In contrast with the treatment of capital gains and property, New Zealand taxes corporate taxable income
at a relatively high rate. The changing international environment is putting pressure on the corporate tax
system. In 1989, New Zealand’s 33% corporate tax rate was one of the lowest in the world. That situation
has changed markedly in the last 15 years (see Figure 8). While New Zealand’s corporate rate was
reduced recently to 30%, the average rate for small OECD countries is now 26%. International trends
may not continue into the future at the same rate (for example, as a result of many countries experiencing
huge increases in public deficits and debt following the global financial crisis). However, further reductions
in company tax rates overseas will mean that New Zealand would be vulnerable and would be under
pressure to reduce its company tax rate.
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