Following the recent data breach at the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (BNRA), the agency has confirmed that a small number of people with New Zealand investments who are tax residents of Bulgaria, have been affected.
The data involved does not include any financial details for the taxpayers, only their tax identification number, date of birth and name and address details.
New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department (IR) has notified the taxpayers individually in writing. The NZ banks involved have also been informed.
IR’s International Revenue Strategy Manager, John Nash, said there had been no impact on New Zealand’s tax system from the breach.
The New Zealand information in question was provided to the BNRA under a global initiative called the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Over 100 jurisdictions around the world are currently committed to this initiative to increase tax transparency and combat offshore tax evasion.
As a precautionary measure, until further notice, tax administrations will not be exchanging information to the BNRA under CRS.
Mr Nash said New Zealand was committed to strong international partnerships as part of the ongoing efforts to ensure a fair tax system for all. The CRS is part of a range of tools and approaches IR is using to combat tax evasion and promote voluntary compliance with tax laws.