Streamline your Tax Document Preparation for the New Tax Year

With the end of another tax year gone, it’s time to start organising your financial records to ensure a smooth and efficient process when handing them over to your accountant.

By carefully preparing your tax documents and any associated records you not only reduce the stress associated with the tax season, but also give your accountant the information they need to maximise deductions and minimise any potential errors.

Here’s a short checklist to help you with your tax document preparation:

• Gather Income Documents. Collect all documents related to your income for the tax year. This includes salary and wage statements (such as PAYE summaries), income from investments, rental properties, business income, and any other sources of income. Make sure that these documents are accurate and complete.
• If you use Xero make sure all your Business/Trust/Rental income and expenses are all operating out of designated accounts. You can set these up on Xero with your accountant’s assistance. This can help you track all the relevent items and streamline your tax records.
• Compile Expense Records. Keep track of all deductible expenses throughout the year. This should include receipts for business expenses, rental property expenses, medical expenses, charitable donations, and any other eligible deductions. Organise these records carefully to facilitate easy access and verification.
• Document Capital Gains and Losses. If you’ve sold any assets during the tax year, compile records of these transactions. This includes details of the assets sold, purchase and sale dates, sale prices, and any associated expenses. Calculate capital gains or losses accurately to report them correctly to your accountant.
• Ensure other taxes are up to date. This may include GST returns (if you’re registered for GST), and other relevant forms. Ensure that these forms are filled out accurately and submitted on time to avoid any penalties from IRD.
• Keep Records of Tax Payments. Retain records of any tax payments made throughout the year. This includes PAYE deductions, provisional tax payments, GST payments, and any other tax liabilities. Check and make sure that these payments reconcile with your tax obligations for the year.

Communication with your accountant is key. Schedule a meeting well in advance of the tax filing deadline. This is a good time to give them all necessary documents and information to allow them to prepare your tax returns. It’s also a good time to talk about any specific tax planning strategies or concerns you may have.

Plan for the Future. Use the end of the tax year as an opportunity to review your financial goals and objectives for the upcoming year. Consider any tax planning strategies that may help you minimise taxes and optimise your financial position. Discuss these strategies with your accountant to ensure they align with your overall financial plan.

By following these steps and being proactive in preparing your tax documents, you can streamline the process and ensure compliance with New Zealand tax laws. Working closely with your accountant will not only help you maximise tax deductions but also provide valuable insights into managing your finances more effectively.

HAVE WE GOT YOU THINKING?

Give us a call on (04) 563 6965 or email: shawn@taxman.co.nz