The numbers don't lie, but when it comes to business tax avoidance they might be hiding the truth.

Auckland University tax expert Craig Elliffe says IRD is reporting record high dollar figures of tax avoidance by Kiwi firms.

But he doesn't think it's an issue of increasing crime.

"I think it's definitely not a trend in the tax base by taxpayers, I think increased awareness and attention by the Inland Revenue themselves."

Mr Elliffe says the IRD's next big target appears to be international firms such as Google, who avoid tax by funnelling cash offshore.