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If you've decided to apply for bankruptcy or temporary debt protection you need to submit your application online using AFSA's Online Services.
To do this, you’ll need to:
- create an Online Services account
- prove your identity
- complete and submit your form online
The digital bankruptcy application process is smart phone and tablet friendly so computer access is not essential.
Once you’ve submitted your form online, you can log in to your Online Services account to check the status of your application.
Follow the steps below to get started.
Do not use the online Bankruptcy Form if you have been made bankrupt by a court order (sequestration order). Please contact us at info@afsa.gov.au or on 1300 364 785 to request a copy of the Statement of Affairs form, or you can obtain a copy from your trustee. For more information and assistance see A creditor has made me bankrupt or Bankruptcy by sequestration order forms.
Create an Online Services account
To complete your bankruptcy or temporary debt protection (TDP) form, you’ll first need to create an Online Services account.
As part of this process, you will need to answer a few questions to make sure you understand how bankruptcy may impact you.
When you create an account, you’ll need your proof of identity documents to prove your identity.
Once your account is created, you will be able to access and submit a bankruptcy form or TDP application online. Creating an Online Services account does not mean you have formally commenced any insolvency application process. This does not happen until you submit your form to AFSA.
Create an Online Services account
If you need help creating an account see Help creating an Online Services account or contact us.
The following information is to help you apply for bankruptcy online. If you’d like to apply for temporary debt protection (TDP), and you're not able to do it online, contact us for assistance.
See lodge a temporary debt protection form for more information about how to apply for TDP.
How to complete the bankruptcy form
Once you have created an Online Services account you can complete and submit the bankruptcy form online.
If needed you can save the form as you go and return to it later.
For more information see completing the bankruptcy form online.
What to do if I can’t submit the bankruptcy form online?
If you can’t complete your identity verification and application online, contact us to request a copy of the form.
For more information on how to submit the form offline, including how to have your identity verified in person, see submitting the bankruptcy form offline.
Completing the bankruptcy form on someone’s behalf
In particular circumstances, a person can complete the bankruptcy form on behalf of someone else only if the applicant is:
- blind, partially sighted, illiterate or partially literate
- non-English speaking or
- physically unable to complete the form
This process doesn’t apply to registered insolvency practitioners or financial counsellors that are simply assisting someone with the bankruptcy process.
For more information see Complete the bankruptcy form on behalf of someone else
Making a joint bankruptcy application
If you are applying for bankruptcy jointly with someone else, or you're applying with a partner of a business, you can use the online service to submit your bankruptcy application. In your form, state that you are jointly applying with someone else or as part of a partnership and provide their name. You will each need to complete separate applications and submit them within the same day.
Accepting or rejecting appointment proposals
AFSA has published a resource to guide Trustees through the online process of accepting a proposed appointment and completing a digital consent to act or rejecting a proposed appointment under s156A and s181A of the Bankruptcy Act.
Find out more about accepting or rejecting appointment proposals.
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