KPMG New Zealand is proud to support clients as an Inland Revenue (IR) accredited participating advisor. We offer expert-led reviews that help mitigate risk, enhance processes, and streamline interactions with IR to support organisations to meet their tax obligations.
Designed for businesses with NZ$30 million or more in turnover or 50+ employees, the participating advisor framework is an IR compliance initiative for taxpayers in IR’s significant enterprise segment relating to independent reviews and testing of key tax types.
As an approved participating advisor, KPMG has satisfied IR that our review teams have sufficient expertise to undertake reviews of specified areas to a high-quality standard.
Reviews conducted under the participating advisor framework may mitigate IR risk assessment for a 4-year period.
KPMG’s role as a participating advisor
KPMG New Zealand is a participating advisor in relation to the following review types:
Tax governance policies and processes;
GST systems and processes; and
Employee remuneration systems and processes, including fringe benefit tax.
To be approved under the framework, KPMG has demonstrated that we have met the rigorous standards, including:
Demonstrated expertise and governance policies for each review type;
Documented methodologies;
A proven track record of reviews; and
Ongoing commitment to quality and transparency.
When to consider a review
KPMG can support clients in two main scenarios:
Proactive reviews: Businesses can initiate reviews to proactively strengthen governance, identify gaps, and demonstrate best practice. A key benefit of a proactive review is if IR initiates a risk review or audit, IR will revise or limit the scope of its review to exclude work that has been undertaken by KPMG in our role as participating advisor.
Responsive reviews: If IR initiates a review or audit, businesses may request that a participating advisor conduct the review instead of IR, subject to IR agreement and scope alignment.
Why engage KPMG?
The participating advisor framework offers a strategic opportunity for businesses to manage tax risk, improve governance, and engage with IR on collaborative terms. With KPMG as your trusted advisor, you gain expert insight, practical support, and a clear path to stronger compliance. Engaging us offers the following benefits:
Risk mitigation
A green/ low-risk outcome from a KPMG-led review can reduce IR’s risk assessment for up to four years, helping businesses avoid unnecessary scrutiny in the reviewed areas. Reviews may even replace IR-led audits if scope and timing align.
Control and flexibility
Businesses retain full control over whether review outcomes are shared with IR. The scope, timing and costs for reviews can be tailored to individual client needs.
Strategic insight
KPMG’s reviews go beyond compliance. Our teams identify opportunities for improvement, helping clients strengthen their tax governance and operational efficiency.
If your business is preparing for engagement with Inland Revenue or simply wants to strengthen its tax governance policies and procedures, a participating advisor review is a valuable opportunity and provides a proactive approach to managing tax risk.
To explore how KPMG can support you through this process, get in touch with your regular KPMG advisor or reach out to the team below.
Connect with us
- Find office locations kpmg.findOfficeLocations
- kpmg.emailUs
- Social media @ KPMG kpmg.socialMedia