New Zealand authorities have "defended the tax slug" on Australian Football League matches in Wellington, "declaring the Anzac Day combatants are participating in 'exhibition games,'" according to Michael Warner of the HERALD SUN. Players from AFL clubs St. Kilda, Sydney and Brisbane were "hit with a bill for a portion of their match payments by the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department." One bill was for A$1,200 ($1,122). The Kiwi tax body said on Wednesday that AFL players were "not eligible for tax exemptions afforded to players" from the National Rugby League and Super Rugby when competing across the Tasman. An IRD spokesperson said, "Visiting sports people are regarded as nonresident entertainers, and Article 17 of the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between New Zealand and Australia provides that New Zealand has the right to tax this income." AFL players will "continue to pay the Kiwi tax man" as long as St. Kilda stages games at Wellington's Westpac Stadium. The current arrangement expires in '18. St. Kilda reaps about A$500,000 ($468,000) a game (HERALD SUN, 8/6). The IRD "would not comment on the amount of money involved" (BRISBANE TIMES, 8/6).
