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This booklet explains how you can:

• access and complete forms online about making yourself bankrupt; and
• how to contact our enquiry line if you need assistance in using the service.

What is the Online Forms Service?

The Online Forms Service is another way for you to obtain and complete the forms you need when applying for bankruptcy or winding-up by the court, and for making claims under the Employment Rights Act where an employer is insolvent. The Online Forms Service is an interactive website that you can use wherever and whenever you want. To access this service, go to The Insolvency Service's website at www.insolvency.gov.uk. 

You will need to complete the following forms if you want to make yourself bankrupt:

• Form 6.27 - Debtor's Bankruptcy Petition 
• Form 6.28 - Statement of Affairs 
• PIQDP - Preliminary Information Questionnaire - Bankruptcy (debtor's petition)

How do I use the Online Forms Service?

The Online Forms Service is available on any computer with an internet connection.

You can access the forms via the link from our website at www.insolvency.gov.uk. Follow the link "Bankruptcy application online". 

You will need an email address to use the service. If you do not have an email address, you can register with one of the many online e-mail providers, for example www.hotmail.co.uk or www.uk.yahoo.com.

All new users must register with the service before they can access the forms. When registration is complete you will receive an activation code by email. You then log on to the system using your email address and activation code. Once you have logged on you will gain access to the online forms.

What are the benefits of using the Online Forms Service?

The Online Forms Service will guide you through the forms and assist you, both online as you go and by a telephone enquiry line, to complete the forms on your own. 

For help in registering and completing the forms please call the Insolvency Enquiry Line on 0845 602 9848.

The Online Forms Service allows you to save and retrieve partially completed forms, and edit previously saved information. Partially completed forms will stay in the system for 180 days from the day you last accessed the system. 

When you have fully completed a form you will be asked to submit it electronically. After doing so you cannot change the information. Submitted forms are automatically deleted after 6 months if no bankruptcy order is made.

As the Online Forms Service will guide you through the form, most of the information the official receiver will require should be automatically available once the bankruptcy order has been made.

After you submit the forms you will need to print off copies to present your bankruptcy petition. Whether forms are completed online or using the paper version the Court will make exactly the same bankruptcy order. Our information leaflet "How to petition for your own bankruptcy" contains further information about the court process.

What if I don't have a computer?

To complete the forms online you will need access to a computer with an internet connection and a printer. Your local official receiver's office or Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to let you use computer facilities. Internet access is available in some public libraries, but you may need to contact our enquiry line to get a printed copy of the forms. 

Where can I get help with using the Online Forms Service?

The Online Forms Service Frequently Asked Questions section (FAQs) covers commonly asked questions about this service. You can see the FAQs on our website www.insolvency.gov.uk via "Do it Online" or from the OFS "Welcome" page.

If you have difficulty accessing the service or have any enquiries about registration or your activation code you can contact the Insolvency Enquiry Line by telephone on 0845 602 9848 or by e-mail to onlineforms@insolvency.gov.uk. 

What standard of service can I expect from the enquiry line?

We can deal with general enquiries about insolvency procedures as well as queries about using the online forms service and activation codes. If you call our Insolvency Enquiry Line (0845 602 9848), we will answer your call between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. We aim to answer 95% of calls within 20 seconds. If you write to or email us, we will reply within 15 working days of receiving your enquiry, if a reply is needed. Our reply will state the name and telephone number of the person replying. In practice, we normally reply to 90% of enquiries within 2 working days. Please note that the Enquiry Line is not staffed overnight or on weekends, and we will get your e-mails on the next working day if you send them during these periods. 

For more information on the Insolvency Enquiry Line please see our leaflet "Any Questions?"

Note: The Insolvency Service and official receivers cannot provide legal or financial advice. You should seek this from a Citizens Advice Bureau, a solicitor, a qualified accountant, an authorised insolvency practitioner, a licensed conveyancer, or a reputable financial adviser or advice centre.