Completing your bankruptcy application online

Log in to your Online Services account

To begin, log in to your Online Services account. If you don't already have an account, you will need to create one.

The form/s you need to complete depends on whether you:

• are voluntarily applying for bankruptcy, or
• if a creditor has made you bankrupt (sequestration order).

For information about setting up an account or proving your identity, see Get help with creating an Online Services account.

If you are unable to complete the online proof of identity check, or unable to complete the application online, see Submitting a bankruptcy application offline.

Getting started

Once you have logged in, you will be taken to your dashboard where you can begin your application.

Before completing your form/s, you must confirm your reason for submission.

You will be asked the question 'Has someone made you bankrupt through a court order?'. Your response will determine which form/s you need to complete.

If you are voluntarily applying to become bankrupt, select 'No'. This will mean you need to complete both a Debtor's Petition form and a Statement of Affairs form.

You should then see the following screen:

If you have been made bankrupt by a creditor (court order), select 'Yes'. You are only required to complete the Statement of Affairs form.

Completing the forms

When completing your forms, make sure that each section has been completed before you submit your application. The benefit of using Online Services is that we will save your answers as you go, so you can start a form and come back later by logging into your account.

Voluntarily applying for bankruptcy

Before you submit your application, make sure you understand the consequences of bankruptcy. Once accepted, voluntary bankruptcy cannot be cancelled or withdrawn if you change your mind. See Before entering bankruptcy.

To apply, you must:

1. Complete the Debtor's Petition form.
2. Complete the Statement of Affairs form.
3. Upload any supporting documents.
4. Review and submit your application.

Take a moment to ensure your responses are accurate and that you have provided all supporting documentation. Incorrect or incomplete answers, or missing documentation may lead to delays.

A creditor has made you bankrupt (sequestration order)

If you have been made bankrupt by a court order (sequestration order), you are only required to complete a Statement of Affairs form.

Your Statement of Affairs will need to be lodged with the Official Receiver (AFSA) and your trustee. This must be done within 14 days of the date you were advised of your bankruptcy.

Follow these steps:

1. Complete the Statement of Affairs form.
2. Upload any supporting documents.
3. Review and submit your application.

Review your form to make sure all sections are completed, and your responses are accurate. Make sure that you have gathered any supporting documentation. Incorrect answers or missing documentation may lead to delays.

Supporting documents

You must upload additional documents to support your submission if any of the below circumstances apply to you:

• You have stated at question 10 of the Statement of Affairs form that you intend to submit a Request for information on the NPII to be withheld, removed or corrected form with the Inspector-General for consideration. Upload a copy of your completed form at question 10.
• You have consent from a registered trustee to manage your bankruptcy. You must include a signed copy of the Trustee Consent to Act Declaration.
• You currently do not reside in Australia and need to provide evidence of your connection to Australia. This may include:
  • travel itinerary showing travels to and from Australia
  • evidence of overseas employment
  • most recent Australian tax return.
• You are applying for bankruptcy as part of a business partnership. You must attach documents relating to the financial affairs of the partnership such as:
  • profit and loss statements
  • balance sheet
  • taxation documents.

Do not attach any documents if the above circumstances do not apply to you.

If you receive an error uploading a document, the troubleshooting tips below may help you.

Important information

Request to withhold certain information from the NPII

If you believe your safety will or is likely to be at risk by publishing your address or other information on the National Personal Insolvency Index (NPII), you may apply to have your address or other information withheld from the NPII. We cannot withhold your name or date of birth.

Important: If you do not submit this form at the same time as your Debtor's Petition and/or Statement of Affairs forms, your information may continue to be published on the NPII.

For more information on how to make a request, see Can I withhold my details that appear on the National Personal Insolvency Index?

Using a registered trustee

Registered trustees are unable to submit an online application for bankruptcy on behalf of their client. If a trustee is assisting a client with lodging an application, the client must complete and sign the paper forms themselves. The trustee may then send the completed forms to registry@afsa.gov.au.

For more information, see Submitting a bankruptcy application offline.

Checking the status of your bankruptcy application

Once you have started, you can log in to your Online Services account at any time to check the status of your submission.

Status options that you may see include: