Blog
Straight-up advice for real estate agents.
Tax, GST, deductions and the business of selling — no jargon, written for agents, not accountants.
GSTGST for real estate agents: the basics, minus the jargon
If your commission income tips over the threshold, GST is part of your life. Here is what actually matters.
DeductionsEvery deduction a real estate agent can claim
A generalist accountant misses these routinely. Here is the checklist for agents.
TaxWhy commission income needs its own tax plan
Irregular income and flat tax planning do not mix. Smooth it across the year instead.
TaxProvisional tax, explained for agents
It is not a separate tax. It is just paying as you go. Here is how it works.
DeductionsVehicle expenses: logbook vs kilometre rate
You drive for a living. Pick the method that puts the most back in your pocket.
DeductionsHome office claims for agents who work everywhere
You work from the car, the office and the kitchen table. Part of that home cost is deductible.
BusinessSole trader, company or trust — which fits an agent?
The right structure can save tax and protect you. The wrong one just adds cost.
GSTGST on your marketing and advertising spend
Vendor-paid, agent-paid, recharged — marketing GST trips up a lot of agents.
ComplianceEnd-of-year: what your accountant actually needs
A short, honest list — and how automation makes most of it disappear.
AutomationHow automation files your GST without you lifting a finger
A look under the hood at the stack that runs your books in the background.
BusinessThe hidden cost of a generalist accountant
It is not just the fee. It is the deductions missed and the time you lose.
TaxACC levies for self-employed agents
The bill that surprises new agents. Here is what it is and how to plan for it.
BusinessPutting money aside for tax: the simple system
One bank account and one percentage. That is the whole trick.
DeductionsClaiming conference, training and travel
That conference in the Gold Coast might be partly deductible. Here are the rules.
BusinessKiwiSaver and the self-employed agent
No employer match means it is on you — but the annual government contribution still counts.
GSTWhen to register for GST (and what changes)
Cross the threshold and registration is compulsory. Sometimes it pays to register earlier.
ComplianceRecord-keeping: what IRD actually expects
You must keep the evidence. The good news is automation keeps most of it for you.
BusinessSwitching accountants mid-year: is it worth it?
You do not have to wait for year-end. Here is how a clean handover works.