New financial year resolution: clean up corporate structures
It’s that time of year again when we reacquaint ourselves with our clients’ structures and examine why they are still carrying dormant or excessive entities. As we forge ahead into a new financial year, now is the time to start streamlining - particularly while these structures are front of mind and there is plenty of time before the next year-end procedure.
BDO’s Business Restructuring team provides advice on corporate streamline queries, with one query that is asked the most: Should I close entities by deregistering them or wind them up as a solvent company by way of a Members Voluntary Liquidation?
Why should I streamline my corporate structure?
Financial benefits | Tax benefits | Compliance benefits |
Reduction in compliance costs
Savings in management time
Acquisition/sales costs
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Tax losses/tax neutral business transfers
Release intercompany balances
Opportunity to realise tax planning opportunities
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Improved transparency and corporate governance
Reduced number of regulators
Reduced compliance requirements now and in the future
Risk management
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Deregistration
The directors and shareholders can undertake a deregistration process without the need for a winding-up, provided that all members agree, and that the company:
- Is not carrying on business
- Has assets that are worth less than AU$1,000 (including cash and related party loans)
- Has no outstanding liabilities (including employee entitlements)
- Is not a party to legal proceedings
- Has paid all fees and penalties payable under the Corporations Act 2001.
We only recommend deregistration if the directors and members are certain that there is no possibility of a creditor claim being made against the company. It is important to note that it is a statutory offence for directors to authorise deregistration without properly addressing and resolving all potential creditor claims (contingent or otherwise).
If any creditor is identified or arises following deregistration, the company could be reinstated with a nominated Liquidator appointed by the Court.
This option can be quick and present cost savings when compared to a Member’s Voluntary Liquidation. However, it can also present risks that may not be palatable for stakeholders.
Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)
Alternatively, the directors and shareholders of a company may proceed with an MVL.
We should probably say also:
In terms of optimal corporate governance, and surety with regards to directors’ compliance with their duties under the Corporations Act 2001, we typically prefer to recommend an MVL over deregistration.
An MVL provides greater certainty that a company cannot be reinstated by a creditor after the affairs have been fully wrapped up. Trading to support an orderly winding down of the operations is possible, and the company can still own assets which the liquidator can realise during the liquidation process.
The benefits of an MVL rather than deregistration include:
- From a tax perspective, the shareholders dispose of their interests in the company, and when the liquidator pays their distributions, there may be advantages that may not be realised when the company is deregistered.
- A liquidator can adjudicate on and deal with any potential creditor claims. Any creditors who do not submit a claim in the provided timeframe are automatically omitted from the distribution process. It is particularly difficult for creditors to have the company reinstated if they failed to partake in this distribution process
- An MVL concludes with a deregistration, and the process provides more certainty that the company will remain deregistered than ‘straight’ deregistration. A liquidator can resolve all outstanding matters of the company including the settlement of creditors’ claims
- Clearance from the Australian Taxation Office and other statutory bodies is sought in an MVL to confirm that all such debts have been satisfied and no further claim can arise
- The appointed liquidator is an independent party that completes the wind-down, who will provide comfort to all stakeholders that the deregistration has occurred with due process.
It is important to remember that the individual circumstances of a company can place more or less weight on each option.
If you would like support assessing your circumstances or to discuss this comparison further, reach out to your local BDO Business Restructuring adviser.