Inland Revenue is continuing to build on its work to help make sure people get their taxes right, with the release of its Compliance Focus for 2010-11.
The Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Robert Russell, recently released the programme and said it helps ensure everyone pays their fair share.
"It's about making sure people are fully aware of their tax obligations as well as understanding what their social entitlements are," Mr Russell said.
Mr Russell said the hidden economy, debt and enhanced online services are among areas Inland Revenue will place additional focus on over the next year.
"Last year was the first time we went public with our Compliance Focus and we've had extremely good results, from structured finance arrangements through to earlier intervention to help people manage their debt or particular situation."
"We know the economic environment's been particularly hard for some and they'll still be experiencing the effects for a while. So we will continue to support them, while also taking action where there's tax evasion or avoidance."
"We aim to help people know how to get it right and most do. On the other hand, a small number of people are not compliant and we have to respond to them," Mr Russell added.
"Some people avoid paying the top tax rate by diverting personal income to companies or trusts or using other techniques. We are aware some high-wealth and high-income individuals use internal restructuring and business shelters with no underlying commercial benefit to get a tax advantage. Also there are people doing jobs for cash without paying any tax. We're increasingly using a range of tools to provide intelligence to detect those kinds of behaviours."
"At the same time, we've been making more services and information available through our electronic channels so individuals and businesses can self-manage their tax affairs. Those sorts of enhancements are going to continue," he said.
