Starting a new business

If you’re starting a new business, you’ll need an IRD number. If you choose to be self-employed, also known as a sole trader — you continue using your personal IRD number for your business.

Self-employed — Inland Revenue

If you’re starting a company or partnership, you need to apply for a separate IRD number for the business. This is also known as a non-individual IRD number.

Types of organisations that can get non-individual IRD numbers

• Companies — including look-through companies
• Partnerships and joint-ventures
• Trusts and estates
• Māori authorities
• Charities and non-profits
• Clubs and societies
• Superannuation schemes.

Offshore organisations need to follow a different process.

Offshore business or organisation IRD number application — Inland Revenue

Information you need for the application

For most types of organisations you’ll need to provide some supporting documents when you apply for the IRD number, for example, a certificate of incorporation or trust deed. It’s best to provide copies of the documents, which you can provide as a PDF.

You’ll need to provide details for each individual, such as directors and shareholders for a company or partners in a partnership. You’ll need names, IRD numbers and addresses for each.

Inland Revenue’s tool gives you a list of what you need to provide for your organisation when you apply.

IRD numbers for businesses and organisations — Inland Revenue

Apply online

The fastest way to get an IRD number is to apply online.

Once Inland Revenue have issued an IRD number, they’ll contact the authorised person listed in the application and give them the IRD number.

Paper registrations are also available for download from IR’s website.

New Zealand business or organisation IRD number application — Inland Revenue