Frequently Asked
Questions

Can I Keep My Tools of Trade If I Go Bankrupt?

When bankrupt you are able to keep your tools of trade up to the value of $3750 to enable you to keep working. This amount is not the replacement cost of the tools but the resale value of them if you were to sell them in their current condition. So, tools that are well used and a number of years old are not going to be anywhere near the value of what you paid for them. For more details on bankruptcy in Victoria and how it impacts your work call Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575.

How Can I Avoid Bankruptcy? What Are My Options?

Depending on your circumstances you may or may not have the ability to avoid bankruptcy. Looking at your specific circumstance we can look at your debt problems and advise you how to move forward either with guidance on how to fix your debt problems or, if required, assist you through the bankruptcy process. Each case is different and each needs a different solution. For a free initial consultation call Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575.

How Hard Is It to Travel Overseas While I’m Bankrupt?

Travelling overseas while bankrupt should not be big problem. As long as you are up to date with your compliance, have filled out the online application and paid the $150 fee, your request to travel should be approved in a couple of weeks. There are some circumstances that might cause problems with travel which we can help you with by calling 1300 795 575.

What If My Business Has Not Done Tax Returns Can I Still Go Bankrupt?

If your business has not done tax returns, even for a number of years, you are still able to go bankrupt. The process is not as simple if your taxes are not up to date but overdue tax does not disqualify you from becoming bankrupt. Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne can guide you through the, often, complicated pathways resulting from unpaid taxes to make sure your bankruptcy process is as smooth as possible. To discuss your options call us on 1300 795 575.

Should I Talk to My Accountant or Solicitor?

There is nothing wrong with speaking to your accountant or solicitor about bankruptcy they may well have very sound advice. We have, however, discovered over the years that many accountants and solicitors might not have a lot of experience in bankruptcy and insolvency. Here at Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne we do five to ten bankruptcies every week and have a very good knowledge of all steps of the process. For free advice from our experienced team call us on 1300 795 575.

How Long Can I Stay in My House After I Go Bankrupt?

How long you can stay in your home is decided by your bank not by the bankruptcy process. The time you can stay in your home can be as little as thirty days or up to six months depending on your circumstances. Call us on 1300 795 575 to find out more.

How Much Can I Have in Savings While I’m Bankrupt?

Yes, you can save money while you are bankrupt as long as it is disclosed as part of your earnings. The bankruptcy trustee will have all the details of what you make, if you choose to spend or save your money is entirely up to you. Contact us on 1300 795 575 for more detailed information on savings.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Bankruptcy?

There is actually only one long term consequence of being bankrupt. You will be recorded for the rest of your life on the National Insolvency Index which is a government site cataloguing all bankrupts. Access to this pay to view website is not freely available to the general web browsing public. Any references to bankruptcy do not stay on your credit file after five years. To find out more about the consequences of bankruptcy call Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575.

What Would Stop Me Travelling Overseas While I’m Bankrupt?

The only thing that might stop you from taking a trip overseas while bankrupt would be if you have not been compliant with all requirements in the bankruptcy process. As long as all your paperwork and compliancy is up to date and the trustee is notified of your plans with the appropriate forms completed, you are free to take a trip. To learn more on travelling while bankrupt ring us on 1300 795 575.

Can I Keep My Mobile Phone Plan While Bankrupt?

Yes, you can keep your mobile phone plan while bankrupt. Your mobile phone plan and phone number are unaffected by bankruptcy as long as you continue to fully pay your providers bills. Call Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne if you have questions regarding your mobile phone during bankruptcy on 1300 795 575.

Do I Need to Contact My Creditors Once I’m Bankrupt?

No, you do not have to get in touch with your creditors if you declare bankruptcy. Contact with creditors in Victoria is all handled through the bankruptcy process and is done in writing. Contact with and repayments to creditors prior to bankruptcy can be filled with potential hazards. Our suggestion is to call us at Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575 prior to speaking with your creditors to prevent the discomfort and possible consequences associated with creditor communication.

Why Does the Advice Vary so Much Online?

Bankruptcy advice online can vary considerably and this is due to the variety of differing industries involved in the process. Financial advisors tend to highlight the products that they provide with companies that specialise in debt consolidation recommending debt consolidation loans and specialists in liquidation proposing liquidation. At Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne we provide a free initial consultation where we can discuss your circumstances and in many cases our suggestion is that the best solution for you is not bankruptcy. To talk about how we can help you call us on 1300 795 575.

The Biggest Regret My Clients Have When Filing For Bankruptcy

For many individuals their greatest regret is not actually going bankrupt, but not going bankrupt earlier. Debt can be a stress filled and emotional rollercoaster often bringing people to the limits of their endurance.

Bankruptcy for many can be the release they need to keep going. If you are battling under debt pressures phone Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575 to discuss if bankruptcy could be the right solution for you.

Will All of My ATO Debts Be Removed?

Yes, your ATO debts will be wiped out when you end up being bankrupt. Any GST, payroll tax, superannuation and general tax debt is all cleared up to the day you are declared bankrupt. There are some debts that this does not apply to so for more clarification on these please call us on 1300 795 575.

Why Choose Bankruptcy Experts?

At Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne we provide you a bankruptcy service that has supported thousands of individuals in Victoria over many years. Our customised and experienced service will help you through the entire three year process. We do not desert you when your application has been lodged but continue to help you to ensure that all paperwork and compliance is completed. For the right guidance on bankruptcy ring us on 1300 795 575.

The Big 5 Questions About Bankruptcy

The Big 5 Questions About Bankruptcy
1. Is bankruptcy right for me? We give you all the options so you can make an informed choice on bankruptcy.
2. Will I lose my home? The more equity you have in your home the harder it will be to keep when bankrupt.
3. Will my job be affected? In most cases your job will be unaffected unless you have certain job specific licenses or qualifications which may be cancelled.
4. Can I keep my car when bankrupt? Like a house the less equity you have in your car the more likely you will be able to keep it. You may keep any car with equity valued under $7900.
5. How much can I earn when bankrupt? If your income is under $1100 per week it will not be affected. Over this there may be consequences depending on your circumstances.

Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne can answer any concerns you have concerning bankruptcy in VIC so call us on 1300 795 575.

Bankruptcy Term 3 Years To 1

Only the government know if the bankruptcy term will be reduced from 3 years to 1 year. It has been some time since they first looked at this and there has been no real outcome. For now, it stays at three years and is most likely to in the immediate future. To learn about any developments relating to bankruptcy phone us on 1300 795 575.

Will I Go To Jail Or Court If I Go Bankrupt

As a general rule you do not go to prison or go to court if you go bankrupt. Creditors can take you to court before you file for bankruptcy but not when you are declared bankrupt. You are only likely to go to jail if there is fraud or other extenuating legal circumstances associated with your bankruptcy. To find out more phone us on 1300 795 575.

When Will I Qualify for A Loan Again After Bankruptcy?

As soon as you have been discharged from bankruptcy you will qualify for a loan again. You can apply for a secured car or home loan straight away. There are some products like credit cards and unsecured loans that you will need to continue to wait for 5 years until your credit rating is clean. To find out more call Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575.

Should I Put My Company Into Liquidation?

If your company owes money there is no clear answer as to whether you should put your company into liquation. There are a number of factors to consider with liquidation especially if you have personally guaranteed any loans or leases. Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne can ensure you have all the facts for an informed choice, call us on 1300 795 575.

Will I Still Be Able to Rent a House While Bankrupt?

Yes, you are able to rent a house while bankrupt. There is no reason why as a bankrupt you should not be able to rent other than not having good rental references or having rent still owing on a previous rental. It is unusual to be asked if you are bankrupt when applying to rent. To get more details on bankruptcy call us on 1300 795 575.

Why Would My Bankruptcy Be Extended To 5 Or 8 Years?

Yes, in Victoria your bankruptcy can be extended, past three years, if you fail to comply with bankruptcy rules and do not supply required documentary evidence. Becoming bankrupt is simply the first stage, there are lots of things that need to be done throughout your bankruptcy. Here at Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne we continue to help you with all the bankruptcy requirements to make sure it is all over in three years. For more on how we can help you call 1300 795 575.

Must My Tax Returns Be up to Date to Go Bankrupt?

Although it is recommended to have all your tax returns up to date before you go bankrupt, it is not essential. To get more guidance on tax requirements call us on 1300 795 575.

Will Bankruptcy Remove My Mortgage Shortfall?

Yes, bankruptcy will remove your mortgage shortfall. Should your bank sell your house or vehicle the remaining debt is reclassified as unsecured debt which is removed when you become bankrupt. For more information call us on 1300 795 575.

Will the Bankruptcy Term Be Reduced to 1 Year?

No one, at this stage, knows if the bankruptcy term is going to be lowered to one year. Although it has been spoken about and a draft proposal put to parliament, nothing has yet happened. Whether it will in the future we just don’t know. For the most current information on bankruptcy phone Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575.

What Are My Legal Obligations While I’m Bankrupt?

In Victoria, your legal obligations while bankrupt will depend a lot on your circumstances. You will be required to provide evidence, income and documentation. A yearly survey will need to be completed detailing your actions during each year and as long as you stay compliant and complete all paperwork your bankruptcy will only last three years.

To learn more on how we can help you call Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne on 1300 795 575.

Will All of My Debts Get Removed?

Normally, after three years of bankruptcy all your debts should be eliminated. There are, however, some debts that you might still have like child support. To get more information on the debts you have call us on 1300 795 575.

I Have A Large ATO Debt Can I Still Go Bankrupt?

If you have a large ATO debt you really should take action before the ATO do. When your ATO debt is big, it is likely the ATO will take action against you which involves going to court. This can be a rather distressing experience. Call Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne, 1300 795 575 to prevent the stress and discuss your alternatives.

Thinking of Bankruptcy How We Can Help?

At Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne there are a number of ways in which we can help you. We are able to advise you on a lot of the most commonly asked questions

o Can I still travel overseas?
o What will happen to my house?
o Will I be able to keep my car?
o Can I still be self-employed while bankrupt?
o How much can I earn when bankrupt?
o Will my employer be told I am bankrupt?

For comprehensive answers to these and other queries give us a call on 1300 795 575.

What Is The Bankruptcy Process?

At Bankruptcy Experts Melbourne the bankruptcy process is quite straightforward. When you call us we will discuss your predicament and make sure that bankruptcy is the right choice for you. We will then send you a tax invoice and a detailed summary of exactly how we will assist you over the next three years of bankruptcy. When payment has been made you complete a detailed questionnaire and after further discussions, we lodge your application. Within a week or two you will be bankrupt. If you have queries or wish to begin the bankruptcy process contact us on 1300 795 575.