Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an option for corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) going out of business. But business Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases aren't filed as frequently as you might think. Why? Because LLCs and corporations don’t receive a debt discharge eliminating debt. Also, a Chapter 7 filing can open the door to lawsuits transferring debt liability from the company to an individual interest holder.
If you’re considering bankrupting a corporation or LLC in Chapter 7, keep reading to learn about the benefits and pitfalls of closing companies using Chapter 7. If you’d like a refresher on how LLCs and corporations are formed and closed, skip to “Understanding Formation and Closure Requirements of LLCs and Corporations” at the end of the article.
Yes, an LLC can declare bankruptcy, and so can a traditional corporation. However, the bankruptcy chapter filed will determine whether the LLC or corporation remains open and operational after the bankruptcy filing.
Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will close the LLC or corporation. To keep a company open and operational, Chapter 11 or Chapter 11, Subchapter V are better options.
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy works differently for LLCs and corporations than individuals. Here, you’ll find a brief explanation of what to expect. A more thorough discussion of important issues follows.
The primary purpose of Chapter 7 is to allow the Chapter 7 trustee assigned to the case to inventory and sell the business property and use the proceeds to pay creditors. Allowing a neutral third party to conduct this aspect of the business closure has two primary benefits: It takes the burden off stakeholders and assures creditors of the propriety of the asset sale.
What's the result of the sale of the company assets? Selling equipment, inventory, products, and supplies ultimately closes the company.
The corporation or LLC will not receive a debt discharge in Chapter 7, leaving the company responsible for its obligations. The debt discharge isn’t necessary because creditors can’t collect from a closed and defunct company.
Leaving liability in place also allows creditors to collect in several instances:
Learn more about when you're personally liable for business debts.
One of the most significant downsides of putting an LLC or corporation in Chapter 7 bankruptcy is that it provides an easy and instant forum for a lawsuit. All a disgruntled creditor must do is file a motion or bankruptcy lawsuit called an “adversary proceeding” to ask for relief.
Unlike Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Chapter 7 doesn’t have a mechanism that allows for the continued operation of a corporation or LLC. Chapter 7 is a quick bankruptcy chapter designed for people and companies without an income source to pay debt. The primary function of Chapter 7 is to liquidate assets and pay creditors, which is why filing this chapter will shut down the company.
To achieve an orderly business liquidation, the bankruptcy trustee will sell all of the corporation or LLC assets and distribute the proceeds among creditors according to the priority rules established in bankruptcy law.
As discussed briefly above, not only will filing Chapter 7 close the business, but corporations and LLCs don’t receive a debt discharge. It isn’t needed. A creditor can’t collect from the company once it’s no longer operational. After all assets are sold for the benefit of creditors, as required in a business closure, nothing of value will be left to take.
Also, leaving the debt in place rather than wiping it out allows a creditor to pursue actions against individuals when appropriate. For instance, a creditor might seek payment under a personal guarantee (an agreement to be personally responsible for business debt) or pursue litigation under an alter ego or fraud theory.
So why would a corporation or LLC file a Chapter 7 case?
Winding down a business in bankruptcy allows for a higher level of transparency. It’s easier to prove that the closure took place in the manner required by law, which, in some cases, might prevent a disgruntled creditor from pursuing litigation. Here’s why.
A Chapter 7 liquidation can help alleviate a common creditor concern—an officer or member might divert funds into private coffers rather than paying creditors. A business Chapter 7 publicly sells the company’s assets and pays its obligations.
When it works, the officers and managing members get to step away from the closure and leave the hard work of selling off assets and paying creditors to the bankruptcy trustee.
When you file for Chapter 7, you lose control of the company. The bankruptcy trustee takes over the business assets and determines whether it’s in the best interests of the creditors to sell the business as a whole or to sell off the assets.
If you’re liable for any business debt, the lack of control might cause a problem if the sales proceeds from the business assets aren't sufficient to pay a debt you guaranteed or that you're responsible for paying by statute, like certain taxes.
After the bankruptcy, the remaining debt will often be more significant than if you sold the assets yourself for several reasons:
Any outstanding balance left after the trustee makes a payment will remain due and payable. As a result, you could owe more on a personal guarantee than if you had negotiated with the creditors and sold the assets.
Another common disadvantage is often even more expensive. Filing a case in bankruptcy court provides a disgruntled party—whether a creditor, business partner, or ex-spouse—with a forum to air any complaints about handling the business finances.
This problem concerns stakeholders because most disputes can potentially shift debt liability from the business to an individual. For instance, it doesn’t take much effort for a creditor to attend the 341 meeting of creditors—the one hearing all filers must attend—and provide the trustee with investigation-prompting information.
When this happens, it’s common for the trustee to continue a relatively short creditor’s meeting to another day for more thorough and often uncomfortable trustee questioning. The purpose of the continued meeting is for the trustee to use the new information to find assets for creditors, and yes, they’ll be on the same side.
It’s also relatively simple for a creditor to file an adversary proceeding—essentially a lawsuit—alleging liability-shifting theories that would allow a creditor to collect from an individual’s personal assets. The possibility of opening the door to these types of litigation is often enough for most to avoid Chapter 7 bankruptcy (more below).
Even though corporate entities and LLCs are responsible for debt payment, individuals can still find themselves liable for business obligations. Here are a few situations that can give rise to personal liability.
Putting the company through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help with these personal obligations, but only if the Chapter 7 trustee liquidates enough property to satisfy the debt. If a balance remains after the bankruptcy case, the creditor can pursue the individual’s personal assets.
To learn more, check out When You Might Be Personally Liable for LLC or Corporate Debt.
When a business is failing or closed, often the most straightforward solution to debt problems isn’t bankrupting the company. It’s frequently more efficient for the owner or stakeholder to file a consumer Chapter 7 bankruptcy personally.
An individual can usually get rid of many personal debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans, but also erase a personal guarantee for business debts. This is the case even if the business remains open because filers can discharge most business debt in an individual bankruptcy case.
Learn about the debts erased in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Better yet, if most of your debt is related to the business (as opposed to consumer debt for personal needs), you might qualify even if your income exceeds Chapter 7 limitations. You can avoid Chapter 7 income requirements and the means test if you have more business debt than consumer debt. So, even if you have a healthy income, you still might be able to wipe out the personal guarantee in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Find out more by reading The Bankruptcy Means Test: Are You Eligible for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Sometimes, business owners find Chapter 13 offers better debt relief options. For instance, if you don’t qualify for Chapter 7, you can restructure debt over five years using a Chapter 13 plan.
Chapter 13 will also let you keep the property you’d lose in Chapter 7. And, although Chapter 7 bankruptcy won’t wipe most support arrearages, tax, and fraud debt, you can pay off these types of debts over time without worrying about creditors knocking at the door.
You likely understand the ins and outs of creating and closing an LLC or corporation. However, we include them here if you’d like a refresher.
Chapter 7 can be risky for a corporation or LLC because it's a separate legal entity. Once created by filing documents with the secretary of state and paying registration fees, the newly formed business owns assets and is legally liable for paying its debts.
Because corporations and LLCs are separate entities, people don’t own them outright. Instead, individuals own stakes in the company rather than the company itself. For instance, an individual corporate shareholder will own shares of the corporation. An LLC member will hold an ownership interest outlined in the LLC’s operating agreement. Each ownership interest entitles the holder to a portion of its value and profits.
These types of business structures work well for people who want to participate in business without risk to their personal wealth. The structure prevents business creditors from coming after an individual’s personal assets (although it doesn’t always work, more below).
Example. A shareholder or member who files an individual bankruptcy (not a business bankruptcy) won’t list the company as an asset in the bankruptcy paperwork. Instead, the filer will list the value of the corporate shares or the value of the LLC ownership interest as property owned. The bankruptcy trustee can sell only the filer’s interest in the company, not the entire business unless the filer is the sole shareholder or member.
As an aside, few bankruptcy asset buyers are willing to purchase a partial interest in a small business. This fact can come into play when filing personal bankruptcy and calculating the risk of the Chapter 7 trustee selling the filer's business ownership interest.
When shutting the doors of a corporation or LLC, the corporate officer or the LLC’s managing member must sell off or "liquidate" the company assets and distribute the funds to the creditors. Notice of proper closure must be filed with the secretary of state.
Failing to follow these procedures could subject individuals holding an ownership interest to liability. The requirements discourage the funneling of assets to insiders (stakeholders, business partners, and family members) because, in most cases—other than those discussed above—a creditor loses the ability to collect any remaining balance from the business once the business closes.
Did you know Nolo has made the law accessible for over fifty years? It’s true, and we want to ensure you find what you need. Below, you’ll find more articles explaining how bankruptcy works. And don’t forget that our bankruptcy homepage is the best place to start if you have other questions!
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We wholeheartedly encourage research and learning, but online articles can't address all bankruptcy issues or the facts of your case. The best way to protect your assets in bankruptcy is by hiring a local bankruptcy lawyer.
]]>Before making a bankruptcy decision, you’ll want to learn about other bankruptcy options available to business owners, as well as the differences between Chapter 7 and 11 and Chapter 13 and 11 bankruptcy.
Individuals who file for Chapter 7 don't lose everything. You can designate some of your property as "exempt" (protected) so that after the case, you'll have the things you’ll need for a fresh start. In exchange for forgiveness (discharge) of most or all of your debts, you must turn over all nonexempt property to the Chapter 7 trustee, who will sell it and use the proceeds to pay your creditors.
Exempting your company or its assets is the key to keeping it in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Depending on the business, you’ll need to be able to protect either:
To find out whether you’ll be able to do so, you’ll look to the exemptions of the state where you live or the state where the business assets are located. Some states allow debtors to choose between the state exemptions and a list within the bankruptcy code itself (the federal exemptions).
You might have difficulty protecting everything you need, but it will be possible for some business owners. Exemptions typically cover clothing, household furnishings, a modest vehicle, some equity in a residence, and a retirement account.
Other exemptions exist, too. For instance, many states let filers protect "tools of the trade," which are usually personal assets used by an individual to carry on a trade or profession. Think of a mechanic's tools, a work truck, or a lawyer's library of law books. A wildcard exemption—an exemption that lets a filer protect any item of the filer’s choosing—can come in handy for assets that aren’t covered by exemptions, such as corporate shares. The value is usually limited to a few thousand dollars.
The structure of the business will help you determine what you’ll need to protect to prevent losing the company.
For a comprehensive evaluation of your business in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you should consult with a bankruptcy attorney before filing.
A small number of states have exemptions that could cover some specific business assets, but they’re rare. Here’s what you’ll need to exempt.
You'll need to consider what will happen to the assets that you can't protect. The trustee has two choices in dealing with a nonexempt asset: sell it or abandon it.
Before selling an asset, the Chapter 7 trustee will decide whether selling will bring in enough money to benefit the creditors. If the trustee can't realize enough money to make it worthwhile, the business or asset will be considered "burdensome to the bankruptcy estate," and abandoned back to the debtor.
Here are some of the issues the trustee will consider.
If you'd like to stay in business, you might have a better chance of doing so if you qualify to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If the company has value or assets that you can't exempt, you can pay that value to your creditors over a Chapter 13 three- to five-year repayment plan.
To learn more, see Chapter 13 Bankruptcy for Small Businesses: An Overview.
]]>Instead, most people who've signed personal guarantees agreeing to pay for partnership or corporate business debt usually choose to wipe out their individual liability by filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy themselves. If you're considering filing for bankruptcy, but you aren't sure which type would be best, help is available. Start by reading the following:
The answer depends mainly on the structure of your business and if you've signed a personal guarantee. A personal guarantee is an agreement that you'll pay the business debt personally if the business fails to do so. Once signed, you're liable for the debt, regardless of the business structure. Otherwise, your liability will depend on the business type.
If you're a sole proprietor, you and your business are treated as one. You'll be able to discharge all qualifying debt—both personal and business—by filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in your own name. If you have more business debt that personal debt, you likely won't need to worry about how much income you make—you won't need to pass the Chapter 7 means test.
You can protect both personal and business assets by using bankruptcy exemptions. So with Chapter 7, it’s possible to wipe out your debts and continue operating the business. Because most states allow you to keep a modest amount of property—basically, the bare necessities—this works best when you have a service-oriented business, such as if you’re a personal trainer or accountant.
People who own businesses that require costly equipment, goods, and supplies—such as a restaurant or clothing store—might have a difficult time retaining the business after filing for Chapter 7. The Chapter 7 trustee appointed to oversee your case would sell any nonexempt property, which in many cases, would make it impossible for the business to continue. In fact, the trustee might attempt to sell the business itself, if possible.
A partnership is a separate legal entity and can file a Chapter 7 business bankruptcy. When the partnership files for bankruptcy, there is no discharge of the business debt. Also, the partners can’t use exemptions to protect property. The trustee will close and liquidate the business by selling it or all its assets to pay creditors.
In a general partnership, all partners are personally liable for the business debt which can cause a problem if the partnership files for bankruptcy. If there aren’t enough business assets to pay off all creditors, the bankruptcy trustee (or the creditors) could go after the personal assets of each partner to satisfy any outstanding obligation.
In most cases, it’s better for the individual partners to each file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy after the business closes (in their own names—not the business name) and discharge both personal and business obligations. Keep in mind that most partnership agreements contain a clause that dissolves the business if one of the partners files for bankruptcy.
Similar to a partnership, a corporation can also file Chapter 7, but again, it won’t receive a discharge. The benefit of a business Chapter 7 is the simple and orderly liquidation it provides by placing the burden of selling assets and paying creditors on the trustee instead of the owners.
It’s rare for the benefit to outweigh the risks of this bankruptcy type, however. For instance, any stockholder who cosigned or personally guaranteed a corporate debt will still be on the hook for the debt (unless the shareholder files a Chapter 7 in his or her own name). Most corporations would do better selling the property at a higher price (compared to fire sale bankruptcy prices) and negotiating down the debt with creditors. This would leave less financial burden on those responsible for corporate debt.
Also, filing for bankruptcy gives creditors an easy forum to claim that the officers failed to follow corporate formalities—an action called piercing the corporate veil. Winning this type of lawsuit has the effect of making shareholders liable for corporate debt.
An LLC works almost precisely the same way as a corporation when it comes to bankruptcy and debt liability. You can liquidate the business by filing a business bankruptcy, but you must wipe out your liability for business debts through personal bankruptcy. Also, the same risks apply.
To learn more about what happens when your business files for Chapter 7, see Chapter 7 for Small Businesses.
Each case is unique. Before moving forward with a business or personal bankruptcy, you'll want to find out which bankruptcy type will best meet your needs. A bankruptcy attorney can review the facts of your case, then explain your options and the ramifications of each choice. Also, most attorneys will consult with you free of charge.
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