First, don't panic
Most IRD letters are routine: a change to your tax code, an automatic income tax assessment, a reminder, or a request for information. A letter is not the same as a fine or a debt. The key is to find two things: what IRD wants from you, and by when.
Common IRD letters and what they usually mean
- Income tax assessment: IRD has worked out whether you paid the right tax for the year. It will say if you have a refund coming or an amount to pay.
- Tax code change / tailored tax code: your employer will deduct a different amount from your pay. Usually nothing for you to do.
- Request for information: IRD needs a document or detail from you, with a deadline. This one you must act on.
- Arrears or overdue notice: IRD believes you owe money. Check the amount and the due date, and contact them if you can't pay it all at once.
What to do next
- Find the deadline and the amount (if any). These are the only two numbers that usually matter.
- If money is owed and you can't pay it all, you can ask IRD for an instalment arrangement, often online in myIR.
- If you think it's wrong, you can dispute it, but do it before the deadline on the letter.
- Keep the letter. You may need the reference number if you call.