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Unmanageable debt and insolvency support
Becoming bankrupt is an important step in your journey of making a fresh financial start.
Bankruptcy helps take the pressure off you dealing with creditors and from making repayments on certain types of debts.
Bankruptcy overview
When you become bankrupt we appoint a trustee to manage your bankruptcy. This can either be the Official Trustee (AFSA) or a registered trustee.
We’ll notify the creditors you listed on your application that you are now bankrupt. They can contact your trustee if they have questions or want to confirm your bankruptcy.
Income and employment
During bankruptcy your trustee may ask for financial information from you. You can face penalties if you don’t provide your details.
Your trustee may ask about your:
- income
- employment
- bank accounts
- dependants
- assets.
If the Official Trustee (AFSA) handles your bankruptcy, we call this request a statement of income. You may receive a statement of income form once a year or when your circumstances change.
Update personal details
It’s important you let your trustee know when your details or circumstances change. This includes your:
- name
- address
- phone number
- income, assets or employment
- number of dependants.
Overseas travel
During bankruptcy you must request permission from your trustee to leave Australia.
You do not need to seek approval for travel within Australia or to Australian islands and territories (e.g. Norfolk or Christmas island).
End of bankruptcy
If you apply for bankruptcy, it normally ends 3 years and 1 day after we accept your bankruptcy application.
If a creditor makes you bankrupt, it normally ends 3 years and 1 day after you file a statement of affairs that we accept.
You don't need to apply to be discharged from bankruptcy, this is an automatic process. If you’re not sure when your bankruptcy ends, or you’d like confirmation it has ended, you can request this using the End of bankruptcy enquiry online form below.
End of bankruptcy enquiries and discharge letters are available from AFSA for bankruptcies administered by the Official Trustee (AFSA) only.
If your bankruptcy is administered by a registered trustee, contact your trustee to request your expected bankruptcy end date or confirm your bankruptcy has ended.
Has a creditor made you bankrupt?
If a creditor makes you bankrupt through a sequestration order in court, it’s important that you seek advice and understand your obligations and the consequences of bankruptcy.
Your 3 year period of bankruptcy will not start until you submit, and we accept, your Bankruptcy Form. If you don’t do this, you could remain bankrupt indefinitely and you may face penalties.
Find out more about your bankruptcy trustee, your obligations and review options.
