UNEMPLOYMENT TAX

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 241, 12 October 1931, Page 8

UNEMPLOYMENT TAX

FARMERS’ LIABILITY JAYMENT ON NET INCOME. ( Per Pre., association. 1 WELLINGTON, Oet. 9. The Minister in charge of Unemployment was asked by Mr. W. L. Martin (Labour, Raglan) in the House of Representatives this morning whether he would make a statement to clear up uncertainty regarding the calculation of farmers' income for the purpose of the special unemployment tax. Mr. Martin said that the regulations issued did not contain any information defining the method of calculation. Interpretation of the Act made gross income from land subject to the tax. An assurance had been given that that was not tht intention, ant’ that the position would be cleared up when the regulations were issued, but that had not been done. The Bight Hon. J. G. Coates said he had made inquiries from the Income Tax Department and from the Commissioner of Unemployment, and the reply he had received was not complete. He said he realised the difficulty. The officials stated that farmers, in commoA with others, were liable to payment of the tax. Consideration had been given to the advisability of printing a special form to be used by farmers, and it was hoped that this would make clear the method to be adopted by farmers in stating their net income. Mr. Coates declared that they would not pay on gross income, but net income. Farmers must make a declaration as to the amount of their net income. The forms would be available before November 1. The New Policy. In reply to a question the Minis- • ter in charge of Unemployment (the Bight Hon. J. G. Coates) announced that he would make his statement regarding the new policy of the Unemployment Board on Tuesday next.