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The special circumstance of self-employed workers.

Being self-employed offers many advantages and a lot of freedom. But it also brings quite a bit of responsibility. When you have your own business, many of these responsibilities are taken on personally, including those related to debt.

In contrast with SMBs or large corporations, sole proprietors usually have a low tolerance level when it comes to financial difficulties. Whatever the cause of such problems, contacting an insolvency professional quickly can make all the difference. Advice from a licensed insolvency trustee (LIT) may solve the problem, allowing the business to continue, or lead to an orderly resolution once operations are terminated. Otherwise, there may be negative consequences for the business owner, as well as his or her family.

No matter your situation and objectives, our analysis and personalized advice will allow you to better face your future.

The causes of debt for self-employed workers

 

Given the fragility of their job, unexpected situations can rapidly cause difficulties to the self-employed. For independent business owners and contractors, insolvency is most often the result of the following causes:

  • Difficulties in getting clients to pay, and/or loss of a major contract
  • Reduction in the number of clients
  • Problems with the Canada Revenue Agency or Revenu Québec
  • Increased competition
  • A loss of suppliers
  • Changes in their industry
  • Impossibility of obtaining financing
  • Act of God (disaster, theft, etc.)
  • Accidents and/or illness
     

Effective solutions for the self-employed

Commercial activities and the resulting debt are the personal responsibility of freelancers. They do not benefit from the protection enjoyed by the individuals who incorporate their business. This means that the business difficulties of the self-employed workers will affect them personally.

When faced with debt problems a self-employed worker has several options: a notice of intention to make a proposal, a proposal, a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. To determine which solution will be the most appropriate, a Ginsberg Gingras insolvency professional will analyze the situation and your debts.

Our objective is to propose the best solution, which takes into consideration the difficulties and available resources. We also take into account the objectives and future plans of the particular individual when we recommend an action plan. The following questions will influence the solution chosen to solve a self-employed worker’s debt problems.

  • Does the freelancer want to continue pursuing his/her business activities?
  • Does he or she have the capacity to overcome the debt problems?
  • Can the causes of debt reoccur in the short or medium term?
  • Are the probabilities of a return to profitability satisfactory?

Once these elements have been reviewed, the LIT will implement the chosen solution and take care of communicating with creditors.

The benefits of acting quickly

 

In the case of debt problems, a self-employed worker’s creditors have several options, including:

  • Seizing a bank account
  • Seizing accounts receivables from payers
  • Selling assets under an order of a court
  • Registering a legal mortgage on the property of a self-employed worker

In order to avoid having to face such a situation, it is important to act quickly. All freelancers would benefit from contacting a licensed insolvency trustee at the first signs of financial problems. When facing debt problems, time is a commodity that shouldn’t be wasted.

Self-employed workers will find a reliable partner in Ginsberg Gingras

To be a successful freelancer, you must have been able to develop a variety of skills—in fiscal management, marketing, administration, etc. But if debt problems arise, you will be happy to know that the Ginsberg Gingras licensed insolvency trustees are here to help you. You can benefit from their expertise, which will save you from having to take care of solving your debts on your own. With this support, you’ll be able to continue your work, and leave managing your financial problems to our professionals.

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