(I missed this before.) NZ has gone for a very straightforward tax system, with very few deductions, for personal tax. No state taxes either of course. It went from a four-page return, to a single-page return, and now you don't need to do a return at all if you have no deductions. Makes like easier, although sadly as I am a company owner I also have a yearly accountant's bill of $3,000. He's worth his weight in gold though as none of his clients have ever been audited. I had to go through another two to get to him, but now I hope he never retires.