LAND AND INCOME TAX (ASSESSMENTS AND RETURNS UNDER).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1893 Session I, B-15c

8.—15 c

1993. NEW ZEALAND.

LAND AND INCOME TAX (ASSESSMENTS AND RETURNS UNDER).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated the Ist August, 1893. Ordered, " That a Return be laid before this House showing—(l.) The number of assessment notices for land-tax issued to companies and persons; the number of cases in which they have been objected to; and the number of cases in which such objections have come before a Court of Review. (2.) The number of returns of income made by companies and persons. (3.) A statement of the steps which have been taken to test the correctness of such returns of income, either by bringing cases before a Resident Magistrate or otherwise."—(Hon. Sir J. Hall.)

RETURN. 1. There were 208,459 valuations of land in the 1891 assessment, and assessment notices were sent to persons and companies for all valuations excepting those of properties that were exempt from land-tax and also from local rates; 19,461 objections were received, of which 9,898 were allowed by the Commissioner, and the remainder (9,563) were referred to the Boards of Eeviewers. Eeductions were granted by the Boards in 2,010 instances. 2. For the year ending the 31st March, 1892, 11,809 returns of income were received from persons and companies. 3. No cases have been brought before a Eesident Magistrate (sitting as a Board of Eeview) to test the correctness of returns of income. Very many inquiries have been made as to the accuracy and completeness of returns, and as to deductions claimed, the result being numerous additions to income as returned. From the 4th March to the Bth July, 247 new and additional assessments were made, yielding £3,117 tax. Inquiries as to the accuracy of returns of income for the year ending the 31st March, 1892, are going on, and will be continued. This matter is more fully dealt with in a report by the Commissioner of Taxes, dated the 28th July last, and laid on the table by the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer with leave of the House. C. M. Ceombie, Wellington, Bth August, 1893. Commissioner of Taxes. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), 15s.

Authority: Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB93.

Price 3d.]