Starting out as an entrepreneur
If you are a first-time entrepreneur, you should first determine the structure of your business, such as sole trader, partnership or Limited Liability Company (LLC). This is because each business type is governed by different legal systems and has different tax structures.

Starting a New Zealand company is a simple and straightforward process if you get the right guidance and follow the directions as specified in http://www.business.govt.nz/companies/.

Things to do when starting a company
The following is a list of guidelines for you to consider while starting a NZ company:

• First, choose a relevant name for your company. Ensure that your company name is not identical with or similar to any other company name by searching the Companies Register. It does not matter to have any name you choose if yours is a partnership or a sole trading business, but for a registered company, the name should be unique.
• You have the option of reserving your company name and twenty days’ time thereafter for registration.
• You could also check out for company trade marks at the IPONZ (Intellectual Property Office New Zealand) website. By registering your trade mark at the IPONZ, you acquire legal protection for your company and trade mark.
• Opening a bank account will facilitate easy arranging of loans for your company’s finance requirements.
• Understand the tax structure of your company. This will help you become eligible for the right business deductions and expenses that you are eligible for. It also helps you in knowing about the records and forms that have to be maintained by your company.
• Get your company registered with the Companies Office in case of LLC. You’ll be given a Company IRD number and GST registration number.
• Hiring a lawyer to assist you in legal matters is important.
• A private company needs to have a shareholder’s agreement (in case of a Corporation) that would be helpful in raising finance and in avoiding funding disputes.
• Your company should have at least one director (in case of a Corporation).
• Your company should have a registered office. Giving Post Office Box numbers on your application will lead to an outright rejection of your application.
• All the necessary forms for registration and incorporation are available with the Companies Office.
• You may or may not have a constitution for your company.

All set to go!
Once you have made your application for registration of your company, you’ll be given the Certificate of Incorporation, if the Companies Office finds your application eligible for it. Your company is then incorporated under the Companies Act 1993 with effect from the date mentioned in the Certificate.

There are instances where an existing company that is already registered with the Companies Office is sold; in this case only a change of name needs to be effected by the buyer by applying to the Companies Office which is mostly done by lawyers.

Bookkeeping – The Backbone of your Business
A company, to run smoothly, should have a strong accounting system which lays the foundation for it to be successful. As a business company owner, it is your duty to take care of accounting, NZ tax, bookkeeping services and most importantly NZ payroll if you are an employer.

As an employer, your responsibilities are more because you would be deducting PAYE and other deductions from your employees’ salary and remitting the deductions to IRS.  Help is very close at hand for you to meet all your bookkeeping and accounting requirements.

Small Business Accounting Experts
CM Business Services, Auckland, NZ, would be your wisest choice of Auckland accountants to outsource your accounting work. This firm has great expertise and experience in handling all your accounting work, particularly with regard to use of the latest technology like MYOB and QuickBooks software to give you faster and more efficient results. To know more about CM Business Services, call them at 021.415.623 to schedule your FREE one hour consultation.

Happy Ending
To sum up, it is always wise to seek legal and professional guidance when you are starting your own company. This will minimise a lot of your work and worry as you are most likely investing a large amount of time, money, and hopes in your venture.

Business owner come employer?

For an Auckland small business to run successfully, you need to carry out all your responsibilities of a business owner with dedication and passion. If you are a small business owner as well as an employer, your responsibilities become manifold.

When you are only an owner, you need to focus only on your business growth and of course take care of your small business accounting needs. But, as your business expands, you might feel the need to hire staff to help you manage your business in a more professional manner. When you hire employees, several factors have to be considered and you should have a well laid-out plan about the number of employees you want to hire and their role in your organization etc.

How to become an employer

First, you need to register with the IRD as a new employer. Registration with the IRD is a simple process, either online or offline. You can register with your IRD number or if you don’t have one, apply for it by filling in IR 595/596 depending on whether you are an individual or non-individual in business. Once you have the IRD number, you can register online by filling in the online employer registration form or offline by filling in IR 334 and sending it to IRD, NZ.      Source: http://www.ird.govt.nz/payroll-employers/become-employer/register/

Once you start hiring employees, the most important thing is to get a Tax code declaration (IR330) filled in by them. Kiwi Saver members should also fill in a KiwiSaver deduction form (KS2). You should enroll your employees in KiwiSaver depending on their eligibility. Employer monthly schedule (IR348) with their employment start date should be sent to IRD.       Source: http://www.ird.govt.nz/payroll-employers/employ-staff/start-stop/

Employer-employee relationship

Employment Relations Act 2000 lays the foundation for the employer-employee relationship in an organization. The act specifies clearly the rights and responsibilities of both the employers and employees. As an employer, you need to be well informed about the policies and legislation that govern the sensitive relationship that exists between the employer and the employee.

Your responsibilities as an employer

As an employer, you are faced with many duties and responsibilities that have to be carried out in a meticulous fashion. Necessary salary deductions of your employees, remitting them to IRD NZ and filing employer returns are a few of the important duties of an employer.

You can check out the following page to get more information about the things you should do as an employer:

http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/big6/index.asp

With several changes to NZ tax coming into effect on 1^st October, 2010, you should be aware of all the changes and stay updated with the relevant information on them. Once these changes become effective, you will need to calculate PAYE and other deductions according to the new rates.

Source: http://www.ird.govt.nz/payroll-employers/tax-changes-employers/

While your employees may be trained in several areas of your business, your book keeping and accounting work may be outsourced to an appropriately qualified professional accountant who would work hand in hand with your employees and take over your responsibility of calculating taxes and remitting them to IRD on time.

Outsourcing is a big advantage

By outsourcing, you can not only work for the development of your business, but you can let go of your worry about the complicated accounting procedures related to it. Outsourcing also leads to more productivity and profits as you have more time and peace of mind to focus on your business growth, so hiring a professional accountant will be very helpful to you in the long run. For your accounting needs, contact C M Business Services for a FREE consultation now.