ATO chasing alleged $135m debt from bankrupt Vailo lighting business founder Aaron Hickmann’s estate

The eye-watering amount the Australian Taxation Office claims embattled Vailo founder Aaron Hickmann’s estate owes can now be revealed.

Embattled South Australian entrepreneur Aaron Hickmann’s empire is being pursued over an alleged nine-figure tax debt in the wake of being declared bankrupt.

Documents show the Australian Taxation Office lodged a ‘proof of claim’ seeking almost $135 million from Mr Hickmann’s estate earlier this month.

The estate’s Trustee is expected to assess that application. It is not clear what comprises the figure of $134,824,107 cited in the documents as the ATO’s claim against the estate.

But Mr Hickmann, now of the Gold Coast, denied the ATO had made such a claim.

“These continuous allegations of fake news information are (beyond) comprehension,” he said in a statement.

“There is no claim of such a ridiculous amount, it is not even feasible.”

The ATO issued a statement last week saying it was unable to comment due to obligations under taxpayer confidentiality laws.

Vailo Founder Aaron Hickmann. Picture: Ben Clark

Mr Hickmann, 36, has told The Advertiser he owed the taxation office about $343,000 in “genuine tax debt”.

“In relation to (ATO) tax, I am aware my companies that have a genuine tax debt of around $343,000 are being negotiated on a repayment plan,” he said at the time.

“Any claimed interest or penalty is being disputed with the objection department and will be paid.”

The father-of-two also stated in relation to a state land tax debt, he was “aware my companies collectively owe $88,000 and a repayment plan is being entered”.

He said any “miscalculation” would be “discussed and negotiated by my conveyancer for final payment”.

“My companies invested millions into South Australia, including one of the largest sponsorships for multiple years,” he stated at the time.

“Instead of cheering on someone from Adelaide, and the company supporting others, I’ve been harassed with allegations and misinformation ever since.”

Vailo founder Aaron Hickmann. Picture Supplied

The Federal Circuit Court in Adelaide last month declared Mr Hickmann bankrupt. Picture Mark Brake

The Federal Circuit Court in Adelaide last month declared Mr Hickmann bankrupt after he failed to repay an almost $600,000 loan.

Marlbury Capital Lending Services pursued the sequestration action, claiming Mr Hickmann had not repaid a $596,424.20 loan.

The ATO joined that bankruptcy action as a “supporting creditor”.

Mr Hickmann disputed debt and tax claims against him and his businesses.

His lighting company Vailo was placed into receivership in early March as a result of apparently defaulting on repayments to National Australia Bank.

The amount of money NAB claims Vailo owes has not been disclosed.

In mid-March The Advertiser reported that Vailo would not continue as the Adelaide 500’s main sponsor after confidential discussions regarding a two-year extension collapsed.

Vailo had been the naming rights sponsor of the Supercars event since the state government revived the race in 2022.

Last month, the government revealed the race would now be known as the bp Adelaide Grand Final.