Don’t Let Provisional Tax Catch You Out

Let’s Talk About the Real Cost of Provisional Tax…

If you’ve ever been blindsided by a surprise tax bill, you’re not alone.

One month you’re cruising along, cashflow’s feeling good. Then bam, you get a letter from IRD telling you to pay thousands... and the “why” behind it is as clear as mud.

Sound familiar?

For many Kiwi business owners, provisional tax isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet. It’s that low-key stress in the background. The kind that shows up when you’re trying to focus on your team, your customers, or your next big move.

And in 2025, that pressure’s only grown.

What’s Really Going On?

IRD’s ramping up audit activity. The rules keep shifting. And their system? Still stuck in the past.

Here’s what it assumes:

1. Your profit will grow 5% every year (even if your industry’s doing the opposite)
2. You earn income evenly across the year (lol, as if)
3. You’re happy prepaying tax even when it hurts your cashflow

And worst of all? If you get it wrong, you’re slapped with penalties and Use-of-Money interest (UOMI). No leniency. No “she’ll be right.”

But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to just accept the IRD’s version of your business.

There’s a Better Way — The BetterCo Way

We work with business owners across Aotearoa to take the guesswork, panic, and pressure out of provisional tax, and replace it with clarity, confidence, and control.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Calculate Your Real Profit

We don’t just take IRD’s word for it. We dig into your actual numbers, apply the right adjustments (like home office, vehicle use, entertainment), and make sure nothing’smissed.

2. Minimise Tax, Strategically

We review your whole structure whether you’re trading as a sole trader, company, trust or mix. We help allocate income smartly, keep you compliant, and make sure you’re not paying more than you legally need to.

3. Plan Payments Around You

Instead of relying on “uplifts” or ballpark guesses, we forecast what your payments should be, and match them to your business cycles. We also help with tax pooling if you need flexibility.

4. Build a Rolling Forecast

We’ll map out your tax for the next 12–18 months, so you’re always one step ahead. No last-minute scrambles. No panic. Just clarity.

Choose the Level of Support That Suits You

Whether you just want a quick check-in, or you’d rather we take the reins all year round, we’ve got an option that fits.

Option 1: The Default (Free)

We’ll send you provisional tax letters using IRD estimates. No extra cost, but it’s based on guesswork, not your actual performance.

Option 2: The Hybrid Way (from $275)

You choose when to get our help, like before a big payment, or after a few good (or tough) months. Ideal if you want expert advice without a monthly commitment.

Option 3: The Proactive Way ($110/month)

Regular tax planning that fits your business — monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. You get consistency, peace of mind, and no more surprises.

What Would It Feel Like to Finally Have Tax Under Control?

No last-minute cash hunts. No anxiety every time IRD emails. Just steady, confident planning that fits your business, not the other way around.

Because tax doesn’t have to be a battle. Not when you’ve got the right team backing you.

Let’s Get Ahead of It Together.

Book a Tax Review Session with us, and we’ll review where you’re at, and map out where you’re going.

👉 Click here to book your session

📞 Or give us a ring: 09 975 6134