[Sam'n'Kelv]

Does anyone know if it is possible to obtain an IRD number prior to arrival in New Zealand.

[pinkpiggy]

Hi there, go to www.ird.govt.nz - OH has just requested his and we're still in the UK.

[Ana&Steve]

Sorry if this is dense, but is it possible (or advantageous) to get IRD numbers before visas?
Ana

[gil]

We got ours before coming over. As far as I can see there's no advantage in the timing with visas, but it's one less thing to worry about once you're here!

Gil

[Cardy]

One thing to remember when you apply is that if you have any kids apply for them at the same time. but yes you can do it from the uk it took us about a fortnight to get them. If you get pr and you are working over 30 hours per week and have kids you may be eligible for family assistance etc and you will all need ird numbers to apply. Its worth applying for it makes a difference if you accept a low salary.but i think you can earn up to $106,000 per year and still be eligible.
Cheers Cardy:nice1

[pinkpiggy]

Cheers Cardy, that's really useful info. I think OH might have just applied for an IRD number for himself.:roll

[marcia]

And remember to tell them your change of address when you get here as well!!

[Sam'n'Kelv]

So (sounding completely thick) it's OK to apply for an IRD number even though I can only enter a UK address on the application form?

[pinkpiggy]

:laugh YES.

[Pip]

absolutely, we did - with a UK address and received our IRD no's about three weeks later (sent to us at our UK address). It was great to file them away and have one less thing to have to do when we arrived in NZ. Our bank manager also asked for them, to ensure we weren't taxed at emergency rates, which I think might be what happens if you start work without one (but don't quote me!)

As well as requesting your IRD no's, we also found it useful to open a bank account before we arrived. Westpac allow you to do one transfer before you arrive, and we went in the day after we landed and they had all our cards ready, so we could draw money out straight away without paying UK bank account charges..

hope that helps!

[anna_c]

absolutely, we did - with a UK address and received our IRD no's about three weeks later (sent to us at our UK address). It was great to file them away and have one less thing to have to do when we arrived in NZ. Our bank manager also asked for them, to ensure we weren't taxed at emergency rates, which I think might be what happens if you start work without one (but don't quote me!)

I think I'm correct in saying that the only reason you need to give them to the bank is so your interest is not charged at emergency rates - what your income is taxed at is (usually) down to your employer. Although without an IRD number they have to charge you at the top rate as well, although you can claim it back at the end of the year.

[Sam'n'Kelv]

Some great advice. Many thanks.

[SarahEDH]

Another reason not to wait -- if you get a job offer while still overseas, and if the employer wants your hiring paperwork returned quickly, it helps to have the IRD number already since the employment forms will ask for that.