What should I consider prior to leaving NZ and my rental?

Our Experts Answer:

Before talking structures it is probably necessary to determine your tax residency status by completing an IR886 declaration that considers whether you have an "enduring relationship with NZ". Some structures are not appropriate if you are non NZ tax resident, for exanple, to be a LAQC the companies management base must be located in NZ.

This may well rule out this option and there can also be issues for trusts if the settlors emigrate. On the face of it I think I'd be inclined to suggest you leave the property in your own names. This will keep life simple and ensures that your only tax obligation is to file a non resident return here in NZ that declares your NZ derived income while you are away, ie the rent.

If you have not severed your ties with NZ and conclude you are still a NZ tax resident your worldwide income and the rent is all still assessable here in NZ, hence the importance of the IR886 declaration so that some certainty can be gained on your tax residency prior to departure.

Mark Withers and his team at Withers Tsang & Co specialise in advising on property related transactions, valuation and restructure services and tax planning.