[minnieuk]

Now we have finally be selected from the pool I would like to find someone to discuss the 4 year tax allowance that NZ gives to new residents. Can anyone recommend a NZ tax advisor or accountant who we could discuss our personal situation with to get an idea of how/if this will work for us? We will be in NZ in December so could meet someone then or discuss by email.

Thanks.

[IanW99]

Not sure you need a tax advisor for this, unless you have some pretty complicated income arrangements.

See Temporary exemption from tax on foreign income (http://www.ird.govt.nz/technical-tax/legislation/2006/2006-3/leg-2006-3-temp-exempt-tax-migrants.html) for details on the rules.

Ian

[minnieuk]

Thanks Ian. I have read the rules I am just not clear on whether we qualify on some counts - unfortunately our financial situation will be quite complicated once we move to NZ and the last thing we want to do is start off on the wrong side of the NZ Inland Revenue.

[IanW99]

Try this thread for starters then... Finiancial advisors - emigration experts (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12351)

Ian

[Park City Partner]

I met with Peter Chatfield (peter@scbh.co.nz) of Smith Chilcott Bertelsen Harry. He was recommended by the US Embassy. I was very pleased with him and his firm. They handle a lot of emmigrant taxes...Good luck.

[Park City Partner]

Oops, they are in Auckland...

[suebeenz]

Hi minnieuk,

I've had bad experience with a 'recommended' accountant. Turns out at the end, his advice wasn't even accurate. I found it helpful to just write a letter explaining your situation concisely, and your understanding of what you believe your nz tax situation to be, along with any questions. You can use the written reply as a 'final ruling'. I believe it takes about 4-5 weeks to receive a reply.

I recommend the letter because everytime I call the IRD, I seem to get a different answer.

Good luck!

[minnieuk]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I think I will write to the Inland Revenue and get their opinion. I have read the guidelines and have made my own interpretation - I think the 4 year allowance will benefit us significantly - but would like to be sure before I start spending the money.