Your IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number is a unique number that identifies you in New Zealand’s tax system. It is the first thing you need when you start work, open a bank account, or set up KiwiSaver. Obtaining your IRD number New Zealand is crucial for all these activities.

The application is free and takes about 10 minutes online. And the consequences of not having one are immediate — your employer must deduct tax at 45% (the no-declaration rate) on every dollar you earn until you provide it.

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What is an IRD number and why do you need it?

Your IRD number is used by Inland Revenue (IRD) to track your income, tax and KiwiSaver. You give it to:

• Your employer — so they can withhold the correct amount of tax from your pay
• Your bank — so they apply the correct resident withholding tax (RWT) on interest earned
• Your KiwiSaver fund — so your contributions are processed correctly
• IRD — when you file a tax return (if required)

Without an IRD number: Your employer must withhold tax at 45% — the no-declaration rate. This can be reclaimed at the end of the tax year, but it ties up a large portion of your income unnecessarily.

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Two pathways — choose the right one for you

Pathway 1: New arrival (use this if you just arrived)

This is the fastest pathway. IRD checks your identity directly with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — you do not need to go to an AA Driver Licensing Agent.

Use this pathway if:

• You have arrived in New Zealand recently
• You must apply before the final date shown on your visa grant notice (this is the “must arrive by” date, not the visa expiry date)
• You have a current NZ visa from Immigration NZ (NZ citizens with an Australian, Cook Islands, Niuean or Tokelauan passport are exempt)

Apply at: ird.govt.nz — select “New arrival to New Zealand” application

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Pathway 2: Living in New Zealand (use this if you have been here a while)

Use this pathway if you have been in New Zealand for a while, your visa’s arrival date has passed, or you are a NZ citizen applying for yourself or a child.

What you need:

• One primary (Category A) identity document: current overseas passport plus NZ visa, NZ birth certificate (issued after 1 January 1998), or NZ citizenship certificate
• One secondary (Category B) document: NZ driver’s licence, student ID, or employer letter

Process: Apply online at ird.govt.nz, then take your original documents to an AA Driver Licensing Agent within 20 days for identity verification. Your IRD number arrives by text or email within 10 working days of verification.

Find your nearest AA Driver Licensing Agent: aa.co.nz

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What you need before you apply

For all applicants:

• Your passport
• Your New Zealand visa details (visa grant number — in your visa approval email)
• Your New Zealand address
• Your overseas tax identification number (TIN) from your home country — for example:
  • Australia: Tax File Number (TFN)
  • UK: National Insurance Number
  • India: PAN number
  • Philippines: TIN
  • USA: Social Security Number
  • If your country has no TIN, you can skip this field

Note: You can apply for an IRD number without a New Zealand bank account — select “no bank account” and add one later. You can also use your IRD confirmation letter as proof of address when opening a bank account.

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Step-by-step: applying online as a new arrival

1. Go to ird.govt.nz and select “New arrival to New Zealand” under IRD numbers for individuals
2. Log in or create a myIR account
3. Enter your passport details, visa information and NZ address
4. Enter your overseas tax identification number
5. Submit the application
6. IRD verifies your identity with Immigration NZ — no AA visit required for new arrivals using this pathway
7. Receive your IRD number by text or email within 2 days (or post within 10 days)

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What to do when you receive your IRD number

1. Give it to your employer — complete a Tax code declaration (IR330) with your employer; this sets your correct tax rate (usually “M” for main employment)
2. Give it to your bank — add it to your account to ensure the correct resident withholding tax applies to interest
3. Give it to your KiwiSaver fund — if you are eligible for KiwiSaver
4. Save it securely — your IRD number does not change; do not share it with anyone other than your employer, bank, KiwiSaver provider or IRD

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Tax codes — what to select

When you give your IRD number to your employer, you also select a tax code. The most common codes:

Code	When to use
M	Main job — one employer
M SL	Main job + student loan to repay
S	Secondary job (second employer)
WT	Schedular payments (contractor)
SB	Secondary job + student loan

If you are unsure which code applies, use IRD’s tax code calculator at ird.govt.nz/tax-codes.

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Where to find your IRD number if you already have one

If you have ever worked or studied in New Zealand, you likely already have an IRD number. Do not apply for a new one — duplicate numbers cause tax complications.

Find your existing IRD number:

• myIR: Log in at myir.ird.govt.nz
• Previous payslip or salary statement from a NZ employer
• KiwiSaver statement
• Any IRD correspondence — letters, emails or tax assessments
• Call IRD: 0800 775 247 (identity verification required)

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FAQs (frequently asked questions)

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Related guides

• How to open a bank account in New Zealand as a new migrant →
• What is KiwiSaver? A plain-English guide for migrants →
• How to get a driver’s licence in New Zealand →

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This guide is for general information only. IRD processes and requirements are subject to change — always verify current requirements at ird.govt.nz. Last updated July 2026.

Sources: Inland Revenue NZ — New arrival to New Zealand IRD number application (ird.govt.nz) | IRD — IRD number application individual currently in New Zealand IR595 (Oct 2025) | Lifetimes NZ — Tax and Work Income Registration: IRD Numbers for Newcomers (February 2026) | pvtistes.net — How to apply for your IRD number in New Zealand (May 2026)