As many tax agents would be aware some of the IRD systems were down over the weekend. The reasoning for this was to switch on the new IRD GST improvements as part of their business transformation process.
The changes are making things easier for small businesses with the introduction of “My GST” in the “myIR section” on the IRD website. Some of the improvements include the ability for taxpayers to do most things themselves and online including:
- Register for GST
- Register and file GST returns
- Amend GST returns and make payments
- Set up payment plans
- Track payments and refund online
- Provide access to all GST information
While this is a positive change overall, questions do arise over how much knowledge individual taxpayers have of the complex GST system and how the autonomy will interact with the IRD’s penalty and interest regime for incorrect positions taken.
You can visit this site to find out more including handy tutorial videos on how things will work going forward.