When you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must complete and file a packet of forms.  Here’s a list of the many forms you’ll need to file for Chapter 13, and where to find them.

(To learn more about Chapter 13 bankruptcy, see our Chapter 13 Bankruptcy area. For more about the forms, see Filing for Bankruptcy.)

The Official Bankruptcy Forms

Most, and possibly all, of the forms you’ll need to file are called the official bankruptcy forms. These are available online through the website of the U.S. Courts at www.uscourts.gov.  Click on “Bankruptcy” and then “Bankruptcy Forms.”

The forms are found in two different sections:

Part I: Official Forms, Instructions, and Committee Notes. This is where you’ll find the forms you must file in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  You won’t need to file every form in this section. (See below for a list of the most common forms required.)

Part II: Procedural Forms and Instructions. This is where you’ll find forms that you might need once you’ve filed your case, or forms a creditor might use once you’ve filed, or forms that the court might issue.

You can complete the official forms online and print them out for filing.

Local Bankruptcy Forms

Your local bankruptcy court may require you to file a few additional forms. We don’t provide a list of those here, since they vary widely. And many local courts don’t require any forms other than the official bankruptcy forms.  To learn where to find local forms, see How to Get and File the Bankruptcy Forms.

Forms for Chapter 13 Bankrutpcy

Here is a list of the forms that most people must file in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A few of these may not apply in your particular situation (for example, Exhibit D or Form B 3A). 

B 1 Voluntary Petition. This includes the petition as well as Exhibits A, C, and D.

• Exhibit A – You only need to file this if you are required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
• Exhibit C -- You only need to file this if you own or possess property that may pose a threat to public health or safety.
• Exhibit D – Individual Debtor’s Statement of Compliance With Credit Counseling Requirement

B 3A Application and Order to Pay Filing Fee in Installments  (this will not apply to most Chapter 13 debtors)

B6 Cover Sheet for Schedules 

B6 Summary of Schedules 

B 6A Schedule A -- Real Property

B 6B Schedule B -- Personal Property

B 6C Schedule C -- Property Claimed as Exempt

B 6D Schedule D -- Creditors Holding Secured Claims

B 6E Schedule E -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Priority Claims

B 6F Schedule F -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Nonpriority Claims

B 6G Schedule G -- Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

B 6H Schedule H -- Codebtors

B 6I Schedule I -- Current Income of Individual Debtor(s)

B 6J Schedule J -- Current Expenditures of Individual Debtor(s)

B 6 Declaration Concerning Debtor's Schedules

B 7 Statement of Financial Affairs

B 8 Chapter 7 Individual Debtor’s Statement of Intention 

B 21 Statement of Social Security Number

B 22C Statement of Current Monthly Income and Calculation of Commitment Period and Disposable Income  

B 23 Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Instructional Course Concerning Financial Management (you must file this sometime after your case begins and before you get your final discharge)

201A Notice to Consumer Debtors Under 342(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (You will find this form under Part II: Procedural Forms and Instructions. Technically, you don’t have to file this form, but on the petition, Form B1, you’ll have to sign a statement saying you’ve read this notice.)

B 283 Chapter 13 Debtor's Certifications Regarding Domestic Support Obligations and Section 522(q)  (You may file this after you have completed your plan payments and before you can get a discharge. Check with your local court to see if it requires a different form.)

To learn more about each of these forms, see Completing the Bankruptcy Forms.

The Chapter 13 Repayment Plan

The crux of the Chapter 13 case is the repayment plan. You must file a proposed repayment plan with your Chapter 13 petition. There is no official form for the repayment plan. You can find an example of a repayment plan, including detailed information on what you must include in the plan, in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Keep Your Property & Repay Debts Over Time, by Stephen Elias and Kathleen Michon (Nolo). Or you can consult with a local bankruptcy attorney. 

To learn more about the plan, see the articles in The Chapter 13 Repayment Plan.