We're the principal steward of the tax system. We play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing its integrity by striving to make it clear, consistent and simple. We're accountable to the Minister of Revenue.
We work with many other organisations who help manage and run the tax system and digital 'ecosystem' and with international tax networks. Increasingly, we're working together on ways to improve family and whānau wellbeing and make sure people access their entitlements.
We advise the Government on tax policy and the social policies that Inland Revenue administers. We work with other agencies to help deliver inter-generational wellbeing and positive outcomes for all New Zealanders.
This includes meeting our obligations under te Tiriti o Waitangi and fulfilling our role as part of the Māori–Crown relationship.
We provide assurance that the systems for tax and social policy payments:
- operate efficiently
- deliver what the policies intended
- achieve the intended outcomes
- remain fit for purpose.
We work with many other parties that help manage and run the tax and social policy systems, such as tax agents, KiwiSaver providers and financial institutions.
Employers play a huge part by providing employment income information every pay day.
We’re also part of a digital ‘ecosystem’ that includes an increasing number of service providers, such as payroll software companies.
We advise the Government on international tax issues and help develop and implement Aotearoa New Zealand’s international tax legislation.
We work with groups such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and tax agencies in other countries.
We exchange financial account information with more than 70 countries.
We administer various social policy programmes, such as student loans and child support, and a number of COVID-19 initiatives.
We administer KiwiSaver and make Working for Families, parental leave and Best Start payments.
We work closely with other government agencies, especially Te Tai Ōhanga the Treasury, Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora the Ministry of Social Development, Tatauranga Aotearoa Stats NZ and Hīkina Whakatutuki the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
We have information-sharing arrangements with more than 17 agencies.