Have you missed the deadline to apply for a director identification number (director ID)?

If so, you can still apply!

The ATO says it will take a reasonable approach with directors who are trying to do the right thing. Importantly, directors who need additional time to apply (beyond 14 December 2022), can request an extension of time by completing an  Application for an extension of time to apply for a director ID

To recap, a director ID is a unique 15‑digit identifier that a company director applies for once and keeps forever. By allowing regulators to trace directors’ relationships with companies over time, director IDs will help prevent illegal activity and level the playing field for businesses.

Director IDs are administered by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS), which is managed by the ATO.

Who?

You need a director ID if you are an eligible officer of:

• a company, a registered Australian body or a registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)
• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

An ‘eligible officer’ is a person who is appointed as:

• a director
• an alternative director who is acting in that capacity.

You also need a director ID if you are a director of a:

• corporate trustee, for example, of an SMSF
• charity or not-for-profit organisation that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation
• registered Australian body, for example, an incorporated association that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and trades outside the state or territory in which it is incorporated, or
• foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on a business in Australia (regardless of where you live).

Who doesn’t?

A director ID is not required if you are a director of an incorporated association (with no ABRN) registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), company secretary but not a director, acting as an external administrator of a company, run your business as a sole trader or partnership.

It has also been recently clarified by the ABRS that directors who resigned their directorship before 31 October 2021 are not required to obtain a director ID. Deceased directors, as they are unable to personally apply, are also exempt.

In summary, if you run a company that is a small business, are a corporate trustee of an SMSF, operate a not‑for‑profit or even a large sporting club, it’s quite likely that you’re a director, and therefore you’ll need to apply for your director ID.

How?

The easiest way to apply for a director ID is online at the ABRS website – www.abrs.gov.au/directorID. To access the online application, use the myGovID app with at least a standard identity strength to log in to ABRS Online. You must apply personally – we as your advisor cannot apply on your behalf, however we can advise you around eligibility, and any other questions you may have.