Although we will try to process your request or answer your query within the timeframes indicated, it may take longer - we appreciate your patience at this time. Thank you for your understanding.
Urgent requests
If you need a response outside the timeframes indicated, please let us know why your query is urgent. We need your specific reasons, so we can prioritise your query over others in our waiting list.
For example, we could agree to an urgent IRD number if you’re buying a property and an IRD number is needed straight away to avoid penalty payments.
Current processing times
| Your query | Online | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Donation tax credit refund | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Employer registration | 5 working days | 10 working days |
| Goods and services tax registration | 5 working days | 10 working days |
| GST refund (31st or 1st of each month) | 15 working days | 15 working days |
| Income tax refund | 10 weeks | 10 weeks |
| IRD number application | 10 working days | 12 working days |
| Paper correspondence | - | 30 working days |
| Payment not showing in account* | 3 working days | - |
| Tax payment arrangement | 5 working days | - |
| Unclaimed money claims and correspondence | 10 - 12 weeks | 10 - 12 weeks |
| Web messages | 15 working days | - |
| Working for Families application | 10 working days | 10 working days |
| Working for Families online details updated | up to 15 working days | - |
*Payments will show in myIR within 3 working days. If any of the payment reference fields are wrong or missing, this may require manual intervention and will be cleared within 15 working days. Please check the payment has cleared from your bank account before contacting us.