Flood-Affected Farmers Urged To Contact IRD

Friday, 12 March 2004, 12:36 am
Press Release: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is concerned that flood-affected farmers are worrying unnecessarily about meeting their tax obligations, said Tom Lambie, President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

"I again urge all farmers who have missed tax payments and/or know that they will not be able to meet future deadlines to contact the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) as soon as possible on their free phone number - 0800 473 566," Mr Lambie said.

"Inland Revenue is fully aware of the situation facing farmers and other businesses who have been hit by severe flood damage and is ready and willing to help in whatever way they can," he said.

Inland Revenue will work with affected farmers on an individual basis to work out a manageable programme for meeting their tax obligations.

IRD currently has discretion to waive any late payment penalties and will, after the law is changed in the very near future, also have power to waive interest due on late payments.

Farmers who have lost records should talk to Inland Revenue about what will be required before seeking to get copies from firms they have dealt with, he said.

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