In the current economic climate, a substantial number of Australian companies and individuals have accumulated significant debt with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Often, the best way to address spiraling debt will involve placing the company into voluntary administration or […]
Insolvent trading refers to a company that is unable to meet debts when they fall due, that continues to incur debt. Determining the period of trading while insolvent is a complex question of law and accounting. Company directors have a […]
Economic uncertainty following the COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant financial strain on families, leading to an increase in bankruptcies. When bankruptcy intersects with family law, proceedings often become complex and contentious. If the matrimonial home has equity, a tug-of-war between […]
During the pandemic, an unprecedented level of fiscal support was provided to Australian companies. Many struggling firms were able to survive, sustained by a steady diet of taxpayer capital, existing in a commercial fantasyland. Additionally, record-low interest rates during the […]
The ATO’s approach With billions of dollars in outstanding company tax debt, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is under strict instruction to raise revenue and crack-down on poor compliance. What are Director Penalty Notices? A DPN (Director Penalty Notice) is […]
What is a personal guarantee? A personal guarantee is a legally enforceable promise (made by a natural person) to fulfil a third party’s obligations – such as those of a company – if it is unable to do so. Personal […]
Christmas is a joyous time, but for small business owners, it can also be a high-stakes, anxiety-inducing period. For many, financial viability depends on this seasonal influx in revenue. Unexpected challenges during this critical time can significantly increase the risk […]
Dealing with an insolvency practitioner For an accountant, an insolvent client is far from the ideal scenario. Many directors overlook the severity of their financial problems, even when the warning signs are staring them in the face. Accountants are usually […]
During the pandemic, many directors struggled to generate a stable income from the salary and dividends paid by their company. Consequentially, many drew funds from the company to supplement cash flow, using a director debit loan account. The ATO and […]
Overview On 8 July 2024, The Attorney-General’s Department announced a series of proposed amendments to the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) to ensure fairer outcomes for all Australians. These proposed reforms to Australia’s bankruptcy laws were drafted after extensive roundtable consultation […]
An alternative to bankruptcy Personal insolvency agreements (PIA) are outlined in Part X (Part 10) of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth), offering distressed individuals a flexible way to manage their debt and regain control of their finances. A PIA proposal […]
Understand your personal circumstances before filing for bankruptcy Effective navigation of financial difficulty requires careful consideration for the unique circumstances of the distressed individual. The following article contains 5 questions a financially distressed individual should ask themself, before filing for […]