Easy GST: file, pay together online
Paying GST is about to get a lot easier for more than half of the country’s businesses.
Improvements to the way people file and manage their goods and services tax (GST) have been introduced as part of the Inland Revenue Department’s transformation project.
The changes to GST, which will be introduced next week, were designed to make processing taxes and entitlements faster and more efficient.
They could affect more than 600,000 GST filers and represent the first major move brought by the department’s transformation programme.
Inland Revenue’s deputy commissioner of transformation, Greg James, said the major benefit would be the ability to file and pay GST at the same time.
As it stood, people had to file a GST return and then pay separately through internet banking.
‘‘The new capabilities will enable customers to register for GST, register as a preparer of tax returns, amend GST returns and accounts, file and pay GST at the same time, set up payment plans, and track their GST payments and refunds – all online.
‘‘Other benefits will include the ability for new migrants and organisations to be able to apply online for an IRD number, and businesses will be able to use their New Zealand Business Number when they or their advisers contact us,’’ James said.