Making a Complaint About IRD Service in New Zealand

If I have a complaint about our IRD service, what do I do in NZ?

Quick Summary

If you have a complaint about the service received from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in New Zealand, you should follow their official complaints procedure. This typically involves contacting them directly, often through a dedicated complaints channel or by escalating the issue if initial attempts to resolve it were unsuccessful, usually found on ird.govt.nz.

Details

How to Lodge a Complaint with the IRD

Like any large organisation, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has processes in place for customers to formally lodge complaints about the service they have received. This ensures accountability and allows for resolution of issues.

  • Initial Step: If possible, try to resolve the issue directly with the person or department you were dealing with. Often, misunderstandings can be clarified quickly.
  • Formal Complaint Channel: If direct resolution isn't possible, or for more serious complaints, the IRD has a formal complaints process. You can find details on how to make a complaint on their official website, ird.govt.nz, usually under a 'Contact Us' or 'About Us' section.
  • Information to Provide: When making a complaint, be prepared to provide:
    • Your IRD number.
    • A clear description of the issue or incident.
    • Dates and times of interactions.
    • Names of staff involved (if known).
    • What outcome you are seeking.
  • Escalation: If you are not satisfied with the initial response to your complaint, there are usually further steps for escalation within the IRD or to an external body like the Ombudsman.
Source: GST guide (IR375)