IRD Number: What It Is & Why You Need It

## IRD Number: Your NZ Tax Number ### What is an IRD Number? - A unique 8 or 9-digit number - Used by Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to track your tax - You need it to work legally in NZ - Also needed for KiwiSaver, student loans, bank accounts ### Why You Need One Without an IRD number: - Your employer must deduct tax at the highest rate (45%) - You can't join KiwiSaver - Your bank will deduct extra tax on interest With an IRD number: - Pay correct amount of tax - Can enrol in KiwiSaver - Bank interest taxed correctly ### How to Apply **Online Application (fastest):** 1. Go to ird.govt.nz 2. Click "Register as an individual" 3. You'll need: - Valid visa or NZ citizenship/residency proof - NZ bank account (or overseas evidence of identity) - NZ address 4. Verification usually takes a few days 5. Your IRD number arrives by post or you can find it online **By Post:** 1. Complete IR742 form 2. Include certified copies of ID documents 3. Post to IRD 4. Takes 2-3 weeks ### Documents You Need **Proof of Identity (one of):** - NZ passport - Overseas passport with valid visa - NZ driver licence - NZ birth certificate **Proof of NZ Bank Account:** - Bank statement - Letter from bank ### Tax Codes When you start a job, you complete a Tax Code Declaration (IR330). Common codes: | Code | When to Use | |------|-------------| | **M** | Main job (most common) | | **S** | Secondary job | | **SH** | Secondary job, earning over threshold | | **ME** | Main job + student loan | | **M SL** | Main job + student loan repayments | ### Tax Rates (2024) | Income | Tax Rate | |--------|----------| | $0 - $14,000 | 10.5% | | $14,001 - $48,000 | 17.5% | | $48,001 - $70,000 | 30% | | $70,001 - $180,000 | 33% | | Over $180,000 | 39% | ### Important Tips - Apply for your IRD number as soon as you arrive - Give your IRD number to your employer before your first payday - Keep your IRD number private - it's sensitive information - You can check your IRD number online if you forget it - Your IRD number stays the same for life ### Useful Resources - IRD Website: ird.govt.nz - IRD Phone: 0800 227 774 - MyIR: Your online IRD account