Tax, bank accounts etc
Before you start any full time or relief teaching work in New Zealand you'll need:
This can be done at most banks in under 30 minutes. It's best to make an appointment before 12pm or after 2pm to avoid lunchtime queues and ensure staff are available to help you. Take your passport for identification.
If you have an IRD (tax) number, provide this when opening your account. This will ensure that any interest you earn is taxed at a lower rate (19.5%). Interest generated by accounts with no IRD number on file will be taxed at 39%.
Getting an IRD (tax) number and Tax Code Declaration
If you have recently arrived in New Zealand and have not received income from New Zealand before, you'll need an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number before you start work.
You can apply for one by filling in an IRD number application (IR 595) and returning it to Inland Revenue along with identification, such as a copy of your passport or a copy of your birth certificate. If you have had a New Zealand IRD number before, phone Inland Revenue to check that it is still valid.
You can download an IRD number application (IR 595) by clicking here and a Tax Code Declaration (IR 330) by clicking here or you can get them from any Inland Revenue office in New Zealand.
Completing your Tax Code Declaration (IR 330)
If you indicate on the IR 330 that you are a New Zealand or Australian citizen, your employer may ask to see proof in the form of:
- a New Zealand birth certificate,
- a certificate of citizenship
- a valid New Zealand or Australian passport.
If you indicate on the IR 330 that you hold one of the specified permits enabling you to work in New Zealand, employers may ask to see proof of that permit endorsed in a valid overseas passport. These permits include:
- a residence permit
- a working holiday scheme visa or permit
- a work or other temporary permit with work conditions permitting employment
Tax refunds for non-residents
If you are visiting New Zealand and work for a short period of time (e.g. on a working holiday scheme) and then intend to leave permanently, you may be able to get a tax refund.
You must complete a Refund Application – People Leaving New Zealand (IR 50) form and send it in with your tax return, along with proof of your departure (e.g. copies of your air tickets) to Inland Revenue. Allow at least six weeks for processing. Make sure you provide your overseas address.
More information
More information is available on Inland Revenue's website at www.ird.govt.nz or you can phone them (toll free) on 0800 227 774.
- a bank account
- an IRD number from Inland Revenue
- a Tax Code Declaration (IR330) for your employer
This can be done at most banks in under 30 minutes. It's best to make an appointment before 12pm or after 2pm to avoid lunchtime queues and ensure staff are available to help you. Take your passport for identification.
If you have an IRD (tax) number, provide this when opening your account. This will ensure that any interest you earn is taxed at a lower rate (19.5%). Interest generated by accounts with no IRD number on file will be taxed at 39%.
Getting an IRD (tax) number and Tax Code Declaration
If you have recently arrived in New Zealand and have not received income from New Zealand before, you'll need an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number before you start work.
You can apply for one by filling in an IRD number application (IR 595) and returning it to Inland Revenue along with identification, such as a copy of your passport or a copy of your birth certificate. If you have had a New Zealand IRD number before, phone Inland Revenue to check that it is still valid.
You can download an IRD number application (IR 595) by clicking here and a Tax Code Declaration (IR 330) by clicking here or you can get them from any Inland Revenue office in New Zealand.
Completing your Tax Code Declaration (IR 330)
If you indicate on the IR 330 that you are a New Zealand or Australian citizen, your employer may ask to see proof in the form of:
- a New Zealand birth certificate,
- a certificate of citizenship
- a valid New Zealand or Australian passport.
If you indicate on the IR 330 that you hold one of the specified permits enabling you to work in New Zealand, employers may ask to see proof of that permit endorsed in a valid overseas passport. These permits include:
- a residence permit
- a working holiday scheme visa or permit
- a work or other temporary permit with work conditions permitting employment
Tax refunds for non-residents
If you are visiting New Zealand and work for a short period of time (e.g. on a working holiday scheme) and then intend to leave permanently, you may be able to get a tax refund.
You must complete a Refund Application – People Leaving New Zealand (IR 50) form and send it in with your tax return, along with proof of your departure (e.g. copies of your air tickets) to Inland Revenue. Allow at least six weeks for processing. Make sure you provide your overseas address.
More information
More information is available on Inland Revenue's website at www.ird.govt.nz or you can phone them (toll free) on 0800 227 774.