Westpac NZ to Appeal Tax Decision

Categories: Taxation in New Zealand

The New Zealand branch of Westpac Banking Corp has revealed its intention to appeal the New Zealand High Court’s decision on the bank’s tax assessment. Last month Westpac had challenged an amended assessment of their tax information by the Inland Revenue Department. The New Zealand High Court had decided to dismiss the challenge, leaving Westpac [...]

The New Zealand branch of Westpac Banking Corp has revealed its intention to appeal the New Zealand High Court's decision on the bank's tax assessment. Last month Westpac had challenged an amended assessment of their tax information by the Inland Revenue Department. The New Zealand High Court had decided to dismiss the challenge, leaving Westpac liable for NZ$586 million in unpaid taxes and a possible NZ$332 in interest. George Frazis, Westpac NZ Chief Executive, said, regarding the appeal decision "In our view ... Read More

New Zealand Set to Put Pressure on Evasion

Categories: Taxation in New Zealand

The New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and Government figures have given clear indication that the country will see increased pressure on tax evaders in 2010. According to a submission from the IRD to the government supported Tax Working Group, released October 25th, the government is losing approximately NZ$300 million in taxation receipts annually through [...]

The New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and Government figures have given clear indication that the country will see increased pressure on tax evaders in 2010. According to a submission from the IRD to the government supported Tax Working Group, released October 25th, the government is losing approximately NZ$300 million in taxation receipts annually through money hidden in trust accounts. The total tax evasion amount is only increased when companies created purely for the purpose of tax avoidance are considered. Statements by ... Read More

ASB Could Settle in IRD’s Tax Hunt

Categories: Taxation in New Zealand

New Zealand’s ASB bank has given indicators that it may settle with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in their structured financing tax evasion case against the bank. Warwick Bryan, Investor Relations Analyst for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), made indications that ASB Bank might opt for an out of court settlement with the IRD, [...]

New Zealand's ASB bank has given indicators that it may settle with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in their structured financing tax evasion case against the bank. Warwick Bryan, Investor Relations Analyst for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), made indications that ASB Bank might opt for an out of court settlement with the IRD, who is pursuing the bank for allegedly evaded tax liabilities. While commenting on Westpac Bank's loss of a similar case against the IRD, Warrick Bryan said ... Read More

New Zealand Bank Guilty of Serious Tax Evasion

Categories: Offshore Banking, Offshore Taxation, Taxation in New Zealand

The New Zealand branch of Westpac Banking Corp has been found guilty by the New Zealand High Court of tax evasion, the legal action concerns a total of NZD918 million. Court proceedings revolved around adjustments made to returns filed by Westpac in which a number of transactions were claimed and used to reduce the overall [...]

The New Zealand branch of Westpac Banking Corp has been found guilty by the New Zealand High Court of tax evasion, the legal action concerns a total of NZD918 million. Court proceedings revolved around adjustments made to returns filed by Westpac in which a number of transactions were claimed and used to reduce the overall tax liability. The IRD contested that these were carried out purely with the purpose of tax evasion and subsequently assessed the bank’s tax liability higher. The ... Read More