New Zealand Inland Revenue Tax Notices

Thursday, 31 March 2005, 9:58 am
Press Release: ASB Bank

New Zealand Inland Revenue Tax Notices

Statement made by John Duncan, Head of Group Finance, ASB Bank

ASB Bank has received Notices of Proposed Adjustments (NOPAs) from the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in respect of structured finance transactions in the years ended 30 June 2001 to 30 June 2003.

A NOPA is not an assessment of tax. It is the first step in New Zealand’s tax disputes process, under which the IRD formally advises a taxpayer that they are proposing to amend a tax assessment. Following the IRD’s industry-wide review of structured finance transactions, a number of NOPAs have already been issued in relation to similar transactions undertaken by all of the other major banks in New Zealand.

Potential Financial Impact

The adjustments proposed by the IRD in respect of ASB Bank for the transactions covered by the NOPAs are for the 2001 to 2003 tax years and would result in an estimated potential tax liability of NZ$71 million. If applied up to 28 February 2005 an additional tax liability of NZ$25 million would be implied.

Should NOPAs also be issued to ASB Bank for all similar structured finance transactions, and for all tax years from 2001 onwards, the adjustments proposed by the IRD would result in a net potential tax liability for all transactions of NZ$157 million up to 28 February 2005 (including tax effected use of money interest charges).

ASB Bank has taken extensive independent tax and legal advice and is confident the tax treatment it has adopted for these and other similar transactions is correct. Accordingly, the Bank does not currently propose to create any provisions for tax liability as a result of the issue of the NOPAs. ASB will continue to work cooperatively with the IRD to finalise their review of the Bank’s other structured finance transactions.

© Scoop Media

ASB Bank

Helping you get one step ahead.

In 1847, ASB opened as the Auckland Savings Bank with the pledge: 'to serve the community; to grow and to help Kiwis grow'. And that is very much what ASB is about today.

ASB is a leading provider of integrated financial services in New Zealand including retail, business and rural banking, funds management and insurance.

ASB strives to consistently provide its customers with outstanding service and innovative financial solutions. They're dedicated to providing simple financial products that allow their customers to bank with them how and when they want.

We all have our own ways to measure progress, and our own stories about the things that matter to us. Whatever way you choose to measure progress, and whatever your goals, ASB is there to help you get one step ahead.

Contact ASB Bank

• Info on - Bank Accounts
• Info on - ASB Home Loans
• Info on - ASB Credit Cards
• Link to - Mortgage Calculator
• Info on - Business Banking
• Info on - ASB Kiwisaver
• Link to - ASB Blog
• Info on - Personal Loans