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Running a home business

Many successful Kiwi businesses started at home and it's estimated that there are more than 200,000 home-based businesses in New Zealand. For some, to work from home is a stepping-stone to creating a bigger business. For others it's a lifestyle choice. This is information and help for people starting or running a business from home.

Claiming expenses for your home business

If you are working from home you may be entitled to claim a portion of your household bills as business expenses. These include rates, insurance, power, mortgage interest and depreciation. It's important that you keep all invoices and records of the costs. Use the examples from Inland Revenue to work out your claim.

This information is brought to you by Inland Revenue

Claim business expenses for the use of a private vehicle

Do you use a private vehicle for business purposes? For business where a personal vehicle is used for business purposes you may claim a portion of the running costs. This article will help you investigate if you meet the criteria for compensation, how to use a logbook to document travel, and how to calculate the portion of expenses to claim back.

This information is brought to you by Inland Revenue

How to be taken seriously as a home business Opens in a new window

An article for home business owners on what to do to ensure clients take them seriously. Self image, professionalism, quality of work, charging what you are worth, and building relationships are all key elements in earning strong client credibility.

This information is brought to you by Home Business New Zealand

Tips on overcoming the challenges of working from home

Some simple strategies to help deal with some of the challenges of working from home such as social and professional isolation.

This information is brought to you by Home Business New Zealand

Look after your greatest asset - yourself Opens in a new window

When you are the only person in your business, and dependent on your efforts for your income, you can't afford to put yourself at risk. This article is about taking care of yourself so you can continue to function effectively in your business.

This information is brought to you by Home Business New Zealand

Important health and safety facts to know when working from home Opens in a new window (PDF)

Have you thought about how Health and Safety in Employment Act applies to you and your business? If you own a business, or operate a business from your house there are things you need to consider. Here is a useful fact sheet answering the some of the most frequently asked questions about health and safety precautions in your workplace. (PDF, 3 pages, 29KB.)

This information is brought to you by Department of Labour

Technology and home businesses Opens in a new window

Have you got the best technology for your home business? Here is some advice to help your business maintain efficiency and procedural accuracy by choosing the right computer, using the internet, and different methods of communication.

This information is brought to you by Home Business New Zealand

E-commerce and home businesses Opens in a new window

Are you interested in automating your business transactions, increasing sales, minimising administrative costs, and broadening the scope of your customer base? Get up to date with the internet and you will discover what e-commerce is and how it can improve your business.

This information is brought to you by Home Business New Zealand

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More than 75 percent of New Zealand businesses are located in the North Island and almost one third of all businesses are in Auckland.