No return filed - "should I expect a big tax bill"?

Hamish asks:
(updated on Saturday, September 07th 2013)

I bought a property two years ago and have been renting it out (I've never lived in it). It runs at a slight loss but I haven't done a tax return during this time. Am I breaking any sort of law? Should I expect a big tax bill? What should I do about it? Please forgive my ignorance and offer me some advice.

Our Experts Answer:

Yes NZ income tax law requires you to file an IR3 income tax return that should include a statement of gross rent earned less expenditure. If there is a loss from the renting they probably owe you a refund. If there is tax due on a profit there will be late payment penalties and interest. I suggest you assemble your papers and engage an accountant to produce the rental statement and file your tax return asap.

Most Read

AIA - Go Home Loans 4.00
Unity First Home Buyer special 4.15
SBS FirstHome Combo 4.29
ICBC 4.49
Kainga Ora 4.59
SBS Bank Special 4.69
Unity Special 4.80
China Construction Bank 4.85
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 4.89
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.99
ASB Bank 4.99
China Construction Bank 4.95
Kainga Ora 4.95
ICBC 4.99
SBS Bank Special 5.29
Unity Special 5.29
Westpac Special 5.29
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 5.29
ANZ Special 5.35
ASB Bank 5.35
BNZ - Std 5.35
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.35
SBS Bank Special 5.49
ICBC 5.65
Kainga Ora 5.69
ASB Bank 5.75
BNZ - Std 5.75
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.75
Westpac Special 5.75
Kiwibank Special 5.89
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 5.89
TSB Special 5.99
China Construction Bank 5.99
SBS FirstHome Combo 3.29
AIA - Back My Build 3.34
SBS Construction lending for FHB 3.79
CFML 321 Loans 4.20
ICBC 5.39
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 5.69
Co-operative Bank - Standard 5.69
Kainga Ora 5.79
Pepper Money Prime 5.99
Unity Standard 6.04
Unity Special 6.04