E-File
Introduction to E-File and its benefits
E-File is a way for agents to transmit data from their own PC system directly to the Inland Revenue mainframe. You can use it to send most income tax and GST returns, correspondence, changes to your client list or client details, and for stationery orders. Through E-File you can also receive your client lists.
What can you do with E-File?
Using E-File you can electronically send:
- most income tax returns (IR3, IR3NR, IR4, IR6, IR7, IR8, IR9 and IR526)
- GST returns
- a request for or confirmation of a personal tax summary
- correspondence on its own or attached to a client's return
- changes in your client list
- changes in client details (such as a change of address)
- stationery orders.
Through E-File you can also receive your client lists, debt letter 1 report and summary of earnings report.
Benefits to tax agents
As an agent, you will find E-File increases the speed of transactions, improves efficiency, reduces costs and entitles you to E-File target rates if you E-File 80% of your clients returns for the year.
Speed is increased because:
- you receive quick confirmation that returns, correspondence and requests for tax agent management system (TAMS) reports have reached us
- you usually receive refunds more quickly. If the refund is to be direct credited to the client's bank account, the process is even faster
- you can gain electronic access to notice of assessment (IR944A) details before we mail you the paper copy.
Efficiency improves because:
- the software package contains edit checks, which reduce errors
- you can electronically update client lists, so you have more control over them and can ensure they are more accurate
- you can request some Inland Revenue stationery items electronically
- you can request up-to-date information on client lists, return filing performance and client provisional tax at any time
- you can monitor progress towards extension of time targets.
Costs are reduced because:
- you reduce communication and stationery costs
- less staff time and lower costs are required in keeping the client list up-to-date.
E-File tax agents rates are:
- 37.5% of clients' returns filed by the 1st target date
- 57.5% of clients' returns filed by the 2nd target date
- 78.5% of clients' returns filed by the 3rd target date
- 100% of clients' returns filed by the final target date.
Benefits to clients
E-File gives your clients a faster service. They receive more quickly:
- their notices of assessment (IR944A) and refunds
- refund payments that are direct credited into their bank accounts.
Date published: 02 Jul 2009
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