IRD Increases Focus on Overdue GST & Employer Tax Debts

The IRD has signalled a strong push to recover overdue GST and employer (PAYE) debt and returns over the next few months.
From mid-October, Inland Revenue will contact thousands of businesses that have overdue obligations, beginning with smaller, newer debts and extending to larger, older ones.

What’s Happening

• Targeted campaign: The IRD is contacting around 11,000 customers with GST or employer tax debt between 6 months and 5 years old (over $1,000).
• Stronger collection activity: Expect direct phone calls, reminder messages, and potentially in-person visits from the Community Compliance team if debts remain unresolved.
• Next steps for non-payment: If businesses don’t respond, the IRD may issue bank deduction notices to recover outstanding amounts directly from business accounts.

What You Should Do

If you have any overdue GST or PAYE obligations:

• Act early. The IRD is encouraging businesses to either pay in full or set up an instalment arrangement through myIR.
• Don’t ignore communication. Even small debts can now trigger collection activity.
• We’ve got you covered. At Rural CA, we regularly check IRD balances for all our clients to ensure we’re aware of any overdue amounts or system issues early.
  If we notice anything of concern, we’ll reach out and work with you to get it sorted before enforcement action begins.
• Need support? We can help prepare overdue returns, review your tax position, and negotiate payment plans on your behalf.

myIR Now Requires Two-Step Verification (2SV)

All myIR users are now required to use two-step verification (2SV) when logging in.
This change is designed to keep your information secure and reduce fraud risk.

Key Updates

• Compulsory for all users: You’ll be prompted to set up 2SV next time you log in.
• New options: You can now receive your verification code by text message as well as email.
• “Trust this device”: You can choose to skip re-verification for up to 90 days on the same browser.

If you need help setting up 2SV or managing multiple users within your business account, our team can guide you through the process.

Last Reminder

The IRD is tightening up on overdue tax and security requirements:

• Debt enforcement is ramping up—take proactive steps now.
• Digital security has been upgraded—ensure your myIR access is updated.
• Rural CA is watching your back—we monitor client IRD accounts and will let you know if action is required.

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