New Zealand's tax debt has hit $9.3b, prompting an IRD crackdown
Inland Revenue has sharply increased its enforcement activity, collecting $4.3 billion in overdue tax in the year to June – the highest total since 2018 – as total tax debt reached $9.3b. The department’s audit numbers rose 42% to 7641, with one in three targeting property transactions. An extra $35 million in Budget 2025 boosted the IRD's compliance funding, reinforcing the Government’s shift from pandemic-era leniency to debt recovery.
Problem areas: Baker Tilly Staples Rodway tax director Andrew Dickeson said Inland Revenue is scrutinising property sales, underpaid salaries and trust income splitting, alongside cash work and overseas companies operating in New Zealand. Its 2025 annual report shows 650 liquidation cases referred to court, up 49% year on year, signalling tougher consequences for unpaid tax. Dickeson said the IRD was typically good to deal with if people front-footed the tax issue they had and worked on making a payment plan.
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Epsom Community Centre Lunar New Year Festival
Join us at the Lunar New Year Festival in Epsom
A beautiful day of culture, food, and community.
Evergreen Clinic will be there to celebrate with you.
Come visit our booth and connect with us.
We look forward to seeing you
Emma’s wedding dress reveal tells a different love story
A Valentine’s-inspired wedding dress show at Ryman Healthcare’s Logan Campbell Village is providing the perfect opportunity for residents to share memories of their romantic day.
But for Emma Muller, it has also turned into an opportunity to celebrate her late daughter Nicola, who died 19 years ago at the age of 37.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
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