Are there income requirements to file for bankruptcy in Arizona?

No matter where you file for bankruptcy, there are income eligibility requirements. The requirements differ by state and by type of bankruptcy. If you want to use Chapter 7, your income must be low enough to preclude you from repaying some of your debt. If you want to use Chapter 13, in contrast, your income must be high enough to allow you to pay off some debt. 

Chapter 7: The Means Test

To be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must pass the means test. If your income is less than the median income in Arizona for a household of your size, you pass. Even if your income is more than the median, you still pass the means test if your disposable income (what's left after subtracting certain allowed expenses) is less than a minimum amount set by law. 

You can find links to the current Arizona median income figures at Filing for Bankruptcy in Arizona; these numbers are updated from time to time, so make sure you're using the most current set. 

Chapter 13: Repayment Plan Requirements

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you enter into a repayment plan to pay off some or all of your debts over three to five years (the length of the plan depends on your income and debts). To qualify for Chapter 13, you must have enough income to make your required monthly payments, on top of your other expenses and payments you owe for secured debts (like your mortgage or a car note).

How much you'll have to pay into the repayment plan each month depends on how much you owe and what types of debts you have. Certain debts, including child support and back taxes, have to be paid off in full in Chapter 13. Depending on your assets and income, other debts can be paid only in part or not paid at all. For information on how repayment amounts are determined in Chapter 13, see How to Calculate a Chapter 13 Monthly Payment.