Social Security Number In New Zealand

Delving into the world of social security numbers in New Zealand can be crucial for both locals and expats alike. Looking to settle in Kiwi land? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about obtaining and using a social security number in the Land of the Long White Cloud. From essential paperwork to practical tips, get ready to navigate New Zealand’s social security system with ease and confidence.

Let’s dive in!

What Is An IRD Number?

The IRD number in New Zealand is a unique ID that individuals, businesses, partnerships, trusts, and charitable organizations are assigned by the Inland Revenue.

In general, this unique number remains with the customer throughout his or her life, with exceptions only in cases of bankruptcy. For those individuals, residents, or other foreign nationals intending to comply with the New Zealand tax system, such a vital service is necessary.

The Inland Revenue Department gives you an IRD Number, which represents your unique identity as a taxpayer. It’s got 8 or 9 digits on it.

It’s the same as a United States social security number and an Australian tax file number in New Zealand. In New Zealand, in general, you need the IRD number to earn money.

Having one means that your employer or bank will be able to deduct the tax properly from all the money you have earned.

Your employer will deduct the tax from your salary at the highest rate when you insist on working without an IRD number. This is 45% in New Zealand.

Where Do You Need An IRD Number?

In New Zealand, an IRD number is a social security number. The IRD number will be needed to be obtained if:

You are making money for yourself.
You are about to start a business.
You are going to need a student loan.
Your child has got a job.
You file tax returns.
You are buying or selling property in New Zealand.
Opening a bank account.

If you have the previous New Zealand Inland Revenue Department number, it is necessary to contact the IRD services in order to know whether that number still exists before submitting an application for a new number.

For individuals, as well as for businesses and groups you will have to complete an IR595 form or an IR596 form, respectively.

What Is The Use Of An IRD Number?

It’s an exclusive identifier for any tax obligation that a customer will be required to meet, including Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax, and various employer-associated taxes such as Pay As You Work, or Fringe Benefits Tax.

The IRD number is also used for the management of Social Policy entitlements such as the Working Families Tax Credit, Child Support, Student Loans, Paid Parental Leave, and KiwiSaver administered by Inland Revenue.

The IRD number is a record of your taxes paid, which helps ensure that you comply with the right amount or entitlements. That’s something that is unique to you.

You will need a different IRD number for each one if you own companies, trusts, partnerships, or other types of business.

What Business Situations Require IRD Numbers?

An IRD number is required in the following situations:

Establishing a company, partnership, estate, charity, trust, club, society, superannuation scheme, or Māori authority.
Operating as an offshore and non-resident entity, including companies, partnerships, clubs, societies, trusts, charities, estates, or superannuation schemes.
Functioning as an employer.
Engaging in the sale of goods and services.
Participating in the buying, selling, or transferring of property in New Zealand.
Involvement in the property rental business.

What Documents Are Needed To Apply For Non-Individual IRD Number?

To complete your application for an IRD number, gather the following documents:

Certificate of incorporation for companies.
Deed for trusts.
Certificate of incorporation for incorporated societies.
Certification of registration for limited partnerships.
Probate, will, or letters of administration for estates (In case the date of death hasn’t been previously notified, a death certificate may be necessary).
Personal IRD number of each shareholder, director, partner, executive office holder, trustee, or executor.

For unincorporated societies, additional requirements include:

Meeting or AGM minutes confirming the positions of the chairperson, secretary, or treasurer.

What Documents Are Needed To Apply For Individual IRD Numbers?

Individuals applying for an IRD number are required to fill out an application form and submit it to Inland Revenue.

Since Inland Revenue adheres to New Zealand’s Evidence of Identity Standard, applicants must provide supplementary documentation to verify their identity. This documentation for individuals may involve a combination of items like:

A birth certificate.
Passport.
Driver’s license.

Additionally, individual applicants (excluding children) are obligated to undergo an in-person verification process conducted by an approved verifier, which can include entities such as Inland Revenue, NZ Post, and the NZ Automobile Association.

This verification process entails physically inspecting the original identification documents.

How To Find Your IRD Number?

There are several places where you can get an IRD number if you’ve already filed an application.

Send IRD A Message: By using your myIR account to send Inland Revenue, you can find your IRD number. If you already have all of your information in the myIR, this is one of the easiest ways to get an IRD number.
Call Inland Revenue: For information on your number, you can also call Inland Revenue. If you’re an international caller, call 0800 227 774 in New Zealand and +64 4 831 2249. Once you have established your identity, the Inland Revenue may give you your IRD number.
Physical Documents: As your IRD number is required for any income you receive, it will be indicated on all the pay slips that are given to you by your employer. In addition, you’ll find this on:
- Your statement from KiwiSaver.
- Any letters or statements from the Inland Revenue that you have received.
Use The Inland Revenue Website: The ‘Find my IRD Number‘ tool on the IRD website allows you to locate your IRD number. To access it, you need to input specific details you provided during the initial application.

This security measure is in place to safeguard your IRD number. To confirm your identity, you’ll be required to furnish:

Complete name.
Date of birth.
New Zealand bank account number.
Either mobile phone number or email address.

How To Get An IRD Number If You Don’t Already Have One?

It’s easy to obtain an IRD number if you don’t have one. The process that you’re following will depend, however, on your status:

A citizen of New Zealand.
A new arrival to New Zealand.
Currently overseas.

Requirements To Get An IRD Number As A New Zealand Citizen

Before you proceed with applying for an IRD number, it is essential to collect two identification documents. Choose one from the following:

New Zealand passport.
Overseas passport with a New Zealand residence visa.
Full New Zealand birth certificate issued after January 1st, 1998.
New Zealand citizenship certificate.
New Zealand firearm or dealer license.
Certificate of identity from the Department of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
New Zealand refugee travel document.
New Zealand emergency travel document.

Additionally, you’ll need one of the following:

New Zealand driver’s license.
Overseas driver license.
New Zealand 18+ card.
Kiwi Access Card.
New Zealand student photo ID.
International driver permit from a United Nations Convention on Road Traffic member country.

Ensure these documents are in electronic format as they will be uploaded during the online application. If your documents are not in English, obtain translations from an approved translator, and ensure the translations are certified.

Original physical identification documents must be taken to an AA driver licensing agent for verification. Once these steps are completed, the online IRD number application form can be easily filled out.

Requirements To Get An IRD Number As A New Arrival To New Zealand

For individuals holding a resident, student, or work visa, the procedure for obtaining an IRD number varies slightly. You must submit identification documents and complete the online application form.

If you possess an Australian passport, you’ll need to provide its details.

For those with a resident visa, the required information includes:

Passport details.
Immigration New Zealand application number.

If you hold a student or work visa, you’ll need to furnish:

Passport details.
Immigration New Zealand application number.
Most recent overseas tax number (if applicable)
New Zealand bank account information, including your name and account number.

Requirements To Get An IRD Number As An Overseas:

If you’re currently residing abroad but have plans to move to New Zealand in the near future, you can still initiate the process of obtaining an IRD number. Similar to other application procedures, you will be required to submit identification documents.

The necessary documents include:

Photo identification, such as a passport.
Evidence of your current address, which can be provided through a letter from your utility company.
Tax identification number from your current country of residence.
Proof of the reason for applying for an IRD number, such as intentions to purchase property in New Zealand.
An active New Zealand bank account or a completed customer due diligence form.

If your documents are not in English, it is mandatory to have them translated by an approved translator, with the translation also being certified.

To proceed, download and complete an application form designed for non–resident or offshore individuals. Both the application form and your identification documents should be scanned and emailed to offshore@ird.govt.nz.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the details of New Zealand’s social security numbers, it’s evident that this system is a key piece in the puzzle of life in New Zealand.

Whether you’re settling in as a new resident or just need to understand the ins and outs for everyday life, this guide has got you covered. Move forward with the knowledge and assurance to smoothly integrate into New Zealand’s social framework.

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