How we negotiated a client’s $500K tax debt down to $25K

11 May, 2018 | Bret Gower

Have you been behind with your tax payments and need some direction to tidy up your returns?

At Smith and Partners we have had some recent success for our clients to reduce their tax payments to the Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”).

What was the situation?

We had a client who was in significant arrears with the IRD amounting to approximately $500,000. This particular client had three separate entities that had, due to unforeseen circumstances, failed to file annual tax returns for a number of years.
This client had:

1. A company;
2. A trust; and
3. Personal debt.

The client came to us for advice because the IRD had served him with bankruptcy proceedings and his company with liquidation proceedings.

What did we do?

First, we explained the consequences of the each proceeding to our client. Understanding the steps and the timelines in a legal proceeding can help reduce a client’s stress levels allowing them to approach the issue sensibly.

Second, we engaged an accountant who specialises in tax compliance to file tax returns for each legal entity to bring all the tax administration up to date. Although this was a significant task, it greatly assisted with our client’s ability to approach IRD to negotiate a settlement and to avoid bankruptcy.

Third, after receiving advice from the accountant as to the correct amounts payable, we approached IRD with a settlement proposal (including an application for financial assistance).

What was the outcome?

The outcome was an astounding $475,000 reduction in the tax payable! Our client was able to avoid bankruptcy and resolved the matter entirely by paying a lump sum of $25,000.

AND, most importantly, our client could move on with life free of the stress of having arrears with the IRD.

 If you would like further information in relation to negotiating a settlement with IRD to eliminate your tax problem please contact Bret Gower on 09 837 6893 or email bret.gower@smithpartners.co.nz