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What expenses can I claim?
The most common question new business owners ask. Here’s a plain-English answer on what’s claimable, what’s not, and what most people miss.
What Business Expenses Can I Claim in New Zealand?
This is by far the most common question I get from new business owners. So let’s answer it properly.
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First, a reality check: most business owners spend far too much time chasing small expense claims when the real opportunity is in growing their sales. I have clients earning less than minimum wage who spend more time asking about expenses than anything else. The maths just doesn’t add up.
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That said, you should absolutely claim everything you’re entitled to.
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The rule
You can claim any expense that has a direct connection to earning income. The key word is direct. Fuel used to drive between job sites — claimable. Clothing you wear to work — generally not, because it can also be worn privately.
If an expense has a significant personal element, it usually can’t be claimed as a business expense.
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The most commonly missed expense
Home office expenses. Most business owners either don’t claim them at all, or claim them incorrectly. The calculation is more involved than people expect, and it’s worth getting an accountant to work it out properly the first time.