If you live, work, or do business in New Zealand, you likely need an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number. You may also need an IRD number even if you don’t live in New Zealand if you earn money in the country or do business there. You’ll also need an IRD number for your child if you want to access social policy entitlements, such as family tax credits or child support. IRD numbers aren’t issued automatically. Rather, you must submit an application and suitable documents to verify your identity. IRD numbers are typically issued for life.X
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 3:Getting a Personal IRD Number
1Gather documents to prove your identity. Generally, you’ll need your passport or citizenship certificate and a NZ driver license, ID card, or student photo ID. You can also use a NZ firearms or dealer license. If you’ve changed your name, you’ll also need proof of the name change, such as an official name change, marriage, or civil union certificate.XIf you are a new arrival to NZ and have a visa, you’ll also need your Immigration New Zealand Application Number.XIf you’re overseas, you’ll also need to either provide proof of your fully functional New Zealand bank account or complete a customer due diligence form, available at https://www.classic.ird.govt.nz/forms-guides/number/forms-900-999/ir997-ird-number-appl-customer-due-diligence.html.
Tip: If you want to apply online, you will also need to scan your documents so you can upload them along with your application.
2Apply online if you’re a NZ or Australian citizen or hold a resident visa. Go to https://myir.ird.govt.nz/eservices/home/ and click on “Registration.” Then click on “Apply for an individual IRD number” to complete the application.XIf you don’t feel comfortable applying online or don’t have reliable internet access, you can fill out a paper form and take it along with your documents to an AA driver licensing agent. The form is available at https://www.ird.govt.nz/-/media/project/ir/documents/forms-and-guides/ir500—ir599/ir595/ir595-2017.pdf.If you don’t live in New Zealand but still need an IRD number, use the application at https://www.ird.govt.nz/-/media/project/ir/home/documents/forms-and-guides/ir700—ir799/ir742/ir742-2018.pdf.
3Take your documents to an AA driver licensing agent. If you live in NZ, the identification documents you provided to support your application must also be verified. Inland Revenue has authorized Automobile Association New Zealand to complete the verification.XTo find the AA location nearest you, go to http://locations.aa.co.nz/.The AA agent will notify Inland Revenue when your documents have been verified. After that, Inland Revenue will process your application.
4Mail or email your application and documents if you live overseas. If you completed a customer due diligence form, make sure your form and application are signed and stamped. Then sign them yourself. If you’re emailing your documents and application, scan everything so you have digital copies to submit.XIf you’re emailing your application, send it to [email protected] you’re mailing your application and documents, send it to Inland Revenue, PO Box 39050, Wellington Mail Centre 5045, New Zealand.
5Wait to receive your IRD number. After your documents are verified, Inland Revenue will send your IRD number to you using the method you requested. IRD numbers can be sent through the mail, by email, or by text message.XIf you request a text message or email, you should get your IRD number within 2 business days after your documents are verified. For mail, you’ll typically get your IRD number within 12 business days.If you live overseas and requested that Inland Revenue mail your IRD number to you, expect it to take up to 20 days.XMethod 2Method 2 of 3:Applying for a Business IRD Number
1Gather documents and information related to your business. If your business is organized as a company, incorporated society, or limited partnership, get copies of the organizing documents that established the business. This includes a certificate of incorporation for companies or incorporated societies and a certificate of registration for limited partnerships.XYou’ll also need a business IRD number if you’re transferring property or administering an estate. Supporting documents you may need include a death certificate, a deed of trust for trusts, and probate or letters of administration for estates. The trustee or executor of the estate must have an individual IRD number.If you operate your business as a sole proprietor, you’ll typically use your own individual IRD number for your business.
Tip: All shareholders, directors, partners, and executive officeholders must also have their own individual IRD numbers before you can apply for a business IRD number.
2Complete the online application. At https://myir.ird.govt.nz/eservices/home/, click on “Registration” to get started. Then, click on “Non-Individual registration” to access the business application.XTo complete your online application, you’ll need scanned digital copies of all supporting business or trust and estate documents.If you prefer to fill out and mail a paper application, download the form at https://www.ird.govt.nz/-/media/project/ir/home/documents/forms-and-guides/ir500—ir599/ir596/ir596-2020.pdf.
3Wait to receive your business’s IRD number. Inland Revenue will review your application and contact you if they need more information or documentation. Then, they’ll send your business’s IRD number to you by email or through the mail.XIf you choose to have your IRD mailed to you, it may take up to 20 business days for you to get it.Method 3Method 3 of 3:Registering Your Child for an IRD Number
1Ask for an IRD number when you register your child’s birth. Perhaps the easiest way to get an IRD number for your child is to request one when you register your child’s birth with SmartStart. Even if you don’t know whether you’ll be using any social policy entitlements, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get the number so you don’t have to worry about it later.XGo to https://smartstart.services.govt.nz/register-my-baby to register the birth of your baby and request an IRD number on the same form.Birth registration is required by law and is free. However, there is a charge for copies of the child’s birth certificate.
2Get documents that prove your child’s identity. Generally, you can use your child’s birth certificate or NZ passport to get an IRD number for your child. If your name isn’t listed on the identity document you provide, include additional documentation that proves your relationship to the child, such as adoption papers, parenting orders, or guardianship orders.XIf you’re planning to apply online, scan the documents so you can include digital copies with the application.
3Complete the statutory declaration if necessary. If you are requesting an IRD number for a child that is not yours because you are not the child’s parent or legal guardian, you’ll need a statutory declaration to establish your link to the child and the reason the child is in your care. You can print a copy of this document at https://www.ird.govt.nz/-/media/project/ir/home/documents/forms-and-guides/ir500—ir599/ir595d/ir595d-2019.pdf.XThe form must be filled out and signed in front of a person who is authorized to take the declaration. There is a list of authorized people on the first page of the application.
4Apply online in your child’s name. From https://myir.ird.govt.nz/eservices/home/, click “Registration,” then click “Apply for an individual IRD number.” The application is the same as the one you filled out for your own IRD number. However, make sure you enter your child’s identification information instead of your own.XIf you don’t want to apply online, download the paper form at https://www.ird.govt.nz/-/media/project/ir/documents/forms-and-guides/ir500—ir599/ir595/ir595-2017.pdf and take it with you when you get your documents verified by an AA driver licensing agent. The licensing agent will forward the application to Inland Revenue.
5Go to an Automobile Association (AA) to get the documents verified. Take your child’s identity documents and any other supporting documents to your nearest AA Centre. An AA driver licensing agent will verify your original documents and notify Inland Revenue that verification is complete.XGo to http://locations.aa.co.nz/ to find the nearest AA Centre.
Tip: If your application includes a statutory declaration, take originals of any documents supporting your declaration, not copies.
6Wait to receive your child’s IRD number. After verification is complete, Inland Revenue will review the application you submitted on behalf of your child. If you chose to get your child’s IRD number by email or text message, you should get it within 10 business days.XIf you chose to have Inland Revenue mail your child’s IRD number to you, it may take up to 20 days to arrive.
