The Bankruptcy Means Test -- Expenses & Deductions

Even if you make too much money to automatically pass the Chapter 7 means test, you may still be able to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This is because you can deduct certain expenses to help you reduce your disposable income on the means test. Below you can learn about various expenses and allowed deductions that may help you pass the means test.

(For more information on the means test, visit our Bankruptcy Means Test topic page.)

Get debt relief now. We've helped 205 clients find attorneys today.

Expenses & Deductions on the Means Test

Expenses That Can Help You Pass Bankruptcy's Means Test

You can pass the Chapter 7 means test in three ways and financially qualify to wipe out debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You’ll start by checking whether you’re exempt. If you’re not, you’ll determine whether your gross income is lower than bankruptcy income limits. If it is, you’ll pass the Chapter 7 means test. If it isn’t, you’ll move on to the most complicated portion of the means test, subtracting allowed expenses from your Chapter 7 income.
The Marital Adjustment Deduction on the Means Test

If you are filing for bankruptcy without your spouse, the marital adjustment deduction may help you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

More Legal Topics

The Bankruptcy Means Test -- Income Issues

Get Professional Help

Get debt relief now.

We've helped 205 clients find attorneys today.

Full Name

Full Name is required

Email

Email is required

Please enter a valid Email

Phone

Phone Number is required

Please enter a valid Phone Number

Zip Code

Zip Code is required

Please add a valid Zip Code

Please enter a valid Case Description

Description is required

By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted by Martindale-Nolo and its affiliates, and up to three attorneys regarding this request and to receiving relevant marketing messages by automated means, text and/or prerecorded messages at the number provided. Consent is not required as a condition of service,

Click here

to agree without providing consent to be contacted by automated means, text and/or prerecorded messages. Rates may apply.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

How It Works

Briefly tell us about your case
Provide your contact information
Choose attorneys to contact you

Copyright ©2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.

Your Privacy Choices