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Financial Reporting and Tax Reporting in New Zealand

Financial Reporting: Governed by the Financial Reporting Act 2013

The Financial Reporting Act 2013 establishes the External Reporting Board (XRB) as the authority responsible for financial reporting standards. Key aspects include:

  1. External Reporting Board (XRB):
    The XRB is tasked with issuing financial reporting standards and ensuring these standards align with global practices.

  2. Financial Reporting Strategy:
    The XRB develops a comprehensive financial reporting strategy to guide the preparation and presentation of financial statements.

Tax Reporting: Governed by the Tax Administration Act

For tax reporting purposes, the Tax Administration Act 1994 provides a different framework. Key features include:

  1. Order in Council:
    The IRD relies on Orders in Council to set specific tax reporting requirements. These are regulations issued by the Governor-General on the advice of the Executive Council.

  2. IRD Requirements:
    The IRD has separate guidelines for tax-related financial statements, focusing on compliance with tax laws and accurate reporting of taxable income.

  3. Record-Keeping Obligations:
    Businesses must adhere to record-keeping requirements that facilitate tax reporting and audits.

Key Distinction: Financial vs. Tax Reporting

While financial reporting is broader and aligns with international standards, tax reporting is specific to the requirements of New Zealand’s tax system. 

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