KEY POINTS:
People will be able to apply for their personal tax number at AA centres and Post Shops from next Monday.
"Our new service will be offered in more than 400 outlets throughout the country," said Inland Revenue Department's Carolyn Tremain.
"We are keen to make it as easy as possible for people to deal with us."
People wanting a personal IRD number would need two specified forms of identification, one of which must contain a photo.
They could include passports, birth certificates, driver licences or an 18-plus card.
Once AA, Post Shop or NZ Post agents confirmed the applicant's identity, IRD would provide the personal number in eight to 10 working days.
"This new process will help to prevent identity theft and the fraudulent use of IRD numbers," Ms Tremain said.
People applying for an IRD number for a baby or child under 16 need an original birth certificate or passport for the child, plus two identity documents for themselves.
At least one of these documents must contain a photo to prove the identity of the child's parent or guardian.
- NZPA
