IRD Number Application Guide: How to Get Your NZ Tax Number

An IRD number is your unique tax identification number in New Zealand. You need one before you can start working, open a bank account (to provide for RWT purposes), join KiwiSaver, or interact with Inland Revenue. Here’s how to get one.

Who Needs an IRD Number?

Almost everyone in New Zealand needs an IRD number, including:

• New Zealand citizens and permanent residents starting work or earning income
• Temporary visa holders who are going to work in NZ
• International students who want to work part-time
• Non-residents earning NZ-sourced income (e.g., from rental property or investments)
• Companies, trusts, and partnerships operating in NZ (each entity needs its own IRD number)

What You Need to Apply

Living in New Zealand (not a new arrival)

• A myIR account, then the online application (the paper alternative is the IR595 form, taken to an AA Driver Licensing Agent or an Inland Revenue office)
• One primary identification document (Category A), such as a New Zealand passport, a current overseas passport with a New Zealand visa, a full New Zealand birth certificate or a citizenship certificate
• One secondary identification document (Category B), such as a New Zealand or overseas driver licence, a Kiwi Access Card or a New Zealand student photo ID
• Your documents must be physical, not digital, and you have 20 days after applying online to take them to an AA Driver Licensing Agent

New arrivals

• A myIR account and your passport details plus your Immigration New Zealand application number (for a resident, student or work visa)
• Inland Revenue checks your identity with Immigration New Zealand, so you do not need to send identification documents; if approved you receive your IRD number by text or email in 2 days
• Apply before the final arrival date on your visa, or use the “living in New Zealand” process instead

Overseas applicants

• The offshore individual form IR742, emailed with scans of your documents
• Photo identification such as a passport, proof of address, a tax identification number (TIN) from your own country, and proof of why you need an IRD number (for example, working or buying property here)
• A fully functioning New Zealand bank account, or a Customer due diligence form (IR997) completed by a New Zealand reporting entity
• Certified English translations of any documents not in English

How to Apply

Register a personal myIR account first, then choose the application that matches your situation. Applying for an IRD number is free.

For Newborns

Parents can apply for an IRD number for their newborn child as part of the birth registration process through the Department of Internal Affairs. This is the simplest method and is completed when you register the birth.

Alternatively, apply through myIR with the child’s birth certificate details.

For Companies and Other Entities

Businesses, trusts, partnerships and other organisations apply separately: see Inland Revenue’s page on IRD numbers for businesses and organisations. Each entity needs its own IRD number.

Important Tips

• Apply before starting work: Your employer needs your IRD number to process PAYE correctly. Without it, they must deduct tax at the no-notification rate (45%), which is very expensive.
• Keep your IRD number safe: Treat it like sensitive personal information. Don’t share it unnecessarily.
• One number for life: Your IRD number doesn’t change. If you lose it, you can recover it through myIR or by contacting IRD.
• Bank account: Only people applying from overseas need a functioning New Zealand bank account (or an IR997 form) to get an IRD number.

Sources

• Getting an IRD number — IRD
• New arrival IRD number application — IRD