Sole Trader vs Company Tax in NZ: What Actually Changes for Small Businesses
Choosing between operating as a sole trader or a limited company in New Zealand is not just a legal decision. It directly affects how you are taxed, how ACC is calculated, and how much personal risk you carry.
This guide focuses on the practical tax differences NZ business owners actually feel day to day.
Income Tax Differences
Sole trader
- Business income is personal income
- Taxed at personal tax rates
- Paid via IR3
- Pays company tax at 28 percent
- You pay personal tax separately on salary or drawings
- Two layers of tax, but more control over timing
GST Is the Same Either Way
GST rules do not change based on structure.
- Register at $60,000 turnover
- File returns the same way
- Same 15 percent rate
ACC Levies
This is where many sole traders get surprised.
Sole traders
- ACC based on net profit
- Can fluctuate year to year
- ACC based on salary you pay yourself
- More predictable if income varies
When a Company Starts to Make Sense
A company often becomes useful when:
- Income is growing consistently
- You want to retain profit in the business
- You are taking on higher risk work
- You want clearer separation of money
Summary
Start simple. Change when the structure starts working against you, not before.
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