🔍 DIY Due Diligence Checklist

Run your own basic checks with our proprietary guide — step-by-step with official links and red-flag indicators.

1 Verify the ABN

Check whether the Australian Business Number is active, registered, and matches the entity name.

Confirm ABN status (active / cancelled / inactive)
Check the entity name and trading name
Review the GST registration status

🔗 Official link: ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov.au)

🚩 Red flag: ABN is inactive, cancelled, or does not match the entity name.

2 Search ASIC Connect

Search the official company register for directors, documents, and historical records.

Check current and historical directors
Review annual returns and financial reports
Look for charges, documents, and company status

🔗 Official link: ASIC Connect (connectonline.asic.gov.au)

🚩 Red flag: Multiple director disqualifications, late lodgements, or frequent company name changes.

3 PPSR & Debt History

Check the Personal Property Securities Register for secured debts, court judgments, and ATO tax debts.

Search for registered security interests over assets
Identify outstanding court judgments
Check for ATO tax debt registrations

🔗 Official link: PPSR (ppsr.gov.au)

🚩 Red flag: Multiple secured debts, tax debt registrations, or recent judgments.

4 Insolvency Analysis

Spot financial distress and opportunistic restructuring by checking insolvency notices.

Search for liquidation, administration, or receivership appointments
Review insolvency notices published by AFSA
Check for personal bankruptcy of directors

🔗 Official link: AFSA Insolvency Notices (afsa.gov.au)

🚩 Red flag: Recent liquidation, administration, or directors with personal bankruptcy history.

5 Federal Court & ATO Litigation

Search for Federal Court cases and ATO litigation that may indicate tax disputes or legal exposure.

Search Federal Court judgments by party name
Check for ATO-related proceedings
Review court outcomes and orders

🔗 Official link: Federal Court (fedcourt.gov.au)

🚩 Red flag: Multiple tax disputes, court judgments, or ATO recovery actions.

6 Director Cross‑Entity Links

Map director connections across multiple entities to identify common control and potential phoenix networks.

Cross‑reference director names across ASIC searches
Identify common directors between related entities
Look for directors with multiple disqualifications

🔗 Tool: Use ASIC Connect (Step 2) to search each director name across multiple companies.

🚩 Red flag: Directors appear across multiple companies with a history of insolvency or non‑compliance.

7 Phoenix Activity Detection

Identify companies wound up to evade debts and re‑established under a new name.

Look for companies with similar names and the same directors
Check for asset transfers shortly before insolvency
Review ASIC records for striking‑off and reinstatement patterns

🔗 Key resource: ATO Phoenix Activity (ato.gov.au)

🚩 Red flag: Company wound up with debts, then re‑established with similar name and same directors.

8 Backpacker & Employer Compliance

Essential checks for working holiday makers, international students, and temporary visa holders to ensure fair treatment, legal pay, and safe working conditions in Australia.

Verify the employer's ABN (Step 1) and cross‑check with the Fair Work Ombudsman for any historical breaches or compliance notices.
Use the FWO Pay Calculator to confirm minimum wage, casual loading, and penalty rates for your specific industry and shift type.
Ensure the employer is making regular Superannuation Guarantee contributions (currently 11.5% as of 2025) into your nominated fund.
Check your visa conditions (e.g., working hour limits, specific work requirements for 417/462 visa extensions).
Confirm your rental bond is lodged with the relevant state authority (e.g., RTA, Consumer Affairs, NSW Fair Trading) to avoid rental scams.

🔗 Official links: Fair Work Ombudsman | Pay Calculator | ATO Super

🚩 Red flag: Being paid cash "under the table", no formal payslips, pay below minimum award rates, employer asks to "sign a waiver" for super, or the rental bond is not officially lodged.

For educational purposes only. Verify through official sources. This is investigative due diligence guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified practitioner for legal opinions.

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