‘No’ to capital gains tax still possible, says PM
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there will be plenty of time for consultation on the Tax Working Group’s report, but it’s still possible the Government will reject a recommendation for a capital gains tax.
In her first economic outlook speech of the year, Ardern spoke about about the reasons for optimism in the economy – but acknowledged there were also clouds ahead, to a room full of top chief executives and managers.
The Government received the Tax Working Group’s report on the contentious capital gains tax late last month and will release it to the public on February 21.
While Ardern said there would be ‘‘plenty of time for consultation, debate and lots of transparency’’ on the report’s findings, she did not rule out not adopting a capital gains tax policy at all.
‘‘We’re going into this transparently. The public will be able to see what has been recommended and we’re going to have a debate and discussion with our partners,’’ Ardern said.
‘‘What the Tax Working Group has worked on we will be releasing to the public. Everyone will be able to see those ideas and debate them.
‘‘There will be plenty of time for consultation and debate and lots of transparency.’’
Ardern said the report was widereaching but gave no more details on what it might cover.
‘‘It doesn’t just look at the way New Zealand does or doesn’t treat capital gains; it looks broadly at our tax system.’’
What was certain was that, if a capital gains tax was to be implemented, the family home would be off the table.
‘‘When we went into setting up the Tax Working Group, we were very specific: Don’t even bother considering the family home. It’s off the table. We won’t be going there,’’ Ardern said.
She said tax reform was an issue of fairness.
‘‘As we enter into a period of discussion and debate, I hope it’s guided by the overriding goal of fairness, and building an economy and system that works in the best interest of New Zealand and its people.’’