Invoicing in New Zealand

How to invoice in New Zealand

NZD, GST, NZBN, and the NZ bank account format. What IRD expects on a tax invoice, in plain English, for sole traders and limited companies.

Create a New Zealand invoice See an example →

The shape of a New Zealand tax invoice

IRD sets out what a New Zealand tax invoice should contain when the seller is GST-registered. The substance is stable:

•The words "Tax Invoice" clearly shown (if you are GST-registered)
•Your business name and GST number
•An invoice number and the date of issue
•The customer's name (and address for higher-value invoices)
•Description of goods or services and the quantity
•The GST amount, or a statement that the total includes GST, plus the total payable in NZD

For the authoritative current rules, see Inland Revenue: tax invoices for GST.

The NZ-specific fields JupiterInvoice handles

GST number and NZBN

Save your GST number and NZBN to your sender profile once. Both appear on every invoice. Tax label defaults to GST.

NZD and NZ bank format

Bank account fields accept the NZ format (XX-XXXX-XXXXXXX-XXX). Click-to-copy so AP can paste straight into Internet banking for direct credit.

International when you need it

Plenty of NZ businesses bill clients in Australia, the US, and the UK. Multi-currency support and SWIFT details on the invoice handle FX without you reformatting.

Learn more →

The bits that actually slow NZ invoices down

The format is straightforward. The friction shows up around the edges.

Missing the 'Tax Invoice' label

If you are GST-registered and the document does not say 'Tax Invoice', your client cannot claim the GST credit. We label it correctly by default based on your registration status.

Wrong bank account format

The NZ bank account format (bank-branch-account-suffix) is rejected by most banking apps if entered without separators. We render it correctly so AP can paste it in one go.

Cross-Tasman ambiguity

Many NZ businesses bill Australian clients in AUD and Kiwi clients in NZD interchangeably. Per-invoice currency and multiple sender profiles keep that clean.

Slow corporate AP

Larger NZ corporates and councils can drag invoices into Net 30+. Recipient editing lets AP add the PO and approve in the same link.

New Zealand invoicing FAQ

Do I need to be GST-registered to send an invoice in New Zealand?

No. Any business can issue an invoice. GST registration is required only once your turnover crosses the IRD-set threshold, with voluntary registration also possible. If you are not GST-registered, your invoice should not include a GST number or GST amount, and it should be titled 'Invoice' rather than 'Tax Invoice'.

What is an NZBN and do I need one on my invoice?

An NZBN (New Zealand Business Number) is a unique identifier for any business operating in New Zealand. It is not strictly required on every invoice, but it is increasingly expected on B2B and government invoices and makes you easier to verify.

What is the difference between an Invoice and a Tax Invoice in New Zealand?

A Tax Invoice is what a GST-registered seller issues so the buyer can claim the GST credit. It must include the GST number and the GST amount. A non-GST-registered seller issues a plain Invoice without those fields.

Can I invoice a New Zealand client in a foreign currency?

Yes. There is no rule that NZ invoices must be in NZD. If you are GST-registered and the supply is in New Zealand, the GST amount generally needs to also be shown in NZD using the appropriate conversion rate. JupiterInvoice supports multi-currency and historical FX by invoice date.

What is the best way for a New Zealand customer to pay an invoice?

Direct credit (bank transfer) is the default for B2B. The invoice needs the NZ account number in the bank-branch-account-suffix format. POLi and card via Stripe are common fallbacks.

How long do I have to keep invoices for IRD?

IRD generally requires business records, including invoices, to be retained for at least seven years. JupiterInvoice keeps every version of every invoice indefinitely.

A note on what this is. This page is a plain-English orientation to invoicing in New Zealand, not tax advice. The authoritative source for current rules is Inland Revenue (IRD). For anything that materially affects your tax position, talk to a New Zealand chartered accountant.