At the moment we are running a six-week business skills course for the Ministry of Social Development. Every time we do this we invite along a business tax information officer from the Inland Revenue to take one of the sessions. It's always good value, particularly if you are thinking of starting a business and want to know more about the tax issues.

This time, we were told about the nifty new business tools available on their website. Go to www.ird.govt.nz and type 'tfb' in the search box. Alternatively, go here.

Not only is there lots of useful information on business generally but also links to handy templates for such things as a vehicle logbook, a cashbook, wage book etc and what to do if you are employing for the first time.

Check it out

Oh, and by the way, if you want the someone from the IRD to come out and see you, call them on 0800 377 772. It's a free service.