How to file your tax return early

Early return preparation

Tax workpapers can be prepared once the tax period is opened, typically 18 months before the tax year ends (to support monthly tax provision accounting). However, early filing is not recommended.

Return disclosures are subject to change

Tax return disclosures and PDF tax return reports are subject to annual changes from Inland Revenue up until our annual e-file update is released, typically on 1 April.

This is because Inland Revenue may not provide or finalise tax return specifications until close to 1 April (usually about three months prior, but sometimes considerably less). Updates to workpapers, calculations, and PDF returns require time to develop, and Inland Revenue restricts the use of e-filing by third-party software until their myIR annual change release (typically 1 April), even for early balance dates.

For these reasons, we cannot take responsibility for any issues that may arise if you choose to file early. However, we understand that there may be valid reasons for doing so.

How to file early

If you need to file early, follow these steps:

1. Transpose the draft return disclosures into either myIR for filing or a paper return form to mail to Inland Revenue. If myIR does not yet allow filing for the tax year, contact Inland Revenue to request that the tax year be opened early.
2. Mark the return as manually filed in TaxLab.

If the filing process is partially completed during the 1 April release, e-filing can then be selected:

1. Go to the "File with IRD" screen and click Set back to draft. 
2. Note that the checksum may change due to new filing fields being added, even if they are not relevant to the client.
3. Update the filing method to E-File and proceed to file.