Families $1,040 Worse Off Under Helen Clark

Tuesday 9 Nov 2004

Rodney Hide - Press Releases - Taxation

ACT New Zealand Leader Rodney Hide today accused the Labour Government of overtaxing hard-working New Zealand families, in light of new information that shows the average household is being taxed at over 46 percent of its income.

"Today in the House, I revealed from an answer to my written Parliamentary Question to Finance Minister Michael Cullen, that the average household tax has skyrocketed from 39 to 46 percent since Labour came to power - making the average household $1,040 worse off every year," Mr Hide said.

"This figure is outrageous, and proves Prime Minister Helen Clark and Dr Cullen are taxing New Zealanders too much. No doubt that when ACC and local council rates are included, the average New Zealand household is losing over half its gross income in tax.

"Many families are struggling to make ends meet under this high-tax, anti-family government - not that it appears to care. Statistics New Zealand today announced a Government surplus of over $5.6 billion, yet the Prime Minister refuses to put tax cuts on the agenda.

"Only ACT, Parliament's low-tax party, is prepared to give families a decent tax cut. ACT would reduce New Zealand's top personal and company rate to 20 percent. That would boost our economy, improve every New Zealander's standard of living, and ensure a freer and more prosperous nation," Mr Hide said.

1999/2000

2003/2004

Mean Household Income

$50,800

$55,600

Average Household Tax

$19,900

$25,740

Tax as % on household

39.2%

46.3%

Source: written Parliamentary Questions 14900, 14901

ENDS

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