax advice you need.