Federated Farmers surveys members on tax views

Federated Farmers surveys members on tax views

Federated Farmers is asking its members to speak up about tax issues.

Responses to a new survey will inform the Federation’s submission to the Tax Working Group.

The TWG, which is chaired by Sir Michael Cullen, is looking into whether the tax system operates fairly in relation to taxpayers, income, assets and wealth and whether it strikes the right balance between supporting the productive economy and the speculative economy.

It expects to make an interim report to the Government by September and is now calling for submissions.

The last review of our tax system was in 2010, when farmers were outspoken in opposing the idea of a land tax, Federated Farmers Vice-President Andrew Hoggard said.

A land tax is one of the options in front of today’s TWG, as are options such as a capital gains tax and environmental taxes.

"Eight years have gone by since the last review; our farmer membership has changed as has the economic and agricultural landscape," Andrew said.

"We aim to vigorously represent our members’ views in our submission to the TWG, and to the Government when it considers the TWG’s final report.

"But to do that, we’re asking members to think about the issues and let us know their views."

A survey has been designed so that farmer members can tell the Federation about what they feel are the shortfalls, pluses or omissions in the current tax system and what changes, if any, are desirable from their point of view.

The survey went out on Monday afternoon, and in less than 24 hours nearly 500 farmers had responded. The survey closes March 14.

ENDS

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