An IRD number is your personal number with Inland Revenue. It's unique to you, you keep the same one for life, and it costs nothing to apply. Here's who needs one, how to apply, and how to find yours if you've lost it.
Who needs an IRD number
You need one for anything to do with tax, either paying it or getting something back. Inland Revenue lists these common examples:
- earning income, for example from a job, a benefit or investments
- opening a bank account
- joining KiwiSaver
- applying for Working for Families, child support, FamilyBoost or a student loan
- buying, selling or transferring property in New Zealand
If you start earning without one, you pay tax at 45%. That's the no-declaration rate, and it's far higher than the normal rates in the NZ tax brackets.
How to apply
There are three ways in, depending on where you are and how long you've been here.
You live in New Zealand
This is the usual route for New Zealanders, including parents applying for a child.
- Register a personal myIR account.
- Gather one primary and one secondary ID document (see the table below).
- Scan them. Get certified translations of any that aren't in English.
- Log in to myIR and fill in the application.
- Within 20 days, take your original ID to an AA Driver Licensing Agent so they can check it. It has to be an AA Centre, not an AA Auto Centre.
Inland Revenue says you'll get your number within 10 working days if you apply online. If you use the paper form (IR595) instead, it's 12 working days. You can hand the paper form in at an AA Driver Licensing Agent or an Inland Revenue office.
| Primary ID (pick 1) | Secondary ID (pick 1) |
|---|---|
| Current NZ passport | Current NZ driver licence |
| Overseas passport with an NZ visa | Overseas driver licence |
| Full NZ birth certificate | Kiwi Access Card |
| NZ citizenship certificate | HANZ 18+ card |
| NZ firearms licence | NZ student photo ID |
| NZ certificate of identity, refugee travel document or emergency travel document | International Driving Permit |
For a child, the parent gives one primary and one secondary document of their own, plus the child's passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate or student photo ID. You may also need to show you're related.
You've just arrived in New Zealand
New arrivals can apply in myIR and have their identity checked through their visa with Immigration New Zealand. If you're approved, your IRD number comes by text or email in 2 days.
- Australian passport holders need their passport details. You can use this route for 4 to 6 weeks after you arrive.
- Resident visa holders need their passport details and their Immigration New Zealand application number.
- Student and work visa holders need the same, plus their most recent overseas tax number if they have one.
Visa holders must apply by their visa's final arrival date. After that, use the "living in New Zealand" route above.
You live overseas
Use form IR742. You'll need photo ID such as a passport, proof of your address, your tax number from your own country, and proof of why you need an IRD number. Inland Revenue aims to process these within 20 days.
How to find your IRD number
If you already have one but can't remember it, Inland Revenue says you can find it:
- on letters from Inland Revenue
- by logging in to myIR
- by calling the self-service line on 0800 257 777, which runs 24 hours, 7 days a week
- by using a form
Once you have your number, give it to your employer with a tax code. If you're on the minimum wage, this post shows what you take home on the right code.
Common questions
How much does an IRD number cost?
Nothing. Inland Revenue says you don't need to pay when you apply.
How long does it take to get an IRD number?
Within 10 working days if you apply online and live in New Zealand, or 12 working days on the paper form. New arrivals who apply through myIR get it in 2 days if approved. Overseas applications aim for 20 days.
Do I get a new IRD number if I move away and come back?
No. You keep the same IRD number for life.
Do I need an IRD number for KiwiSaver?
Yes. Joining KiwiSaver is on Inland Revenue's list. Once you're in, see how the government contribution works.
What happens if I work without an IRD number?
You pay tax at 45% until you give your employer your number and a tax code.
Sources: Inland Revenue, IRD numbers for individuals, When you need an IRD number, Living in New Zealand: IRD number application, New arrival to New Zealand: IRD number application, Living overseas: IRD number application, Find my IRD number and Self-service options. Checked October 2026.