Retailers aggrieved over Goverment's delay on GST for small imports123RF.com The Government wants more time to consider other ways to collect tax on low-value imports, often ordered online. Retailers say they are "deeply disappointed" that the Government has parked a decision on lowering the $400 threshold for GST for most imported goods. The world's top 20 online retailers accounted for two–thirds of all international online sales to Kiwis, and they generally already had the capability to collect GST, he said. Domestic retailers argue they face an uneven playing field against their overseas rivals because they must pay duty and GST on shipments. Booksellers NZ's Lincoln Gould said it seemed like the Government was "tying itself in knots" over the collection of GST on small value goods including books.

Source: Stuff June 30, 2016 03:54 UTC