The director ID scheme, which is one of the early steps in digitising and integrating all of Australia’s business registries, was vital to prevent fraud and reborn, or phoenix, companies arising from the ruins of failed operations, it said.

“Director ID is being introduced to help combat illegal phoenix activity and will enable traceability of a director’s relationships across companies and over time,” the ATO said. “Director ID will also help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.

Failure to have a director ID when required to do so or failure to apply when directed by the registrar can carry a maximum criminal penalty of $13,200 or up to $1,100,000 under civil law.

One possible reason for the slow take-up rate is the need for directors to apply in person — accountants or other finance professionals are unable to do so on their behalf “unless the registrar is satisfied that the individual cannot apply themselves”, the ATO said.

To apply online, directors need to already have a unique myGovID, with at least a standard level of identity check, prior to starting the process.

The ATO said almost nine out of 10 directors were applying online, and the ID number was granted instantly. Non-digital options were available to those unable to apply online, it said, and the ID is free.

Different deadlines also applied to directors of companies registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations.