How to locate your 2026 tax return in New Zealand

Your 2026 tax return lives in your myIR account on the Inland Revenue website. This is the official online portal where the IRD stores all your tax documents, including returns you have filed, notices of assessment, and payment records. You log in with your IRD number and password to view, read, or print your return at any time.

If you have not yet filed your 2026 return, you can also start one in myIR. The IRD opens the filing window each year on 1 April, and most individual returns are due by 7 July unless you use a tax agent (in which case the important date is 31 March the following year). If you filed through a tax agent or accountant, they may also hold a copy and can send it to you directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your 2026 tax return is stored in your myIR account on the IRD website, accessible with your IRD number and password.
  • You can read and print your return from myIR at any time, whether you filed it yourself or through a tax agent.
  • If you filed through a tax agent, they hold a copy and can provide it to you by email or post.
  • The IRD filing window for 2026 returns opens on 1 April 2026, with a 7 July important date for individuals filing their own returns.
  • If you cannot access myIR or have lost your password, the IRD can reset your login details by phone or in person at a local office.

Logging into myIR to view your return

Go to www.ird.govt.nz and select "Login" in the top right corner. Choose "myIR" from the options. Enter your IRD number (a nine-digit number issued by the IRD) and your password. If you do not have a myIR account yet, you can create one on the same page by selecting "Create login" and following the prompts — you will need your IRD number and some personal details to set it up.

Once logged in, look for the "Tax returns" or "My returns" section in the left menu. Your 2026 return will appear in a list with its filing status (for example, "filed" or "due"). Click on the return to open it, then select "read" or "Print" to get a copy. The file downloads as a PDF that you can save to your computer or print when ready.

If you filed your return through a tax agent, it will still show in your myIR account once the agent has submitted it. You do not need to do anything else — the return is automatically linked to your IRD record.

Getting your return from a tax agent or accountant

If you paid someone to prepare and file your 2026 return, contact them directly and ask for a copy. Most tax agents and accountants keep copies of all returns they file and can email or post one to you within a few days. You will need to provide your name and IRD number so they can locate your file.

Some agents offer online portals where you can read your own documents, similar to myIR. Ask whether your agent provides this service when you first engage them. If you have lost touch with your agent or cannot remember their name, the IRD cannot tell you who filed your return, but you can still access it yourself through myIR.

What to do if you cannot access myIR

If you have forgotten your myIR password, select "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the reset instructions. The IRD will send a link to your registered email address. Click the link and create a new password. This usually takes a few minutes.

If you do not have an email address registered with the IRD, or if you cannot access the email account linked to your myIR login, contact the IRD directly. Call 0800 227 774 (free from any phone in New Zealand) or visit a local IRD office in person. You will need to provide proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport) and your IRD number. The IRD can reset your login details and help you access your return.

Downloading and saving your return

Once you have opened your 2026 return in myIR, the read button is usually at the top or bottom of the page. Click it and choose where to save the file on your computer — your Downloads folder is a common choice. The file will be named something like "Tax_Return_2026.pdf" and can be opened in any PDF reader.

Keep a copy of your return in a safe place, such as a folder on your computer or cloud storage. You may need it for loan applications, rental applications, or to show an accountant if you change tax agents. If you print a copy, store it with your other tax documents for at least seven years, as the IRD can request records from that period.

If your 2026 return has not been filed yet

If you have not filed your 2026 return and the important date has passed, you can still file it through myIR. Log in, select "File a return" or "Tax returns," and follow the prompts to enter your income and deductions. The IRD will calculate any tax you owe or any refund due to you.

Filing late may result in a penalty, but the IRD usually does not charge one if you file within a few months of the important date and have a good reason (such as illness or being overseas). If you are unsure whether you owe a penalty, the IRD will tell you when you file. If you would rather have someone else prepare your return, you can still engage a tax agent now — they can file it on your behalf and may be able to negotiate with the IRD about the penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a copy of my 2026 return if I did not file it myself?

Yes. If a tax agent or accountant filed it for you, contact them and ask for a copy — they are required to keep records of returns they file. If you filed it yourself through myIR, you can read it from your account at any time. The IRD does not mail copies of returns unless you request one in writing, which can take several weeks.

What if I lost my IRD number?

Call the IRD on 0800 227 774 and provide your name, date of birth, and address. They will look up your number and tell you what it is. You can also find it on any tax letter or notice the IRD has sent you, or on your last payslip if your employer withheld tax.

Can someone else access my tax return if they have my IRD number?

No. They would also need your myIR password to log in. Do not share your password with anyone except a tax agent you have hired to represent you. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and contact the IRD on 0800 227 774.

How long does the IRD keep copies of old tax returns?

The IRD keeps your returns on file indefinitely, so you can read returns from previous years through myIR as well. You should keep your own copies for at least seven years in case the IRD asks to see them during an audit or review.

What if my 2026 return shows an error?

If you filed it yourself and spot a mistake, you can file an amended return through myIR. If a tax agent filed it, contact them and ask them to file an amendment on your behalf. The IRD can also correct errors if you contact them and explain what went wrong — call 0800 227 774 or visit a local office.