IRD Number: How to Apply and What It's For
Your IRD number is a unique 8 or 9 digit identifier issued by Inland Revenue (IRD) to every New Zealand taxpayer. You need one before you start a job, open most investment accounts, or receive government payments — without it, tax is deducted at higher default rates. This page explains who needs an IRD number, how to apply, what you'll need, how long it takes, and how IRD numbers work for children, companies and trusts.
Who needs an IRD number
You need an IRD number if you:
- Start paid work in New Zealand (your employer needs it to deduct PAYE at the correct tax code rate).
- Earn interest or dividends — your bank or fund applies the right RWT or PIR with it; without one, the no-declaration rate applies.
- Join KiwiSaver or invest in a Portfolio Investment Entity (PIE).
- Receive Working for Families, a student loan, or other government payments.
- Run a business, trust, partnership or company (each needs its own separate IRD number).
New migrants and returning New Zealanders should apply for an IRD number as one of the first things they do after arriving.
How to apply for an IRD number
There are two main routes, depending on your situation.
New arrivals to New Zealand (new migrants): Apply online through myIR at myir.ird.govt.nz. You'll need your passport details, and — depending on your visa — your Immigration New Zealand application number and, for some work or student visas, your most recent overseas tax number. If your details check out, IRD sends your number by text or email within about 2 working days, or by post within 10 working days.
People already living in New Zealand (not a new arrival): Complete the IR595 application form and have your identity verified. You provide one original primary ID document (such as a passport or NZ birth certificate) plus one original secondary document, and an AA Driver Licensing agent verifies them. Documents not in English must be translated by an approved translator and certified.
What you'll need and how long it takes
Have the following ready before you apply:
- Proof of identity — one primary document (passport, NZ full birth certificate, or NZ citizenship certificate) and one secondary document.
- Your immigration status / visa details if you're a recent arrival.
- Contact details — an email and a New Zealand mobile number so IRD can send your number quickly.
A New Zealand bank account isn't always required, but having one helps IRD confirm your identity and is needed for some application paths and for receiving any tax refunds. Inland Revenue generally aims to process applications within 8–10 working days of receiving them; online new-arrival applications can come back within 2 working days.
IRD numbers for children, companies and trusts
Children: A child can have their own IRD number — useful for KiwiSaver, a savings account that earns interest, or receiving payments. A parent or caregiver applies on the child's behalf using the same process and the child's identity documents.
Companies, trusts and partnerships: These are separate legal entities and each needs its own IRD number — distinct from the personal IRD number of any director, trustee or partner. You apply for an entity's IRD number after it's registered (for example, after registering a company with the Companies Office).
Keep your IRD number secure and never post it publicly — it can be used in identity fraud. You'll find it on any IRD letter, your payslip, or inside the IRD mobile app if you already use myIR.
What your IRD number is used for
Once you have an IRD number, it ties together everything Inland Revenue knows about your tax and entitlements:
- PAYE — your employer reports your wages and deducts income tax, ACC earner's levy, KiwiSaver and any student loan against it.
- RWT and PIR — banks and fund providers apply the correct withholding rate on interest, dividends and PIE income.
- KiwiSaver — contributions and the government contribution are tracked against your number.
- Working for Families and student loans — payments and balances are linked to it.
Use the free calculators below to check the numbers IRD will apply once your IRD number is active.
Take-Home Pay Calculator
See your PAYE, ACC levy, KiwiSaver and student loan deductions once your IRD number and tax code are set up.
Tax Code Checker
Find the correct PAYE tax code (M, ME, M SL, S, SH, ST, SB) to give your employer with your IRD number.
KiwiSaver Calculator
Project your KiwiSaver balance, including the employer contribution and government contribution linked to your IRD number.
Related Terms
IRD
Inland Revenue Department (IRD), commonly known as Inland Revenue or simply IRD, is the New Zealand government agency responsible for collecting taxes, distributing social support payments, and enforcing tax compliance.
myIR
myIR is Inland Revenue's secure online portal where you can manage virtually all of your tax and social policy accounts.