The GST advisory panel set up to consider issues, solve problems and help New Zealand businesses adapt for the rise in GST to 15% on October 1 has already been busy.
Panel chairman Frank Owen said panel members had already been advised of several issues that required answers.
In particular, people wanted to know how to deal with goods and services that were provided right across the changeover date or goods ordered before October 1 but not received until afterwards.
Some examples were council rates bills; electricity and gas bills; holiday bookings; insurance policies; lay-by and hire purchase.
The panel had one meeting late last week and would meet again shortly.
"We are encouraging people to contact us with their problems so we can help resolve them," Mr Owen said.
The service was free and it was likely an issue affecting one business would affect many others.
The aim was to become a useful source of information for everyone - from sole operators to large companies - to ensure a smooth transition, he said.
The panel can be contacted on: www.gstadvisory.govt.nz or 0800 387-783.
The members are:
• Frank Owen, retired chartered accountant.
• David McLay, tax barrister.
• Craig Macalister, tax director, New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
• Phil O'Reilly, chief executive, Business New Zealand.
• Karen Radford, director, New Zealand Retailers Association.
