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The Australian Government has introduced a new mandatory requirement for directors to help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities. It is called the Director Identification Number (DIN or director ID) and is a unique number you need to apply for once and will keep forever.

This requirement applies to anyone who is currently a director (or who intends to become a director). Directors will keep their director ID forever even if they change companies, stop being a director, change their name, or move interstate or overseas.

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Once-off Registration Process for Australian Directors

All directors are required by law to verify their identity with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) before receiving a director ID. You can apply via the MyGovID app (which is differnt to MyGov). No one can apply on your behalf, not even your ASIC agent or us at Compass as your accountant. It is free to apply.

Step 1: Click here to set up your MyGovID by proving your identity to the ATO.

Step 2: Once your MyGovID is established, click here to apply for your director ID.

Step 3: Provide your director ID to all entities for which you are a registered director.

The deadline for application is as follows:

Directors of Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)

The date you become a director:
– On or before 31 Oct 2021 – you must apply by 30 Nov 2022
– Between 1 Nov 2021 and 4 Apr 2022 – you must apply within 28 days of appointment
– From 5 Apr 2022 – you must apply before appointment
 
Directors of Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act)

The date you become a director:
– On or before 31 Oct 2022 – you must apply by 30 Nov 2023
– From 1 Nov 2022 – you must apply before appointment

If you do not meet your obligations, civil or criminal penalties may apply.

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Once-off Registration Process for Foreign Directors

All directors are required by law to verify their identity with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) before receiving a director ID. As a foreign director you can presently only apply via a paper application. No one can apply on your behalf, not even your ASIC agent or us at Compass as your accountant. It is free to apply.
 
Step 1: Source the required ID documents and have each certified as detailed here:
 
Step 2: Print out and complete the application form to apply for your director ID.
 
Step 3: Submit the form and supporting documents to the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) as detailed on the form.
 
Step 4: Once you receive your director ID, provide it to all Australian entities for which you are a registered director.
 
The deadline for application is as follows:

Directors of Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)

The date you become a director:
– On or before 31 Oct 2021 – you must apply by 30 Nov 2022
– Between 1 Nov 2021 and 4 Apr 2022 – you must apply within 28 days of appointment
– From 5 Apr 2022 – you must apply before appointment
 
Directors of Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act)
The date you become a director:
– On or before 31 Oct 2022 – you must apply by 30 Nov 2023
– From 1 Nov 2022 – you must apply before appointment
 
If you cannot apply by the required date, you can complete an Application for an extension of time to apply for a director ID found here.
 
If you do not meet your obligations, civil or criminal penalties may apply.

You need a director ID if you are a director of a:
• company;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation;
• corporate trustee, for example, of a self-managed super fund
• 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 business in Australia (regardless of where you live).

You do not need a director ID if you are:
• a company secretary but not a director;
• acting as an external administrator of a company;
• running a business as a sole trader or partnership;
• referred to as a ‘director’ in your job title but have not been appointed as a director under the Corporations Act or the CATSI Act;
• a director of a registered charity with an organisation type that is not registered with ASIC to operate throughout Australia; or
• an officer of an unincorporated association, cooperative or incorporated association established under state or territory legislation, unless the organisation is also a registered Australian body.

Get in Touch

We can assist you through this process.  If you need support, please contact our office on 1300 554 948 to discuss appointment options and costs to ensure you meet your obligations.

Get in Touch

To discuss your specific requirements please contact Compass on 1300 554 948, get in touch using the form below – we’ll be delighted to help!