Illegal phoenix activity

About illegal phoenix activity

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Illegal phoenix activity is when a company is liquidated, wound up or abandoned to avoid paying its debts. A new company is then started to continue the same business activities without the debt.

Illegal phoenix activity can occur in any industry or location. However, it is particularly prevalent in the following industries:

• property and construction
• labour hire
• security
• regional Australia – mining, agriculture, horticulture, and transport.

Phoenixing causes significant harm to the community because:

• Employees miss out on wages, superannuation and entitlements.
• Other businesses are put at a competitive disadvantage.
• Suppliers or sub-contractors are left unpaid.
• The community misses out on revenue that could have contributed to community services.

The economic impact of illegal phoenix activity on business, employees, and government is estimated to be $4.89 billion annually. This amount includes the:

• cost to business from unpaid creditors of $3,300 million
• cost to employees through unpaid entitlements of $155 million
• cost to government of $1,440 million.

Warning signs of illegal phoenix activity

There are warning signs that indicate when a business may be involved in illegal phoenix activity. See our tips for:

• Employers – how to protect your business from phoenix companies
• Employees – how to check if the business you work for could be phoenix.

What to look for when running a business

When running your own business you can take steps to protect yourself from other businesses that may be wound up or closed. Look out for any of the following behaviours from a company you are working with:

• quotes that are lower than market value
• company directors who have been involved with liquidated entities before
• requests for payments to a new company
• changes to a company's directors and name, while the manager and staff remain the same.

Before you work with another business

Before you work with a business, check them out thoroughly by:

• confirming they are registered and their Australian business number (ABN) is valid at ABN LookupExternal Link
• searching the ASIC Connect registersExternal Link to check they are  
  • a registered entity
  • not in liquidation or external administration
• asking for references
• doing a credit check on them
• searching online to see if the company and its directors have any negative media reports
• reviewing your terms of trade, such as  
  • asking for upfront payments, cash on delivery or payments in instalments
  • ensuring you’re taking a large enough deposit.

Avoid illegal phoenix advice

If your business is insolvent or struggling to pay its debts, it's important to seek specialist advice from a qualified and registered insolvency practitioner.

Registered liquidators and trustees will provide you with sound legal advice that you can rely on. Be wary of other insolvency advisers who suggest actions designed to help directors avoid paying their creditors.

What to look for if you're an employee or contractor

If you're working for a company, look out for any warning signs that your employer may be involved in illegal phoenix activities, such as:

• You don't receive a payslip.
• The company ABN and name changes, but the phone number or address stays the same.
• Your super or other employment entitlements are not being paid.
• Your pay is late, less than what it should be or you are being paid under the minimum wage.
• Your payslip records a different employer name to whom you believe you work for.

You can protect yourself by:

• checking your super is being paid
• checking your payslip for changes to your employer's name or information
• if you are being paid irregularly, asking why and contacting the Fair Work OmbudsmanExternal Link for advice
• searching the company online to check for any negative coverage.

Visa holders

If you're working in Australia on a subclass 482 temporary skill shortage (TSS) visaExternal Link or subclass 457 temporary work (skilled) visa, you must be working for your sponsor business.

If you are working for a different business, you may be missing out on employee entitlements or being paid less than the award rate.

See the Fair Work Ombudsman resources to help you check your workplace rights and entitlementsExternal Link.

Report illegal phoenix activity

We're working with other government agencies through the Phoenix Taskforce to stamp out illegal phoenix activity.

You can help us stop illegal phoenix activity by reporting it. If you know of or suspect phoenixing, report it to us by:

• completing a tip-off form
• phoning 1800 060 062
• emailing phoenixreferrals@ato.gov.au.

We take all reports seriously.

Due to privacy laws, we can’t give you any updates or tell you the outcome of the information you provide.

You can also:

• Report unpaid super contributions from my employer to the ATO.
• Phone the Attorney-General's Fair Entitlements GuaranteeExternal Link hotline on 1300 135 040 to get help claiming unpaid employment entitlements if you lose your job due to liquidation or bankruptcy of your employer.
• Contact the Fair Work OmbudsmanExternal Link on 13 13 94 for advice about minimum wages and conditions of employment.
• Make an online enquiry to the Australian Securities & Investment CommissionExternal Link to get advice on making a claim against your employer if they've been placed in liquidation.

Media releases

• Cycle ends in jail time for illegal phoenix operators – ATO media release, 9 September 2021

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.