Situations

Each page is sized for someone in a hurry. One declarative summary, three things to do right now, who to call, frequently asked questions, sources. Pick the closest match.

We do not refer to commercial debt-relief operators.

Every service we point you to is free or low-cost, government-funded or not-for-profit, and independent of creditors. If a paid operator is offering to negotiate your ATO debt or run a Part IX agreement for a fee, talk to the Small Business Debt Helpline first — 1800 413 828, free.

ATO / tax

I can't pay the ATO

If you owe the ATO and can't pay in full, you have options — but they only stay open while you are engaged and your lodgements are up to date. If you owe $200,000 or less, you may be able to set up a payment plan online; larger or complex cases need a phone call. The Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828) is free and specialist.

Open

I can't pay this quarter's BAS

Lodge the BAS on time even if you can't pay it. Lodgement preserves your director protections; late lodgement is what turns a payment problem into a Lockdown Director Penalty Notice. Then call the Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828) about a payment plan.

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I can't pay employee super

Unpaid super is one of the highest-risk debts a small business can carry, because directors can become personally liable for it. Since 1 July 2026 (Payday Super), super must usually reach each employee's fund within 7 business days of payday. If you miss it, pay the fund as soon as you can, even part of it: the ATO says that reduces the charge. Directors should also lodge a voluntary disclosure statement within 60 days of payday, before any ATO assessment, to keep the director penalty from locking in for the amount it reports. You no longer lodge a statement for paydays from 1 July 2026; the ATO works out the charge and sends a notice. Call the Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828).

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I got a Director Penalty Notice

A Director Penalty Notice (DPN) gives you 21 days from the date the notice was posted to take one of four actions. Whether you can still avoid personal liability depends on when your company reported its PAYG withholding, GST and super guarantee charge.

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Closing the business

I'm thinking about closing the business

Closing a business well is a different process from being forced out. Doing it deliberately preserves more options, more dignity, and more of your future. Start with a free conversation with the Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828) before you make any irreversible call.

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Personal liability

A personal guarantee has been called in

A creditor is enforcing a personal guarantee you signed. The company's status doesn't protect you here — the guarantee creates a separate personal debt. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 today. Do not transfer assets to family members or refinance into a worse product before that call.

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Court action

A supplier has issued a statutory demand

A creditor's statutory demand under section 459E of the Corporations Act gives the company 21 days to pay, settle, or apply to set aside the demand. If 21 days pass without action, the company is presumed insolvent and the creditor can apply to wind it up. Move fast — engage a registered liquidator or financial counsellor today.

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Someone has applied to wind up the company

A creditor usually applies to wind up a company after it hasn't paid a statutory demand within 21 days. A creditor can also apply with other evidence that the company is insolvent. The court can order the company to be wound up and a liquidator appointed. Don't ignore it. Call the free Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828) the same day, and speak to a registered liquidator.

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