information to give attorney when filing chapter 13

by Ms. Elfrieda Walter 9 min read

The debtor must provide the chapter 13 case trustee with a copy of the tax return or transcripts for the most recent tax year as well as tax returns filed during the case (including tax returns for prior years that had not been filed when the case began). Id.

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How do I file a chapter 13 bankruptcy case?

May 20, 2020 · Aside from the obligation to keep up with monthly payments once the plan has been confirmed (approved), the additional paperwork and court appearances required in a Chapter 13 case make the likelihood of reaching a successful conclusion even more unlikely without the assistance of an attorney. If you intend to file a Chapter 13 case without an …

What credit counseling do I need before filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Whether you are filing a Chapter 13 or a Chapter 7, there are basic documents you need so that your attorney will be able to prepare your bankruptcy petition. Both types of bankruptcy petitions require virtually the same information, so even if you don’t know which type you are filing, the basic set of documents you will need to put together ...

How does Chapter 13 bankruptcy work for a small business?

A Chapter 13 case may be filed without an attorney, but it is a complicated process and it is highly recommended that you retain the services of an attorney. Your failure to meet all of the requirements of a Chapter 13 can result in a loss of protection of the automatic stay, or a dismissal of the case.

Can creditors object to a chapter 13 bankruptcy plan?

For more information about Chapter 13, refer to the Bankruptcy Basics Guide. 2. What does the debtor need to do before filing for bankruptcy? Before filing a Chapter 13 case, the debtor MUST obtain credit counseling from an approved credit counseling agency. The debtor must receive credit counseling during the 180 days before the bankruptcy filing.

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Does Chapter 13 trustee check your bank account?

Does Chapter 13 Trustee Check Your Bank Account? Yes, it's highly likely that your appointed trustee will check both your personal bank accounts and any business-related bank accounts which you may have under your name.Jan 23, 2022

What happens if my income increases during Chapter 13?

An Increase in Income During Chapter 13 The amount you are required to pay towards your debts is based on your income minus your necessary expenses, such as rent or a mortgage payment, utilities, transportation, food, and medical care. Essentially, you will pay all of your disposable income toward your liabilities.

What happens to your bank account when you file Chapter 13?

While non-exempt bank account funds are not turned over to the trustee under Chapter 13, the debtor must pay a sum equal to the funds over the exemption amount during the life of the plan. These payments will be distributed among the debtor's various creditors.

What percentage of debt do you pay back in Chapter 13?

If your request to pay off Chapter 13 early is approved by a court, you'll be required to pay 100 percent of the debt claims on your bankruptcy case. This includes unsecured debt, such as credit cards, which would've been discharged if you'd kept making Chapter 13 plan payments on the original schedule.Jul 13, 2021

What is the average monthly payment for Chapter 13?

about $500 to $600 per monthThe average payment for a Chapter 13 case overall is probably about $500 to $600 per month. This information, however, may not be very helpful for your particular situation. It takes into account a large number of low payment amounts where low income debtors are paying very little back.May 16, 2018

Does trustee check your bank account?

Please be aware that your trustee does not have access to your personal account. A separate account is opened to manage your bankrupt estate.

Will Chapter 13 take all my money?

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must devote all of your "disposable income" to repayment of your debts over the life of your Chapter 13 plan. Your disposable income first goes to your secured and priority creditors. Your unsecured creditors share any remaining amount.

How long does it take for Chapter 13 to discharge?

Discharge Time Frame Getting a discharge in a Chapter 13 case generally takes between six and eight weeks after making your plan's final payment. This time frame depends upon the court's caseload — the busier the court, the longer you may have to wait for your discharge letter.

What is the success rate of Chapter 13?

Success Rate for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy The ABI study for 2019, found that of the 283,313 cases filed under Chapter 13, only 114,624 were discharged (i.e. granted), and 168,689 were dismissed (i.e. denied). That's a success rate of just 40.4%.

Does Chapter 13 wipe out all debt?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to catch up on missed mortgage or car loan payments and restructure your debts through a repayment plan. When you complete your plan, you will receive a Chapter 13 discharge that eliminates most of your remaining debts.

What is the lowest Chapter 13 payment?

The Minimum Percentage of Debt Repayments In A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Is 8 To 10 Percent - James Logan.

Will my credit score go up after Chapter 13 discharge?

Your credit score after a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy discharge will vary. Your new score will depend on how good or bad your credit score was prior to the filing of the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. For most individuals, you can expect to see quite a dip in your overall credit score.

Who Should File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Many people think of bankruptcy court as the final stop on a path to financial ruin, the only option left when repaying debts seems impossible. But...

Typical Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case

What does a successful Chapter 13 bankruptcy applicant look like?Consider Steven and Cathy, a married couple with a home that carriers a $150,000 m...

Life After Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Once the court approves a repayment plan, it is up to the debtor to make the budget plan work. Failure to make agreed-upon payments will bring the...

Before Filing A Bankruptcy Petition

Though bankruptcy filings are sometimes of only way to resolve debts, they are generally a final alternative. Before deciding if you should file fo...

Why do attorneys prepare tax returns?

Attorneys use your returns to obtain financial information needed about past income and expenses. If a tax return is coming due or has been extended, your attorney will probably ask you to prepare your return before they file your case for you.

What to do if you don't have a bill?

If you don’t have a bill and no longer receive one, you may need to contact the company yourself to get the mailing address, account number, and balance due on all of your debts.

What is pending and potential lawsuits?

Pending and potential lawsuits or claims (including but not limited to social security, lawsuits, workman’s comp, class actions, accidents, insurance losses or any other cause of action you might have); Information on any judgments against you; Any other document that you think your attorney might need to see.

How far back do you need to go for a bank statement?

Local customs as well as your circumstances will ultimately control how far back you need to go for banking and investment accounts, but typically you will need 3-12 months in a simple case;

What to do if you don't receive pay stubs?

If you don’t receive traditional pay stubs, then you will need to talk to your attorney to determine what information you can use to provide pay information in your case. Your attorney will probably need all of your business records for a year or two showing gross income and all expenses.

Do both bankruptcy petitions require the same information?

Both types of bankruptcy petitions require virtually the same information, so even if you don’t know which type you are filing, the basic set of documents you will need to put together is the same.

Do you have to leave out debts?

You will need to provide information on all of your debts, and you should not leave any debts out. Mortgages, car loans, personal loans, credit cards and medical bills need to be set out, as do loans from friends and family, domestic and child support, restitution, fines, association dues, and any other amount you may owe.

How much does it cost to file Chapter 13?

The cost to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy consists of filing fees and fees charged by a bankruptcy attorney. Petitioners (or “debtors”) need to pay a $313 filing fee to the bankruptcy court.

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Sometimes called the Wage Earner’s Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 allows those with enough income to repay all or part of their debts as an alternative to liquidation. It’s bankruptcy for those whose biggest problem is dealing with creditors’ demands for immediate payment, not lack of income. One of Chapter 13’s most attractive features is ...

What is Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13?

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcy forces you to liquidate a great many assets to repay creditors. But the process can be concluded relatively quickly, and any wages and property you acquire after the bankruptcy filing, except inheritances, aren’t subject to distribution to your creditors.

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will be listed on the report for seven years .

How long does it take to get a bankruptcy dismissed?

Chapter 13 petitioners must stipulate that they haven’t had a bankruptcy petition dismissed in the 180 days before filing due to their unwillingness to appear in court. Also, anyone seeking bankruptcy protection, must undergo credit counseling from an approved agency within 180 days of filing a petition.

How long can you keep your home under Chapter 13?

Under Chapter 13, people have three to five years to resolve their debts while applying all their disposable income to debt reduction.

How much debt do you need to file for bankruptcy?

To be eligible to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, an individual must have no more than $419,275 in unsecured debt, such as credit card bills or personal loans. They also can have no more than $1,257,850 in secured debts, which includes mortgages and car loans.

What can you do while on hold in Chapter 13?

Here are some of the things you can and cannot do while in a Chapter 13 case. 1. Don’t Sell Any Property Without Court Approval. When you file a Bankruptcy case, you create something called the “Bankruptcy Estate.”.

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy last?

In fact, typically a Chapter 13 case must last for at least 36 months and can continue for as much as 60 months, or 5 years.

What happens if you don't disclose your inheritance?

If you will be receiving an inheritance (either real estate or cash), then you must tell your bankruptcy attorney.

What to do if you are in a car wreck?

If you’re in a car wreck or you’re injured while you are in a Chapter 13 case, and you are considering filing a lawsuit to recover for your injuries, make sure you tell your bankruptcy attorney. When you’re in a Chapter 13 case, you have a duty to disclose lawsuits to the Court.

What happens if you get a car in Chapter 13?

Typically, if your car was a part of the Chapter 13 case, the Court will direct the insurance money to go to the Chapter 13 Trustee to be used to pay off the remaining debt on the vehicle. If there are any funds left over, your attorney can request that they are distributed to you to use.

What happens if you get in a car wreck?

Suppose you are in a car wreck and your insurance company is going to be paying you the proceeds from your insurance policy to help you buy a new vehicle. Before your insurance company can do so, the Court has to enter an order directing the insurance company where to send the funds.

What is an estate?

The Estate is comprised of all of your assets, with just a few exceptions. Generally, any real estate or vehicles you have will be a part of the Estate. Any property, real or personal, that is a part of the Estate cannot be sold or transferred unless the Court approves the transfer.

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 is for people who have a regular income, but need to have their debts reorganized so they can make payments on terms favorable to them, not the creditors. This type of bankruptcy filing can help you to get caught up on your mortgage or car payments without losing your property, and can even help with money owed to the IRS.

What is Chapter 13 in Texas?

Chapter 13 is for people who have a regular income, ...

How long does it take to pay creditors in Chapter 13?

Under Chapter 13, we will help you with your plan to pay creditors over a 3- to 5-year period. This written plan details all the transactions that will occur during the duration of your repayment plan. Your creditors will no longer be able to attempt to collect on your debt except through the bankruptcy court.

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7 years from the date of filing, unlike a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which stays on your credit report for 10 years from the date of filing. A bankruptcy might make credit less available and/or terms less favorable, although having too much debt can also have the same effect.

Can creditors collect on debts?

Your creditors will no longer be able to attempt to collect on your debt except through the bankruptcy court. In general, you’ll get to keep your property, and your creditors will end up with less money than they are owed.

Can you keep your car loan without foreclosure?

You’ll be allowed to get caught up on your payments—mortgage, car loan, and more—without the threat of foreclosure or repossession, and you’ll be allowed to keep both exempt and nonexempt property.

Is Keeling Law Firm a bankruptcy?

Keeling Law Firm has helped thousands of Houstonians since 1986 with Chapter 13 bankruptcy. We will meet with you at no cost to help determine the correct approach to solving your debt problems. We can help you learn whether you qualify for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy—or whether bankruptcy is the right answer for you. We will help you ensure all requirements are fulfilled so the bankruptcy goes smoothly and your assets are safe.

How long does it take to get a tax return from Chapter 13?

After you have filed your IRS Tax Return (Form 1040), it takes 6 to 10 weeks and sometimes longer for the Trustee to receive your tax refund. ...

What happens if you don't file your taxes in Chapter 13?

If your tax returns have not been filed or become delinquent during the course of your Chapter 13 plan, you may lose the protection of the Bankruptcy Court as your case may be dismissed. During the life of your plan, the Chapter 13 Trustee may periodically request copies of your federal, state and local tax returns.

How long does it take to get a tax refund?

After receiving a copy of your filed IRS Tax Return and your tax refund, it then takes 2 to 3 weeks to process tax credits that might be returned to you, if any. If we do not receive a tax return within 60 days of receipt of your tax refund, then any tax credits will be deemed abandoned and released into your case as an additional payment. ...

Do you have to file 1040 for Chapter 13?

If your plan requires tax refunds to be paid into the plan as additional payments, then you must timely submit a filed IRS Tax Return (Form 1040) each year to the Chapter 13 Trustee. Please contact your attorney with any questions regarding whether your plan requires that your tax refunds be paid to the Trustee.

Do you have to pay taxes on Chapter 13?

Some Chapter 13 Plans require debtors to pay into the plan their federal tax refunds. Typically, tax refunds are required on all cases where unsecured creditors are paid less than 70%. If tax refunds are required in the plan as payments, it will be stated on your confirmed plan.

Does the Chapter 13 Trustee return phone calls?

The Office of the Chapter 13 Trustee will not return phone calls regarding the status of tax refunds. The administration of tax refunds in a case can be confusing, so please make sure you understand your duties. Here is a quick summary of the administration of tax returns and tax refunds:

Do you file taxes after filing Chapter 13?

The Chapter 13 Trustee will not complete or file your tax returns for you. If your tax returns have not been filed or become delinquent during the course of your Chapter 13 plan, you may lose the protection of the Bankruptcy Court as your case may be dismissed. During the life of your plan, the Chapter 13 Trustee may periodically request copies of your federal, state and local tax returns. It is your responsibility to provide those documents when requested by the Trustee. If you experience issues with filing your tax returns, please contact your attorney.

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