Markets
Start an online business in New Zealand
The steps the government of New Zealand sets for a new business that sells online, each linked to the official page that runs it, then the steps to open your store. Read from the official sources on October 14, 2026.
Set up your business in New Zealand
The steps in the order most new sellers take them. Each is read from the official page linked under it.
1. Choose a legal form
Business.govt.nz states most businesses are sole traders, companies or partnerships.
2. Register the business
Companies register (incorporate) with the Companies Office, while sole traders do not need to register and only inform Inland Revenue.
3. Get your tax number
Inland Revenue issues the IRD number, with a sole trader using their personal IRD number and a company getting its own via the Companies Office.
4. Check when you must register for GST
Inland Revenue requires GST registration if turnover was at least $60,000 in the last 12 months or is expected to be at least $60,000 in the next 12 months (no year given).
5. Follow the rules for selling online
The Commerce Commission explains a business's obligations when selling online.
Open your store in New Zealand
What Tanqory sets up for a store based in New Zealand. You change any of it in Settings.
- Tax
Your store starts with a GST entry for New Zealand, pre-filled at 15%, with collecting off until you switch it on.
GST in New Zealand- Card payments
Through your own Stripe account, which Stripe opens for businesses in New Zealand. Tanqory adds no transaction fee; Stripe charges its own rate.
- Shipping labels
DHL Express and Easyship, bought in your admin, with the customs declaration sent with each label for parcels that cross a border.
What stays with you
- Registering the business and choosing its legal form. Tanqory does not register a business for you.
- Registering for GST, filing returns and paying the tax authority.
- Licences or permits your products need in New Zealand.
- Legal or tax advice. This page points to the official sources; an adviser in New Zealand can apply them to your business.
Questions about starting a business in New Zealand
Which legal form should I choose in New Zealand?
The official page in step 1 lists the forms a business in New Zealand can take. Your choice decides how you register, how you are taxed and whether your own money is kept apart from the business, so an adviser in New Zealand is worth asking before you decide.
What does Tanqory set up for a store in New Zealand?
A tax entry for New Zealand with collecting off, card payments through your own Stripe account, and DHL Express and Easyship labels you buy in your admin. You change any of it in Settings.
Does Tanqory file my GST return?
No. Your store works out and charges GST at checkout and keeps a record of every order. You register, file and pay the tax authority yourself, or through your accountant.
What do I have to tell buyers when I sell online in New Zealand?
The official page in step 5 lists the information and rights a buyer in New Zealand must get before and after they order. Put that information on your store before your first sale.
How current are these steps?
Each was read from its official page on October 14, 2026. Rules change; the official page is the authority, so open it before you act.
How we checked
Each step on this page was read from its official page on October 14, 2026. The store facts come from Tanqory's tax settings, payments and shipping setup.
- Tanqory's tax settings, payments and shipping setup
- www.business.govt.nz
- www.business.govt.nz
- www.ird.govt.nz
- www.ird.govt.nz
- www.comcom.govt.nz
Open your store in New Zealand today
Build your store while you set up your business, and switch on tax collecting when your registration is in place.