FAQs
You can manage basic finances yourself, but an accountant saves you time, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and often saves you more money than they cost. Things like tax deductions, provisional tax, and GST can get complicated quickly - especially when you're also trying to run a business. Most business owners find that having an accountant gives them peace of mind and frees them up to focus on what they do best.
A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day recording of your financial transactions - things like invoices, expenses, and bank reconciliations. An accountant takes that information and uses it for tax returns, financial reporting, compliance, and strategic advice. Some businesses need both, others just need one. We can help you figure out what's right for your situation.
It depends on the size of your business and the services you need. We offer fixed-fee packages so you always know what you're paying - no surprise bills. We have an outline of our typical fees on our 'fees & services page'. You can also book a free initial chat with us and we'll give you a clear picture upfront.
Don't worry too much about having everything perfect - that's what we're here for. It helps to bring any recent financial records you have, details of your income and expenses, your IRD number, and a list of questions or concerns. If you're just starting out, just bring yourself and we'll work through everything together.
Provisional tax is a way of paying your income tax in instalments throughout the year rather than in one lump sum at the end. You generally need to pay it if your tax bill was over $5,000 in the previous year. It can catch people off guard if they're not prepared - we help our clients plan ahead so there are no nasty surprises.
Common deductible expenses include vehicle costs, home office expenses, equipment, phone and internet, professional fees, and business insurance - among others. The key rule is that the expense must be incurred in earning your income. Every business is different, so it's worth having a conversation with us to make sure you're not missing out on deductions you're entitled to
You must register for GST if your business earns over $60,000 in a 12-month period. You can also choose to register voluntarily before you hit that threshold, which can have benefits depending on your situation. If you're not sure whether you need to register or which GST filing period suits you, we can walk you through it.
Both have their advantages. As a sole trader, setup is simple and there's less admin. A company offers more credibility, limited liability, and can be more tax efficient as your income grows. The right structure depends on your income level, risk, and long-term goals. It's one of the most important decisions you can make early on - and something we love helping clients think through.
In New Zealand, you're required to keep business records for at least 7 years. This includes invoices, receipts, bank statements, payroll records, and tax returns. Keeping organized records not only keeps you compliant with IRD - it also makes your accounting much simpler and cheaper at year end.
Absolutely - you wouldn't believe how common this is! We won't judge you. Whether you're months behind on your bookkeeping or just not sure where to start, we'll help you get sorted, catch up, and put a simple system in place so it doesn't happen again. The first step is just getting in touch.