Registering for Tax in NZ: IRD & Work Income

Getting your IRD number is one of the first things you'll need to do when you start earning in New Zealand, whether you're a new arrival, a returning resident, or someone who's been here for years. It's your unique tax identifier—a number you'll keep for life—and you can't work legally without one. The good news? The process is straightforward, and we'll walk you through exactly what you need to do.

What Is an IRD Number and Why You Need It

Your IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number is a nine-digit identifier that tracks your tax obligations and entitlements with the New Zealand government^[1]. You'll use it whenever you earn income, claim tax credits, apply for benefits, or deal with Inland Revenue. The best part? You keep the same number for life, so if you've had one before, it's still yours^[2].

You don't need to pay Inland Revenue to apply for an IRD number—it's completely free^[7]. But you do need to apply if you're working, studying, or conducting business in New Zealand.

Who Needs to Apply for an IRD Number?

You'll need an IRD number if you're:

• Starting work in New Zealand
• Self-employed or running a business
• A student with part-time work
• A new resident or returning New Zealander
• Working holiday visa holder
• Buying property in New Zealand

If you're not sure whether you already have an IRD number, check with Inland Revenue—you keep the same number throughout your life, so if you've worked here before, you probably already have one^[2].

How to Apply for Your IRD Number

The application process depends on your situation. Let's break down the main pathways:

If You're Already Living in New Zealand

If you're currently in New Zealand and you're not classified as a "new arrival" by Immigration NZ, follow this process^[1]:

1. Gather your identification documents – You'll need one primary ID (Category A) and one secondary ID (Category B)
2. Scan your documents – Make electronic copies of your chosen ID documents
3. Apply online – Go to ird.govt.nz and complete the online application
4. Get your documents verified – Within 20 days, take your original physical documents to an AA Driver Licensing Agent for identity verification^[1]
5. Receive your IRD number – You'll get your number by text or email within 10 working days, or 12 working days if you submit a paper form^[1]

If You've Just Arrived in New Zealand

If you're a new arrival, you can use your visa to streamline the process—you won't need to send the same identification documents to both Immigration NZ and Inland Revenue^[2].

Time limits matter here: If you hold an Australian passport, you typically have 4 to 6 weeks after arrival to use this process. If you have a student, work, or resident visa from Immigration NZ, you must apply by the final arrival date on your visa to use this streamlined process^[4].

For new arrivals, you'll need:

• Your passport details
• Your Immigration NZ application number
• Your most recent overseas tax number (if you have one)

If approved, you'll receive your IRD number by text or email within 2 days, or by post within 10 days^[4].

If You're Applying from Overseas

If you're living overseas and need an IRD number (for example, if you're buying property in New Zealand or have NZ income), you'll need^[5]:

• Photo identification (like a passport)
• Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement)
• Your tax identification number (TIN) from your home country
• Proof of why you need an IRD number
• A functioning New Zealand bank account or a completed IR997 form from a NZ reporting entity

Inland Revenue aims to process overseas applications within 20 days^[5].

What Identification Documents You'll Need

Primary Identification (Category A)

You'll need one of these^[1]:

• Current New Zealand passport
• Current overseas passport and a New Zealand visa (Australian, Cook Islands, Niuean, or Tokelauan passports don't require a visa)
• Full New Zealand birth certificate
• New Zealand citizenship certificate
• New Zealand firearm or dealer licence
• New Zealand certificate of identity from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) or MBIE
• New Zealand refugee travel document
• New Zealand emergency travel document

Secondary Identification (Category B)

You'll also need one of these^[1]:

• Current New Zealand driver licence
• Current overseas driver licence
• Kiwi Access Card
• HANZ 18+ card (existing cards valid until expiry)
• New Zealand student photo ID
• International Driving Permit

Important: Your identification documents must be physical, not digital. When you scan them for your online application, you'll need to bring the originals to an AA Driver Licensing Agent for verification^[1].

If You've Changed Your Name

You'll need to provide a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, civil union certificate, or name change certificate^[1].

Applying for Your Child's IRD Number

If you're applying for your child's IRD number, you'll need^[1]:

• Your own primary and secondary ID documents
• Your child's primary ID (passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or student photo ID)
• Proof of your relationship with your child (adoption papers, overseas birth certificate, parenting orders, guardianship orders, or a statutory declaration)

Processing Times and What to Expect

Here's what to expect depending on your situation^[1][4]:

• Online application (living in NZ): 10 working days after document verification
• Paper application (living in NZ): 12 working days after document verification
• New arrival (online): 2 days via text or email; 10 days via post
• Overseas application: Up to 20 days

Once you've applied online, you have 20 days to get your documents verified at an AA Driver Licensing Agent^[1]. Only AA Centres provide this verification service—AA Auto Centres do not.

Common Questions About IRD Numbers

Do I need a New Zealand bank account to apply?

If you're applying as a new arrival or from overseas, having a New Zealand bank account makes the process easier^[6]. For new arrivals applying within the visa timeframe, it's not strictly required, but it helps. If you're applying from overseas, you'll need either a functioning NZ bank account or a completed IR997 form from a NZ reporting entity^[5].

What if I can't provide the required identification documents?

If you're unable to provide the required primary and secondary identification documents, call Inland Revenue on 0800 775 247 to discuss your options^[1]. If you need to use an expired photo ID, bring it to your nearest Inland Revenue office—no appointment needed^[1].

Can I use digital copies of my ID documents?

No. Your identification documents must be physical, not digital^[1]. You'll scan them for your online application, but you'll need to bring the originals to an AA Driver Licensing Agent for verification.

What if I've already got an IRD number?

You keep the same IRD number for life^[2]. If you've worked in New Zealand before, you already have one. Check with Inland Revenue or your employer if you're not sure what it is.

How long does it take to get my IRD number by post?

If you apply online and get your documents verified, you'll receive your number by text or email within 10 working days^[1]. If it's being sent by post, it can take up to 20 working days to arrive^[8].

Can my employer help me apply?

Your employer can't apply for you, but they can help you gather the information you need. You'll need to complete the application yourself at ird.govt.nz.

Next Steps: Getting Your IRD Number Sorted

Here's your action plan:

1. Check your situation: Are you a new arrival, already living in NZ, or applying from overseas?
2. Gather your documents: Collect your primary and secondary ID documents
3. Scan your documents: Make electronic copies for your online application
4. Apply online: Head to ird.govt.nz and complete the application for your situation
5. Get verified: Within 20 days, take your original documents to an AA Driver Licensing Agent
6. Keep your number safe: Once you receive your IRD number, store it somewhere you can easily find it—you'll need it throughout your working life

Getting your IRD number sorted early means you can start work without delays. It's a quick process, and once you've got your nine-digit number, you're set for life. If you run into any issues or have questions, Inland Revenue's team is available on 0800 775 247.

Sources & References

1. Living in New Zealand – IRD number application — ird.govt.nz
2. How to get an IRD number - New Zealand Government — govt.nz
3. New arrival to New Zealand - IRD number application — ird.govt.nz
4. Living overseas - IRD number application — ird.govt.nz
5. IRD numbers for individuals — ird.govt.nz
6. What is IRD and how to get it in New Zealand? — kiwieducation.com
7. IRD number processing times — pvtistes.net