New Zealand: Introduced Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax, GST on Online Services, and Student Loans) Bill

On 15 November 2015, the New Zealand Parliament introduced the Taxation (Residential Land Withholding Tax, GST on Online Services, and Student Loans) Bill to amend the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985, aiming to apply GST to cross-border remote services provided to New Zealand-resident consumers. Offshore suppliers must register for GST if their annual supplies exceed NZ$60,000. The bill includes specific rules for insurance, gambling services, and defines "electronic marketplaces" broadly to include other approved marketplaces. It proposes that GST not be charged on remote supplies to GST-registered businesses unless zero-rated by mutual agreement. The commencement date is set for October 1, 2016, with transitional provisions for fixed-term contracts. Amendments include flexibility in currency conversions and the option for non-resident suppliers to express prices in foreign currency, with guidelines provided for determining the residency of service recipients. The bill aims to align with international practices and reduce compliance costs, ensuring enforcement by the IRD.