Huge public interest in Inland Revenue’s mobile app challenge

MEDIA RELEASE

8 April 2014

Huge public interest in Inland Revenue’s mobile app challenge

Inland Revenue has received over 240 registrations for its App4IR Challenge since it opened last month.

Chief Technology Officer Myles Ward says that more registrations are likely in the run-up to the challenge closing on 14 April and the level of interest expressed thus far has been amazing.

“We knew the challenge would generate a great deal of interest but to have well over 240 registrations at this stage has exceeded our expectations.

“It has really caught people’s imaginations, and by using crowdsourcing to reach out to the public, we have been able to reach such a large audience.

“This challenge is about developing the app that small businesses need to get their information directly from Inland Revenue and making it easier to manage their tax affairs themselves.

“So not only are we listening to our customers but we are listening to those developers and designers who have the knowledge and the vision to make this app happen.”

Mr Ward says that there is no limit on what ideas people can use to enter the challenge.

“We are looking for a whole range of ideas and they may include enabling Inland Revenue and small businesses work together in new and different ways, how it can become easier for small businesses to register for PAYE or submit a GST return, presenting more data to a customer regarding their account, and a way of receiving reminders or alerts for key dates.

The application process is still open to all parties in New Zealand such as software developers, designers, business, individuals, IT groups and anyone out there who has a great idea is encouraged to enter the challenge.

“Our customers want to do business with Inland Revenue as easily and as with any other business 24 hours, seven days a week using their tablets and smart-phones. Not only are we making it easier, but more cost-effective as well, and this challenge is one innovative way of making that happen,” says Mr Ward.

The APP4IR Challenge is open to 14 April 2014. More information is available at http://www.app4ir.ird.govt.nz/

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