Get your IRD number

Why it matters

• Without your IRD number and a tax code declaration, your employer deducts tax at 45% plus the earners' levy.

Steps

1. Register for myIR, Inland Revenue's online service. You don't need an IRD number to register.
2. In myIR, apply as a new arrival. Inland Revenue checks your identity with Immigration New Zealand.
3. Apply by your visa's final arrival date, the date you must arrive in New Zealand by. After that date you apply as living in New Zealand instead.
4. If your application is approved, your IRD number comes by text or email in 2 days.
5. Give your employer your IRD number with a completed tax code declaration (IR330).
6. Give your bank your IRD number too. Without it, tax on interest is deducted at 45%.

Documents you'll need

• Your passport details
• Your Immigration New Zealand application number (not needed if you have an Australian passport)

Common mistakes

• Applying again when you've had an IRD number before. You keep the same number for life, so find your old one instead.

Watch out for

• Applying is free. Inland Revenue doesn't charge for an IRD number.
• If the new-arrival application doesn't work, Inland Revenue explains the other ways to apply.
• Inland Revenue's phone number for personal customers is 0800 227 774, or +64 4 832 5223 from overseas.
• If you apply as living in New Zealand instead, you take your identity documents to an AA Driver Licensing Agent within 20 days of applying online.

Sources