I first wrote about directors’ identification numbers in our September 2020 newsletter. These numbers can now be obtained and are compulsory for new and existing directors.The requirement to have a director ID number applies to any directorship held in Australia and applies to directors of trustee companies of Self Managed Super Funds and Family Trusts. The penalties for not having a director identification number in the required time frame are serious.
Timeframe
The date you became a director determines when you need to apply for your director ID as follows:
On or before 31 October 2021 – 30 November 2022
Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 – Within 28 Days of the appointment
From 5 April 2022 – Before appointment.
How do I apply?
There are 3 options to apply as follows:
- MygovID App
Application for Director ID can be made through your mygovID App. If you do not have this app, please follow this link to create an APP https://www.mygovid.gov.au/set-up.
- By Phone
- If you’re in Australia, phone 13 62 50.
- If you’re calling from overseas, phone +61 2 6216 3440.
- By Paper
Please follow the link to download the paper form.
Application for a director identification number (NAT75329, PDF, 306KB).
All of the above methods will require information and identification documents. You will need:
- Your TFN
- Your residential address which must be same address as held by the ATO.
2 identification documents from the following list:
- 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, and/or your PAYG instalment activity statement).
Please note that depending on which method you use to apply, you may need to provide certified documents. Since I am a justice of the peace, I can assist with certification process.
Offences and Penalties
The following offences and penalties apply in respect of director ID:
Offence Penalty
Failure to have a director ID when required to do so $13,200 (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)
Failure to apply for a director ID when directed $13,200 (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)
Applying for multiple director IDs $26,640, 1 year imprisonment or both (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)
Misrepresenting director ID $26,640, 1 year imprisonment or both (criminal); $1,100,000 (civil)
Directors of previously deregistered or liquated companies.
If you are a director of a ompany that was previously deregistered and you do not hold any
direcotorship, then you are not required to obtain a director ID number. If you wish to reinstate the company, then you are required to obtain a director ID within the stated time frames.
If you are a director of a ompany that was previously liquidated and you do not hold any
other direcotorship, you are not required to obtain a directorship in respect of the related company.
Assistance from us
If you need help obtaining a director ID number, please contact either myself or Ian Linton.
This article appeared in our February 2022 newsletter and was written by Peter Gill.
