More about IRD and Inland Revenue
In New Zealand, as elsewhere, there is a service responsible for tax collection and distribution of funds received for social support programs – Inland Revenue.
It is worth saying that Inland Revenue works in a completely different way from the tax services we are used to. First of all, the taxation system itself is as transparent and understandable as possible.
For your comfort, there are detailed instructions on the website and the ability to submit all applications online, telephone consultation with the support of an interpreter, and you can also come directly to the office and get advice on all issues of interest to you regarding taxation, payment of taxes and social support programs. In general, everything has been done to maximise the efficiency of interaction between the population and the service, as well as to ensure that paying taxes is not a big deal, and is not a source of stress. But this applies more to those who have their own business or are self-employed and, therefore, must transfer taxes on their own.
When and why do you need to register with the Inland Revenue system
Basically, registration is required for everyone who plans to work and earn income in New Zealand. Upon registration, you will be assigned an IRD number, which is an analogue of the Russian TIN. It is issued to all individuals and legal entities to pay taxes and participate in social support programs. In fact, this is your individual taxpayer number and it is always asked for when applying for a job.
How to get the IRD number
It is easier to apply for an IRD number after you arrived in the country and opened an account with any bank in New Zealand. Having a valid bank account and a visa is the main requirement for issuing an IRD.
Application and documents required to obtain IRD
- Online application at www.ird.govt.nz ;
- International passport;
- A valid visa to New Zealand;
- New Zealand bank account statement showing account number and your name. The statement must be signed and stamped by the bank OR have transactions (at least one replenishment and one withdrawal of funds). Instead, you can still submit a letter from the bank where there is your name as an account holder, account number and bank confirmation that the account is active.
Terms of consideration of the application
If approved, your IRD number will be ready within:
- 2 business days. It will be sent to you by email or text / SMS message
- 12 working days by mail.
Other options for obtaining IRD
You can send the entire set of documents to offshore@ird.govt.nz. The IRD application is filled out in pdf format.
- IR742 application
- Example of filling IR742
Terms of issuance: up to two days.
Visiting a post office
At the branch, you can receive and fill out the ir742 application form, attach the remaining documents (COPIES) and send them by mail to the address: Inland Revenue, PO Box 39050, Wellington Mail Center 5045, New Zealand.
Terms of issuance: up to two weeks.
Read further:
Calculation of income tax through tax codes
