When Lockdown DPNs Get Personal
Creditors Voluntary Liquidation
Ensure fair asset distribution and orderly closure.
A Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) can offer a controlled exit. Consulting with a liquidator early on allows you to explore all options and make the best choice for your company and stakeholders.
A Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) is a process that wraps up an insolvent company’s operations and allocates its assets to creditors. This is the most frequently used form of liquidation, initiated by the company's directors and shareholders.
A CVL may take place when:
Shareholders opt to liquidate the company and assign a liquidator.
Creditors agree to liquidation following voluntary administration or the conclusion of a deed of company arrangement.
Is CVL the right move?
A Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) may be a good option when:
Business is Beyond Saving
Voluntary administration may be too costly, making CVL a more practical option.
No Cash at Bank
With no funds to repay debts, CVL allows closure without further financial strain.
No Valuable Assets
Without assets to sell, CVL may be the only route to settle remaining obligations.
Operating at a Loss
If profits can’t cover costs, continuing to trade may be unrealistic.
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What if the company can’t pay debts to creditors?In this case, you may need a Voluntary Administrator (VA) or a Small Business Restructuring (SBR) practitioner. TTJ Advisory can help by: Identifying tax debts tied to director penalties, Negotiating with creditors for debt compromises, Generating working capital through restructuring to address outstanding debts, and Sourcing funding through future profits, personal contributions, or third-party funds. This proactive approach gives you a structured plan to manage debts while preserving the company's ability to operate.
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Is liquidation necessary if i can’t pay the debts?In cases where there is no chance of recovery, commencing liquidation will stop the clock on the DPN and help directors avoid personal liability under certain circumstances. Our in house liquidator will assist you through the process.
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I have been issued a lockdown DPN - what do I do next?Lockdown Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) are issued to directors when a company fails to submit its business activity statements (BAS), instalment activity statements, or superannuation guarantee statements within three months of the due date. Once a lockdown DPN is issued, the penalty becomes fixed, meaning the director is personally liable for the unpaid debt. This liability cannot be removed or cancelled through any other means except by paying off the debt in full. Placing the company into voluntary administration or liquidation will not extinguish this personal liability.
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What are your options once you receive a lockdown DPN?Pay the Debt in Full: The most direct and essential option is to pay off the company’s tax debt in full. This is the only way to clear the liability imposed by a Lockdown DPN. Personal Insolvency Agreement (PIA): This is a legally binding agreement where the director makes a proposal to creditors (such as the ATO) to settle the debts over time or partially. A PIA allows the director to avoid bankruptcy, but it requires the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee to manage the agreement. The trustee will take control of the director's assets and administer the terms of the agreement, including negotiating with creditors. Bankruptcy: If the director is unable to pay the debt or arrange a PIA, declaring bankruptcy may be the final option. In this case, a bankruptcy trustee is appointed to manage the director’s assets and debts. The trustee will oversee the liquidation of assets to pay off the debts and handle communications with creditors, including the ATO.
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How are creditor payments prioritised in liquidation?Payments follow a set order, prioritising employee entitlements and secured creditors before other unsecured debts. Unsecured creditors can file claims and receive distributions based on available funds and the priority order.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation Process
01
Liquidator is Appointed
The Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) process begins when company members approve liquidation and appoint TTJ Advisory as the licensed liquidator.
02
Notify ASIC & ATO
Once appointed, the liquidator quickly assumes control, notifying ASIC, the ATO, and relevant government offices to ensure compliance and transparency.
Contacting Creditors
The liquidator publishes formal notices and contacts creditors directly, informing them of their rights and inviting them to submit proof of debts and relevant information on the company’s affairs.
03
04
Asset Sale & Distribution
The liquidator secures and sells company assets, then distributes the proceeds to creditors according to the designated priority order.
05
Company Deregistration
The final step in the Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation is to deregister the company with ASIC, at which point the company ceases to exist, and most remaining debts or claims are void.