← New Zealand hubs Anne - E-commerce Seller
New Zealand English (English) $ NZD
Rebecca runs a thriving boutique e-commerce business from her home, balancing inventory, shipping, and digital marketing. This hub tracks the national regulations, tax obligations, and business support systems she navigates to keep her online shop running smoothly.
Managing GST and income tax correctly is the difference between a growing business and a stressful audit.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration national · Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
Who qualifies Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding $60,000.
What you get Requires filing periodic returns (usually every 2 months); no application fee.
Common gotcha Many sellers forget that GST applies to the total sales price, not just profit.
Sole Trader Income Tax national · Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
Who qualifies All individuals earning income outside of PAYE employment.
What you get Requires annual IR3 filing; keep all receipts for 7 years.
Common gotcha Mixing personal and business bank accounts makes expense tracking a nightmare.
ACC Business Levies national · Accident Compensation Corporation
Who qualifies All self-employed earners.
What you get Annual invoice based on your industry classification code.
Common gotcha If you don't update your business code, you might be paying too much.
New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) national · MBIE
Who qualifies Any business operating in NZ.
What you get Free to register; takes 5 minutes online.
Common gotcha It's not a tax number, but you need it to link your business identity.
Companies Office Registration national · Companies Office
Who qualifies Business owners choosing to operate as a limited liability company.
What you get Annual registration fee of approx $45; requires annual return filing.
Common gotcha You must keep your director details updated or face fines.
Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) national · Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
Who qualifies Businesses providing non-cash benefits to employees or themselves.
What you get Complex calculations; usually requires accounting software.
Common gotcha Often overlooked by home-based sellers who use business assets for personal use. Accessing government grants and advice can help me reach new markets.
NZTE Export Advice national · New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Who qualifies Businesses looking to export goods internationally.
What you get Free initial consultation; requires business growth plan.
Common gotcha They focus on high-growth potential; small hobby shops may not qualify.
Business.govt.nz Tools national · MBIE
Who qualifies All NZ business owners.
What you get Free; no registration required for most tools.
Common gotcha The site is huge; use the 'Compliance Matters' tool to narrow it down.
Regional Business Partner Network national · MBIE / Callaghan Innovation
Who qualifies Small businesses needing capability building.
What you get Requires co-funding (usually 50%).
Common gotcha Vouchers are limited; apply early in the financial year.
Callaghan Innovation R&D Grants national · Callaghan Innovation
Who qualifies Businesses investing in R&D or product innovation.
What you get Rigorous application process; requires detailed project documentation.
Common gotcha Must be applied for before the project starts.
Digital Boost national · MBIE
Who qualifies Small business owners wanting to improve digital skills.
What you get Free; self-paced learning.
Common gotcha It's easy to sign up and then never finish the modules.
Self-Employment Assistance national · Work and Income
Who qualifies Those transitioning from unemployment to self-employment.
What you get Requires meeting with a case manager.
Common gotcha Strict income and asset testing applies. I need to know my rights and responsibilities when selling to customers online.
Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) Compliance national · Commerce Commission
Who qualifies All retailers selling to consumers.
What you get Mandatory compliance; no fee.
Common gotcha You cannot contract out of the CGA for consumer sales.
Fair Trading Act Compliance national · Commerce Commission
Who qualifies All businesses.
What you get Zero tolerance for misleading advertising.
Common gotcha Ensure your 'sale' prices are genuine and not inflated.
Privacy Act 2020 Compliance national · Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Who qualifies Anyone collecting customer data.
What you get Requires a privacy policy on your website.
Common gotcha Data breaches must be reported to the Commissioner.
Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act national · Department of Internal Affairs
Who qualifies Businesses sending marketing emails.
What you get Requires clear opt-out mechanisms.
Common gotcha Buying email lists is generally illegal under this act.
Product Safety Standards national · Trading Standards
Who qualifies Retailers of physical goods.
What you get Compliance is mandatory; check the product list regularly.
Common gotcha Importing goods doesn't exempt you from NZ safety standards.
Disputes Tribunal national · Ministry of Justice
Who qualifies Businesses in disputes up to $30,000.
What you get Small filing fee; no lawyers allowed.
Common gotcha The decision is legally binding. Reliable shipping is the backbone of my reputation.
NZ Post Business Account national · New Zealand Post
Who qualifies Businesses with regular shipping needs.
What you get Requires volume commitment; no setup fee.
Common gotcha Rates are negotiable based on your monthly volume.
Customs Import Entry national · New Zealand Customs Service
Who qualifies Businesses importing stock.
What you get Requires Client Code; potential duty/GST payments.
Common gotcha Failure to declare accurate values leads to heavy fines.
Biosecurity Clearance national · Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Who qualifies Importers of organic or biological materials.
What you get Inspection fees apply.
Common gotcha Many wooden items or food products are strictly prohibited.
Dangerous Goods Transport Rules national · NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi)
Who qualifies Sellers of items like perfumes, batteries, or aerosols.
What you get Requires specific labelling and courier agreements.
Common gotcha Standard couriers will reject undeclared dangerous goods.
Export Certification national · Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Who qualifies Exporters of food or animal products.
What you get Requires audit and certification fees.
Common gotcha Each country has different requirements.
Trade Me Seller Protection private · Trade Me
Who qualifies Registered sellers on the platform.
What you get Platform fees apply.
Common gotcha You must follow their specific shipping and communication rules to qualify.
One honest app. Real lives, real businesses. Free for what people need, paid only for what runs a business — on our own model, our own metal.
Where we run
Bangalore + Czechia
Our own metal · GDPR · DPDPA
