Bankruptcy and IRS tax debts are deeply misunderstood topics, often surrounded by confusion and anxiety.

For individuals and businesses who know very little about these issues, it’s important to start with the basics – not all tax debts are wiped out by bankruptcy, and the rules for clearing IRS debts are complex. However, bankruptcy can provide relief, or at least breathing room, for those facing insurmountable tax bills.

Here’s what you need to know, presented in practical terms for the average taxpayer.

What Is Bankruptcy?

The Insolvency Service has for many decades been the Government department responsible for the oversight of bankruptcies, compulsory insolvencies and, in more serious cases, the disqualification of individual directors.

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Overview

Earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) recognized a victory in United States v. Miller. In this bankruptcy case, the trustee attempted to avoid certain transfers that shareholders of the bankrupt company had made, including a $145,000 transfer to the IRS.

The UK Supreme Court recently handed down a judgment in Tradition Financial Services Ltd v Bilta (UK) Ltd & Others[1] in which it considered the scope of section 213 of the Insolvency Act 1986, specifically whether those beyond the small group of individuals with controlling or m

On 21 March 2025, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled that a taxpayer is allowed to deduct a liquidation loss on its participation in a liquidated subsidiary that transferred losses to group companies under the Irish group relief regime in the years prior to the liquidation. This Supreme Court judgment provides a favorable outcome for taxpayers.

Background

A recent case considered whether a tax avoidance scheme could constitute a transaction defrauding creditors under section 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (IA 1986). The decision hinged on whether the transactions were made for a "prohibited purpose" under s423(3)(a).

Facts of Purkiss v Kennedy