Director Identification Number – All for One

11 November 2022

INTRODUCTION 

If you are a director, you need to register with the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) for your own Directors ID Number.

The purpose of this ID is to better identify any involvement in unlawful activities and to help prevent use of false or fraudulent director identities.

YOU APPLY FOR YOUR OWN ONE

You will only be assigned one unique Director ID for life, even if you stop being a director,
change your name or move overseas.

You must apply for your own Director ID yourself either by:

1. Going online, using your MyGov ID;
2. Calling the ABRS;
3. Submitting a written application (link)

HOW TO APPLY?

To complete your application, you will be required to disclose personal information such as:

1. Your individual tax file number;
2.  Your residential address as recorded by the Australian Taxation Office; and
3. Answers to two questions that may be based on information such as:a.  your bank account,b.  ATP notice of assessment,c.  super account,d.  dividend statements, ore.  PAYG summary.

WHEN DO DIRECTORS APPLY?

If you have been appointed for the first time since 4 April 2022, you should have already completed your application.

If you were appointed as director before 31 October 2021, complete your application by no later than 30 November 2022.

If you will be appointed as director within 12 months, you can apply early.

CONSEQUENCE FOR APPLYING INCORRECTLY OR MISREPRESENTING

Applying for more than one Director ID or misrepresenting your director ID may have a maximum criminal penalty of 120 units (currently, $26,640.00).

CONSEQUENCE FOR NOT APPLYING 

Failure to apply for a director ID by the specified date is a strict liability offence under section 1272D of the Corporations Act. Maximum criminal penalty is 60 units (currently $13,200).

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU APPLY

Currently your Director ID is not publicly searchable and you are not required to share your Director ID with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

1. You must pass on your Director ID to the company secretary of each company your are director of.
2. You must be careful and consider who to share your ID with. The ABRS can only share your director ID with your consent, unless it is requested by certain state bodies, courts or tribunals.
3. Requirements may change in the future, so you need to stay aware.

OBLIGATIONS FOR COMPANY SECRETARIES

• Create and maintain a register of Director ID numbers of the company.
• Keep information safe and confidential.
• Do not disclose the Director ID to other.

OBLIGATIONS FOR DIRECTORS

• Company directors need to apply for a Directors ID (s 1272A).
• Company directors must not apply for more than one Directors ID (s 1272G).

[ Director Identification Number – All for One ]

Contact Us

Please contact us on (02) 8239 6500 or at excellence@kreisson.com.au if you have any queries or need any assistance.

This communication is sent by Kreisson Legal Pty Limited (ACN 113 986 824). This article contains general information only and is not a substitute for considered legal, accounting or business advice. It does not take into account your particular circumstances, objectives, appetite for risk or financial situation. We are not tax or BAS agents or specialist tax advisers. You should not rely on this article without seeking detailed advice from discipline experts. The contents are copyright and should not be reproduced, re-published, adapted or used without the author’s permission.