Tax Assessments Are Being Issued: What You Need to Know About Refunds and Tax Owing
The Inland Revenue has begun issuing income tax assessments for the latest tax year, with notices continuing to be sent throughout June and July. For many New Zealanders, this is the time they find out whether they are due a refund or need to pay additional tax.
With the tax assessment process now largely automated, many people assume there is nothing to worry about. However, understanding how the system works — and why some people receive refunds while others end up with tax bills — is important.
What Is a Tax Assessment?
At the end of each tax year (31 March), Inland Revenue reviews the income information it holds for individuals. This includes:
Salary and wages
PAYE deductions
Interest income
Government payments
Other taxable income reported to IRD
IRD then compares:
How much tax you should have paid
How much tax was actually deducted during the year
The result is either:
A tax refund if too much tax was paid, or
Tax to pay if not enough tax was deducted.
Most assessments are now completed automatically, meaning many taxpayers do not need to file anything themselves unless they have more complex tax affairs.
What Is the Average Refund?
Last year, the average refund for taxpayers who received one was approximately $472. However, refund amounts varied significantly:
Over one million people received less than $20
Around 10% of taxpayers ended up owing additional tax
The outcome depends entirely on each individual’s circumstances.
Why Do Some People Receive Refunds?
There are many reasons why someone may overpay tax during the year, including:
Having irregular work patterns
Changing jobs
Taking unpaid leave
Being on the wrong tax code
Working multiple jobs with varying income levels
In these situations, PAYE deductions may not perfectly match the final tax liability, resulting in a refund.
Why Do Some People Owe Tax?
Likewise, people may end up with tax owing if:
Insufficient tax was deducted from secondary income
They earned untaxed income
They worked significant overtime or received bonuses
They changed jobs frequently during the year
Even relatively small underpayments can lead to a tax bill.
The Importance of MyIR
IRD encourages taxpayers to ensure their MyIR account is active and up to date. This helps:
Receive assessments faster
Ensure refunds go to the correct bank account
Receive notifications and correspondence promptly
Incorrect or outdated details can delay refunds or create communication issues.
Don’t Ignore a Tax Bill
If your assessment shows tax owing, it is important not to ignore it. Unpaid tax can quickly attract:
Late payment penalties
Use-of-money interest
Additional IRD follow-up and collection activity
If payment is difficult, there may be options available, including instalment arrangements or tax pooling solutions.
Final Thoughts
While the tax assessment process has become more automated and efficient, it is still important to review your assessment carefully and understand the result.
Whether you are receiving a refund or facing a tax bill, taking early action and keeping your information accurate can help avoid unnecessary stress and costs. If you are unsure about your assessment or tax position, professional advice can help ensure everything is correct and properly managed.