1
Pricing Risk
Disputed debts
May increase review and evidence time before plan finalization.
ASIC Report 810 Data
How Much Does Small Business Restructuring Cost?
SBR is significantly more affordable than traditional insolvency processes. Here's a breakdown of the costs based on official ASIC data. For background on the process itself, see What is SBR?
Quote Drivers
What Affects Small Business Restructuring Costs
Most fee variation comes from complexity and documentation quality, not from the process label alone.
Number of creditors and size of debt ledger
Quality and completeness of financial records
Urgency/timing pressure (DPN deadlines, court activity)
Disputed or legally complex liabilities
Related entities and intercompany balances
Operational complexity during restructuring phase
Payment Mechanics
How SBR Practitioner Fees Are Structured
1
Initial engagement
Most practitioners quote a fixed fee for the restructuring phase after scoping complexity.
2
Restructuring phase billing
Typically paid as upfront or staged payments across the 20-business-day process.
3
Plan phase administration
If approved, administration fees apply over plan duration and are usually disclosed in advance.
4
Out-of-scope events
Litigation, major disputes, or unusual complexity can require revised scope/pricing.
Edge Cases
When SBR Pricing Complexity Increases
These scenarios do not automatically rule out SBR, but they usually increase review scope and evidence requirements.
2
Pricing Risk
Personal guarantees
Company process may not resolve all personal exposures; separate advice may be needed.
3
Pricing Risk
Related entities
Intercompany transactions often require deeper reconciliation and documentation.
4
Pricing Risk
Lodgement backlog
Rectification work can add pre-appointment effort and timeline pressure.
Median Fees (ASIC Report 810)
Small Business Restructuring Cost Summary — ASIC Data
$16,137
Restructuring Phase
20 business days max
$6,739
Plan Phase
Up to 3 years
$15k-$30k
Typical Total Range
Fixed fee quotes available
Source: ASIC Report 810: Review of small business restructuring process 2022-24, June 2025
What's Included
Understanding Small Business Restructuring Fee Breakdown
Small Business Restructuring involves two main phases, each with specific services included.
1
Restructuring Phase
20 business days max
Median Fee
$16,137
- Financial investigation
- Debt review and analysis
- Plan development
- Creditor communications
- ASIC lodgements
2
Plan Administration
Up to 3 years
Median Fee
$6,739
- Plan oversight (up to 3 years)
- Creditor distributions
- ASIC reporting
- Compliance management
- Final discharge
Pricing Transparency
Most practitioners offer fixed-fee quotes
Knowing exact costs upfront removes uncertainty. Here's what shapes the final quote.
Fixed restructuring phase fee
Quoted upfront after scoping complexity — no surprises during the 20-business-day process.
Plan administration disclosed in advance
Ongoing fees for the plan phase are outlined before you commit, so you can budget accordingly.
Compare multiple quotes
We recommend speaking with 2–3 practitioners to find the best fit for your situation and budget.
Comparison
SBR vs Voluntary Administration vs Liquidation: Cost Comparison
Understanding how SBR costs compare to other insolvency options helps demonstrate its value.
| Process | Typical Cost | Timeframe | Business Continues? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Business Restructuring | $15,000 - $30,000 | 5-6 weeks + plan | Yes |
| Voluntary Administration | $50,000 - $150,000+ | 2-3 months+ | Uncertain |
| Liquidation | $20,000 - $50,000+ | 6-12 months | No |
Return on Investment
Return on Investment of Small Business Restructuring
When considering the cost of SBR, look at the potential return on investment.
Example: Construction Business
Total Debt
$300,000
After 70% Reduction
$90,000
SBR Costs
$25,000
Net Savings
$185,000
Return on Investment: 7.4x
In this example, spending $25,000 on SBR results in a net saving of $185,000.
Important: This is an illustrative scenario only. Actual outcomes vary by creditor support, business viability, and plan execution performance.
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