Welcome To Our Business

What's News

Retirement

To all our valued clients

It is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that Vanessa and I advise that we have sold the business and are retiring effective 16 June 2023.

We are thrilled to announce that Andrew Vernon, who has been a wonderful member of our team and with us for over 17 years, has purchased the business. Most of you have had dealings with Andrew over the years. We are confident that we are leaving you in very capable hands.

For now, the name, contact details etc will remain the same.

We thank you for your patronage and for many of you, friendship over the years and wish you all well for the future.

Greg Dunn


Apply for a Director ID
Tax time News


APPLYING FOR A DIRECTOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Recent legislation has introduced new obligations for company directors requiring them to obtain a personal director identification number 

(‘Director ID’).

This is particularly important as failure to comply with these new Director ID requirements may result in both civil and criminal penalties.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is a Director ID?

A Director ID is a unique (15-digit) identifier that a director will keep forever (even if they cease being a director). This additional layer of identification verification has been primarily introduced by the Government to prevent the appointment of fictitious directors, and facilitate traceability of an individual director’s profile and their relationships with companies over time.
You will need to personally apply for a Director ID if you are an appointed company director (or even an alternative director). Note this also includes where you are a director of a company acting as a trustee (such as the corporate trustee of your SMSF or family trust).
Importantly, while our office can help you in understanding your new Director ID obligations, we are not permitted to make the application on your behalf (although we are happy to assist if and when required).
When do I need to apply for a Director ID?
When you must apply for a Director ID depends on the date you became a director (as outlined below).
How do I apply for a Director ID?
Each individual director must apply for their own Director ID directly, to verify their identity via the ABRS website (abrs.gov.au), where you will click on the heading Apply for your Director ID.

For most directors, the three-step registration process can be done online and reasonably efficiently (i.e., in less than five minutes) provided you have all of the required documentation.

The three-step registration process comprises the following steps:

Step 1 – Set-up a myGovID (with a standard or strong identity strength)
A myGovID is different from myGov and is obtained by downloading and applying via the myGovID app on your smart device.
To set up a myGovID you will need to have (on hand) two Australian identity documents on which your name matches such as your driver’s licence or learner’s permit, passport, birth certificate, visa (using foreign passport providing still in Australia), citizenship certificate, ImmiCard or Medicare card.
Step 2 – Gather the documents required for identification

To apply for your Director ID you will need to have access to additional information the ATO knows about you such as your tax file number (TFN) and your residential address (linked to the ATO’s records).

You will also require information from two documents to verify your identity such as your bank account details, an ATO notice of assessment, your super account details, a dividend statement, a Centrelink payment summary or a PAYG payment summary (if applicable).
Step 3 – Complete your application

Once you have a myGovID with a standard or strong identity strength, and information to verify your identity at hand, you can log in and apply for your Director ID at the icon you see reproduced below for your reference.
At this step your myGovID details and ATO details should be prefilled, and all you need to do is enter your place of birth, postal address, mobile number, and any former names before completing the declaration.

Please ensure your cybersecurity safety and take care when applying for your Director ID. Also, only apply online via abrs.gov.au.
Note: If you cannot get a myGovID (with a standard or strong identify strength), there are alternative mechanisms to obtain a Director ID via the phone or a paper form. The phone number is 13 62 50 for directors in Australia and for directors calling from overseas, the number is +61 2 6216 3440.
If you can’t apply online or over the phone, you can apply using a downloadable form ‘Application for a director identification number’ (NAT 75329), although note this will be a slower process and you will also need to provide certified copies of your verification documents.

What do I do with my Director ID once I have successfully obtained it?

Once you have successfully applied for and obtained your Director ID, you will need to pass it onto the record-holder of any companies for which you are a director (e.g., the company secretary, another director, a contact person or an authorised agent of the company).
We would suggest you also retain the number for your own records as this will be your lifetime Director ID and required for any additional director appointments you have accepted, or will accept.

At this stage, no additional steps need to be taken to record your Director ID (e.g., with ASIC or the ATO).

Finally, please feel free to contact our office on 07 5439 0188 or at admin@hintertax.com.au if you need any assistance or clarification with respect to your new Director ID obligations.

Tax time News

Another tax year is coming to an end very quickly.

If you haven't done last year, it's not too late. Call us now.

If you'd like some advice leading into the end of this year, don't hesitate to call.

And a warning

As the deadline for most personal tax lodgements approaches, the scammers are at it again. SMS messages saying your tax file number is blocked ans asking you to click on a link to fix, is the latest.
ATO released a statement about the issue on their website stating: “The real ATO will never send you an SMS or email with a link to log in to our online services.”
“And while we may use SMS or email to ask you to contact us, we will never ask you to return personal information through these channels.”
“If you’re ever unsure whether it’s really the ATO, don’t reply. Phone us on 1800 008 540 to check.”
Or contact your tax agent/accountant