Budget 2015 introduces new 'travel tax' on Kiwi families

The Taxpayers’ Union is set to launch a campaign on the border clearance levy, or ‘Travel Tax’ the Government has announced as part of Budget 2015. The Travel Tax is expected to take effect from 1 January 2016, and will add around $20 to the cost of international travel for every return traveller.

Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union, says:

“This Government was elected on a promise to get spending under control and back into surplus. Instead it is whacking travellers with a nasty surprise of a stealth tax.”

“On the one hand the Government is splashing out on corporate welfare to increase tourism but on the other it’s introducing a new tax on international flights.”

“This new Travel Tax will mean an extra $80 for a family of four to pop over to the Gold Coast. It is a smack in the face to taxpayers who work hard and save for the occasional overseas break.”

“While we support user-pay regimes, the Government isn’t lowering any other taxes to compensate New Zealanders for this new Travel Tax. Instead, the Government is set to gouge travellers to lower its deficit.”

ENDS

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