In this guide
If you have a self-managed super fund (SMSF) with a corporate trustee, then you should already have applied for, and been issued with, a Director Identification Number (Director ID).
The Director ID system forms part of the Australian Government’s ongoing modernisation and streamlining of their record-keeping systems, which includes the details held for directors of companies.
Essentially this new system was designed to improve the integrity of records that are kept.
These measures also form part of a wider government crackdown on illegal activity. It is hoped that recording the identity of company directors will increase the transparency of companies and discourage illegal activity.
While directors of all companies and registered Australian bodies are affected, this article focuses solely on the requirements that apply for SMSFs with a corporate trustee.
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Keep in mind that all members of an SMSF with a corporate (company) trustee are required to be a director of that company.
Also note that the same registration requirements apply if you are acting as a trustee (director) in place for another person under an authority given to you (such as an enduring power of attorney or guardianship arrangement), or where you are acting as an alternate director for a company.
What is a Director Identification Number?
A Director ID is a unique 15-digit identification number given to a director after they have verified their personal information and identity with the ABRS.
As mentioned earlier, a Director ID will then be used to verify the identity of directors when dealing with government departments. Overall, it should assist in streamlining the process to identify an individual.
Once issued, the Director ID then ‘attaches’ to the applicant and will remain in place throughout their life. So only the one Director ID can be applied for and issued per individual.
A Director ID will remain attached to your records even if you resign as a director or leave Australia.
When do you need to apply?
As mentioned earlier, if you already act as a director of an SMSF’s corporate trustee, then you should already have applied for a Director ID and you should have already received your own unique number.
For others who may be looking to set up an SMSF with a corporate trustee, then keep in mind that you will need to apply for and obtain your own unique Director ID before the SMSF and corporate trustee can be established.
It is important to note that you will need to go through the Director ID application process yourself. No one else can complete the application process for you. If you have a professional that assists you with your SMSF, such as an accountant or tax agent, they are not allowed to apply for a Director ID for you. It would, however, be prudent to inform your accountant or tax agent once you have obtained your Director ID.
How to apply
There are three ways to apply for a Director ID:
- Through the ABRS website using your myGovID
- By telephone
- Using the relevant application form
Using myGovID
The simplest way to apply is online through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) website.
You will need to login by using your myGovID, which is your unique digital identity that allows you to securely sign into government online services, including your myGov account.
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Once you have logged in, you will need to provide the following information, which can differ depending on your personal situation. It’s important to have as many of the following documents available as possible:
- Your individual TFN – optional but it will help speed up the process
- Your residential address as held by the ATO
- Information from two of the following documents to verify your identity, including:
- Bank account details the ATO has on record – most likely where you’ve received a tax return refund in the last two years
- An ATO notice of assessment
- Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) super fund account details including your super fund’s Australian business number (ABN). Note: Self-managed super fund details are not accepted
- A dividend statement
- A Centrelink payment summary
- A PAYG payment summary – this is different to your income statement or your PAYG instalment activity statement.
By telephone
If you do not have a myGovID or can’t set this up, you can apply for a Director ID by telephone, where you will be asked a serious of questions, based on information that is currently held for you.
Step 1: Phone 13 62 50 from within Australia. If you are overseas, phone +61 2 6216 3440.
Step 2: Provide all relevant information as requested during the call.
Information you will need to have at hand:
- Your Tax File Number (TFN). This is optional but using your TFN can expedite the application process
- Details of your residential address
- Two Australian identification documents including:
- One primary document: Australian full birth certificate, Australian passport, Australian citizenship certificate, ImmiCard or Visa
- One secondary document: Medicare card, Australian driver’s licence
- Confirm your identity by responding to two questions based on information already known about you
- Acceptable identity verification documentation including:
- Bank account details (BSB and account number) where interest has been earned or a tax refund has been paid by the ATO
- An ATO notice of assessment from the last five years. You will need the date of issue and the reference number. See the top right of the assessment
- A dividend statement from the last two years. You will need your investor reference number
- A Centrelink payment summary
- A PAYG payment summary.
Paper application form
Again, if do not have a myGovID or can’t set this up, you can apply by using the applicable paper application form.
Step 1: Go to the ABRS website and download this form.
Step 2: Gather the information specified on the form.
Step 3: Complete the form with all required information.
Step 4: Sign the declaration at the bottom of the form.
Step 5: Send the form with certified copies of required documents to:
Australian Business Registry Services
Locked Bag 6000
ALBURY NSW 2640
Australia
Who else should I notify about my Director ID?
You will need to provide your Director ID to any company that you are currently a director of, usually to the company secretary.
Of course, if the only director position you hold is for a closely held Company or a Company acting as trustee for your SMSF, then there really is no one to pass this onto as you would usually fill all those roles.
It may however be worth letting your accountant or fund administrator know that you have your Director ID.
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