Wellington, Sept 14 NZPA - Quake-affected Canterbury residents who get behind with tax payments will be able to get the interest waived under special circumstances, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne confirmed today.

Mr Dunne said Cabinet had yesterday agreed to an order in council allowing "use of money" interest payable on late payment of tax to be waived during emergencies.

Use of money interest is routinely charged on late tax payments, but Mr Dunne said the change was essentially about acknowledging that many people couldn't meet their tax obligations for reasons beyond their control.

"For instance, they may have been unable to get into their buildings or records have been destroyed, or it might be that personal circumstances prevented them from paying on time," Mr Dunne said.

"Tax affairs may be the last thing on quake victims' minds at a time like this, but at least we can make it one less thing for them to worry about,"

He said that the department's Christchurch office was operating again and that people could get in touch if they had concerns.

An IRD response line has been set up on 0800 473566.