Following the announcement from the Federal Government in June 2020, Director Identification Numbers are being made mandatory. The legislation is part of the 2020 Budget Digital Business Plan, and is designed to create a Central Commonwealth Business Registry and to improve the integrity of Australian Business Registers.
The DIN regime will be administered by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) and will be managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Your DIN will be unique to you and remain yours even if your position as an active director ceases. Once granted a DIN, you can request changes to your personal details, such as your name, address or contact details through the ABRS, and should ensure they remain up to date.
Who will need a Director ID?
Directors of the following types of organisations will be required to hold a DIN:
- Registered Australian Corporations including corporate trustees for Family Trusts and SMSFs
- Foreign companies registered with ASIC and carrying on a business in Australia
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation
- Registered Charities
- Managed Investment Schemes
The following will not require a DIN:
- Part of an Unincorporated Body
- A De Facto or Shadow Director
- A Non-director company Secretary
- Sole traders or partnerships
- Directors of registered charities not registered with ASIC
Deadlines for Director ID applications
The deadline for applying for a director ID is dependent on the date of your appointment as director.
- Appointed on or before 31 October 2021 – the deadline for applying is 30 November 2022
- Appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 – Must apply within 28 days of being appointed as a company Director
- Appointed from 5 April 2022 onwards – Must apply before Director appointment
How to apply for your Director ID
Individuals will need to apply for their own Director ID. Applications are now open and the three-step process is outlined below:
- You will be required to set up a myGovID (if you don’t already have one) – note this is separate to your myGov account.
- Gather your documents – you will need to gather documentation to confirm your identity with the ABRS. This will need to match your information with the ATO. If you need copies of ATO documents or your TFN, contact the Accru team for assistance.
- Complete your application – you will need to complete an online form and confirm your personal details to complete the application process.
If Accru is listed as your company registered agent, once your application is complete, please provide us with a copy of your DIN. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact our office or phone the ABRS on 13 62 50.
