In the realm of corporate governance, directors play a pivotal role in steering the course of their companies. However, with such authority comes responsibility, including ensuring compliance with tax obligations.

In pursuit of tax collection, the ATO often resort to Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) as a means to hold directors personally liable for certain tax debts of their companies.

A Director Penalty Notice (DPN) is a legal instrument employed by the ATO to recover unpaid company tax debts. These debts typically encompass Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding, goods and services tax (GST) and Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC). The ATO has the authority to issue DPNs to directors for these outstanding liabilities.

There are two primary types of DPNs:

1. Lockdown DPN: This type of notice imposes a personal liability on directors for the company’s unpaid PAYG withholding amounts. It restricts the directors’ ability to avoid personal liability by placing the company into voluntary administration or liquidation after the issuance of the DPN.

2. Non-Lockdown DPN: Unlike Lockdown DPNs, Non-Lockdown DPNs extend personal liability to directors for unpaid SGC. However, directors can still avoid personal liability by placing the company into voluntary administration or liquidation before the due date specified in the notice.

Receiving a Director Penalty Notice carries significant ramifications for directors:

1. Personal Liability: Directors become personally liable for the specified tax debts outlined in the DPN.

2. Enforcement Measures: Failure to comply with a DPN within the stipulated timeframe may result in enforcement actions by the ATO, including garnishing wages, seizing assets, or pursuing legal proceedings.

3. Impact on Directorship: Non-compliance with a DPN may lead to disqualification as a director and potential criminal penalties.

4. Reputational Damage: The issuance of a DPN and subsequent enforcement actions can tarnish a director’s reputation and affect their future business prospects.

Directors subject to a Director Penalty Notice retain certain rights and responsibilities:

1. Right to Challenge: Directors have the right to challenge the validity of a DPN by demonstrating reasonable diligence in fulfilling their duties or disputing the accuracy of the underlying tax liabilities.

2. Duty of Care: Directors must exercise due diligence in managing the company’s tax affairs, including ensuring timely lodgement of returns and payment of tax liabilities.

3. Disclosure Obligations: Directors must promptly inform the ATO of any changes in the company’s circumstances that may affect its ability to meet tax obligations.

Directors facing a Director Penalty Notice have several avenues for recourse:

1. Payment Arrangements: Directors can negotiate payment arrangements with the ATO to settle outstanding tax debts over time.

2. Voluntary Administration or Liquidation: By placing the company into voluntary administration or liquidation before the due date specified in the notice, directors can mitigate personal liability for Non-Lockdown DPNs.

3. Dispute Resolution: Directors can dispute the DPN through administrative channels or seek judicial review if they believe it was issued unfairly or inaccurately.

Director Penalty Notices serve as a potent tool for tax authorities to ensure compliance with company tax obligations. Directors must understand their rights, responsibilities, and potential recourse when faced with a DPN.

By exercising due diligence and seeking appropriate advice, directors can navigate the complexities of DPNs while safeguarding their interests and preserving corporate integrity.


If you are a director and have received a Director Penalty Notice, do not delay in acting; or are looking to become a company director, call us today on 6342 1000 – to discuss how to respond to a Director Penalty Notice or how to ensure that you do not unknowingly become liable for any director penalties that are due before your appointment.