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MichaelP321(Newbie)Newbie
11 Nov 2022

I've been trying for weeks to get a Director's ID and it is next to impossible.


I'm overseas and don't have Australian documents (Medicare, Drivers License etc.).


I've called several times and received conflicting advice. The last person I spoke to said that I basically had no choice but to pay the fine. Apparently it's $13,000 AUD but they couldn't tell me if this was a one-time fine, monthly, annually, etc. There's no information about this anywhere.


This is a horribly designed process and terribly executed. There's no possible way I can comply, so it's basically a tax on foreign directors.


Yet another reason why foreign companies should stay out of Australia - it's just not worth it with all the red-tape and bureaucracy. No other country does this.


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3,238 views
4 replies

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Most helpful reply

EthanATO(Community Support)Community Support
12 Nov 2022

Hi @MichaelP321,


Sorry to hear you've been given some conflicting advice when speaking with us. Hopefully we can help clarify it a little here! If you're a foreign director and aren't able to use myGovID to apply for your director ID, you can instead complete a paper application. The paper application allows you to send in your foreign documents for the verification process. You'll need to use either two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document. What's included as primary and secondary documents is listed on the paper application. After we process your paper application you'll receive your director ID by mail to your postal address. The application process for those living outside Australia is found on the ABRS Director ID page. As for the penalties you mentioned, these are listed on ASICs Director ID page.

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Most helpful reply

EthanATO(Community Support)Community Support
12 Nov 2022

Hi @MichaelP321,


Sorry to hear you've been given some conflicting advice when speaking with us. Hopefully we can help clarify it a little here! If you're a foreign director and aren't able to use myGovID to apply for your director ID, you can instead complete a paper application. The paper application allows you to send in your foreign documents for the verification process. You'll need to use either two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document. What's included as primary and secondary documents is listed on the paper application. After we process your paper application you'll receive your director ID by mail to your postal address. The application process for those living outside Australia is found on the ABRS Director ID page. As for the penalties you mentioned, these are listed on ASICs Director ID page.

MichaelP321(Newbie)Newbie
14 Nov 2022

@EthanATO


I've been told that that the documents that I have are not sufficient. My Australian birth certificate is apparently "too old" so it cannot be used. My other documents are either expired (Victorian driver's license, Medicare, etc.) or cannot be used. Even my Australian citizenship certificate is ineligible (but I'm not sure why). My only option it seems is to fly to Australia to renew my documents, but I cannot do this until January or February 2023. I was given conflicting information about requesting an extension. One person told me that I could not get an extension until March 2023. Another told me that it was possible, but I had to print, complete and mail a form.


Is it possible to get a six-month extension so that I can book a flight to Australia to update my documents? As much as I don't want to do this, it's cheaper than paying the fine.


Is there a way to email or request the extension online? I asked this question of three different ATO representatives, and none could give me a definitive answer.


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How to apply for Director ID overseas | ATO Community