In a bid to drive economic productivity and growth, the National Government has introduced the investment boost initiative. At a micro level, this tax incentive provides businesses with additional funds in the form of tax savings, hopefully resulting in companies becoming more competitive. Under this new scheme, from 22 May 2025, businesses are able to claim 20% of the cost of a new asset on top of claiming depreciation. Commentary suggests this should result in a lower tax bill in the year the money is spent as well as a boost to operating cash flows. Whether these benefits transpire in reality is dependent however on a host of factors.
Application Of The Initiative
Specifically, all businesses irrespective of size, can claim the investment boost when they purchase new assets or those new to New Zealand. Assets included in the initiative are:
- New machinery, tools and equipment
- Technology
- New work vehicles
- Capital improvements on eligible assets
- Certain agriculture, aquaculture and forestry improvements
Business owners need to be aware the investment initiative cannot be claimed for certain assets such as second-hand assets, residential rental buildings, fixed-life intangible assets (eg: patents).
Maximising The Initiative
At Greenlion we’ve been thinking of ways you could maximise the use of this tax incentive in your business. We note these below.
- Boost productivity. You could use the 20% tax deduction to invest in technology, software, AI tools, new machinery and / or equipment. These purchases could make your operations more efficient, giving your business a competitive edge.
- Attract new talented employees. By your business becoming more efficient, cash flow may improve. This may enable you to offer market competitive wages, leading to attracting higher qualified staff, especially when labour market conditions are tight.
- De-risk business operations. If you’ve read our previous article, you’ll know changes in economic conditions can have negative effects on the generation of revenue. By taking up the investment boost initiative and replacing aging equipment or upgrading infrastructure, your business may be better placed to weather the economic storms that invariable transpire.
- Increase growth and revenue streams. Improved cash flows from operation efficiencies could be channelled into areas that fuel growth in your business. For instance, you could expand product offerings, add new services and increase marketing activities, leading to increased income.
SUMMARY
All Lion Advisors enjoy assisting clients grow their businesses. So if you think the investment boost initiative could assist your operations or you want to discuss how to take advantage of it, contact Greenlion. We’ll happily help you apply this initiative to gain competitive advantages and improve your bottom line.