# IR4 Company Income Tax Return

Country: New Zealand
When: 7 July for companies with a standard 31 March balance date (self-filing). 31 March of the following year if using a registered tax agent. Companies with non-standard balance dates: 7 months after their balance date.
Tax year: 2025

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.

## What happens if you miss it

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.

## Submission 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 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

Source: https://www.ird.govt.nz/forms-and-guides/ir-forms/ir4