IRD changes to payment dates

We recently received the following notice from IRD

 

“Changes to the Inland Revenue payment service at Westpac

From 1 October 2014 customers will no longer be able to make cheque payments or drop off returns or forms at a Westpac branch. They will be able to continue making cash and eftpos payments at Westpac.

Customers can post cheque payments, returns and forms directly to Inland Revenue so we’re removing these services at Westpac. Customers can continue to make payments using online banking, credit and debit cards and international money transfers.

Inland Revenue encourages customers to make payments online. Digital payment channels are secure and faster than traditional payment methods, and are available 24 hours, seven days a week.

Paying on time

From 1 October 2014, payments posted to Inland Revenue need to be received by Inland Revenue on or before the due date to avoid payment penalties and interest. This means cheque payments can no longer be posted on the due date.

Over 70% of our payments are currently made online and we want to encourage more customers to pay electronically. Removing the unintended advantage to customers who post cheque payments on the due date enables us to treat all customers equally, regardless of their payment method.

 

It is obvious IRD want to encourage as many people as possible to use on-line payment services, these are easy to set up and we can help you if you are unsure. The main point is you can’t rely on the post to get your payment there on time so if you want to post cheques you will need to put them in the post at least 10 days prior to the due date or about 3 working days if you send them fast post.