Inland Revenue says it will take “flexible approach”
IRD says it appreciates that a number of businesses won't be able to file their returns or make their tax payments on time because they can't access their premises or the consequences of the earthquake physically prevent this. Some of the latest available information on the IRD website about payment of tax by businesses is as follows:
“If you're a large employer with PAYE and associated deductions due on 5 March, or if you have GST due on 28 February, we have discretion to remit late payment and late filing penalties and will review this on a case-by-case basis.
“PAYE and GST may be the only tax types currently affected, depending on circumstances, but other tax types may also be affected. In all cases, we encourage you to contact us as soon as practicable.
“You can make payments at any Westpac branch. If you prefer to pay by post send this to Inland Revenue, PO Box 3754, Christchurch.
“If your business is expecting a GST refund, and you urgently need the money, please contact us on 0800 473 566.
“Businesses who are expecting GST refunds over the next few months may wish to consider changing to either a monthly or two-month return. This will allow you to receive refunds at more regular intervals. Please note that any changes will only take effect after we've actioned the request, so advise us as soon as possible if you wish to do this.
“Some businesses will have lost all their paper and electronic records, while others won't be able to access their computers. Please call us on 0800 227 771 as soon as possible if you're having difficulty accessing records.” (Source: Inland Revenue Department website).