IRD Number
Your IRD number is a unique 8 or 9 digit identifier assigned by Inland Revenue to every New Zealand taxpayer. You need it for almost all financial activities: starting employment, opening bank accounts, investing, applying for student loans, and receiving government payments.
Employers use your IRD number to report your income and make PAYE deductions. Banks use it to apply the correct RWT rate to your interest income. Investment providers use it for PIE tax and dividend withholding. Without an IRD number, default (higher) tax rates apply.
If you're new to New Zealand, you can apply for an IRD number online through IRD's website — you'll need your passport, visa details, and a New Zealand bank account or address. The process typically takes 1–2 weeks. Keep your IRD number secure and never share it publicly, as it could be used for identity fraud.
Related Terms
IRD
Inland Revenue Department (IRD), commonly known as Inland Revenue or simply IRD, is the New Zealand government agency responsible for collecting taxes, distributing social support payments, and enforcing tax compliance.
myIR
myIR is Inland Revenue's secure online portal where you can manage virtually all of your tax and social policy accounts.