Russ + Associates have over half a century of experience, in large firms in New Zealand, England, and elsewhere. We are leaders in tax advisory, transactional, and contentious (audit, voluntary disclosures and disputes) work. We also have a deep understanding and market-leading capabilities in AML/CFT advice and audit work.
We have a truly international focus and outlook, and our relationships and networks span the globe.
We are “plugged in” to New Zealand’s legal and regulatory environment.
TAX
We are recognised experts in all New Zealand income tax and GST matters. Neil Russ has over 30 years’ experience in England at Clifford Chance and in New Zealand at Buddle Findlay, where he was head of that firm’s tax group for 20 years. Neil has been a member of the NZ Law Society’s Tax Law Committee since 2003, and the Convenor of that Committee since 2013. Charlotte Beale has over 10 years’ experience at Buddle Findlay and TGT Legal and she advises on all tax matters, with a particular emphasis on the taxation of trusts and charities.
AUDITS, VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURES, TAX DISPUTES AND LITIGATION
Demystifying tax law, and keeping a tax issue from becoming a contentious problem if possible, requires finesse, strategic thinking, and a thorough knowledge of tax law, the revenue authorities, and the options available to you, the taxpayer or adviser. That’s why we advocate and can assist with proactive risk management (including binding rulings, taxpayer initiated NOPAs, and voluntary disclosures) as well as negotiation and principled settlement steps, when possible, before the cost and uncertainty of litigation.
AML/CFT
We are market leaders in AML/CFT legislation, policy and advice. We are frequently preparing and presenting at conferences and webinars on AML/CFT issues. We have advised and continue to advise and work with both Phase 1 entities (banks and financial institutions) as well as Phase 2 entities (law firms, accounting practices, real estate agents and high-value dealers) on their AML/CFT obligations, including risk assessments, compliance programmes, suspicious activity reports and Ministerial Exemptions. We also provide AML/CFT audits for law firms and accounting practices.
STRUCTURING
The right legal structure is critical to achieving commercial, personal and philanthropic goals. We provide expert advice and assistance to companies and other commercial enterprises, high net worth individuals and family offices on the establishment and optimisation of operational and holding vehicles and structures for their businesses and assets. We are recognised experts in trust law and also assist charitable organisations with constitutional and governance matters. Charlotte Beale is a member of the New Zealand Law Society’s Property Law Reform Panel and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.