rmt38:

 

freitasm:

 

And so it begins. SKype (Microsoft, ironically) sent out this today:

 

 

New Zealand GST changes

 

In order to meet recent changes to New Zealand tax requirements, Skype will be required to include the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for customers in New Zealand.

 

 

 

I got this as well.  I don't feel good about it.  That's not to say I am against GST being charged, what makes me feel uncomfortable about it is that I suspect they are not also paying tax on their earnings on NZ business?  It seems to me like one should go hand in hand with the other.

 

That's why I said "Microsoft, ironically" because we know the large software companies end up sending revenues to Ireland or other countries to avoid paying local taxes.

This is the whole problem I have with this move by the government. They have no problems taxing 15% on electronic services from the citizenry but do nothing on large corporations that in total send billions of dollars to other countries to avoid paying local taxes.

NonprayingMantis:

 

 

 

" It's also the principle of the matter.   You are allowed to change prices on your products for whatever reason you want.  You don't even have to tell customers why you are changing if you don't want to. HOWEVER, if you decide to tell your customers why the price is changing, you aren't allowed to lie about it."

 

Maybe you replied without actually reading that part?

 

No, I read it. But I think you're looking for something sinister here where it doesn't exist. The Netflix team aren't sitting around in a dimly lit boardroom drinking expensive scotch laughing over how they got one over the Kiwis by sneaking in an extra 4c when the GST came into effect.

This will simply be them rounding to keep with their x.99 pricing that they do everywhere. It warrants no explanation from them. In reality, they probably make and lose more then 4c per subscription at different times as forex rates change, as while they bill you in NZD, they will be taking it back in USD.