Who?
All directors of a company, registered Australian body, a registered foreign company, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation will need a director identification number (Director ID).
What?
A director ID is a unique identifier you need to apply for once and will keep forever, regardless of whether you change companies.
Why?
It will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities and identify and eliminate director involvement in unlawful activity, such as illegal phoenix activity. Thank goodness!
When?
- If you were already an existing director under the Corporations Act on or before 31 October 2021, you must apply for your director ID by 30 November 2022.
- If you become a director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 you must apply within 28 days of appointment.
- If you become a director from 5 April 2022 you must apply before the appointment.
If you don’t meet your obligations, you may be issued with an infringement notice or there may be Civil or Criminal Penalties.
- Failure to have a director ID when required to do so – Maximum penalties for individuals $13,200 (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)
- Failure to apply for a director ID when directed by the Registrar – Maximum penalties for individuals $13,200 (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)
How?
Here is a link to a Short Video that can help you apply online.
The fastest way to do this is to apply online. See Apply for your director ID
You will need:
- Your tax file number
- Residential address held by the ATO
- Two documents to verify your identity
Once you have done this, you can log in and apply for your director ID. The application process should take less than 5 minutes.