What Is Considered Income For the Bankruptcy Means Test?
Trying to figure out if you can meet all the requirements for a bankruptcy discharge can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to start. The Bankruptcy Means Test form was created to help you navigate through to see if you qualify to file for bankruptcy discharge. The means test will look at your income to determine if you can qualify.
by:
Dave Te
,
May 23, 2024
Reviewed By:
,
May 23, 2024
Information in this article does not constitute legal advice, it is for informational purposes only, and may not constitute the most up-to-date information. Readers should contact their attorney for advice on any particular legal matter.
What is the Bankruptcy Means Test?
The Bankruptcy Means Test is a bankruptcy form that you must complete and file with the bankruptcy court. In the form, you will calculate your average monthly income which will then be multiplied by 12, so you can calculate your average annual income.
Also to note, the Bankruptcy Means Test will be applied to your whole household. This means, that even if your spouse will not be filing for bankruptcy, you have to include his/her income when calculating the Bankruptcy Means Test. The Bankruptcy Means Test is will compare your average household income to the average income for a household of the same size in your state. So, the figures that were used to calculate the average income for your state comes from the Census Bureau data. This means that the test will determine if your household’s average annual income is higher or lower than households in the state with the same amount of people.
You can calculate your current monthly income by adding your income from all sources for the six months before filing bankruptcy and dividing by six. Then from there, you will need to use gross income before deductions. You do not have to include payments received under the Social Security Act such as SSDI, SSI, and Social Security retirement as monthly income on the Bankruptcy Means Test. Although, you need to include this income when you complete other bankruptcy forms.
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Income Included in Bankruptcy Means Test
Many types of income are included in the Bankruptcy Means Test and the average monthly income may come from all sources that the debtor receives. This is without any regard to whether such income is taxable income, derived during the 6-month period that is ending. From there, the last day of the month will be immediately preceded by the date of the commencement of the case if the debtors file the schedule of current income required by section 512. As well as you can also do the date on which current income is determined by the court for purposes of this title if the debtor will not file the schedule of current income by section 521.
You may be included in any amount paid by any entity besides the debtor. Otherwise, it will be in a joint case the debtor and the debtor’s spouse on a basis for the household expenses of the debtor/debtor’s dependents.
Income Not Included in Bankruptcy Means Test
When qualifying, there is income that may be excluded.
Social Security Benefits
For instance, if you have benefits received under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.). If you are unsure what your Social Security benefit may be, consider taking our free Social Security Benefits Calculator.
Payments of Victims of War Crimes
Also not included are payments to victims of war crimes/crimes against humanity on account of their status as victims of such crimes. Another one is having payments to victims of international terrorism/domestic terrorism. These terms are defined in section 2331 of title 18, on account of their status as victims of such terrorism.
Compensation paid under title 10, 37, or 38 in connection with a disability of uniformed services
Any monthly compensation, pension, pay, annuity, or allowance paid under titles 10, 37, or 38 in connection with a disability, combat-related injury/disability, or death of a member of the uniformed services. Except retired pay excluded under this subclause shall include retired pay paid under chapter 61 of title 10 only to the extent that such retired pay exceeds the amount of retired pay to which the debtor would otherwise be entitled if retired under any provision of title 10 other than chapter 61 of that title.
Payments Related to National Emergency
As well as payments made under Federal law relating to the national emergency declared by the President under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). With respect due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19).
Is Bankruptcy Based On Household Income?
Yes, it is all based on your household income and whether you qualify or not from the Bankruptcy Means Test. Don’t forget, that your current monthly income is multiplied by 12 to calculate your average annual income. So, your average annual income is compared to the average income for households of your size in your state. If you are below the state median income, you “pass” the Means Test and may qualify for a bankruptcy discharge. However, if your annual income is above the state median income, you might have to do a second test to identify deductible expenses that may still allow you to qualify.
You can check out the Bankruptcy Means Test forms for your current monthly income. These forms are the Official Bankruptcy Forms that are approved by the Judicial Conference. This form should help you figure out based on your household income if you will “pass” and qualify.
However, you will need to provide other information to complete the forms. For example, you need the current Census Bureau data, IRS Data, and Administrative Expenses Multipliers to complete the calculations required by the Bankruptcy Means Test. Don’t forget that the UST will periodically update the information. You have to ensure that you are using the most recent data available when you calculate the Bankruptcy Means Test. If you were to use any outdated information, it could result in an error in the Means Test calculations on your end.
Bankruptcy can be a great way to get a fresh start when your debt has become unaffordable due to financial hardship. Bankruptcy is for those who have a strong desire to pay their bills, but may not have the ability to pay those bills.
Yes, you can file bankruptcy while unemployed with no job, but please note that your unemployment income does count as income for the bankruptcy means test.
The United States Bankruptcy Code does not require people to hire a bankruptcy lawyer to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. Cases filed by individuals without attorneys are referred to as “pro se” filings.
