Business support strong for tax changes

Support for the tax changes mooted by the Government is strong north of Taupo, according to a poll of 840 business representatives.

An Attache Software survey undertaken by the Employers & Manufacturers Association of business representatives attending the EMA Summer round of briefings found three quarters favoured cuts to the company tax rate, with 72 per cent support for aligning the top individual, company and trust tax rates.

“A solid 57 per cent backed the increase in GST to 15 per cent,” said EMA chief executive, Alasdair Thompson.

“Just 12 per cent were against the rise with 31 per cent undecided or unsure.

“It was interesting to see a 57 per cent support for the removal of tax depreciation on rental homes. 14 per cent were against this with 29 per cent undecided or unsure.

“Our survey was in written form at our round of briefings of attendees at 26 venues in Thames, Tauranga, Whakatane, Rotorua, Taupo, Otorohanga, Hamilton and several in Auckland.”