A controversial polling firm once co-owned by union leaders has collapsed owing $240,000 to the tax office after its brand and assets were transferred to another company operated by its founder.

uCommunications Pty Ltd, a polling and market research company known as uComms, appointed B&T Advisory as liquidator this month with less than $500 in its account, a $243,000 tax bill and an $86,000 loan for RAM ute.