Technical tax area: General articles

Making tax easier - Government consultation June 9 to 23 July 2010

On June 9, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne launched a public online consultation forum and discussion document on changes to the way taxpayers deal with Inland Revenue.

Before any changes are made, the Government is seeking wide comment on proposals. The "Making tax easier" online forum is open now for discussion.

"Making tax easier" discusses simplifying Inland Revenue's systems and processes to provide more responsive online services, reduce the amount of paper required, provide tailored support for taxpayers and intermediaries, and reduce business compliance costs.

Under the proposals, individuals, businesses, employers and intermediaries would manage most of their tax affairs (and social entitlements) online, through their own secure space on the Inland Revenue website, in an approach like internet banking. Rapid responses and confirmation would aid certainty in dealing with tax.

For businesses and employers, new payroll software would manage a range of routine PAYE tasks, including the employer monthly schedule. Software that updates and exchanges information with Inland Revenue systems could automatically correct most current errors in PAYE information before it is sent.

PAYE deducted each pay day would be accurate and a final tax for many people in full-time work, although annual square-ups would be retained for other groups of workers and those with other income.

Further proposals cover sharing some information - with appropriate privacy safeguards - with other government departments, to reduce compliance costs and make it easier for people changing employment, going on parental leave, or updating their student loan repayments.

Consultation is being managed for the Government by Inland Revenue, and will remain open until 23 July.

In addition to the online forum, the formal discussion document is available to download from the Policy Advice Division website, or by writing to:

Policy Advice Division
Inland Revenue
PO Box 2198
Wellington 6140

Other pages in: General articles

• Kiwifruit PSAv issues and effects on growers - information for agents
• Process for tax agents to obtain electronic authorities to act
• Notice - Income tax treatment of unsuccessful software development
• Review of Public Information Bulletins
• Changes to the disputes resolution process
• Guidance on a "reasonable daily travelling distance"
• Protocols between the Solicitor-General and Commissioner of Inland Revenue
• Panel statement RAP 002: Process for resolving potential unintended legislative changes in the Income Tax Act 2007
• Inland Revenue's Public Rulings Unit
• Secondhand goods input tax credits - marine farming licences and leases
• Statement on fringe benefit tax and motor vehicle multi-leases
• Subsidised transport provided by employers to employees - value for fringe benefit tax purposes
• New tax information exchange agreement with the Netherlands on behalf of the Netherlands Antilles
• The Commissioner's Table of Depreciation Rates
• Notice - Income Tax Act 2007
• The Adjudication Unit - its role in the dispute resolution process
• Removal of 5 cent coins from circulation - effect on GST tax invoices
• Summary of unintended legislative change submissions where Rewrite Advisory Panel considered there was no unintended legislative change

Date published: 07 Jul 2010

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