What Is the Means Test?

 

The 2005 Bankruptcy Law (BAPCPA) created the means test, ostensibly to prevent people from abusing bankruptcy. The means test mans you can't file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy if your income is above the median income for Missouri, or your allowed expenses leave enough disposable income to fund pay some of your debts over 5 years. In fact, most people who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy have no trouble passing the means test.

ADVERTISEMENT -
AD_GOOGLE_2_RESPONSIVE_PRE_CONTENT

.
 

What is the means test?

The 2005 bankruptcy law (BAPCPA) imposed a "means test" on who can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

You might think this test prevents you from filing. But, chances are, you're wrong. Most people considering bankruptcy have no trouble passing the means test. Indeed, some lawyers think more people qualify for Chapter 7 under this test than under the old law, where judges had no fixed formula.

Use this calculator find out where you stand.

The Formula

The law now uses a standard mathematical formula to determine whether you can file for Chapter 7 -- or, to put it in legal terms, whether filing for Chapter 7 would be an 'abuse' of the bankruptcy system. (Those who fail the means test, are left with a Chapter 13 repayment plan as their only bankruptcy option.)

The means test is actually a two-part test and you only need to pass one of them to qualify for Chapter 7.

Test 1. "Median Income" (Form 22A-1)
This is a very simple test that compares your average household income for the past six calendar months to the median income for your state, If your income is below the median, you qualify for Chapter 7. If it is above the median, you must pass Test 2.

Test 2. "Disposable Income" (Form 22A-2)
This test deducts expenses from your income to determine how much you can pay your unsecured creditors over the next five years:

  • If you can pay at least $13,650 ($227.50 per month), you can't file for Chapter 7.
  • If you can pay at least $8,175 ( about $136.25 per month)
    • and that is at least 25% of what you currently owe your unsecured creditors, you can't file for Chapter 7.
  • If your disposable income is less than $136.25 per month, you can file for Chapter 7.

Certain deductions are standard allowances based on the number of vehicles you operate, the number of people in your household, and the cost of living in .

In addition, to these standard deductions, you can also deduct the full amount of certain actual expenses such as mortgage and vehicle loan payments.

 


ADVERTISEMENT -



Jurisdictional relevance: US

Legal Consumer - Laclede County, MOLaw. The content of this article pertains to all US states and counties.