What is Crunch?

Crunch is just a different way to get your end of year accounts done or your tax return filed. We are Chartered Accountants who carry out exactly the same technical tasks as usual, it's just that we use the internet as a portal to collect your information. We do all the normal things your accountant might do but we do it online like: tell you your fee upfront and then we gather your information by email and we don't need to sit down face to face as you might normally do with an accountant. We have made it easier for you by streamlining the process.

Who is Crunch?
Crunch is an independent IRD approved tax agent. We are a private limited liability company, registered with the Companies Office of New Zealand and certified for E-Filing by the IRD. Crunch is a subsidiary of Findlay and Co Chartered Accountants based in Wanaka. For more information please read About Us.

Why do I fall outside of the service TaxRefunds.co.nz can provide?
Because your income includes more than just salary and wages. You may for example receive dividend income, or withholding payments containing withholding tax that must be accounted for.

Why did TaxRefunds.co.nz send me to crunch?
Even though your tax return includes more complicated income, Crunch is a secured online system that has the ability to easily deal with, process, and file your return to meet IRD standards

Why do I need to file a tax return?
There are many reasons why you may be required to file a tax return, the most common reasons are that you have received income that has withholding tax attached to it, you have received interest over $200, you have received dividend income or you have received overseas income

What are the penalties for filing late with IRD?
The late filing penalty is $50.00 per income tax year.

How much will it cost?
Depending on the number of returns you require us to complete on your behalf and your particular circumstances, the cost involved will vary but our prices are very reasonable. Simply go to "Get a Quote" on the crunch website to get an immediate quote tailored to your needs.

Why should I use crunch?
Here at crunch we think our system is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get your late tax returns filed. It is quite inexpensive and simple.

What if I owe IRD money?
If it turns out that your return requires payment to the IRD, then crunch has the ability to set up an installment arrangement if you are unable to pay the amount in full. Also when you prepare your tax return through crunch you will be granted an extension of time to pay your tax owing, giving you more time to make your payment.

What happens when I appoint crunch Ltd to be linked as my tax agent?
When you are linked with crunch as your tax agent it grants us authority to act on your behalf, liaise with the IRD for any issues that arise, and apply to give you an extended period to have your tax return filed.

Why does crunch need to be my tax agent?
In order for crunch to prepare and file your income tax return, crunch needs to be linked as your tax agent to enable us access to view and monitor your IRD account, and lets crunch file your return on your behalf as stated on the authorization statement.

What is PayPal?
PayPal is a widely used independent payment gateway that ensures your personal details and payments are secure.

Who can use crunch?
Crunch has been tailored for small to medium sized New Zealand businesses and individuals who need to file a tax return. Crunch is for you if you're a real estate agent, investor, trustee, tradesperson, consultant or just about any small business. We developed crunch with you in mind. If you're a large New Zealand business then we recommend you use an accountant who is better placed to meet your needs. If you're not sure if crunch is for you, take 5 minutes to get a quote. You'll need to answer a few simple questions about your financials and a quote will pop up instantly. Read about other businesses using crunch in crunch stories.

I've got a trust. Can crunch take care of that?
Yes. Crunch is really handy for trustees who need to prepare accounts.

What happens if I have more than one business?
No problem. Crunch can take care of that. Enter your financial details at get a quote to get an accurate price.

Can crunch process PAYE and GST?
Crunch can manage PAYE, GST and ACC, as well as your end of year accounts. Just tick the boxes when you complete the financial survey to get a quote.

How much cheaper is crunch than visiting an accountant?
It's really quick to get a quote and this will tell you exactly how much you'll pay. There's no obligation to take it further and you can get as many quotes as you like. Read about how other businesses have saved money with crunch.

Will it cost me more than my quote?
No, as long as you have provided the correct answers in your quote, you supply all the information requested and the questionnaire is completed, the quote stands.

What if I have questions along the way?
That's no problem. You can email us, phone us or skype us with any questions you have along the way and we will answer them A.S.A.P. Other FAQs and crunch stories may help answer your questions too.

I need to talk to an accountant about business development. Can crunch do that?
We're in the business of processing your accounts online so it's best to talk to an accountant if you need specialist business advice on tax planning or cash flow forecasting.

Who processes my accounts?
Your accounts will be processed by the crunch team in Wanaka, New Zealand. We are a highly qualified and experienced team of chartered accountants affiliated to the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants so we play by the rules and we'll complete your accounts to industry standards. If you're curious, read about the Findlay brothers who came up with the bright idea.

Is my information secure?
You bet it is! Your information is held on secure servers at crunch HQ. We use secure online forms and payment systems that conform to industry standards.

Where is my financial information stored afterwards?
All your financials are held securely at crunch HQ. Your information is private and will not be shared with anyone else.

What happens if I get audited?
As chartered accountants, you'll receive the same financial report you'd expect from any accountant but it's your responsibility to provide us with accurate information. It's a good idea to read our terms and conditions and authority and engagement declaration before you get started. We require only a small amount of paperwork to prepare your accounts but you'll need to keep all your financial paperwork in order so an auditor can cross the t's and dot the i's.

Do I need to be computer savvy to use crunch?
Not at all. Crunch is user-friendly, functional and thoroughly tested on humans. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions when you 'get a quote' , complete the required questionnaire and your accounts will be back to you in no time.

Can crunch run on any system?
Absolutely. You can crunch your numbers from PCs, Macs, or hand-held devices.

How do I get started with crunch?
Go and get a quote and take five minutes to answer a handful of questions and your quote will pop up instantly.

How long will it take for me to do answer the questions?
Once you've accepted the quote and decided to get on with it right away, it should only take 15-20 minutes to complete the financial questionnaire. Grab a cuppa and have your financial information ready first and you will get through it quicker.

What if I change my mind?
You can get as many quotes as you like and you are under no obligation to proceed until you accept the quote. Once you have passed through the checkout and paid for crunch then, unfortunately, we can't refund your money.

When do I pay?
You need to pay when you accept the quote so the crunch team get the green light to start work. You'll receive details about how to pay once you've accepted the quote. You'll need a valid credit card to make the payment (Visa/MasterCard) or a Pay Pal account. It's a good idea to read the small print in our terms and conditions and authority and engagement declaration before you make the payment.

Do I need to have accounting software programs for my business to use crunch?
Not necessarily. If you have a business no doubt you will be using some form of system to keep your records. If your accounts are not computerised then follow our easy to use questionnaire and this will guide you through the information that we require.

Obviously Xero allows us to get our hands on your information without needing copies of your data files. However, crunch can handle QuickBooks, BankLink, Cash manager and MYOB and an assortment of electronic accounting software data. We'll need your data files to get started.

What happens when I need to prepare my accounts again next year?
Once you're on board, we'll create your own crunch page so you can log in to check tax due dates and access your financial reports.

Still got questions? Read about businesses that use crunch in crunch stories and if you can't find an answer to your question, email us.