Can I be personally liable for my company's tax debts?

Common question · Bankruptcy & Insolvency · Australia · 23 October 2026

General information from Lawmateanz

Yes, in some cases. The ATO can issue a director penalty notice making directors personally liable for unpaid PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee and GST.

If you receive one, act immediately, as options to avoid liability depend on short timeframes.

Directors can also be liable for insolvent trading if the company incurs debts while insolvent.

Get advice from an insolvency practitioner or lawyer.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

Lawyer answers

Lawyers listed on Lawmateanz can answer this question. If you asked it, we'll email you as soon as it's answered.

Need help now? Get matched with a lawyer

Are you a lawyer? Answer this question · List free on Lawmateanz

Related questions

More about Bankruptcy & Insolvency →

General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.

Ask your own questionGet matched with a lawyer