Julia Johnston
Direct Dial: +64 3 963 1469
Mobile: 022 513 2160
E-mail: julia.johnston@saunders.co.nz
Office: CBD
I lead the tax team at Saunders & Co and also specialise in relationship property, immigration, and commercial matters.
After finishing top of advanced tax at the University of Canterbury in 2008, I completed my Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Bachelor of Laws, and started my career in the tax team at a large international accounting firm in 2009. I then spent time working in a large corporate recovery team. This combination of law, commerce, and accounting has given me a broad skill base to bring to my clients, whether they are seeking commercial or tax advice. This well-rounded approach is crucial to giving the most accurate and helpful advice possible.
In 2012 I moved to work within a nationally recognised tax advisory law firm where I advised individuals, corporates, trusts, and other professional advisors and assisted with all areas of tax law. There, I assisted in a broad range of cases, from IRD audits to advising on the implications of land transactions. I further developed my passion for migrant tax issues, advising both inbound and outbound residents on their New Zealand tax obligations. This has given me a strong background to bring to my work in immigration law.
In 2017, I moved to be a manager in the tax team with a “big 4” international accounting firm where I provided tax services to a wide range of businesses of various sizes, as well as individuals and other professional advisors. I was also able to focus more on my passion for migrant tax issues as the leader of the Christchurch based team.
I joined Saunders & Co in 2018, where I assist clients and their advisors with all of their tax advisory requirements. I spend a lot of time working with our immigration team, advising migrants on their tax obligations in the complex area of international tax. This provides me with a solid background into my client’s affairs which enables me to continue to advise on the many other areas of tax laws once they are established in New Zealand, be it commercial or otherwise.
I have expanded my skill-set to include relationship property, where I assist clients with contracting-out agreements, separation agreements, property divisions, and the various negotiations and other related aspects of such work. Relationship separations are a distressing time in a client’s life. I take a friendly, supportive approach while focused on reaching a practical solution and aim to simplify and clarify these often complex matters.
I pride myself on working effectively to reach the best outcomes for my client, no matter the area of concern, while making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
What My Clients Say
“Julia Johnston has been great to deal with. She was very professional and explained everything clearly – both in person and via email.” Oct 2019
Catherine and Josh“Julia Johnston’s empathy for our situation, coupled with her sound subject knowledge and passion for what she does, was priceless… this made all the difference to us.” Dec 2019
Janice Wickes“Julia Johnston, thanks, I really appreciate everything you have done for me. I don’t believe I would be trading today without you.” Sep 2019
Name withheld for commercial reasons"I had a fantastic experience with Saunders & Co. Julia Johnston is as caring as she is proficient. Her level-head and laser-focus cut through the emotional chaos of my case and highlighted only the facts. Every step of the way, she kept me informed, encouraged me to think things through and made sure I was completely comfortable. And she did it all while I remained overseas. She and her team navigated that added level of difficulty with ease and grace. She is honest, well-spoken, thorough, and proactive. She was a joy to work with, always bringing a bit of sunshine and optimism. Her tenacity and commanding knowledge of law brought a settlement better than I dared dream. I am incredibly grateful!" May 2021
Melinda Perkins"Julia's team was fast, logical, efficient, and extremely professional. Any challenge that came up they handled ethically and effectively. I am incredibly impressed and happy with the calibre of their work." August 2021
R KerrTax implications of Government Support Payments during COVID-19
Following the discovery of a community case of the Delta variant of COVID-19, at 11. 59pm on 17 August 2021, New Zealand was placed into Alert Level 4 Lockdown.
Inland Revenue Audits and Investigations – What you Should Know
Daunting. Stressful. Time-consuming. What are we describing? Inland Revenue Investigations. When Inland Revenue investigate your tax affairs, they may choose to send you a “Risk Review” letter, or a notification of audit letter.
Limited guidance on Interest limitation rules
On 10 June the Government released their discussion document “Design of the interest limitation rule and additional bright-line rules”. The discussion document provides details on the proposed interest limitation and bright-line rules, following the 23 March 2021 announcements.
New Trust Disclosure Rules
From 1 April 2021, there was a new 39% tax bracket for individuals earning above $180,000. However, the tax rate for income from trusts remains at 33%.
The Family Home Can Still Attract Bright-line Tax
“Our target is not the family home. ” Whilst that might be true, it is not entirely the result achieved. If you’re selling your main home, you don’t have to pay tax on the sale.
New Requirements for Purchase Price Allocation from 1 July 2021
If you are planning to buy or sell a business this year, you need to be aware of the new purchase price allocation rules which come into effect on 1 July 2021.
The Bright-Line Test and Main Home Exemption – What You Need To Know
On 23 March, the Government passed their amendments to the residential-property bright-line test under urgency, and without consultation via a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP).
Property Investors Hit Hard by Tax Reforms
The Government has announced huge tax reforms. These tax reforms are attempting to grapple with the housing crisis, and tip the balance of power in the market towards first home buyers and long-term investors.
Business Continuity Test Set to Change
The Minister of Revenue has recently indicated his intention to introduce legislation to relax New Zealand’s loss continuity rules. Currently, New Zealand’s loss continuity rules are among the strictest in the world.
IRD cracking down on property sales
While New Zealand does not have a comprehensive capital gains tax, we do have a capital gains tax in relation to property known as the bright-line test.
Tax Structuring for the 39% Tax Rate
In the 2020 election, Labour promised to introduce a new top tax rate of 39% on income over $180,000, likely to take effect from 1 April 2021.
Returning to work early from parental leave
COVID-19 has resulted in some employees on parental leave wanting to return to work early, be it for financial or other reasons.
Tax Deductibility and Healthy Homes standards
In mid-August, Inland Revenue released Questions we’ve been asked QB20/01 Can owners of existing residential rental properties claim deductions for costs incurred to meet Healthy Homes standards? Owners of residential rental properties are required to meet certain minimum standards which...
Inland Revenue signals their attention to offshore employers with New Zealand-based employees
With the current global pandemic more and more kiwis are returning home and continuing to work for their offshore employer.
Is the Sale of Your Property Subject to Tax?
New Zealanders love property. Buying and selling property in New Zealand is common. What is less commonly known are the tax implications of these transactions. For many years, people have used property as a way to increase their wealth.
Tax Considerations for Returning Kiwis
When returning to New Zealand tax is most likely one of the last things people consider (if they consider it at all).
The Unknown Tax Cost of Foreign Property
Are you migrating or returning to New Zealand? Are you aware of the tax implications of such a move? Many people move to New Zealand having kept overseas properties.
Don’t relax on tax
Don’t let tax spoil your new life in New Zealand. International tax is a minefield.
Inland Revenue to Escalate Investigations into Land Sales
While no comprehensive capital gains tax is being considered in New Zealand at present, there is already a full body of tax law relating to land.
You could get caught out by GST when buying a property – even if you are not GST registered
I am frequently asked by clients to assist with the GST implications of a proposed property purchase.
Expanding overseas? Make sure you understand the tax implications.
With the world becoming a much smaller place, it is easy for businesses to find themselves trading overseas without too much consideration.
GST on Property Transactions – Compulsory Complexity
GST is easy – it’s 15%, 0%, or wrong. GST is the most common thing that goes wrong in property transactions, due to a widespread lack of understanding by registered parties and professional advisers.
Providing an incorrect warranty regarding GST registration proves costly
In a recent case, the High Court awarded summary judgement on appeal against a vendor for a breach of warranty in relation to the GST on the sale of land.
Confusion still reigns over Capital Gains
With no comprehensive capital gains tax to be implemented and letters from armchair experts filling the local papers, it is timely to familiarise ourselves with the current laws in relation to capital gains on the sale of land.
Don’t get caught with a NZ tax bill while you are living overseas
Are you leaving NZ permanently, or going on an extended overseas trip? Make sure you know your tax obligations and how to ensure you break your tax residency in New Zealand so you are not welcomed back to New Zealand...
Key staff can cause New Zealand tax headaches for international companies
Are you a director or a key staff member of an offshore business? Did you know that your presence in New Zealand might cause your company to be subject to tax in New Zealand? A company is deemed to be...