A Reid Research poll commissioned by BusinessNZ has found significant voter concerns about a capital gains tax.
The poll, conducted in mid-March, asked whether respondents supported a capital gains tax on property, business assets, shares and KiwiSaver.
CGT on property and business assets:
A majority of Labour and Green voters agreed with a capital gains tax on property and business assets, while a majority of National and NZ First voters disagreed
CGT on shares and KiwiSaver:
A majority of voters from all major parties disagreed with a capital gains tax on shares and KiwiSaver
BusinessNZ Kirk Hope said the poll indicated a significant divergence over whether property and business assets should be capital gains taxed, and a clear vote against taxing gains on shares and KiwiSaver.
He said a majority of voters from all parties did not think that introducing a capital gains tax should be a priority for the Government.
Summary findings:
Do you think there should be a capital gains tax on the profit made from the sale of a property which is not the family home?
- Labour voters: majority yes
- Greens voters: majority yes
- National voters: majority no
- NZ First voters: majority no
Do you think there should be a capital gains tax on the sale of things that contribute to the economy of the country, things such as businesses both large and small, and farms?
- Labour voters: majority yes
- Greens voters: majority yes
- National voters: majority no
- NZ First voters: majority no
Do you think there should be an additional capital gains tax on earnings on KiwiSaver?
- A majority of voters from all major parties: no
Do you think other invested savings – things like NZ shares – should be further taxed with a capital gains tax?
- A majority of voters from all major parties: no
Do you think introducing or implementing a capital gains tax be a priority for the Government?
- A majority of voters from all major parties: no
The Reid Research Capital Gains Tax Poll is on www.businessnz.org.nz
