SOLDIERS’ TAXES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20132, 29 December 1939, Page 11

SOLDIERS’ TAXES

ISSUE OF DEMANDS INDIVIDUAL DECISION QUESTION OF PAYMENT (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Commenting on the statements made regarding tire income tax payable by soldiers proceeding abroad, the Minislbr of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, to-day said that any suggestion that soldiers would not be allowed to proceed abroad unless and until their tax obligations had been completely fulfilled, was entirely without foundation. The soldiers were citizens and, as such, were expected to fulfil their ordinary obligations and to pay the debts owing by them, but their movements either in New Zealand or in countries overseas were matters ot military duty and were not affected by civil obligations. It was not necessary that they should obtain a clearance certificate in order to leave New Zealanu. The necessity for such clearance applied to civilians only. These were not permitted to proceed overseas until they had made provision for the payment of the tax owing by them. Provision For Payment The action now being taken, said the Minister, was with a view to assisting members of the forces to ascertain their liabilities and to make provision for them. Thus, the demands for tax payable in February next were being issued to members of the first echelon. This was for the year ended March 31, 1939. The tax payable lor the current year, other than military pay which was exempt from income tax, would oe assessed in the ordinary course in August or September and would be payable tn February 1941. Soldiers who oesired fo do so might provide that the taxpayable by them in future would be met by monthly or other deductions from their pay, but whether they made this allotment was a matter for decision by the individuals themselves. Military pay and allowances were exempt from the social security charge and income tax. So far as income not exempt from taxation,was concerned the assessments and demands for tax were being made to soldiers in the normal course. Those who were able to pay on the due date were expected to do so, said Mr. Nash.