Peace of mind to those who return on time

Most salary and wage earners need not to do anything at the end of the tax year.

But there are a few people who may need to take action.

The fast way to do your tax is to register online at www.ird.govt.nz

You can manage almost everything for your tax and tax credits once you have set up an online services account.

Just go to ‘Register now’ or watch an online demonstration.

Are you self-employed or did you earn extra cash?

If you have received income over $200 but not paid taxes, you must file an Individual Tax Return (IR 3) by July 7, unless you have a Tax Agent with a valid extension of time.

For example, you may have earned rental income or sold products regularly through online auctions. Check our website (key words: tidy up) to find out if you need to file an IR 3.

If you have filed an IR 3 Income Tax Return in the last two years, we would have sent you a tax pack or a letter at the end of May.

If your tax pack did not arrive by the end of May or this is the first time you have had to file a Return, call 0800-377774 to have one sent to you (at the prompt say ‘money back business’).

Have your IRD number with you when you call.

Have you made donations, or childcare and housekeeper payments?

If you have made donations or childcare and housekeeper payments, you may be entitled to a tax credit.

If you claimed a tax credit last year, we will automatically send you a Tax Credit Claim Form (IR 526) this year.

If you do not receive an IR 526, you can download one from our website (keyword: IR526). Post the completed form to Inland Revenue to the address contained on the Form).

This year, you can transfer your donation tax credit to the ‘Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.’ To transfer all or part of your credit, insert the details shown below in the ‘Transferring your tax credit’ Section of the IR 526 and fill in the amount you want to transfer.

Visit www.ird.govt.nz/earthquake for more information.

If you file an IR 3 Income Tax Return and claim a Tax Credit for donations or childcare and housekeeper payments, you must file your IR 3 Return before we can process your claim.

Are you due a tax refund?

If your income has changed, or you have only worked part of the year, or you have earned less than $14,000, you may be eligible for a refund.

Use our free online calculator at (keywords: PTS Calculator) and work out if you are entitled for a refund.

You would need your end-of-year payslip and details of any other income you received during the year. All the information you enter is anonymous.

If the calculator shows that you are entitled for a refund, you must then request for a Personal Tax Summary (PTS).

You can do this online if you are registered for our secure online services or call 0800-227774 (at the prompt say ‘money back individuals’).

You would need your IRD number when you call.

If you request a PTS and it shows you have tax to pay, you must pay that tax.

If you received Working for Families Tax Credits during the year, and you do not have to file an IR 3 Tax Return, you will receive a PTS by the end of July.

We will tell you if you need to do anything.

If you do not receive your PTS by the end of July, call us on 0800-227773 (at the prompt say ‘money back individuals’).

Find out more about 2011 Tax Refunds and Returns at

www.ird.govt.nz/moneyback.

Abdul Rafik is Inland Revenue’s Community Relationships Advisor based in Auckland. He is happy to answer readers’ queries, which should be sent to

venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz

Free Workshops

Free taxation seminars and workshops

If you wish to attend any of our free seminars and workshops held throughout the country, register online www.ird.govt.nz