New Zealand - Obtain an Individual IRD Number

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Procedure

1. Complete an IRD number application - individual (IR595) form, a link to download the form is provided under 'Documents to Use' section. You can also call IRD on 0800 227 774 and ask for a form to be sent to you.
2. Take the completed form along with two original forms of identification, and photocopies of those documents, to:
   1. any Automobile Association (AA) Driver Licensing Agent
   2. any PostShop
   3. a selected New Zealand Post retail outlet.
3. Once your application has been verified, the verifier will forward it to IRD. Within 8-10 working days of receiving your application IRD will send you a plastic card showing your IRD number.

Note: If you're the parent of a new baby and you haven't registered their birth yet, you can apply for your baby's IRD number when you complete the birth registration form.

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Required Documents

• Completed IRD number application form
• Proof of Identification: You need 2 different kinds of ID. To get your ID verified you'll need to show the original document and provide a clear photocopy. You can present one of these documents:
  • NZ or Australian passport (photocopy the picture page)
  • full NZ birth certificate that was issued after 1 January 1998
  • NZ citizenship certificate
  • overseas passport with NZ immigration visa or permit (photocopy the picture/signature page and any NZ work or residency permits)
  • NZ firearms or dealers licence
  • NZ refugee or emergency travel document or NZ certificate of identity.
  • OR one of these:
    • NZ driver licence
    • NZ 18+ card
    • NZ student photo ID
    • overseas driver licence (with an authorised English translation if its not in English)
    • international drivers permit
    • an offer of employment letter from your employer on company letterhead (if the first ID you use has your photo on it)
    • a letter confirming youre registered as a student in NZ (if the first ID you use has your photo on it).
• If any of your documents are in another name, youll also need to bring an original and a clear photocopy of a document proving your name change, like:
  • a marriage or civil union certificate
  • a name change certificate.

Office Locations & Contacts

Inland Revenue Department Contact Information

Eligibility

You need an IRD number if:

• you are earning an income
• you are starting a business
• you are registering for Working for Families Tax Credits
• you are registering for a student loan
• your child has a part-time job
• you file tax returns
• you ask us about your tax
• you apply for child support.

A baby or a child is not required to have an IRD number, but if you or your children are earning income you have to pay tax. If you do not have an IRD number, tax will be deducted at a no-declaration rate, which is higher than the normal deduction rate. You can also apply for an IRD number for your child so a lower rate of withholding tax is deducted from interest earned on their bank balance.

You do not have to be a New Zealand citizen or resident to have an IRD number. You need to apply for one if you:

• are in New Zealand on a visa with work rights
• intend to work, and
• have not obtained an IRD number

Fees

Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.

Validity

Your IRD number will last you your whole life.

Documents to Use

• IRD number application form - individual (IR595)

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

Once your application has been verified, the verifier will forward it to IRD. Within 8-10 working days of receiving your application IRD will send you a plastic card showing your IRD number.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Please remove the "&" inside the tags during implementation.
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sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
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Instructions

Please provide instructions on obtaining the certificate/documents.
e.g. The state office holds birth records since january 1908.

Required Information

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Need for the Document

An IRD number is a unique identification number from Inland Revenue. You will need to have your IRD number handy every time you deal with the Department.Your IRD number will last you your whole life.

You might already have an IRD number, it will be good to ask your parent, guardian or caregiver first before you apply for one.

Information which might help

In case you have forgotten your IRD number: You can call the IRD on 0800 227 774. They will ask you some personal questions to prove your identity and protect your privacy, then they'll give you your IRD number over the phone, and send you out a new card.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

• You will need to have your IRD number handy every time you deal with Inland Revenue Department.
• Your employer and your bank also need your IRD number to take out the correct amount of tax from any money you earn.

External Links

• Inland Revenue Department:

http://www.whatstax.govt.nz/need-to-know/ird-number/

Others

More information which might help people.