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MMS #68 | Side hustle tax? What you need to know (from a real accountant)

Money Made Simple

Money Made Simple
MMS #68 | Side hustle tax? What you need to know (from a real accountant)
Mar 23, 2026 Season 2 Episode 68
Simplicity

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Liv sits down with Annè Lensink from Villa Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors to break down “Accounting 101” for everyday Kiwis. Whether you’ve got a side hustle, are freelancing, or just feeling a bit unsure about tax, this episode helps make sense of the basics in plain English.

Annè is a Chartered Accountant based in Northland, known for helping people understand their numbers and feel more confident making financial decisions. Together, she and Liv unpack what accounting actually means, when you need to start paying attention to it, and how to avoid some of the most common (and costly) mistakes.

This episode covers:

  • What “doing your accounts” actually means, and the difference between bookkeeping and accounting
  • When you need to start thinking about accounting beyond a PAYE job
  • Why side hustles and freelance income need to be declared and managed properly
  • The first three things to do when starting a business or side hustle
  • When DIY accounting tools are enough, and when it’s time to bring in an expert
  • What provisional tax is, and why it so often catches people off guard
  • How to choose the right accountant depending on whether you want compliance or strategic advice
  • Simple habits that can reduce financial stress and improve decision making
  • The biggest and most common barriers to getting on top of your finances (and how to avoid them!)


By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how accounting fits into everyday life, when to ask for help, and how a few small habits can make your financial world feel a whole lot calmer and more in control.

If you’d like to learn more or get in touch with Annè and her team, you can find Villa here: https://villaca.co.nz/

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Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.