Recent legislation has introduced new obligations for company directors requiring them to obtain a personal director identification number (‘Director ID’).
So, we are writing to highlight your new obligations and provide the appropriate information to ensure your ongoing director compliance.
This is particularly important as failure to comply with these new Director ID requirements may result in both civil and criminal penalties.
What is a Director ID?
A Director ID is a unique (15-digit) identifier that a director will keep forever (even if they cease being a director). This additional layer of identification verification has been primarily introduced by the Government to prevent the appointment of fictitious directors, and facilitate traceability of an individual director’s profile and their relationships with companies over time.
You will need to personally apply for a Director ID if you are an appointed company director (or even an alternative director). Note this also includes where you are a director of a company acting as a trustee (such as the corporate trustee of your SMSF or family trust).
Importantly, while our office can help you in understanding your new Director ID obligations, we are not permitted to make the application on your behalf (although we are happy to assist if and when required).
When do I need to apply for a Director ID?
When you must apply for a Director ID depends on the date you became a director (as outlined below).
Date you were/are appointed Date you must apply by
On or before 31 October 2021 30 November 2022
Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 Within 28 days of appointment
From 5 April 2022 Before appointed director
How do I apply for a Director ID?
Each individual director must apply for their own Director ID directly, to verify their identity via the ABRS website (abrs.gov.au), where you will click on the heading Apply for your Director ID.
For most directors, the three-step registration process can be done online and reasonably efficiently (i.e., in less than five minutes) provided you have all of the required documentation.
The three-step registration process comprises the following steps:
Step 1 – Set-up a myGovID (with a standard or strong identity strength)
A myGovID is different from myGov and is obtained by downloading and applying via the myGovID app to your smart device. To set up a myGovID you will need to have (on hand) two Australian identity documents on which your name matches such as your driver’s licence or learner’s permit, passport, birth certificate, visa (using foreign passport providing still in Australia), citizenship certificate, ImmiCard or Medicare card.
IMT Accountants & Advisors is based in Brisbane’s western suburbs. See our key service areas.
