Tax Freedom Day 2016 This Thursday (Budget Day)

23 MAY 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Budget Day 2016 this Thursday is also this year’s “Tax Freedom Day” the first day New Zealanders stop working for the government. According to OECD figures general government total outlays are now equivalent to 40% of the economy meaning that from11:12am Thursday the average worker stops working for the government and begins working for themselves.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:

“Tax Freedom Day is a day for New Zealanders to reflect upon how every dollar of the money they've earn so far this year is taken by politicians and whether all of the spending is really necessary.”

“New Zealand’s tax freedom day is 15 days later than Australia, and three days laterthan Canada.”

“Despite the election of a National-led Government in 2008, the burden of government is still higher now than it was under Helen Clark. During the period of the last Labour Government the size of government never rose above 40% of the economy.”

“Thanks to income tax thresholds not adjusting for inflation the average Kiwi household is now more than $1,000 worse off than they were in 2010. This Government says it stands for lower taxes, but the numbers don't match the rhetoric.”

ENDS

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