growler_south | (no subject)

"We have estimated your 2004-2005 tax year ACC levy at $56.75. This estimate was based on your income of $1700 from the 2003-2004 tax year."

*calls IRD ACC levies team*

WTF? Its 2007! And I didnt earn any ACC-accruing income in '04-'05. Surely you have my income details from '04-'05 by now and dont need to be estimating?

"Yes, I have your actual income details here in front of me, but the estimate is just how its done. You can fill in a IR74829837/b7 and claim back the difference if you like, or I can put in a special request for a reassessment based on your actual income, if that's preferabe?"

So I have a choice then: A) you tax me what I actually owe, which is zero, or B) you pull a figure out of your ass and tax me that instead. I'll take option A please.

"No need to use bad language sir, it's a levy, not a tax. Right, that's all done, I've requested a reassessment and put the estimated figure back in my ass, is there anything else I can help you with today?"

I swear she was giggling as we wished each other a good day...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Aren't they wonderful!

You'd think they would do anything to reduce the amount of paperwork they need to do.. like estimating and then having to correct the estimate the following year. Grrr.

She deserves a pat on the head for that!

She was cool, it kind of sounded like she was used to the question... and the response :-)

Sorry to hear about your "levy", but glad to hear the US isn't the only country to screw it's residents on taxes.

I dont mind paying it when it's neccesary: ACC is our national accident medical cover, if we get injured and are off work we get 80% of our pre-injury income from ACC, and our employer gets financial assistance to get us back to work as quickly as possible. It even covers the medical expenses of tourists who ~~trip up and break their arm~~ get beaten up on the way to the bar.

But having it estimated when they have the actual figures at their disposal? That's just wasting my taxpayer dollars...

ACC is actually an amazingly good system.

It does mean you can't sue in this country, so lawyers don't like it, but if lawyers don't like it, it has to be good, right?

U hit it right on the head!!
Seems the new govt computer generates these lovely estimates.
So its technology really getting ahead of it's self.
Accountants playing Geeks in Govt.
Scarier than lawyers..............

you so cool