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FAQs2023-05-25T13:41:51+12:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Using Afirmo

Find answers to commonly asked questions about using Afirmo.

Using Afirmo FAQ

Business Set Up

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Business Set Up.

Business Set Up FAQ

Tax

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Small Business Tax.

Tax FAQ

Insurance

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Small Business Insurance.

Insurance FAQ

Money Tool

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Afirmo’s Money Tool.

Money Tool FAQ

Using Afirmo FAQ

What is Afirmo?2023-05-30T11:44:32+12:00

Afirmo is an innovate app especially for small businesses and self-employed people. Afirmo means you can Set Up a business from scratch (sole traders, partnerships and companies) including all the necessary business and tax registrations (IRD, GST, NZBN etc) Afirmo helps you with integrated tax, insurance, money and marketing tools. Afirmo is your one-stop shop for Setting Up and running your side hustle, your main hustle, and your small business.

Does using Afirmo cost a lot?2023-05-30T11:45:29+12:00

No – at Afirmo we very much understand the pressure points in Setting Up, owning and running a small business and we bring services to you at price points that will make sense to you. Afirmo charges one-off fees for Setting Up a business, and affordable monthly plans for using Afirmo’s software. We can also file your GST and Income Tax returns for an additional charge if you want some extra help with these. Our prices are very competitive and will cost a lot less than using other software companies or third-party professional advisers such as accountants and lawyers.

I am thinking about Afirmo, but can I talk to you first?2023-05-25T13:16:14+12:00

Yes, we would love to talk with you! To make that easy for you, so you do not have any waiting time getting through to us (time is money in small business!) we have built an appointment booking service. Our Customer Support Team are all based in New Zealand. Book an appointment and let’s connect!

Can I trust Afirmo with my tax, insurance and other services?2023-05-25T13:16:41+12:00

Yes, absolutely. Afirmo is a registered IRD tax agency, accredited partner of MBIE (Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment) who operates the Companies Office, a registered financial services provider and an AML reporting entity governed by the DIA (Department of Internal Affairs). We also partner with Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) as our bank partner and RMA Financial as our insurance broker partner.

Can I use Xero and Afirmo at the same time?2023-11-13T20:54:01+13:00

Yes absolutely! Xero is an accounting system that doesn’t offer business advice or prepare income tax returns for you which means Afirmo can offer you the tax and business advice and tax services you need, even if you choose to use Xero for your accounting records. Afirmo offers an easy-to-use accounts preparation on-line tool that is far simpler than Xero. Check out our full comparison of Afirmo vs Xero here.

Can I use Hnry and Afirmo at the same time for my tax services?2023-11-27T20:38:09+13:00
No, Hnry and Afirmo cannot be used together. Hnry is a basic tax tool aimed only at sole traders. Afirmo has an array of features and services that are not part of Hrny’s service offering. Hnry is a closed system meaning that you can’t use other support services like Afirmo if you do use them. Afirmo is a one-stop shop for small businesses – Hnry is only an online tax service provider. Check out our full comparison of Afirmo vs Hnry here.
Can I trust Afirmo with confidential information?2023-05-25T13:18:24+12:00

Yes, absolutely. Afirmo looks after your confidential information and we adhere to our privacy policy. We use Amazon Web Services (AWS) as our cloud service provider. AWS have bank grade security systems to protect your data.

When is the best time to start using Afirmo?2023-05-30T11:49:09+12:00

Any time you are ready. Why wait? You can use Afirmo’s Business Set Up Tools when you are ready to Set Up your business. You can Set Up as a sole trader, partnership or a company. You can Set Up your business at any point online with Afirmo. When your business has been Set Up you can start capturing business Set Up costs on your Afirmo profile. You can use our automated Tax Tool as soon as you Set Up your business including processing GST refunds for any Set Up costs.

Can Afirmo help me learn more about running my business?2023-05-25T13:19:04+12:00

Yes, absolutely. Check out Afirmo’s Learning Hub on Afirmo.com – there are many free resources there to help you get started.

I have a great business idea, but I don’t have a business yet – is Afirmo right for me?2023-05-25T13:19:21+12:00

Yes, Afirmo is here for you for your entire business journey, from the moment you have that great idea, to getting your business IRD number, your NZBN, getting a logo, a website, invoicing, quotations, and insurance and tax management. We are with you every step of the way. Sign up today and get that idea out of your head and into reality.

If I use Afirmo will my accountant stop talking to me?2023-05-25T13:19:44+12:00

Only if you want them to! You can use Afirmo and still use your accountant if you want to, or you can use the Afirmo’s accountants and tax advisers to help you with tax questions and file your income tax and GST returns for you. You choose.

Does Afirmo have a mobile app to download? 2023-05-25T13:20:16+12:00

The Afirmo app is a web-app, which means it’s an app that is available via the internet. We are working on a dedicated mobile app that can be downloaded from the app store (apple) or the Google Play (iOs).

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Business Set Up FAQ

Should I trade as a Sole Trader, Partnership, or Company?  2023-05-25T13:32:59+12:00

When you log in to Afirmo, we will take you through an onboarding process (only takes a couple of minutes) during which, you can either Set Up a new business or tell us your existing NZBN and we will import your data automatically into the app to save you time. Afirmo’s Set Up Tool will help you choose the right business entity option for your circumstances.

Can I Set Up a Company if I live outside New Zealand?2023-05-30T11:50:33+12:00

Yes, you can Set Up a company if you live overseas and with Afirmo, but there are some specific rules you will need to follow. You will need either (i) a New Zealand resident director or (ii) an Australian resident director who is also a director of an Australian company. You will also need a physical New Zealand based mailing address as your registered office address. In good news if you are an overseas based Afirmo customer, we can offer you a registered office address service or a nominee director service. Easy!

Do I need an IRD number to start trading?2023-05-25T13:33:34+12:00

Yes, if you intend to carry out an activity (trade) you will need an IRD number. If you are a Sole Trader, your personal IRD number is used as your business IRD number. For a company, when you register with Afirmo, we will obtain an IRD number for you. Partnerships also need a business IRD number. We will help you with all that within Afirmo’s Business Set up Tool.

Does Afirmo help with work and other visas?2023-05-25T13:34:05+12:00

Afirmo does not currently offer immigration support but if you appoint us as a nominee director for your company, we can support your local visa applications.

How can I get a brand and get online?2023-05-25T13:20:38+12:00

Afirmo offers a range of digital marketing services including domain names, a logo builder and a website builder. These will help you get online quickly and at a price point that makes sense, and personalise your business stationery, including sales invoices and quotes.

Should I get business Insurance when I first set up my business?2023-05-25T13:21:12+12:00

Refer to our Insurance FAQ for Insurance related questions.

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Tax FAQ

Why do I need to know about my tax obligations?2023-05-25T13:21:29+12:00

Knowing your tax obligations in New Zealand is super important because if you are in business and not taking care of your tax properly, you can get into hot water with the taxman. The IRD can apply interest and penalties if you get it wrong. But if you keep good records and stay on top of your tax, you can get some sweet tax and sleep easy at night!

When do I need to pay my tax?2023-05-25T13:21:52+12:00

The dates when tax payments are due depend on a range of things including what you did last year. With Afirmo, we sort out your deductions and can pay your tax for you if you choose, so you don’t need to worry about missing these dates.

For more information, check out our tax payment due dates.

HEADS UP: If you’re starting a business as a sole trader, you don’t need to pay tax on your profits until the end of your first year in business. Other integrated tax platforms will take your tax before you’re due to pay it and earn interest on your money – not us though, we’ve got your back.

Can I join Afirmo at any point in the tax year?2023-05-25T13:22:10+12:00

Yes, you can join any time in the year. You can catch up with your accounting and tax once signed up. We’ll give you a hand with any transactions that need to be added for earlier periods.

Can I switch from another tax tool provider?2023-05-25T13:22:29+12:00

Yes you can! Afirmo will request your tax records and any tax overpayments from your previous tax tool provider, and either refund the repayments to you, or add them to your Afirmo issued BNZ trust account for you to save for future tax bills. You choose!

Can I use another tool for accounting and Afirmo for tax?2023-11-27T20:35:38+13:00

Yes, we know that some accounting tools don’t allow income tax to be dynamically calculated and an IRD return prepared. You can use any accounting tool for your business accounting and Afirmo for your business tax management (for example Xero for accounting, and Afirmo for tax if this is your preference).

Check out our full comparison of Afirmo vs Xero here.

How do I know if I need to register for GST?2023-05-25T13:23:01+12:00

Businesses with an annual turnover of $60,000 or more are required to register for GST. Also in some cases it may be better to register early and claim GST on your expenses. Our friendly team of professional accountants will take you through it!

Why should I connect my bank account with Akahu?2023-05-25T13:23:23+12:00

Afirmo uses the bank transaction data to provide you with valuable business insights and our tax tool will calculate deductions on your cash payments. All while keeping you in complete control of your data – and you can disconnect at any time!

You can manage the connection by visiting our trusted partners at my.akahu.nz.

Can I trust Afirmo to deal with my tax obligations?2023-05-25T13:23:45+12:00

Yes, absolutely. Afirmo can be trusted because we are a registered tax agent with IRD. This means that IRD have granted Afirmo the right to file tax returns and make tax payments on your behalf. We employ accountants and tax professionals to ensure that you get the best advice possible. Tax professionals have also helped us design our automated Tax Tool so you know the calculations are correct.

What happens to my tax records if I move to Afirmo from another provider?2023-05-25T13:24:04+12:00

As your tax agent, Afirmo will be able to get these records from IRD, or your previous accountant, or previous online tax tool provider, with ease. They are obligated to hand over the information, so you are not disadvantaged by moving to Afirmo at any point.

Is Afirmo like Xero?2023-11-27T20:39:47+13:00

No. While Afirmo and Xero both provide online accounting services each offer very different services. Afirmo is an easy-to-use simple tax and accounting system designed so you don’t need to know very much at all about accounting. Xero is a complex accounting system that to operate, requires a reasonable knowledge of accounting. Check out our full comparison of Afirmo vs Xero here.

Is Afirmo like Hnry?2023-11-13T20:49:06+13:00

No Afirmo is not like Hnry. Afirmo is a one-stop-shop for small businesses – Hnry is only an online tax service provider. Check out our full comparison of Afirmo vs Hnry here.

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Insurance FAQ

What business insurance does Afirmo offer?2023-05-25T13:24:58+12:00

Afirmo’s Insurance Tool means you can (i) upload your insurance policies to your Afirmo profile, so you can get reminders when policies are set to expire (ii) get a quote from our brokers for any insurance types (iii) schedule an online meeting with our insurance brokers (iv) enter your Business Industry Classification code (BIC) and let Afirmo tell you about the possible insurances you should consider based on that classification.

Why should I use Afirmo for my insurance needs?2023-05-25T13:25:34+12:00

Because Afirmo has partnered with a leading NZ based brokerage called RMA Financial. RMA is a full-service insurance brokerage that works with the best insurance companies in the country. These can be found here.

When I use Afirmo to buy my business insurance, does Afirmo make money?2023-05-25T13:26:00+12:00

RMA financial may get commissions from insurance companies and they may pass some of these commissions to Afirmo, dependant on the insurance type and insurer. This is normal in the insurance industry and is built into insurers standard pricing so it won’t cost you anything.

What is embedded insurance and how does Afirmo use it?2023-05-25T13:26:17+12:00

Embedded insurance means Afirmo can embed our insurance service into the app based on other customer activity e.g. we can tell when you have bought a new asset (based on your bank data or expense claim) and can see if you want an insurance quote – or we can see if your revenue has growth above your business interruption policy limit. This embedded nature allows us to uniquely work with you to assess your insurance needs to keep your risk down and keep you covered.

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Money Tool FAQ

What does Afirmo’s Money Tool do?2023-05-25T13:26:41+12:00

Afirmo has partnered with Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) to offer you a bank wallet account. This means that BNZ has issued Afirmo trust accounts, and Afirmo adds bank accounts under these trust accounts so you can use them to receive sales invoice receipts and save for tax bills.

Why do I need to link my bank account to Afirmo?2023-05-25T13:27:18+12:00

You don’t need to – but it is very helpful if you do. By linking your bank account, or by using Afirmo’s BNZ trust account, we can then see your business bank transactions and you can either match these to sales invoice or expense claims or add a category to them in order to produce a set of accounts. Afirmo uses this data to calculate your GST and income tax liabilities. You can save for these liabilities in the app, so you stay on top of your tax liabilities.

What is a business wallet?2023-05-25T13:27:04+12:00

A business wallet is a sub-account of the BNZ trust account. This means that any cash you hold with Afirmo is held in a BNZ account. Afirmo cannot access these funds as they are held on trust for you as our business customer.

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