IR4 Company Income Tax Return
The annual income tax return for New Zealand companies. It reconciles accounting profit to taxable income, accounting for non-deductible items (50% entertainment, depreciation differences) and IRD-schedule depreciation. The imputation credit account return (IR4J) must also be filed if dividends were paid or imputation credits exist.
Who this applies to
- All registered New Zealand companies with a standard 31 March balance date
- Companies with non-standard balance dates (deadline shifts to 7 months after balance date)
- Companies that paid dividends or hold imputation credits (must also file IR4J)
What to file
IR4 Company Income Tax Return. IR4J Imputation Credit Account Return if dividends paid or imputation credits exist.
How to file
Via myIR at my.ird.govt.nz or through a registered tax agent using IRD-approved practice management software.
Payment due
Terminal tax (the balance of income tax after provisional tax credits) is due 7 February for self-filing companies or 7 April for tax agent clients.
Penalties for missing this deadline
Late filing penalties apply from the day after the due date: NZD 50 for companies with 2-year income under NZD 100,000; NZD 250 for income NZD 100,001 to NZD 1 million; NZD 500 for income over NZD 1 million. Late payment interest also accrues on unpaid tax.
Filing checklist
- Confirm balance date and identify the correct due date (standard 7 July or agent-extended 31 March)
- Reconcile accounting profit to taxable income — add back 50% of entertainment, non-deductible expenses, and excess depreciation
- Complete the IR4J if dividends were paid or imputation credits were attached to dividends
- Ensure depreciation schedules use IRD rates (IR265), not accounting rates
- Check provisional tax paid and calculate terminal tax payable or refundable
Documents you'll need
- Audited or management accounts for the year ended 31 March
- Depreciation schedule at IRD rates
- Details of any dividends paid and imputation credits attached
- Provisional tax payment records from myIR
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using accounting depreciation rates rather than IRD-schedule rates, understating taxable income
- Forgetting to file the IR4J when dividends were paid, resulting in an incomplete return
- Missing the agent-extended deadline (31 March) by assuming the standard 7 July date still applies after engaging a tax agent late in the year
Never miss a New Zealand deadline
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