How to set up a tax debt payment plan

Tax time isn't usually a favourite season for businesses, and often, this comes down to the stress and strain that result from hefty tax debts and the looming end-of-financial-year tasks and deadlines.

That's where tax debt payment plans (also known as instalment agreements) come in – they help to lessen the upfront tax burden while ensuring you also meet your tax obligations. In this guide, you'll learn how to set up a tax debt payment plan and the benefits of doing so.

What is a tax debt payment plan?

A tax debt payment plan is a formal repayment arrangement between a taxpayer and the government. It allows you to break down your total tax owed into smaller, more manageable amounts and pay these regularly until you've cleared the debt.

Typically, you'll want to make the repayment period as short as possible to minimise any potential interest charged on top of your tax debt.

Why set up a payment plan?

If you can't pay what you owe in full or by the due date, ignoring it altogether can be costly and stressful. A tax debt payment plan provides a more manageable way to repay what you owe over time, easing the upfront financial burden. A payment plan will also help you avoid:

Accumulating penalties 

If you don't pay your tax on time, you'll incur late payment penalties in addition to daily interest charges. This means your debt will continue to grow while it remains unpaid.

Potential legal action 

If you don't try to address your debt, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) can file a claim or issue a summons through the court. Once the court recognises this, it'll take legal action against your business, such as a bankruptcy notice or a statutory demand for payment.

Tax payment plan options 

The best payment plan option for your business boils down to your cash flow – what funds you have available to pay your tax debt now and into the future. Generally, you'll either be able to pay the debt straight away or will need to chip away at it over time. The three main options for tax debt payment are:

Upfront payment

Upfront payment is the easiest approach, provided you have the funds available. It means you won't need a payment plan, and you'll avoid accruing any interest or penalties associated with these. 

Instalments

Paying by instalments is a good option if you can't pay your tax debt upfront. It's best to front-foot this by discussing it with tax authorities before your tax due date, as this will allow you to get a good handle on what duration and payment amounts will work best for your situation. While you'll be charged interest throughout the payment term, you'll avoid penalties and potential legal action. 

How to pay your tax debt with a payment plan

Tax debt payment plans can be relatively straightforward, and in some instances, you can set it up yourself online. Before you start, you'll need to know how much you can afford to pay at a time, what payment method to use and when you want your instalment payments to start. Here's how to apply for an instalment arrangement:

Login to online services or contact the IRD

From the homepage of myIR, select 'request an instalment arrangement'. If you haven't set up your online services, contact the IRD.

Select a scheduled instalment amount

You'll see the total amount owing and the minimum weekly payment amounts. If you can't meet the minimum repayment, you'll need to call IRD to talk through your options. 

Set up a payment method for instalments

The easiest option for paying your instalments is to set up a direct debit payment (linked to your bank account or a credit or debit card). Alternatively, you can pay each instalment as it is due, using a method that suits you. 

Review and submit your plan

The final step online is to set and review the plan. This ensures you've covered all details, like the frequency, amount and first instalment date. Once you've completed this, you can submit your application.

Tax debt payment plan FAQs

How long do you have to pay a tax debt?

The time you have to pay a tax debt is at the discretion of the tax office and can vary from six months to two years. It can depend on factors like your tax history or any exceptional circumstances and can be reviewed after an initial payment period.

Do tax debt payment plans affect your credit score?

Tax debts are generally only disclosed to credit reporting bureaus if you aren't actively working with the tax authorities to manage them. 

Can you negotiate your tax debt?

You can negotiate payment arrangements and, in some cases, apply for penalties to be written off; however, the tax debt itself isn't open to negotiation.

Is it possible to forgive a tax debt? 

Tax debt can be forgiven or discharged through bankruptcy proceedings or a compromise in certain circumstances. The criteria for this are stringent, though, and they'll also affect your financial position in the future.

Lessen the burden, make payments with a plan

Tax debt is the bane of many businesses' existence, but with a tax debt payment plan, the sometimes overwhelming tax burden can be managed with a timeline and terms to suit. While you may pay slightly more with interest, breaking your debt into manageable chunks will remove unnecessary stress on your business's finances and lessen the ongoing mental load.

Poised with a plan? MYOB's cloud-based platform runs tax time for you. It'll help you stay on top of your tax obligations so that there are no unwanted surprises come tax time. Get started with MYOB today! 

Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is of a general nature and does not consider your personal situation. It does not constitute legal, financial, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a statement of law, policy or advice. You should consider whether this information is appropriate to your needs and, if necessary, seek independent advice. This information is only accurate at the time of publication. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this webpage, MYOB disclaims, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for the information contained on this webpage or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.

MYOB is not a registered entity pursuant to the Tax Administration Act 1994 and therefore cannot provide taxation advice to clients. If you have a query concerning taxation including filing your GST returns or annual tax statements, then you should consult with your accountant or other registered tax adviser.