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How to Apply for an IRD Number Overseas

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After successfully applying for a bank account overseas, you can apply for an IRD number in advance. I chose to apply by emailing offshore@ird.govt.nz.

If you have arrived in New Zealand, you can choose to apply online. You can refer to this article, but you must have a FULLY FUNCTIONAL bank account and be physically present in New Zealand.

Prepare Documents

  1. IR742 Form
  2. Proof of address (Driving License)
  3. Proof of identification (Passport)
  4. Proof of Bank (ANZ Bank Email)
  5. e-Visa

IR742 Form

Just fill in the highlighted yellow parts:

  • 2: Name, title
  • 3: Date of birth
  • 4: Address (can fill in overseas address)
  • 6: Contact number (can fill in overseas contact number)
  • 7a: Email
  • 7b: Receive IRD number via email and contact number
  • 8a: Reason for applying for IRD number
  • 9: TIN tax number and country
  • 10a: Opened bank account
  • 11: Whether tax exemption status is obtained
  • 12: Fill in neither
  • Finally, sign and fill in the date

Send Email

After preparing all the documents, send an email to offshore@ird.govt.nz. It took about two weeks for me to receive my IRD number.

Dear Officer,

I'm currently outside of New Zealand and will be arriving in New Zealand on xx September 2022. I would like to apply for the IRD number.

Attached documents:

1. IR742 Form
2. Proof of address (Driving License)
3. Proof of identification (Passport)
4. Proof of Bank (ANZ Bank Email)
5. e-Visa

Application Progress

2022/08/24 Sent email application
2022/09/03 Received IRD number

I received it quite quickly in 11 days, while some friends waited about two weeks.

Register and Activate myIR

After obtaining the IRD number, remember to register and activate your account at https://www.ird.govt.nz/.

However, since we filled in an overseas phone number, we did not receive the activation code, so we had to call to activate by calling 0800 227 770 to change the phone number and activate the account.

Problems I Encountered

Very few people may encounter my problem, which was that the information initially showed an error. The solution was to call and inquire. Later, I found that the system had an error in the date of birth, which prevented me from registering. After asking the staff for help to modify and update the phone address, I was able to register again the next day.

Finally, I finished writing this article. I hope it helps those in need. Any questions are welcome!