Launched in November 2024, the Government’s Tax and Social Policy Work Programme’s overarching priorities are simplifying tax and reducing compliance costs, addressing integrity risks and improving fiscal sustainability, in order to rebuild the economy.
These priorities form the basis of the work programme’s 6 workstreams.
IR provided advice on priority issues, together with additional items to be considered for inclusion in the programme. The programme forms an agreement on the Government’s tax and social policy work priorities for IR and the Treasury to advance in support of its targets and objectives.
As part of the programme, we also continue to work on other cross-agency policy activities that align with the Government’s priorities. This work may have tax consequences and/or IR delivery implications.
The programme is periodically updated as items are completed and new ones included.
You can read more about the current programme, and past ones, on our tax policy website.
taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/work-programme
Workstreams in the Government Tax and Social Policy Work Programme
Economic growth and productivity
Promotes building a stronger and resilient economy by minimising biases on economic decisions, reducing compliance costs and rewarding effort and individuals' investments in their own skills.
Modernising the tax system
Ensures the tax system is regularly maintained and updated in response to changing technology, businesses practices and other factors.
Social policy
Improving the delivery of income support payments administered through the tax system and increasing work incentives.
Integrity of the tax system
Protects against tax avoidance and evasion to maintain a stable and predictable tax system.
Strengthening international connections
Fulfilling New Zealand's international obligations with other tax jurisdictions (and as an OECD member) and includes projects that respond to shifts in the global economy such as increased cross-border activity.
Other agency work
Other agency work that aligns with Government priorities that may have tax consequences or IR delivery implications.