How to get an IRD number

It’s important to get an IRD number as all your tax, entitlements (like student loan or Working for Families Tax Credits) and personal details are linked to this number.

When you’ll need an IRD number

You must have an IRD number if you:

  • earn any money — for example, from a job, benefit or pension
  • apply for:
    • Working for Families Tax Credits
    • a student loan
    • child support
  • open a bank account or join KiwiSaver
  • file tax returns.

You may also need an IRD number if you’re buying, selling or transferring New Zealand property.

Tax details when you’re buying or selling New Zealand property

Earning income when you do not have an IRD number

You have to pay tax on any income you earn. If you do not have an IRD number, tax will be deducted at the non-declaration rate, which is higher than the normal rates.

Apply for an IRD number

Follow the IRD number application process that matches your situation.

Check if you already have an IRD number

You keep the same IRD number for life, so if you had one before — it’ll be the same number now.

Find my IRD number — Inland Revenue

Living in New Zealand and not a new arrival

Follow this process if you:

  • live in New Zealand and are an NZ citizen
  • have moved to New Zealand, but you are not a 'new arrival' as advised by Immigration NZ.

IRD number application: Living in New Zealand and not a new arrival — Inland Revenue

New arrival to New Zealand

If you have recently arrived in New Zealand, you can give Inland Revenue permission to check your identity with Immigration NZ.

This saves you from sending the same identification documents to Inland Revenue.

IRD number application: New arrival to New Zealand — Inland Revenue

If you live outside New Zealand

If you’re currently living overseas but are planning on coming to New Zealand, you can use the new arrival to New Zealand process to save you sending your documents twice.

Otherwise, if you’re living overseas and you:

  • are a non-resident who’s not currently in New Zealand
  • are an ‘offshore person’
  • recently left New Zealand and need to sort out your taxes here.

IRD number application: Living overseas — Inland Revenue

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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