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Simplified Liquidation

Simplified liquidation (also known as a simple liquidation) is one of two new formal insolvency processes introduced by the Federal Government. Along with the new Small Business Restructuring process, simple liquidation is designed to help struggling businesses resolve their financial distress in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The simplified liquidation process reduces both the cost and time involved in completing a company’s liquidation, providing relief for business owners and creditors more rapidly than other liquidation processes.

A simplified liquidation is a type of creditors’ voluntary liquidation (CVL). The process can be adopted once a company has been placed into a CVL where the company meets certain eligibility criteria.

When is a company eligible to apply for the Simplified Liquidation process?

Simplified liquidation only applies to companies that are being wound up via CVL, where the winding-up occurs on or after the 1st of January, 2021. In order for a company to be eligible for simplified liquidation, the company must:

    • Be unable to pay its debts in full within 12 months after the liquidation commences;
    • Have total liabilities of less than $1 million (not including contingent liabilities);
    • Ensure all its tax lodgements are up to date;
    • The director(s) of the company (including people who have been directors up to 12 months prior to the appointment of a liquidator) must not have used the simplified liquidation or restructuring process in the preceding 7 years.

In addition to the above, within 5 business days of the liquidation commencing, the directors must provide a report on the company’s affairs and a declaration that they believe the company meets the simplified liquidation eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for simplified liquidation is measured using a strict test that critically evaluates businesses prior to commencing liquidation. To ensure your company passes the eligibility test, we encourage you to reach out to SV Partners’ highly qualified team to assist with declaration and testing.

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How does a Simplified Liquidation differ from a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation?

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Reduced reporting | SV Partners
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Less clawbacks | SV Partners
Faster & more cost effective | SV Partners
Simplified Liquidations Process Flowchart

How a Simplified Liquidation commences

When a company is placed into a CVL, the liquidator can choose to adopt the simplified liquidation process if they believe the company is eligible.

At least 10 business days before adopting simplified liquidation, the liquidator must give all company members and creditors notice of their intention to do so. Simplified liquidation cannot be used if, before the 10 business days have expired, 25% or more of the creditors request the liquidator not use simple liquidation.

If the process is not adopted within the first 20 business days of the liquidation commencing, it cannot be used thereafter.

What are the expected outcomes of Simplified Liquidation?

Simplified liquidation follows much the same process as standard liquidation. The company’s assets are realised, investigations are completed and distributions are made to creditors. Afterwards, the liquidator will apply to ASIC to deregister the company. Once a business has been deregistered, creditors will no longer have any claim against the company.

The diagram to the left illustrates what the expected process and outcomes of the simplified liquidation could look like for your company.

How a Simplified Liquidation commences

When a company is placed into a CVL, the liquidator can choose to adopt the simplified liquidation process if they believe the company is eligible.

In adopting the process, at least 10 business days before adopting it, the liquidator must give all members and creditors of the company notice of their intentions to do so. If, before the expiry of the 10 business days, 25% in value of creditors request the liquidator not utilise the simplified liquidation process, then it cannot be used.

If the process is not adopted within the first 20 business days of the liquidation, then it cannot be used thereafter.

What are the expected outcomes of Simplified Liquidation?

Once all company assets have been realised, investigations are completed and distributions to creditors are made, the liquidator will apply to ASIC to deregister the company. Creditors then no longer have any claim against the company.

The diagram below illustrates what the expected process and outcomes of the simplified liquidation could look like for your company.

Simplified Liquidations Process Flowchart

How can SV Partners help?

SV Partners work with accountants, legal advisors, financial institutions, related professionals and their clients, assisting with a broad range of insolvency processes. Our aim is always to achieve the best possible outcome for all stakeholders. Our role as Liquidators in Simplified Liquidation is to act as an independent third party and ensure the process is administered according to the relevant legislation. The SV Partners team are highly qualified and have worked with businesses from a wide variety of industries. Our extensive knowledge of business and the impact of insolvency drives us to help companies navigate financial distress and get back on track.

For more information about the Simple Liquidation process, contact us for a confidential consultation with one of our experts by calling 1800 246 801.

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