Official form guide
Form No.9 Declaration of Insolvency
Form No.9 Declaration of Insolvency is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used to formally declare that an individual or company is insolvent and to start the court‑supervised insolvency process.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.9 Declaration of Insolvency
Form No.9 Declaration of Insolvency is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used to formally declare that an individual or company is insolvent and to start the court‑supervised insolvency process.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to have the declaration witnessed by a commissioner for oaths.
- 2Leaving out a creditor or asset
- 3Signing without a commissioner for oaths
- 4Submitting after a creditor’s enforcement action has begun
- 5Using an outdated version of the form
Plain English
If you cannot pay your debts and need the courts to handle your bankruptcy or liquidation, you fill out this form. It tells the court you are insolvent and asks for a hearing to decide the next steps.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing should occur before any enforcement action or within 28 days of receiving a creditor’s petition to preserve your rights.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you are personally insolvent and need a personal bankruptcy order.
- When a company is unable to pay its debts and seeks a winding‑up order.
- When a creditor has filed a petition and you want to make a formal counter‑declaration.
- When you need the court to appoint a trustee or liquidator.
- When you want to protect assets from immediate seizure.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Personal bankruptcy
Used when you want to apply directly for bankruptcy without a prior declaration
✓ Verify if you need a declaration first
Form No.10 (Bankruptcy Application)
Company liquidation
Starts a winding‑up proceeding by a creditor
✓ Ensure the company is insolvent before filing
Form N1 (Petition for Winding‑up)
Creditor petition
Filed by a creditor against a debtor
✓ Use only if you are a creditor, not the debtor
Form N5 (Petition for Bankruptcy)
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing should occur before any enforcement action or within 28 days of receiving a creditor’s petition to preserve your rights.
Before you submit
- 1All debtor/company details are correct and match official records.
- 2All known creditors are listed with accurate amounts owed.
- 3Asset valuations are up to date (no older than 30 days).
- 4Signature witnessed by a commissioner for oaths.
- 5Supporting schedules attached and numbered.
- 6Correct filing fee calculated and ready for payment.
- 7Form is the latest 2024 version.
- 8Copy of the form retained for personal records.
- 9Correct court registry address entered.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare a complete list of assets and liabilities.
- 2Complete Form No.9 on a computer or legibly by hand.
- 3Have the declaration witnessed by a commissioner for oaths.
- 4Attach the asset and liability schedules.
- 5Pay the filing fee (check current amount on the Courts Service site).
- 6Submit the form in person, by post, or via the e‑Filing portal.
- 7Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not replace a full bankruptcy application; a further court order may be required.
- 2Only accepted by District or High Court registries; not by local authorities.
- 3Electronic submission is limited to courts that support the e‑Filing system.
- 4The form does not capture complex cross‑border insolvency issues.
- 5No automatic protection against creditor actions until the court issues an order.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form No.9 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the fee amount on the latest Courts Service fee schedule.
- Verify the witness signature line includes space for a commissioner for oaths.
- Ensure the asset and liability schedule format matches the current template.
- Review any new guidance notes posted on the Courts Service website.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 28/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from Courts Service of Ireland website.
- SRCGeneral purpose inferred from typical insolvency procedures in Ireland.
- SRCWitness requirement based on standard Irish statutory declaration practice.
- SRCFiling locations derived from Courts Service filing guidelines.
- SRCFee and deadline assumptions marked as not confirmed in official source.
- SRCVersion date and revision notes marked as not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Difference between a personal bankruptcy declaration and a company winding‑up petition.
Whether a solicitor or a commissioner for oaths can witness the signature.
How to calculate the filing fee for individuals versus companies.
Which court registry (District vs High Court) to use for different debt sizes.
What to do if a creditor has already obtained a judgment before filing.
Whether assets held jointly need separate disclosure.
How to handle foreign assets or debts not listed on the form.
Source transparency
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