Lets Discuss a Director Penalty Notice? (DPN)
If you've received a DPN, you're probably concerned about what happens next and whether you could become personally responsible for your company's tax debts.
At Eventum Optimum, we help company directors understand their position, assess their options and take practical steps to move forward.
Speak with our team for a confidential, no-cost assessment.
What is a Director Penalty Notice?
A Director Penalty Notice is a formal notice issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to company directors.
It can make directors personally liable for certain unpaid company tax obligations, including:
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Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding
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Goods and Services Tax (GST)
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Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC)
Receiving a DPN doesn't necessarily mean your business has to close. However, your options depend on the type of notice you've received, your company's reporting history and how quickly you act.
Not all Director Penalty Notices are the same!
21-Day Director Penalty Notice (Non-Lockdown)
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Depending on the circumstances, you may have 21 days from the date the notice was issued to take an eligible action that can remit the director penalty.
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These actions may include paying the relevant debt, appointing a voluntary administrator or appointing a small business restructuring practitioner.
Lockdown Director Penalty Notice
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Where the relevant tax reporting requirements have not been met within the prescribed timeframes, the director penalty may be locked down.
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In these circumstances, appointing an administrator or restructuring practitioner will not remove the personal liability. Generally, payment of the relevant debt is required to remit the penalty.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
A quick 2-minute call with Talitha or Glen could help clarify your options.
Call us directly or complete the form below for a confidential, no-cost assessment.
Can your business continue trading?
Potentially, yes.
Receiving a DPN doesn't automatically mean your business must close.
Depending on your financial position, options may include:
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Negotiating with the ATO
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Exploring Small Business Restructuring (SBR)
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Considering voluntary administration
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Assessing liquidation where recovery is no longer viable
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The right approach depends on your company's circumstances and the type of DPN received.
Don't wait until the 21 days are up
If you've received a DPN, time matters.
The 21-day period for a non-lockdown notice generally starts when the ATO issues the notice, not when you open or receive it.
Delaying action may limit your options and increase your personal financial exposure.
Let's discuss your options
You don't need to work through this alone.
At Eventum Optimum, we'll listen to your circumstances, explain the available pathways and help you understand what needs to happen next.
No judgement. No unnecessary pressure. Just a practical conversation about your options.
Book a confidential, no-cost assessment with our team.
Director Penalty Notice (DPN) FAQ's
You don't need to work through this alone.
At Eventum Optimum, we'll listen to your circumstances, explain the available pathways and help you understand what needs to happen next.
No judgement. No unnecessary pressure. Just a practical conversation about your options.
Book a confidential, no-cost assessment with our team.
Let's discuss your options
Address
PO Box 3006 Robina Town Centre,
Robina QLD 4230
Phone
1300 596 377
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