Before you get a job or start a business you must get a tax number from the Inland Revenue Department. You should apply for an IRD number for each family member, including your children. You can make an appointment to see an IRD advisor who can give you information about assistance for families, tax exemption and other tax information.
If you have not had a personal New Zealand IRD number before, you can apply for one by filling in an IRD number application – individual (IR 595) form. You can get this form from Inland Revenue’s website www.ird.govt.nz or order a copy by phoning INFOexpress on 0800 257 773.
When applying for a personal IRD number you will have to go to an Inland Revenue Appointed Verifier with two specified identification documents. Just follow the instructions on the front of the application form.
If you have had a New Zealand IRD number before, phone 0800 227 774 to check that it is still valid.
Once you have your IRD number have it handy whenever you call IRD.
This is the basic deduction (tax for salary/wage earners) that employers must make from their employee's salary/wages. PAYE deductions include ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) earner premium levies. To get an IRD number, call the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) 0800 227774 or visit the website: www.ird.govt.nz
For information on why you need to pay tax check out this website: www.whatstax.govt.nz