ATO Debt Is Crushing Small Businesses. Ferns Finance Can Help You Fight Back.
Struggling with an ATO payment plan, a director penalty notice, or mounting tax debt? You're not alone and you have more options than the ATO's collection team will tell you about. Ferns Finance helps business owners across Beenleigh, Logan, Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast find the right finance solution before enforcement escalates.
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Why this matters right now
The ATO is no longer being patient with unpaid tax debt. With payday super, the closure of the ATO's clearing house, and the instant asset write-off deadline all changing from 1 July 2026, business owners carrying tax debt are facing the harshest enforcement environment in over a decade. Waiting it out is no longer a safe strategy, the cost of doing nothing keeps growing, in interest, in penalties, and in risk to your personal assets if a Director Penalty Notice is issued.
How Ferns Finance helps
As your local, non-bank-affiliated broker, Gwen works for you not the lender and searches across 70+ lenders to find finance that actually fits your situation. Depending on your circumstances, that might look like:
- Business debt consolidation — rolling ATO debt and other liabilities into one manageable repayment
- Unsecured business finance — fast approval finance that doesn't require property as security
- Asset finance / equipment refinance — releasing equity from equipment you already own
- Short-term bridging finance — buying breathing room while you restructure
- Line of credit / overdraft solutions — ongoing flexibility so this doesn't happen again
Local to Logan, Beenleigh, Scenic Rim & the Gold Coast
Gwen brings 14+ years of banking and finance experience and has helped business owners across Logan City, Beenleigh, Scenic Rim, and the Gold Coast navigate exactly this situation. , quickly, confidentially, and without the judgment you might feel calling your bank directly.
FAQ's
Can I refinance ATO debt into a business loan? Yes. Many lenders will consolidate ATO debt into a business loan or line of credit, often with better terms than the ATO's own payment plan, and without the compounding General Interest Charge.
Will a Director Penalty Notice affect my personal assets?It can. A DPN can make company tax debt personally recoverable from directors. Acting early — before the ATO escalates — gives you far more finance options than acting after a notice is issued.
How fast can I get finance approved?Depending on the lender and your documentation, unsecured business finance can be approved within 24–72 hours. We'll assess your situation and match you with lenders who can move at the speed you need.
Does this affect my credit file?Any finance application can involve a credit check, but Ferns Finance will talk you through the impact before you apply anywhere, and we only submit to lenders genuinely suited to your situation — not a scattergun approach.
Is this only for businesses with a lot of debt?No. We help business owners at every stage — from a manageable ATO payment plan that's just become unworkable, to significant accumulated debt with enforcement action already underway.
Helpful links
Ready to get started?
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Before you talk finance, it helps to know where you stand. Try these quick calculators first.
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Use this calculator to Add or Remove GST from an amount. Perfect for: Business owners calculating GST for invoices Accountants and bookkeepers Anyone needing to work out GST on transactions Understanding what portion of a price is GST
Your Options, Explained
Which Option Fits Your Situation?
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Hi. I'm Gwen, your Ferns Finance broker.
With over 14 years experience. I have a passion for working with first time homeowners and start up businesses. My job is to take the stress on and let you enjoy the process.
Whether it's owing your own home, or starting a business - It's such an honour to be part of that journey.
Find the right
solution for you
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to refinance, expanding your business, or securing finance for a new vehicle, we're here to help. We'll simplify the complexities and connect you with the ideal loan solution tailored to your unique needs.
Home loans
Your property journey starts here. Home loans & mortgages.
Unlock your dream home or investment property across Beenleigh, Logan, Scenic Rim & Gold Coast. Gwen Fernandes simplifies mortgages, from first homes to refinancing.
Business loans
Grow your enterprise with Ferns. Business loans & commercial finance.
Fuel your business growth in Beenleigh, Logan, Scenic Rim & Gold Coast. We provide tailored commercial finance, start-up funding, and asset solutions.
Personal loans
Your life goals funded. Personal loans & vehicle finance.
Achieve your personal goals with flexible finance for vehicles, renovations, or consolidating debt in Beenleigh, Logan, Scenic Rim & Gold Coast.
Over 70+ lenders to help you find the one for you
What makes
us different?
Ferns Finance
Banks & lenders
1There may be occasions where you may be charged a fee by your broker.
2Your broker is able to assess each lender's approval times and identify those that can provide approval quickly, however this is subject to change and can vary significantly based on how complex is your loan application and how quickly you’re able to provide the information we need.
3Not all lenders are available to all brokers. The exact details of the lenders your broker has access to is disclosed within the Credit Guide your broker gives to you when providing credit assistance or is available upon request.
4The way in which your broker will stay in touch with you will differ, however typically this will be via email. In addition you will be able to contact them for guidance as required. You are able to opt out of these communications at any stage.
Let’s chat today to find the right solution for you.
Let’s chat today to find the right solution for you. Whether it's your first home, a growing business, or a new vehicle, Gwen and the Ferns Finance team are here in Beenleigh, Logan, Scenic Rim, and on the Gold Coast to offer expert, obligation-free advice tailored to your goals.
Your questions,
easily answered.
Have questions about home loans, refinancing, business finance, or how a mortgage broker can help? Find the answers to your questions here.
What is a finance broker?
How do finance brokers get paid?
What are the benefits of using a finance broker?
Do I need a finance broker?
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Industry articles & insights from Ferns
The ATO Is Coming for Small Business Debt: Here's What You Need to Know Before 1 July 2026
The ATO is no longer being patient with unpaid tax debt and small businesses are carrying the bulk of the $50 billion it's chasing. With a stack of major changes hitting on 1 July 2026 (payday super, the closure of the ATO's clearing house, and the instant asset write-off deadline), now is the time to get your house in order. This article breaks down what's changing, what it costs to ignore it, and the practical steps you can take this week to protect yourself and your business.
ATO Debt Is Crushing Small Businesses Right Now. Here's How to Fight Back
Australian small businesses are facing the harshest ATO enforcement environment in over a decade and the cost of doing nothing has never been higher. This article breaks down what's changed, why ATO debt is now more dangerous and more expensive than most business owners realise, and how Ferns Finance Brokers can help you clear it with the right finance solution before enforcement escalates.
Government 0% Interest Business Loans Are Open Right Now!
The Federal Government has launched a $1 billion zero-interest loan scheme for Australian businesses impacted by the current fuel and supply chain crisis. Applications are open now through participating banks — but the window is only six months. Here's a plain-English breakdown of who qualifies, how much you can borrow, and what to do next.