20 September 2004
Straightforward solution to superannuation tax problem
United Future revenue spokesman Gordon Copeland believes that there is a straightforward solution to the current
over-taxation of superannuation fund earnings.
“Presently over-taxation occurs in two ways,” he says.
“Firstly, a flat rate of 33 cents applies on fund earnings even although 74% of New Zealanders have a marginal tax rate
of just 19.5 cents, ie an over-taxation of 13.5 cents. The answer is to reduce the tax for those savers to 19.5 cents.
“This can very readily be done if the investment scheme manager is supplied with the PAYE tax rate applicable to the
last dollar of the employee’s salary and wages in the previous year. The scheme manager then calculates tax and forwards
it on to the IRD as a full and final tax on behalf of that saver.
“The second problem is that capital gains through investment vehicles are taxed, again at a flat rate of 33 cents, in
counter distinction from the tax-free nature of capital gains on, for example, residential property investment. This
completely distorts investment patterns and saving patterns in New Zealand.
“The answer is again straightforward, namely to exempt earnings through investment vehicles from capital gains tax. This
removes the current disincentive and creates a level playing field.
“Such a move would be positive for the wider economic success of New Zealand since, with the distortions removed, savers
would then concentrate their minds solely on discovering the best investment return consistent with risk.
“It is exactly that signal which government needs to send to New Zealand savers if we are to maximise the potential of
our economy and create wealth for its citizens and their families,” says Mr Copeland.
ENDS