When the Bankruptcy Code was amended in 2005 to become the “Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act” (BAPCPA), there was a pre-change increase of Chapter 7 filings because of concern over a new provision in the law known as the “Means Test”. Once the law was amended, the means test was and is located on Form B 122(A), and became part of the petition that must filed to commence a case. While there a great deal of speculation on. What the means test would entail leading up to passage of the law.

income sources are considered and weighed against the “National Standard Tables”

In particular, the means test is a six-month review of the Debtor – or Debtors – income. All income sources are considered and weighed against the “National Standard Tables” – tables that are present for every county in the United States by the Internal Revenue Service that represent what the government perceives as the amount required for various categories. These tables promulgated for questions involving tax repayment through. The Offer in Compromise process, layout numbers for housing allowances. Food, utilities, and various other necessities, such as automobile expenses. Variation exists in the tables based on household size, locality, and on a year by year basis. To place it in a practical perspective, the National Standards are not actual expenses of the Debtor or Debtors, but expense amounts the government assumes an average individual in the subject county will have. Further, while expenses may be similar along county lines such as from San Diego County to Orange County, different National Standard numbers may exist.

If a potential Debtor has income that is in excess of the National Standard numbers for the last six months, additional provisions of the form arise, in terms of deductions, and calculations. This is where the means test's teeth arise, in that under Section 707 of BAPCPA, those individuals who are deemed to be abusive filers can have their case converted to a Chapter 13 – debt repayment plan or worse yet dismiss in its entirety, which can carry other penalties. These fears lead to the rush of filings in 2005; but as time has gone on, it is clear that this provision for many people is not even applicable. For example, the law specifically exempts disabled veterans from being subject to the test at all.

The distinction between Bankruptcy consumer debt” and “non-consumer debt”.

Moving on from this limited class. The means test circumscribed by an even larger area of the law. The distinction between “consumer debt” and “non-consumer debt”. The law states that all “consumer debtors” must complete the means test. But, this means that if one's debt is “non-consumer” debt, one doesn't have to complete this portion of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition. While the law does not lay out all the distinctions on consumer versus non-consumer debt. Various cases have since filled in the gaps. At this point consumer debt is what it sounds like credit cards. Used for personal purchases, automobile loans for personal cars. mortgages on personal residences, along with other items.

consumer debt. Meaning over fifty percent Bankruptcy

In contrast, non-consumer debt are things that are not for personal expenses. For example, a person that self-employed. But has accrued large debt related to the business is a non-consumer debtor. Going further, if a party has extensive medical bills. This debt considered non-consumer debt. Finally, if a person has extensive and dischargeable tax debts. These debts considered non-consumer as well. Under the law in the Ninth Circuit. Where California is, as long as these non-consumer debts are more than the consumer debt. Meaning over fifty percent, the means test does not apply and thus does not need to completed.

portion of the petition

Even though it may be a relief to not have to fill out the means test portion of the petition, and comply with that part of the law, there are other pitfalls in Chapter 7 cases. If you have questions about Chapter 7 relief, don't just trust what advice you receive from family and friends, Bankruptcy or the internet, but contact an attorney who can guide you between what is real – and what is a dead end. Contact our office today with any questions you may have