The antonyms for the phrase "are in arrears" would be "paid up" or "current". When someone is in arrears, it means that they have fallen behind on payments or obligations. So, being "paid up" would imply that all payments have been made on time and there are no outstanding debts or obligations. Similarly, being "current" means that payments are up-to-date and there is no past due or overdue balance. These antonyms are important because they describe a person's financial status and accountability. Being in arrears can have negative consequences, such as late fees, penalties, and even legal action, while being paid up and current can offer peace of mind and financial stability.