T.K. – Wellington:
A couple of years ago I started doing contract work. No deductions only income. The sudden increase in my income was amazing and helped settle some old debts and pay for a few shiny new toys. I always knew that I had to put some money aside for tax, but I kept on postponing because life was good. When I submitted my first tax return I was asked to pay a lot of money, way too much for me to pay in one go. I called IRD and they gave me an arrangement to repay the outstanding amount. Life was good again and I started paying the monthly arrangement.
In the back of my mind I also knew that I had to start putting money aside for the next tax year or I would be in the same position again. Due to some unfortunate events at that time, I did not put any money away and used my tax money for something else. Another year came to an end and I was in the same position. Fortunately I have paid of most of the previous debt and was offered another arrangement.
History kept on repeating itself and eventually I had a huge debt to IRD with no way of paying it back and no further chances of getting another arrangement, the debt was just too much.
While driving in Tawa one Saturday morning I drove past a car with a personalised number plate ‘OWETAX’. It felt like a sign from heaven. I googled the company name and came across Tax Debt Brokers. I called the number for my area and arranged my first appointment and later that week I met Ann Leigh.
Our first meeting was tough. I explained my problem and Ann explained their process. I felt embarrassed because she asked some tough questions – tough because it was something I did not want to face and have been running away from for a long time.
The next couple of weeks consisted of a serious investigation into my financial situation as I prepared copies of everything requested to present my case to IRD. It was hard, but Ann was there to help me through it.
It took a while, but we eventually managed to get everything ready and Ann prepared a proposal for IRD. Then the waiting started. I was nervous every time the phone rang, but at least I knew it was going to be Ann and not the Enforcement team at IRD.
The news came back from IRD, proposal not accepted, I was devastated, but Ann was there, ‘don’t worry we can fix this, it is a negotiation process’. The proposal was changed and resubmitted. More waiting…
Less than a week later Ann called again. I did not know what to expect this time, but I was calm as I knew Ann was doing her best and was looking after my interests. Proposal accepted!
I was delighted, good news at last. The end result was a significant write off of a portion of the outstanding debt and an affordable plan to repay the rest.
It was a long, hard road and very stressful to go through, but I was glad to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and this would not have been possible without the help of Ann and Tax Debt Brokers.
I highly recommend Ann to anyone that need help in resolving their tax affairs.