Your IRD number is your New Zealand tax identification number. Without it, your employer will deduct tax at the emergency rate – up to 45% of your earnings. Getting it sorted fast is not optional.
Here’s exactly what to do.
What Is an IRD Number?
IRD stands for Inland Revenue Department – New Zealand’s tax authority. Your IRD number is a unique 8 or 9 digit number that links to your personal tax record. You use it for employment, opening bank accounts, KiwiSaver, buying property, and most financial transactions in New Zealand.
You keep the same IRD number for life. If you’ve lived in New Zealand before and had one, it’ll be the same number.
When to Apply
Apply as soon as possible after arrival – ideally within the first week. As a new arrival, you have a specific window to use the simplified “new arrival” application process which allows Immigration New Zealand to verify your identity directly, saving you from submitting the same documents twice.
What You Need
For the new arrival process (if you’ve arrived in the last 4–6 weeks):
- Your New Zealand visa details
- A New Zealand bank account (must be fully functional – not just opened, but activated)
- Your passport
For the standard process (if you’ve been here longer or the new arrival window has closed):
- Passport
- Proof of address in New Zealand
- Your overseas taxpayer identification number (if you have one – in the UK this is your National Insurance number, in Germany your Steueridentifikationsnummer, in the Netherlands your BSN)
How to Apply
- Go to ird.govt.nz
- Click “Get an IRD number”
- Select “New arrival to New Zealand” if you’ve recently arrived
- Follow the online process – it will ask for your visa information and permission to verify with Immigration NZ
- You’ll receive your IRD number by post within 8–10 working days
Processing is generally straightforward but can take longer if documents are unclear or if there are any discrepancies. Apply early so you have your number before you start work.
The Bank Account Catch
You need a functioning New Zealand bank account to apply. This is where people get stuck – you need an IRD number to fully set up a bank account, but you need a bank account to apply for an IRD number.
The good news: most major New Zealand banks (ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ) allow you to open an account before you arrive using their online process. Do this before you leave home. Bring your account details when you land, and you’ll be able to apply for your IRD number immediately.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One When You Start Work?
Your employer will deduct tax at the non-declaration rate – currently 45% of earnings. You can claim this back when you eventually file a tax return, but it means significantly less money in your pocket for potentially months. Don’t let this happen. Sort your IRD number before your first day of work.
After You Have Your IRD Number
Set up a myIR account at ird.govt.nz. This is your online tax portal where you can check your tax code, update your details, file returns if required, and manage KiwiSaver.
Speaking of KiwiSaver – New Zealand’s workplace retirement savings scheme – you’ll be automatically enrolled when you start work. You contribute a minimum of 3% of your gross salary, your employer contributes 3%, and the government adds a small annual contribution. You can opt out but most financial advisers recommend staying in, particularly if you plan to stay in New Zealand long-term.
For the full first-month admin checklist — IRD number, bank account, GP registration, school enrolment, driving licence, and more — our Complete NZ Relocation Blueprint has everything in one place with a week-by-week timeline.