nz-ird-number

name	nz-ird-number
description	Explain how to apply for and use a New Zealand IRD number, including eligibility, required identity documents, tax setup, and common first-arrival questions for international students and new migrants. Use when Codex needs to answer IRD number questions, compare online versus manual application paths, explain what documents are usually needed, or help a user understand post-approval setup such as tax codes and linking the IRD number to employment or banking. For any current rule, official form, timing, or fee question, verify the latest Inland Revenue guidance first and update the skill reference if policy has changed.
metadata	{"author":"Pengqian Han","package":"nz-life-skills","bundle":"nz-arrival-setup","geography":"nz","audience":["international-students","newcomers","new-migrants"],"policy_sensitive":true,"official_sources_required":true}

NZ IRD Number

Overview

Use this skill to guide a newly arrived student through IRD number setup without overstating stale details. Treat IRD requirements as policy-sensitive and verify official Inland Revenue sources before giving operational instructions.

Workflow

1. Determine whether the user needs:
   • first-time IRD application
   • document checklist
   • help with bank or employer linkage
   • tax code explanation
   • clarification about current processing steps
2. Read references/current-guidance.md.
3. For any current process detail, official web verification is required before answering.
4. If live guidance differs from the reference, update the reference file.
5. Explain the process in plain language and separate:
   • identity and residency evidence
   • tax administration steps
   • practical follow-up steps after the number is issued

Source Order

1. Inland Revenue official pages and tools
2. Official IRD forms or document checklists
3. New Zealand government guidance that links back to Inland Revenue

Do not answer current tax-administration questions from memory when the official site is available.

Answering Rules

• State whether the user likely needs an IRD number based on the scenario they describe.
• Separate what the IRD number is for from how to apply.
• For students, include practical follow-up questions:
  • job onboarding
  • bank account linkage
  • tax code selection
• If the user asks for exact current documents, processing times, or portal steps, verify live official guidance first.
• If a user shares a form or screenshot, read the artifact directly instead of guessing from old process knowledge.

References

• Read references/current-guidance.md before answering.
• Update that file whenever current official rules materially change.