What Documents Do You Need to File for Bankruptcy?

The documents you will need are the same whether you are filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, with slight variations. Below are the most commonly required documents in bankruptcy.

Tax return   

You’ll usually need to provide copies of your tax returns or tax transcripts for the last two years in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and four years in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you have unfiled returns that you were not required to file because your only income source was nontaxable disability benefits, you will need to provide your yearly benefits letter and bank statements showing the total being deposited each month. If you failed to file, you can expect the trustee to require you to do so and provide copies before concluding or approving your case.

Income documentation   

If you are an employee, you will need copies of your pay stubs for the six-month period before the bankruptcy and your last two years of W-2s or tax returns. You’ll also need proof of other income sources such as Social Security, disability payments, income from business or rental properties, pensions and other government assistance.

If you’re self-employed and filing for bankruptcy, you will need to provide a year-to-date profit and loss statement, as well as your tax returns for the two years before filing. Also, be prepared to provide business bank statements to verify deposits and withdrawals. It is important that you maintain your personal and business accounts separate in order to better explain your income and expenses.

Real Estate   

If you own real estate, you’ll likely need to provide proof of the value of the home, whether it is your homestead or an investment property. You might choose an online valuation, a broker’s price opinion, or a full appraisal. Also, plan to provide mortgage statements showing current loan balances and payment amounts. You may be able to protect your home from creditors if it is your homestead. Equity in any rental properties may become property of the estate, unless we opt for Chapter 13 from the start.

Vehicle

If you have a car, you’ll need to provide proof of its value. If you have a car loan, you’ll need a recent loan statement showing how much you owe and what your monthly payment is to prepare your paperwork. You might need to produce it along with copies of your registration and proof of insurance, depending on the particular trustee. You may be able to keep your vehicle by reaffirming your debt or buying it back if its value exceeds the amount we can secure through the bankruptcy code.

Retirement and Bank Account   

Recent bank and retirement account statements must be provided to the bankruptcy trustees for all accounts. This account can be protected from the creditors so long as it is maintained in a proper retirement account.

Identifications required at the meeting of creditors

An up to date Florida driver’s license or state issued I.D. is required and must be produced to the trustee in advance of the meeting of creditor’s meeting.

Other Documents   

Every persons finances will differ. For this reason, other documents may be asked of you that may have not been asked of another individual. For example, if you have other circumstances affecting your bankruptcy, such as being required to pay alimony, child support, or another unusual expense, you will need to show proof of these monthly responsibilities by providing court documents such as a child support order or a marital settlement agreement.

Credit Counseling Requirement   

In addition to the documents above, the law requires that you complete a credit counseling class and obtain a certificate before you can file for bankruptcy. These courses can usually be completed online. Once you hire Attorney Fanny Nater of the Nater Law Firm, you will receive information regarding the classes and their costs.

You deserve to have a healthy and prosperous financial life. Get your financial life back on track with a fresh start by filing your bankruptcy before the creditors file their lawsuits against you for the debts you have not paid.

Your best chance for success in this process is with an experienced chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney. Contact Bankruptcy Attorney Fanny Nater to take the first step today and learn more about your options.



The sooner your file, the sooner you are able to get a discharge of your debt and the sooner you can begin to reestablish your financial future.