If you’re facing tax debt in Australia or New Zealand, you’re not alone. Every year, individuals and businesses fall behind on their tax obligations sometimes due to financial hardship, other times because of complex tax disputes or unexpected assessments. The good news? There are options available, and with the right legal advice, many tax issues can be resolved through negotiation with the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) or the IRD (Inland Revenue Department).
How Tax Debt Happens
Tax debt can arise for several reasons. You might have missed a payment deadline, made an error in your return, or received a tax ruling from the ATO or IRD that increased your liability. In some cases, a dispute may develop over how income or deductions are assessed leading to a tax dispute that leaves you owing more than expected.
Whether you’re dealing with a business BAS backlog in Australia or a GST reassessment in New Zealand, falling behind on tax payments can quickly spiral into a larger financial and legal issue.
The Consequences of Ignoring Tax Debt
Leaving tax debt unresolved can lead to serious consequences.
In Australia, the ATO can apply interest charges, issue garnishee notices, or even initiate legal proceedings. Directors of companies may be held personally liable for unpaid company tax through director penalty notices.
In New Zealand, the IRD has similar enforcement powers, including issuing deductions from wages or seizing assets. Continued non-compliance can result in significant penalties, mounting interest, and lasting damage to your financial reputation.
Tax Negotiation: What Are Your Options?
Fortunately, both the ATO and IRD offer pathways to negotiate and manage tax debt. At IR Legal, our tax lawyers specialise in helping clients navigate these options, whether you’re based in Australia or New Zealand.
Tax Payment Arrangements
If you’re unable to pay in full, we can negotiate structured tax payment arrangements with the ATO or IRD on your behalf. These agreements can give you time to pay off your tax debt over several months (or longer), often while suspending further enforcement action.
Tax Disputes and Rulings
When the amount of tax owed is in question, we assist with lodging formal objections and managing tax disputes. We also advise on and apply for tax rulings binding advice issued by the ATO or IRD which can clarify how the law applies to your situation. Getting the right tax ruling can often prevent a dispute from arising in the first place.
Negotiating with the ATO or IRD
When negotiating with the ATO or the IRD you need a specialist tax lawyer with experience and who understands how each agency operates, what they’ll consider, and how to position your case for the best outcome. Whether it’s seeking a reduction in penalties, requesting a tax payment arrangement, or challenging a disputed debt, we act as your advocate every step of the way.
Why Choose IR Legal?
At IR Legal, we have over 24 years of experience helping clients across both countries manage tax debt, resolve disputes, and negotiate workable payment arrangements. Here’s what you need to know if you’re dealing with a tax issue and how we can help.
Our practice spans both Australian and New Zealand tax systems, making us uniquely positioned to assist clients with trans-Tasman operations or individuals moving between jurisdictions.
We provide strategic, practical, and confidential advice on matters involving:
- Tax Debt Resolution
- Tax Disputes with ATO or IRD
- Applying for or responding to Tax Rulings
- Negotiating Tax Payment Arrangements
- Complex ATO or IRD Negotiations
- General Tax Advice for long-term compliance
Whether you’re seeking a tax lawyer in Australia to handle a director penalty notice or need tax advice in New Zealand on a disputed GST bill, IR Legal has the experience and insight to guide you through.
Don’t Face Tax Debt Alone
Tax problems can be stressful, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal support, you can reduce your financial burden, resolve disputes, and get back on track with your obligations.
If you’re dealing with an ATO tax dispute, a challenging IRD ruling, or need help securing a tax payment arrangement, reach out to IR Legal. We’re here to help confidentially, strategically, and with the benefit of over two decades of tax law experience.
Contact IR Legal Today
Let us help you resolve your tax issues before they escalate.
Visit www.irlegal.lawyer or call us for a confidential consultation.
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