WHEN IT’S NO LONGER BUSINESS AS USUAL,

Business Bankruptcy
Services

BANKRUPTCY

It’s easy to get confused when it comes to bankruptcy, as the term is often thrown around when referring to a business or person running out of money.

Bankruptcy is a legal process releasing an individual from their debts and providing relief from insolvency.

WHAT IS BANKRUPTCY?

Bankruptcy is a term that’s often misinterpreted, as many people think of it as the same as insolvency. However, it’s quite different. While insolvency is a financial state you reach when you’re unable to pay your debts, bankruptcy serves as a resolution to insolvency.

It’s the legal process for those people who are unable to pay their personal debts when they become due. Once you become bankrupt, your creditors are no longer able to collect debts from you. Your available assets are then sold, and the proceeds are distributed to repay your creditors.

The consequences of bankruptcy are often quite serious, however, as there will be a record listed on the National Personal Insolvency Index. What’s more, along with your assets, any income you earn over a certain threshold could be recovered. There will also be an investigation of your financial affairs. Get in touch today for free advice.

Mask Group 20c5@2x
Mask Group 21c3@2x

BANKRUPTCY

Bankruptcy can have serious consequences that are worth considering before you make any decisions.

There are no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to money. Our experienced team can help to find the best options for your situation and support you every step of the way.

Bankruptcy doesn’t mean failure. Our team can help you find the right path to get your finances back on track. For expert advice and help, get in touch.

FAQS

What is the difference between Bankruptcy and Liquidation?
If the company cannot pay its debts, and you can’t either, a consequence could be that the company goes into liquidation and you may become bankrupt. Liquidation is for companies and Bankruptcy is for individuals.

People generally set up their business as a company, seeking to avoid personal liability for the company’s trading debts and to protect their personal assets if the business fails.

If you operate a business through a company, the company owns the assets of the business and is liable for any debts incurred. You, as a director or shareholder, are not generally personally liable for the company’s trading debts and other liabilities.

However, if you have signed personal guarantees against any unpaid liabilities of the company you could be personally responsible to pay these debts under the guarantee.

Am I going Bankrupt when I Liquidate my Company?
If the company continues to trade and incur debts that it can’t pay when they become due, you may become personally liable for those debts; regardless of whether you gave a personal guarantee or not.

Secondly, if you have significant personal liabilities you may need to consider bankruptcy. But in the end, bankruptcy should be considered your last resort.

If you go Bankrupt, what happens to my Company?
If you become bankrupt, you cannot continue as a company director. Also, any shares you own in the company pass to your trustee in bankruptcy. You no longer own the shares. Depending on the circumstances, the trustee may have the company put into liquidation or sell the shares if they think they can realise money to pay creditors of your bankruptcy.
Is Bankruptcy the right option for me?
Bankruptcy can provide a solution to debt problems for both the debtor and the creditors. The debtor is released from their debts at the end of the bankruptcy and can start afresh. And creditors have the benefit of an independent person (the trustee) administering the debtor’s estate and receiving some payment for the unpaid debts.
What are the consequences of Bankruptcy?

The following is a list of certain restrictions, limitations and obligations imposed as a result of bankruptcy:

  • Incapacitated from acting as a director or managing a corporation during the period of bankruptcy;
  • Certain restrictions on choice of occupation and/or industry associations and licensing authorities may impose restrictions or conditions on membership during the course of bankruptcy;
  • A debtor is obliged to cooperate with their Trustee in Bankruptcy;
  • Restrictions on travelling overseas without the Bankruptcy Trustee’s prior written consent;
  • The debtor’s income, employment and business may be affected;
  • The debtor’s assets may be sold;
  • A debtor is not released from certain types of debt once they are discharged from bankruptcy, for example, penalties, fines and child support debts;
  • The debtor’s name will appear on the National Personal Insolvency Index (“NPII”) forever and credit reporting organisations will keep a record of the bankruptcy for up to five years; and
  • A debtor cannot apply for credit or buy goods and services on credit or by cheque during bankruptcy, above a statutory limit (currently $5,882 – updated quarterly), without disclosing their bankruptcy status.
How long does Bankruptcy last?
Generally, bankruptcy lasts 3 years and 1 day from the date that the bankrupt files their Statement of Affairs. A Statement of Affairs is a document completed by the bankrupt which discloses the bankrupt’s personal and financial information including their assets and debts. At the end of the bankruptcy, the bankrupt is ‘discharged’.

OUR INSOLVENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES

At Corporate Lifeline we have an array of services to cater to any phase your business is in financially.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL REVIEWS

FIND OUT
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU!

Download our FREE guide to resolving your financial difficulties and return to normal, successful trading.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT TODAY

If you find yourself in a situation where you need financial advice for your business, let us help you.