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

New Zealand Citizens or Residents

• A completed IR595 application form (online or paper)
• Photo identification: NZ passport, NZ driver licence, or NZ firearms licence
• Proof of address: A bank statement, utility bill, or tenancy agreement showing your NZ address
• Your NZ bank account number (IRD requires this for refunds and correspondence)

Overseas Applicants and Visa Holders

• A completed IR742 application form
• Passport (with valid visa if applicable)
• Proof of NZ bank account — you must have a New Zealand bank account before applying
• Visa documentation showing your right to work or earn income in NZ
• A letter from your bank confirming your identity verification

The bank verification requirement is a key step — New Zealand banks perform identity checks as part of anti-money laundering rules, and IRD relies on this verification.

How to Apply

Online (Fastest)

1. Go to myIR at my.ird.govt.nz
2. Select “Register for myIR” and then “Apply for an IRD number”
3. Complete the online form with your personal details
4. Upload supporting documents
5. You’ll typically receive your IRD number within 5-10 working days

By Post

1. Download and complete the appropriate form (IR595 for NZ residents, IR742 for overseas applicants)
2. Attach certified copies of your identification documents
3. Post to: Inland Revenue, PO Box 39010, Wellington Mail Centre 5045
4. Processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks

In Person

Some IRD offices accept in-person applications. Check the IRD website for locations and opening hours, though note that IRD has been moving towards digital-first services.

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 entities apply for IRD numbers through:

• Companies: Apply through the Companies Office registration process, or separately through myIR
• Trusts and partnerships: Complete the IR595 form with entity details
• Non-resident companies: Complete the IR742 form

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 required: You must have an NZ bank account before IRD will issue a number.

Sources

• Getting an IRD number — IRD
• Non-resident IRD numbers — IRD