Questions readers ask

The New Zealand edition of a business magazine about the money side of running a company: cash flow, pricing, GST, provisional tax, employing staff, buying a business and growth. It comes with free planning tools and a lending team for owners whose plans need funding.

Everything here is written for New Zealand: Inland Revenue rather than the Australian tax office, GST at 15%, provisional tax, PAYE, KiwiSaver, ACC levies and NZ employment rules. The Australian edition is a separate site for Australian businesses.

The Business of Money editorial team. We check facts against current official sources such as Inland Revenue, business.govt.nz, Employment New Zealand and ACC, and update pages when thresholds or dates change. Worked examples are illustrative only.

No. The GST & provisional tax set-aside planner and the price-rise calculator run entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is saved or sent to us.

No. It's general information to help you understand your position and ask sharper questions. For decisions that hinge on your circumstances, such as provisional tax options, structure or employment matters, speak to your accountant or adviser.

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. It only comes up if you decide to go ahead with an application.

No. Enquiries aren't sold, shared around or auctioned. One team looks at yours and a real person rings you.

About a minute. It asks for the amount, the purpose, your turnover, your region and whether you own property.

Because those details decide which options fit. Answers close to the real figures let us point you in the right direction on the first call rather than going back and forth.

Usually during New Zealand business hours on the same or next working day. The call may come from a number you don't recognise.

Unsecured and cash-flow options for trading businesses are typically from $5,000 to $500,000, sized on turnover and bank statements. Property-secured business loans run from $20,000 to $5,000,000 using first mortgages, second mortgages or caveat-style security over residential or commercial property.

Because each facility is priced on the business itself: the amount, term, security, trading record and purpose. A headline figure would mislead most readers, so the full cost is explained once your situation is understood.

Often. IRD debt is considered case by case. Funding to clear GST, PAYE or provisional tax arrears can make sense, but it's one option alongside an instalment arrangement with IRD, so we'll talk through both.

They're considered case by case. Mention them on the form or on the call; being upfront helps us find a realistic fit sooner.

Yes, though options depend on the circumstances. Newer businesses with property to offer as security usually have more choice; unsecured options generally need some trading history to assess.

Business purposes only: working capital, stock, equipment, staff, tax bills, buying a business, a second site, a large contract and similar needs.

Only once you choose to proceed. Typically recent business bank statements, ID, NZBN or company details and, for secured lending, property information. You'll be told exactly what your option requires.

Yes, where that suits the purpose, for example clearing a tax balance or settling the purchase of a business.