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IRD number vital for workers

AN IRD number is a unique number issued to you by Inland Revenue. Your number will be in the range of 10-000-000 to 999-999-999, so some people will have an eight digit number and others a nine digit number.
Your number will never change, even if you move to another country and then return to New Zealand some time in the future. Inland Revenue do not reallocate old numbers or issue every number in the range. This ensures the uniqueness of every individual or organisation's number.
You should apply for 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.

It is not compulsory for every individual (eg baby, child) 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.
Who needs your IRD number
You should only provide it to:

Inland Revenue
your employer
your bank or financial institution
your KiwiSaver scheme provider
Work and Income
StudyLink
your tax agent (accountant).

If other groups ask for your IRD number, ask them why they need it. If you are not sure that you should give them your number, call Inland Revenue for advice.
Keep your number confidential and have it handy when you contact Inland Revenue.
What if I forget or lose my IRD number?
If you cannot remember your IRD number, check any correspondence you have from Inland Revenue - your IRD number should be on this.
If you cannot find any correspondence, you can telephone 0800 377 774 (within New Zealand) and you will be told what your IRD number is and confirm this with a follow-up letter.
How to apply for an IRD number
You can apply for an IRD number for yourself, your children or your organisation, using one of the following forms. You will be sent your IRD number within eight to ten working days of receiving your application.

IR594 (children) - as part of Working for Families Tax Credits registration
IR595 (individual) - adult and children
IR596 (non-individual) - company, partnership, estate, trust, club, society, superannuation scheme and Maori authority
IR594 - Child (as part of Working for Families Tax Credits registration)

You must have an IRD number for each child you are claiming Working for Families Tax Credits for. If your child does not have an IRD number, complete this form and send it with your completed Working for Families Tax Credits registration (FS1) form.
If you have already sent in your FS1 and your child does not have an IRD number, you have eight weeks to get them one before your Working for Families Tax Credits payments are stopped.
You can complete this form onscreen by typing directly onto the PDF document. When you have completed the form, print, sign and send it to us.
You will also need to send us a photocopy of one of the following documents as identification for your children:

birth certificate
certificate of New Zealand citizenship
current New Zealand passport
current overseas passport
certificate of identity issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service.

IR595 - Individual (adults and children)
You can also complete this form onscreen by typing onto the PDF document. Complete the form, print, sign and send it to Inland Revenue.
You will need to provide a photocopy of one of the following documents as identification:

birth certificate
current New Zealand passport
current New Zealand 18 plus card
current overseas passport
certificate of New Zealand citizenship
current New Zealand photo driver licence
certificate of identity issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service.

IR596 - Non-individual (company, partnership, estate, trust, club, society, superannuation scheme, Maori authority)
If you are incorporating a new company online through the Companies Office website, you can apply for an IRD number at the same time. Or, you can complete this form online, print, sign and send it in.
You will need to provide a photocopy of one of the following:

certificate of incorporation
deed of trust.