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Inland Revenue

Tax Policy

Bill progress
As at 16 November 2015
Introduced 24 August 2015
Enacted 16 November 2015

Stage Enacted

New Zealand legislationParliament information on the Bill

Taxation (Bright-line Test for Residential Land) Bill

Enacted as the Taxation (Bright-line Test for Residential Land) Act 2015 on 16 November 2015.


The property tax rules changed on 1 October 2015. If you’re buying or selling a property visit Inland Revenue's changes to property rules page [link no longer current, links to Internet Archive] to find out what you need to know and do.

The Tax Information Bulletin Volume 28, No 1, February 2016 includes detailed analysis of the legislation.

Note: Since this legislation was enacted in 2015 the property tax rules have changed – visit www.ird.govt.nz for current information on the rules that now apply.


Stage before Parliament Date
Introduction 24 August 2015
First reading 27 August 2015
8 September 2015
Closing date for submissions 17 September 2015
Presentation/report back 20 October 2015
Second reading (report back debate) 3 November 2015
Committee of the whole House 10 November 2015
Third reading 12 November 2015
Assent 16 November 2015