How To Get A Tax Number In New Zealand

To work legally in New Zealand you require a tax number. In New Zealand this is called an IRD number.

IRD stands for Inland Revenue Department which is the tax department of New Zealand.

This is a 7-10 digit number that is unique to you. If you would like to refer to the IRD website for information you can find the link here.

To apply for an IRD number there are a number of steps.

First up you need an IRD form. You can pick one of these up from any Post Office or Automobile Association Centre. Or you could download and print one off the IRD website. If you read through the steps below and get organised with everything you need, you both collect a form, sit down, fill it out, and submit it in person at a Post Office or Automobile Association. This would save you two trips.

STEP 1. Get Everything You Need Together

Some of the fields you need to fill out in the IRD form include:

Current Physical Address you are staying in currently (this is likely to be a backpackers, friend, friend of friend or relative).
Postal Address you would like your IRD number sent to (this is not crucial because if you provide an email and/or mobile your number will be emailed/sms to you)
Previous Address. This is likely to be where you were living in the country you were in before you jumped on a plane to New Zealand. Maybe you stopped in Asia for a few months on the way so use whichever address seems most logical.
Mobile Number (go out and get a SIM card)
Email address
The reason you are applying for a number. This is most likely to be ‘For Employment in New Zealand’.
The most recent TIN or Tax Number you have had in your home country (or other). If you have been paid tax before, chances are you had to have your countries version of an IRD or Tax number. If you have never work before there is the option to state this on the form and explain that you have not required one.
You can also fill out this form online, and if you do, you will need your Immigration New Zealand Application number (from your visa approval email or Immigration New Zealand letter)
Your Bank Account Number (read on)

STEP 2. Open Your Bank Account

Set it up in New Zealand so your identity is fully verified during this process. Start using your account so that it is fully functioning BEFORE you apply for an IRD number

We recommend waiting until you get to New Zealand to open the account as it is a quick and easy process and then you can quickly show that it is a ‘functional’ bank account. This means that you can make deposits and withdrawals.

You’ll need to submit a bank statement showing deposits and withdrawals, or have a signed bank stamp or letter that confirms the New Zealand bank account is fully functional.

STEP 3. Fill Out The Form

You’ve got everything you need now. Fill out the form and head along to an Automobile Association (AA) Driver Licensing Agent or a Post Shop and submit everything in person.

You could also send everything to the IRD directly, but chances are you need to go to a PostShop to buy the stamp, so a reminder you can do it there!

Inland Revenue
PO BOX 39010
Wellington Mail Center 5045
New Zealand

Alternatively, you can submit your form online. Many travellers find it easier with the paperwork to hand it over at a counter.

STEP 4 – Receive The Number.

Within 10 working days you should receive your IRD number via text message or email.

If you did not provide a mobile number or an email address then the number will be sent to you via post and this could take an extra 2-5 days.

Most employers will hire you without sighting your IRD number (assuming it has been applied for). If you receive your first pay without an IRD number you will be taxed at a higher rate and can always apply to get this money back at your end of year tax return. However, to make things super simple you could request that you are not paid until your number has been processed.

Pop your number into your contacts list on your mobile phone so you always have it handy.