Ever since applications for the new ABRS Director ID system opened on November 1st 2021, we’ve been helping many of our clients navigate the online application process.
A Director ID is now mandatory for all directors and applications are time-sensitive, meaning you may be fined if you miss the cut-off date to apply. Whilst our team can support you through the process, you will need to undertake the application yourself – no one else can do it on your behalf.
Unfortunately, we know that these online government roll-outs can often be surprisingly frustrating to understand. That’s why we’ve put together this quick and simple 3-step guide to make applying for your new Director ID number a little easier.
1. Install and set up the MyGovID app to verify your identity.
If you haven’t already got a myGovID, you’ll have to set one up before you can register for a Director ID. You’ll need to verify your identity via the myGovID app before you can apply for a Director ID through the ABRS. If you’ve already done this, you can skip to step 3.
It’s important to note that the myGovID app is a different service from your regular online myGov account. This small detail is leaving a lot of people very confused!
You can download the myGovID app on your phone from the Apple or Google Play stores. Set up your myGovID account by following the prompts in the app. It will require you to scan identity documents like your passport or drivers licence via your phone’s camera, so make sure to have these ready first.
Once you’ve validated your identity, the myGovID app will send you a verification code that you can use to access various online government services, including applying for your Director ID.
2. Gather your identifying documents & details.
You’ll need a few different things to apply for your Director ID, so it’s best to gather them all first. At a minimum, you’ll need:
- A smartphone with a camera, as you’ll need to do more document scanning here.
- Your Tax File Number
- The email address you used to set up your myGovID
- Your residential address as held by the ATO
- Two financial documents that match information held by the ATO. These differ from regular identity documents like passports etc. and can include:
- A Notice of Assessment
- Your bank details as held by the ATO
- The gross amount of your PAYG payment summary.
- Dividend statement investor reference number
- Superannuation details, including your fund’s ABN and your account number.
We can help you gather some of this information, so please get in touch if you need any assistance. You can find a full list of eligible identification and ATO documents here.
3. Apply for your Director ID online through the ABRS website.
Once you’ve set up your myGovID and gathered your documents, you’re ready to apply for your Director ID. The fastest way to get this done is to apply online via the ABRS online portal, but you can also apply by phone (13 62 50) or by mailing in the paper form.
Use the email address that you used to set up your myGovID to start the process. While the ABRS says that this application takes less than 5 minutes to complete, we’ve found that it definitely takes longer! Make sure that you give yourself a bit of time to get it done.
Follow the prompts in the online application portal to proceed. You’ll need your myGovID verification code, your personal contact details, and the documents that verify your identity with The ATO. Once complete, your Director ID will be issued immediately onscreen.
Congratulations! If you followed these steps, you should have successfully applied for a Director ID. If we’re your registered agent then we’ll need a copy of this information, so please provide this to us along with your application details.
Not sure if you’re eligible for the Director ID, or want to know which cut-off date applies to you? Check out our comprehensive guide for all the details. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to our Corporate Manager Johanna at jahyu@reesgroup.com 0r 8573 0555 to have a confidential chat about supporting you through the process.
The information in this article is of a general nature. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek financial advice before making any financial decisions.
