New Reporting Regime
Now that we are completing Financial Statements and Tax Returns for clients for the 2022 financial year it’s appropriate to remind you of the increased scrutiny Trusts are receiving from the Commissioner of Inland Revenue Department (IRD). We informed you this would occur back in October 2021.
Under the new reporting regime established by Operational Statement OS22/02, all Trusts in New Zealand that derive assessable income must file tax returns and satisfy the new disclosure rules.
These rules are applicable from the commencement of the 2021/2022 tax year
Some exceptions exist. For instance, non-active complying trusts that do not file tax returns are not subject to the new reporting requirements. It is compulsory however for these Trusts to file a declaration to this effect.
The purpose behind the new reporting measures is to gain information in relation to the use and working of trust structures. This insight includes understanding how the top personal tax rate of 39% works in relation to the Trust income rate of 33%.
New Information Requirements
Other than preparing detailed financial statements, the following information will now need to be provided to the IRD:
Whilst the new reporting standards are applicable for the 2021/2022 year, the IRD does have the power to request the above information be provided for from 1 April 2014 should it so wish.
The new reporting regime brings to bear increased scrutiny on Trusts, reinforcing the need for Trustees to satisfy their legislative duties. Satisfactorily documenting Annual Trustee Meetings and substantiating those transactions record in financial statements by way of Trustee Resolutions, Loan Agreements, Acknowledgments of Debt and Gifting (where appropriate) will be vital in proving Trustees are compliant with statutory requirements.
What Trustees Should Do Now
Trustees will undoubtedly appreciate appropriately documenting transactions and collecting and communicating requisite information to IRD will involve additional time spent. For this reason, an increase in fees is to be expected. Those front footed Trustees who work closely with their Greenlion Accountant and the Trustee Services Division are likely to benefit from time efficiencies and thus incur less cost. For this reason, we ask Trustees to become involved in the process by providing us with the information we need in a timely manner and ensuring your Financial Statements are backed with appropriate Trust documentation.
Should you wish to discuss your Trust requirements this year, be sure to contact your Greenlion Advisor and the Trustee Services Division by clicking on this link. We’re happy to assist.
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