Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Letter of Authority
I need a letter of authority to authorize my accountant to access my financial records and liaise with the Inland Revenue Department on my behalf for the current tax year. The document should specify the scope of access and be valid until the end of the fiscal year.
What is a Letter of Authority?
A Letter of Authority gives someone legal permission to act on your behalf in specific situations. In New Zealand, businesses and individuals use these documents to let trusted representatives handle matters like property transactions, tax affairs, or dealings with government agencies.
Think of it as a formal permission slip that spells out exactly what your representative can and can't do. Unlike a full Power of Attorney, it's usually limited to particular tasks or time periods. Many Kiwi organizations, including IRD and banks, have their own Letter of Authority forms that need to be completed and signed before they'll deal with your chosen representative.
When should you use a Letter of Authority?
Use a Letter of Authority when you need someone to handle specific tasks on your behalf but don't want to grant them full power of attorney. Common situations include letting an accountant work with IRD on your tax matters, authorizing a family member to manage your banking while you're overseas, or empowering a business partner to deal with suppliers during your absence.
The timing often matters - set up your Letter of Authority before critical deadlines or planned absences. For example, if you're heading abroad for several months, arrange it well before departure so your representative can handle any urgent matters. Many Kiwi organizations require their own authority forms, so check requirements early.
What are the different types of Letter of Authority?
- Business Authorization Letter: Broad commercial authority for company representatives to conduct specific business transactions or negotiations
- Authority Letter For Bank Statement: Focused permission for accessing banking information and financial records
- Authorisation Letter To Collect Certificate: Limited authority for collecting official certificates or credentials
- Authorisation Letter For Collecting Documents: Specific permission for gathering legal or administrative documents
- Authorisation Letter To Act On Behalf: General authority covering a range of actions for personal or business matters
Who should typically use a Letter of Authority?
- Business Owners: Need Letters of Authority to delegate tasks while away or to empower staff to handle specific business dealings
- Accountants and Tax Agents: Require authority to represent clients with IRD and handle tax matters
- Legal Representatives: Draft and review Letters of Authority to ensure they meet legal requirements and protect client interests
- Banks and Financial Institutions: Accept and process Letters of Authority for account access and financial transactions
- Government Agencies: Rely on Letters of Authority to verify who can act on behalf of individuals or businesses
- Family Members: Often named as authorized representatives for personal matters, especially during overseas travel or illness
How do you write a Letter of Authority?
- Basic Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and contact information for both you and your representative
- Scope Definition: List specific powers or tasks you want your representative to handle
- Time Limits: Decide if the authority needs an expiry date or specific duration
- Document Requirements: Check if the receiving organization has their own Letter of Authority template
- Identity Verification: Prepare copies of valid ID for both parties
- Witness Details: Arrange for an appropriate witness if required by the receiving organization
- Digital Tools: Our platform generates legally sound Letters of Authority, ensuring all essential elements are included
What should be included in a Letter of Authority?
- Full Identification: Legal names and contact details of both the authorizing party and representative
- Clear Purpose: Specific description of powers being granted and their limitations
- Time Frame: Start date and duration or expiry date of the authority
- Scope Details: Explicit list of permitted actions and any restrictions
- Declaration: Statement confirming the authority is given willingly and with full understanding
- Signature Block: Space for both parties' signatures, dates, and witness details if required
- Revocation Terms: Conditions under which the authority can be cancelled
- Legal Framework: Reference to relevant NZ laws governing the authority
What's the difference between a Letter of Authority and a Certificate of Authority?
A Letter of Authority differs significantly from a Certificate of Authority. While both documents deal with authorization, they serve distinct purposes in New Zealand's legal framework.
- Legal Status: A Letter of Authority is a private document granting specific permissions, while a Certificate of Authority is typically an official document issued by a governing body or organization
- Duration and Scope: Letters of Authority often have specific time limits and detailed task permissions, whereas Certificates of Authority usually provide ongoing validation of official capacity or position
- Formality Level: Letters of Authority can be relatively informal for simple tasks, but Certificates of Authority require strict compliance with regulatory requirements
- Common Usage: Letters are used for delegating specific tasks like banking or document collection, while Certificates prove official standing or corporate authority
- Verification Process: Letters typically need only the grantor's signature, while Certificates usually require formal verification and registration with authorities
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.