Talk to a Bankruptcy Lawyer
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Tax Debt, Child Support, Student Loans, and Utility Bills in Bankruptcy
Related Ads
Most people file bankruptcy to get out from a staggering load of debt. Before you file, make sure you understand what happens to certain debts in bankruptcy.
Below you'll find information about what happens to certain types of debts in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, including:
- tax debt
- child support arrears
- student loans, and
- utility bills.
And be sure to check out the articles in our sections on credit card debt, medical debt, car loans, and mortgages, as well as the more general articles in What Happens to Your Debts in Bankruptcy?.
Tax Debt in Bankruptcy
Here’s a rundown of which tax debts are and are not dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Most tax liens cannot be removed in bankruptcy. But there are a few exceptions.
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, some types of tax debts are discharged and others you'll have to pay in full through your Chapter 13 plan.
Learn what happens to tax debts and wage garnishment for back taxes in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
The automatic stay stops IRS collection of tax debts during your bankruptcy. But the IRS may be able to collect from you later.
Child Support in Bankruptcy
You cannot get rid of child support obligations or child support arrearages through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
The short answer is no.""
If your spouse files for bankruptcy, it won't affect the child support you receive.
Your child support obligations continue during bankruptcy.
Student Loans in Bankruptcy
Getting student loans discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is very difficult. For the most part, you must show that repayment would cause you undue hardship.""
Learn about nonbankruptcy methods for reducing student loan debt and avoiding wage garnishment.
Utility Bills in Bankruptcy
If you are behind in your utility payments and file for bankruptcy, you can discharge the outstanding bills in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and repay outstanding bills through your repayment plan if you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Here's how it works.
Nolo's Bankruptcy and Debt Books
The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work for You?
Is bankruptcy the right solution for your overwhelming debts? Pick the best strategies for your situation with the information and practical suggestions in this book by best-selling author Stephen Elias.
Is bankruptcy the right solution for your overwhelming debts? Pick the best strategies for your situation with the information and practical suggestions in this book by best-selling author Stephen Elias.
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
The reliable, up-to-date information in this best-selling book will help you successfully complete your bankruptcy claim without breaking the bank.
The reliable, up-to-date information in this best-selling book will help you successfully complete your bankruptcy claim without breaking the bank.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Keep Your Property & Repay Debts Over Time
This comprehensive guide explains the Chapter 13 process, from start to finish.
This comprehensive guide explains the Chapter 13 process, from start to finish.
Solve Your Money Troubles: Debt, Credit & Bankruptcy
Get out of debt and solve your money troubles with this complete guide to repairing your credit and regaining financial freedom.
Get out of debt and solve your money troubles with this complete guide to repairing your credit and regaining financial freedom.
LA-WS4:0.9.22.120522.13848+