Property Manager

Tax guide for New Zealand self-employed property managers

Allowable Expenses

• Vehicle expenses — Property inspections, tradesperson coordination — km rate
• Software — Property management software (PropertyMe, Console, Palace)
• Professional memberships — REINZ membership, industry association fees
• Home office — NZ$5/week or actual proportion
• Advertising — Tenant sourcing, Trade Me rental listings

Tax Tips

• Property inspection mileage is fully deductible — keep a detailed log
• Property management software subscriptions are 100% deductible
• If you also own rental properties, keep investment income separate from management income
• Professional indemnity insurance for property management advice is a deductible business expense

Frequently Asked Questions

Do NZ property managers need to register for GST?

If your property management fees (not rental income collected on behalf of owners) exceed NZ$60,000 per year, you must register for GST. Rental income you collect on behalf of property owners is not counted towards your own turnover.

Can I claim property management software as a business expense?

Yes. Subscriptions to PropertyMe, Console, Palace, or similar property management platforms are fully deductible business expenses in the year they are charged.

Is vehicle mileage for property inspections deductible?

Yes. Every trip to inspect a managed property, meet a tenant, or coordinate repairs is a deductible business journey. Keep a mileage log with date, destination, purpose, and kilometres driven.

How do NZ property managers handle GST on management fees?

Your management fee, letting fee, and inspection fees are taxable supplies subject to 15% GST if you are registered. The rental income itself passes through to the landlord and is not your income — only your fee component attracts GST.