As from today 1st of November 2021 if you are a Director of an Australian registered Company, the government has introduced Director Identification Number this is an unique identifier all Directors need to apply for once and will keep forever (much like a tax file number).

Director ID requirements apply to appointed Directors and acting Directors of Australian corporations and registered foreign companies under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), including companies responsible for managed investment schemes and registered charities. 

Directors must apply for a Director ID themselves, so that their identity can be verified. No one can apply on their behalf.

The Director ID regime is intended to tackle illegal ‘phoenixing’ activities and increase Director accountability and traceability. Director ID will be recorded in a new database to be administered and operated by the Australian Taxation Office and be made available to the public.

IMPORTANT: All existing Directors will need a Director ID in place by 30 November 2022

Registrations open for existing Company Directors on 1st November 2021 with a 13 month deadline

Any new Directors from 1st November 2021 will have 28 days to apply for their Director ID 
After 5 April 2022 a Director ID will need to be held before appointment

To apply for a Director ID, Directors will need to have a myGovID. It is important to note this is different to a myGov Account. More information on myGovID and how to apply can be found here.  They will need to verify their identity during the process.

Apply for Director ID here https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number

Please reach out to your Harris Black team member if you have any questions or need assistance.