IRD Media Statement - Douglas White Report

IRD Media Statement - Douglas White Report

22 December 2004

Inland Revenue clarifies position on confidentiality following Douglas White report

Inland Revenue today clarified its position on taxpayer confidentiality, following requests for comment on the content of the report released yesterday by Douglas White QC.

"Inland Revenue will not comment on the tax affairs of any individual. Confidentiality of a person's tax affairs is fundamental to the operation of the tax system and is embedded in the law," stated Robin Oliver, Acting Commissioner of Inland Revenue.

"Everyone has the right to expect their personal tax affairs to remain a matter between themselves and Inland Revenue and the department goes to considerable lengths to meet this legal obligation," Mr Oliver said.

The recently released report by Douglas White QC confirmed the importance of Inland Revenue maintaining tax confidentiality. The report states (paragraph 6.24): "The Commissioner of Inland Revenue has indicated to me that when matters of this sort come to his attention, they are duly investigated to the extent necessary."

ENDS

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