Where to check the status of your IRD refund

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) processes most New Zealand tax refunds through their online system, MyIR. You can log in to your MyIR account and see your refund status in real time — whether it has been approved, is being processed, or has already been sent to your bank account.

If you filed your tax return through a tax agent or accountant, they may also be able to tell you the status. Some agents have direct access to IRD systems and can check faster than you can yourself. If you used a tax agent, contact them first — they often have the answer before you do.

You can also call the IRD directly on 0800 227 774 (free from New Zealand landlines and mobiles). Have your IRD number ready. The wait time varies depending on how busy they are, but they can tell you exactly where your refund is in the queue.

Key Takeaways

  • MyIR is the fastest way to check your refund status — you can see it updated in real time without waiting on hold.
  • Refunds typically take between 2 to 4 weeks from the date your return is processed, though this varies depending on the complexity of your return.
  • If you filed through a tax agent, they can often check your status faster and may have already seen the outcome.
  • The IRD helpline 0800 227 774 can tell you the exact stage your refund is at if you cannot access MyIR.

How long refunds usually take

The time between filing your return and receiving your refund depends on how you filed and how straightforward your return is. If you filed online through MyIR yourself and your return is straightforward (employment income only, standard deductions), the IRD usually processes it within 2 to 4 weeks. If you filed a paper return, add another 1 to 2 weeks because the IRD has to scan and enter the data first.

Returns that are more complex — self-employment income, rental property, multiple income sources, or claims the IRD needs to verify — can take 6 to 8 weeks or longer. The IRD may also contact you to ask for more information, which pauses the clock until you respond.

Once your refund is approved, the IRD sends it to your bank account electronically. This transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days, though some banks process it faster. You should see the money in your account within a week of the IRD approving it.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If your refund has not arrived within the timeframe the IRD gave you, log into MyIR and check the status again. Sometimes the status updates show a reason for the delay — for example, the IRD may be waiting for information from your employer or a financial institution.

If the status shows your refund was approved and sent to your bank more than a week ago, contact your bank. The money may be stuck in their system, or there may be a problem with the account details the IRD has on file. Your bank can trace the payment and tell you whether it arrived on their end.

If MyIR shows no movement for more than 8 weeks, or if the status is unclear, call the IRD on 0800 227 774. Have your IRD number and the date you filed your return ready. They can see notes on your file that explain any hold-ups and tell you what happens next.

Checking MyIR if you do not have an account yet

If you have not set up a MyIR account, you will need to do that first. Go to myir.ird.govt.nz and select "Create account". You will need your IRD number, which is on your tax code notice or any letter from the IRD. The setup takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity.

Once you are logged in, look for the "Tax returns" section. Your most recent return will be listed with a status — "Not yet filed", "Filed", "Being processed", or "Completed". Click on it to see more detail, including whether a refund has been calculated and when it was sent to your bank.

If the IRD has your old bank account details

If you changed banks or closed an account after you filed your return, the IRD may still have your old account details on file. When they try to send your refund, it will bounce back to them. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the process while the IRD works out what happened.

Log into MyIR and check the bank account details in your profile. If they are wrong, update them when ready. You can do this yourself in the "Profile" or "Account settings" section. Once you update your details, the IRD will resend the refund to the correct account.

If you are not sure whether your details are correct, call the IRD on 0800 227 774 and ask them to confirm what account they have. They can update it for you over the phone if needed.

What happens if there is a problem with your return

Sometimes the IRD cannot process your return because something is missing or does not match their records. They will send you a letter or email asking for more information — for example, proof of income, a corrected calculation, or clarification about a deduction you claimed.

Check your email and any mail from the IRD carefully. The letter will explain exactly what they need and when they need it by. If you miss the important date, your refund will be delayed further. If you are not sure what they are asking for, call them on 0800 227 774 and ask them to explain.

Once you send the information they asked for, the IRD will process it and your refund will move forward. This usually takes another 2 to 4 weeks from the date they receive your response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does MyIR say my return is being processed but I have not received my refund yet?

"Being processed" means the IRD has received your return and is checking it for errors or missing information. This stage can last 2 to 8 weeks depending on how complex your return is. Once they finish checking, the status will change to "Completed" and the refund amount will be shown. You should see the money in your bank account within a week after that.

Can I get my refund faster if I pay someone to help me?

No. The IRD processes all returns in the order they receive them, regardless of whether you filed it yourself or through a tax agent. A tax agent cannot speed up the IRD's processing time, but they can make sure your return is correct the first time, which avoids delays from the IRD asking for more information.

What if the IRD says I owe money instead of getting a refund?

This means your tax payments during the year were less than what you actually owed. The IRD will tell you how much you owe and give you a important date to pay. You can pay online through MyIR, by internet banking, or by post. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the IRD to discuss a payment plan.

Does my refund get taxed?

No. A tax refund is money you overpaid during the year — it is your own money being returned to you, not new income. The IRD does not tax refunds.

What if I filed my return years ago and never got the refund?

The IRD can hold refunds for up to 7 years before they are forfeited. Log into MyIR and check the status of that year's return. If it shows a refund was approved but never sent, call the IRD on 0800 227 774 with the year in question. They can resend it to your current bank account or discuss other options if the account details have changed.