Overview

If you come to live in New Zealand or secure a Work Permit and wish to work, you will need to obtain an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number.You will need to organise your IRD number before you start working in New Zealand or before you try to open a bank account as this will be required.

Your IRD number is a unique number issued by the Inland Revenue Department which is the main government department responsible for collecting all taxes. Your number will be in the range of 10-000-000 to 999-999-999; so some people will have an 8 digit number and others a 9 digit number. Your number will never change even if you move to a different country and decide to come back to NZ at a later date. You will be able to start working without your IRD number, however you must give your number to your employer as soon as you receive one.

You should apply for an IRD number if:
• you are earning an income
• you are starting a business
• you are registering for Working for Families Tax Credit’s
• you are registering for a student loan
• your child has a part-time job
• you file tax returns
• you wish to make an enquiry to the IRD about your tax status
• you apply for child support.

You should only provide the number to:
• Inland Revenue
• your employer
• your bank or financial institution
• your Kiwi Saver scheme provider
• Work and Income
• Study Link
• Your tax agent (accountant).

If other groups ask for your IRD number, ask them why they need it.You can apply for your IRD number for yourself, your family or your organisation. Your number will be sent to you within 8-10 working days of the IRD receiving your application.

You can go to the IRD government website and download one of the following forms:
• IR595 (individual) - adult and children
• IR596 (non-individual) - company, partnership, estate, trust, club, society, superannuation scheme and Maori authority

For people moving to New Zealand this is a list of document you will need to provide when applying for an IRD number:
• Passport with immigration visa/permit
• New Zealand travel documents
• Residency documents
• Work document