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Taxing loans

It is not unusual for business owners to borrow money from their company. Inland Revenue may however consider such a loan a dividend and tax it.

If you borrow money from your company it is important to document the transaction as a loan.

This can be a formal Deed of Debt or a minute of the directors agreeing to make the loan and the terms (repayment, interest rate etc.)

It is necessary to pay interest on any loan your company makes to you. If interest is not paid to the company it will be required to pay fringe benefit tax on the value of interest not charged.

These rules also apply to loans made to associated entities such as a family trust or another company.

The rules are complex so please talk to us before any loan is made.