Prov. Taxpayers In Flood Areas Urged To Seek Help

Inland Revenue Urges Provisional Taxpayers In Flood Areas To Seek Help

Inland Revenue said today that a provisional tax deadline of 7 March is an opportunity for some farmers and other business taxpayers affected by the recent floods to get some immediate financial relief.

"We appreciate that tax issues may not be a priority at the moment, " says Naomi Ferguson, General Manager Service Delivery, "but we also know that many people are facing, or are going to face, financial difficulties.

"Dealing with provisional tax this week may mean that some people can get some immediate financial relief," she said.

Inland Revenue urges any affected provisional taxpayers with a 31 March balance date to talk to their tax adviser this week or ring Inland Revenue directly on or before next Monday, the last date to estimate or re-estimate provisional tax for the year.

Ms Ferguson said that any taxpayer who is likely to have a much lower income in the year to 31 March due to the flooding or storms should re-estimate the provisional tax and may be able to made a reduced payment for this third instalment, or in some cases they may be able to get a refund of any overpayment.

The deadline is 7 March for payment of the third instalment of provisional tax, or for any re-estimation of payments, but as this date is a Sunday, it automatically extends to the close of business on Monday 8 March.

Anybody wishing to discuss their provisional tax should contact the government helpline on 0800 779 997, or ring Inland Revenue directly on 0800 377 774. Inland Revenue's own 0800 numbers are available weekdays from 8am to 8pm and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

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