You can opt out from getting any of the Cost of Living Payments if you do not want it.
You can opt out in myIR. Under the 'I want to…' menu select 'Opt out of cost of living payment'. You can also opt out by calling us on 0800 473 777.
You cannot change your mind after opting out. If you get a payment and you do not want it, you can return it.
How to return the payment
Some people might get the Cost of Living Payment even though they are not eligible (for example someone who lives overseas). This may happen if the information we have is not right, such as not having the right address.
If you get the payment when you are not eligible, you are required to repay it to us. The easiest way to repay the amount is by using the 'pay tax' option most New Zealand banks have.
If your bank does not have a 'pay tax' option, you can send us a direct credit to 03-0049-0001100-27.
Please include the following information with your payment.
- Particulars – Your IRD number (if you have an 8-digit IRD number, put a 0 at the beginning)
- Payee code – COL
- Reference – leave blank
So you do not get any more Cost of Living Payments, you should update your contact details or opt-out of future payments. You can do both of these things in myIR.
We will not take action against people who do not repay any amount they get incorrectly, unless they have deliberately given false information to get the payment fraudulently.
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