About the Accountants and Tax Agents Institute

Institute's Philosophy

All members of the Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of New Zealand promise to professionally, ethically, and willingly look after the taxation needs of our clients.

Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of New Zealand: Profile

ATAINZ is an incorporated society established in 1976. Its objects include:

• to foster tax knowledge in New Zealand;
• to further and develop tax practice in New Zealand;
• to represent ATAINZ members in New Zealand;
• maintaining the highest standards among ATAINZ members by restricting membership to suitably qualified people; and
• considering, initiate, debate and make submissions on New Zealand tax laws.

ATAINZ has over 365 members throughout New Zealand. Under our Rules, membership is restricted to people with suitable qualifications and/or work experience relating to accounting and/or tax matters.

The Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of New Zealand is one of only three organisations granted 'approved advisor group' status by the Inland Revenue Department.

ACC recognise ATAINZ members as having a special relationship with them. By providing their name and members number, members have access to their clients data at ACC.

Our members provide a wide range of services including accounting, business advice, tax advice, and tax agency work. Our members' clients include investors, salary and wage earners, superannuitants, agents, rental income earners, farmers, self-employed people, business owners, partnerships, estates, trusts, and companies.

ATAINZ supports its members and helps to maintain high standards in a variety of ways. We run courses, conferences and seminars to support members' continuing professional development and ensure they are up to date with developments in tax law. We provide resources as well as opportunities for members to share information. 

All ATAINZ members must comply with our Code of Ethics, which covers four main areas: integrity; trust and confidence; standards of service; and professional conduct.

Compliance is enforced through disciplinary procedures. Failure to comply can lead to a range of sanctions, including fines and termination of membership. The Code of Ethics and the disciplinary procedures are incorporated within our Rules.