Did you know?
Inland Revenue and GST number range is to be extended
Our current stock of IRD and GST numbers is running out and as a result we need to extend the number range.
From June 2008, all new Inland Revenue customers will get a 9-digit IRD number. All current 8-digit numbers will remain unchanged.
Why has this come about?
There are a number of reasons why the current range is coming to an end, such as:
- an ever-expanding population
- new business creation
- family trusts
- net immigration
- government legislation changes
- new charities and other entities.
How big is this change and what does it mean?
For most customers there is no change. We will continue to work with you using your current 8-digit IRD/GST number.
From June 2008, customers applying for new numbers will be issued with 9-digit IRD/GST numbers.
We have updated our forms/returns to show 9 boxes for IRD/GST numbers. If you have an 8-digit number, you should leave the first box blank.
To minimise the effects of this change on employers, Inland Revenue has been working with all known payroll and software providers, banks and financial institutions to ensure their systems are ready to accept the extended range when the first 9-digit number is issued in June 2008.
So what does it mean for you?
Current customers - you do not need to do anything as we will continue to work with you using your current IRD/GST number.
New customers - you will receive a 9-digit number when you apply for your IRD number.
Employers - if you deduct PAYE from wages or salary your systems will need to be able to accept the new extended range of IRD numbers. We have worked with software developers and payroll providers to ensure their products can accommodate both 8 and 9-digit numbers. If you are unsure, please check with your payroll software provider.
If you manually process your payroll (eg using an excel spreadsheet), you should be able to process 9 digits in exactly the same way.
Payroll providers and software developers - your software/systems will need to be able to accept the extended range. You can find out if you are compliant by viewing the specifications.
Resident withholding tax - your systems will need to be able to accept the extended range of IRD numbers. The updated validation check will be available for the year ended 31 March 2007 is available here.
Software developers - your software/systems will need to be compliant. You can find out if you are compliant by viewing the specifications.
Tax agents - your systems will need to be able to accept the extended IRD/GST number range. You need to check with your e-File supplier to ensure that their software is compliant.
There is no change to GST invoicing requirements. Customers will still be required to display their GST number on the invoice, whether it is 8 or 9 digits.
Contact us
If you still require additional information or need an in-depth briefing, please send an email to number.extension@ird.govt.nz
Date published: 02 Jun 2006
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