Get an IRD number for your child

Your child will need an IRD number if they’re earning any money or interest, or if you’re applying for Working for Families or child support. If you’re having a baby, you can apply for one when you register their birth.

Check if your child already has an IRD number

You keep the same IRD number for life, so if your child has had one before — it’ll be the same number now.

How to get an IRD number for your child

When you register your baby at birth

If you’re having a baby, you can apply for their IRD number at the same time you register their birth.

• Register your baby’s birth online — SmartStart
• How to register your baby

If you did not apply for an IRD number at birth

Apply for an IRD number on the IR website. How you apply depends on whether you’re:

• living in NZ and not a new arrival — IR
• living overseas — IR
• a new arrival to NZ — IR .

If you’re not sure about your situation

Use the tool ‘Work out how you need to apply for an IRD number’ on the IR website.

When your child needs an IRD number

You need to apply for an IRD number for your child if they’re under 16 and:

• working part-time
• earning interest on their bank balance or an investment.

Or if your child is under 18 and you’re:

• registering for Working for Families (if you do not supply IRD numbers for your children, payments will stop after 8 weeks)
• applying for child support.

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

• Inland Revenue Contact and agency details