Change to parental leave for self-employed

The Government has made a small change to the rules around parental leave in an effort to make it more accessible for self-employed parents.

Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson said today the change will come into effect on July 1.

Self-employed people have been eligible for the scheme since 2006 by submitting a declaration confirming their earnings and their self-employed status.

But the declarations have to be verified by a chartered accountant, or they can be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or other person entitled to witness a statutory declaration under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957.

Ms Wilkinson said tax advisers would now also be able to verify statements and declarations.

Tax advisers need to be a member of an organisation that has approved adviser group status under the Tax Administration Act to be eligible to verify declarations.

- NZPA