Jul 28, 2022 / News

Director Identification Numbers – Time is nearly up, act now!

All directors must have a director ID by 30 November 2022 including those that were directors as at 31 October 2021 but have since resigned.  We strongly encourage you to act now and beat the rush.  Once you have obtained your director ID, please provide the details to your Nexia Edwards Marshall advisor.

What is a Director ID?

A director ID is a unique number that will be issued to all new and existing directors of all companies and body corporates, including trustee companies.  Once allocated, a person’s director ID will remain with them for life, even if they stop being a company director, change their name or move interstate or overseas. 

The introduction of director IDs helps to prevent directors using false names, enable ASIC and other Government regulators to trace the activities of a director across multiple companies and to assist them in the investigation of repeated unlawful activity, including illegal phoenix activity.

Who needs to apply and when?

If you were a director as at 31 October 2021 (even if you have since resigned) or want to become a director, you will need to obtain a director ID.

For companies registered under the Corporations Act 2001:

Date you first became a director:	Must apply for a director ID by:
Existing directors appointed on or before 31 October 2021 (including directors that have resigned after 31 October 2021)	By 30 November 2022
New directors appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 (inclusive)	Within 28 days of appointment
New directors appointed from 5 April 2022	Before appointment

For companies registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006:

Date you became a director:	Must apply for a director ID by:
Existing directors appointed on or before 31 October 2022	By 30 November 2023
New directors appointed after 1 November 2022	Before appointment

Your obligations

It is a criminal offence if you do not apply for your director ID on time.

The legislation governing director IDs establishes penalties and criminal charges which could apply to directors for not making an ID application by the due date, for deliberately providing false information or for intentionally applying for more than one ID.

If you are unable to apply for a director ID by the due date you can apply for an extension of time by completing an Application for an extension of time to apply for a director ID (NAT 75390).

Please note that all applications must be made personally.  Applications cannot be done by an agent, so your Nexia Edwards Marshall advisor cannot apply on your behalf, however they can assist you with any questions you may have about the process and about the information held by the Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”).  Once you have received your director ID, please share it with us. We will need to keep a record in our database for future use.

 

How do I apply for my director ID?               

Please follow these steps to apply for your director ID or watch the director ID demonstration:

Step 1:  Set up your myGovID app if you do not already have it (it is different to myGov)

Step 2:  Gather required documents

Step 3:  Complete your director ID application

Step 1:  Set up your myGovID app

To apply for your director ID online you will first need a myGovID with a Standard or Strong identity strength.

To start, download the myGovID app onto your smart device, such as an iphone or android, using the following official app stores and then enter your details as prompted.

  

You will then need at least 2 of the following documents to verify your identity and obtain a Standard identity strength:

• driver’s licence or learner’s permit
• passport (not more than 3 years expired)
• birth certificate
• citizenship certificate
• Medicare card
• visa (using your foreign passport)
• ImmiCard.

If you don’t have at least 2 of these documents, please click here for further information.

Step 2:  Gather required documents

In addition to your myGovID you will need some information that the Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) knows about you personally. Nexia Edwards Marshall can assist you with gathering this information.

You will need:

• your tax file number (TFN)
• your residential address as held by the ATO
• information from 2 documents to verify your identity.

Examples of the documents you can use include:

• bank account details
• an ATO notice of assessment
• super account details
• a dividend statement
• a Centrelink payment summary
• a PAYG payment summary (this is different to your income statement or your PAYG instalment activity statement).

Once you have gathered this information you are ready for step 3.

Step 3:  Complete your director ID application

Please click here to access the online application form via the ABRS website. 

Those unable to use myGovID or access online services will be able to apply by phone or paper.  Paper application forms can be downloaded from the ABRS website, however, applications of this nature will require certified copies of primary and secondary identity documents.  For phone applications, additional identity documents will also be required.

Please contact your Nexia Edwards Marshall advisor if you have any questions about the director ID application process or require assistance to gather ATO identification documents.

The material contained in this publication is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or recommendation from Nexia Edwards Marshall. Regarding any situation or circumstance, specific professional advice should be sought on any particular matter by contacting your Nexia Edwards Marshall Adviser.