Let’s (briefly) talk about tax ( and education). Again – yes I know.

The headline of today’s Dominion Post showed that in 2015 schools collected $11 million in donations more than they had previously.  Now dear readers after And another thing you all know that this means that of the extra $11 million the government subsidied this by a third. 

Also interesting if you follow the embedded Stuff links you see that decile 10 schools dominate the donations stakes.  By about $329 million to $2.8 million. Mega yuck given this just happens automatically and doesn’t go through Parliament every year as Education budget does.

Now this we have discussed before and promise I am not interrupting your Saturday to moan again about that.

The reason for this postette is the reference to how music lessons and school camps and the like are now being reclassified as donations.

No just no.

IRD guidance is very clear that donations need to be an ‘unconditional gift’. Nothing in return. A cash version of seva although they will probs never use that analogy.

The law is very clear and any ‘reclassification’ will be very easily overturned by the department. Please apply your brain. If you get anything in return – it ain’t a donation and so no donations tax credit. 

Simple. Please carry on.

Namaste