Bankruptcy Bankruptcy

Assets – what assets can I keep?

Only some assets are protected in bankruptcy! A bankrupt can keep the following assets up to the following limits:

Car $7,050

  • A bankrupt can not own a car worth more than $7,050.  If your car is worth more than this amount, your Bankruptcy Trustee will be able to sell the car, or you will need to pay the excess amount to your estate.  For example if your car is worth $10,000 you would need to pay your Bankruptcy Trustee the excess of $2,950. This amount is indexed every six months by ITSA.

Tools of Trade $3,500

  • A bankrupt can retain tools of trade worth up to $3,500 if the bankrupt is a trade person.  For example if you are a carpenter you could keep carpentry tools worth up to $3,500. This amount is indexed every six months by ITSA.

Household furniture

A bankrupt can retain necessary household goods for domestic use like:

  • Necessary household furniture and personal effects (including bedding, kitchen equipment, laundry equipment & clothing etc);
  • Educational and sporting equipment;
  • 1 TV, 1 stereo & 1 radio

Sentimental items

A bankrupt may be able to retain items of sentimental value, however, disclosure of these items must be made to your Bankruptcy Trustee and creditor approval must be obtained for the items to be retained.

Superannuation
Superannuation is also protected unless the bankrupt has made lump sum contributions into the fund shortly before becoming bankrupt. The superannuation fund needs to be a regulated superannuation fund.

Frequently Asked Questions