Under the Internal Revenue Code, the general rule is that the discharge of a debt is a form of gross income. The forgiveness of a debt does sound nice, but it does come with some consequences.

For example, if a creditor forgives a debt of $20,000, you would have an additional $20,000 for taxable income. At a conservative tax rate of 15% you would owe an additional $3,000 in federal income taxes for that year.

Everyone knows the old adage, no good deed goes unpunished, and this is also true in bankruptcy. So, while it may be noble to help out a friend or family member, it can also complicate your bankruptcy. Expensive gifts, gifted while you are insolvent can be a point of contention in your bankruptcy, but what about other good deeds: lending money, co-signing on loans, or taking out loans for someone else?

If you are one of the millions of Americans that are unable to meet their monthly debt obligations, but are having trouble figuring out why, it may be because you are withholding too much from your paychecks for income tax.

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law. Part of this law expended the existing child tax credit for tax year 2021.

Instead of applying up to $2,000 per qualified child, the amount was increased to $3,600 for a child under the age of 6 and $3,000 for a child aged 6 – 17. In addition, a household would receive half of either $3,600 or $3,600 in direct monthly payments between the months of July and December 2021.

Whether you file for a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will be protected from most collection efforts from most types of creditors. This protection begins on the very day you file your case until the day your case is closed, which typically occurs shortly after the court enters the Order discharging your debts. This court protection from creditors is known as the “automatic stay” and is provided by Section 362 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

In this discussion, I am going to focus on Minn. Stat. § 550.37, subd. 12 and 12a, referencing how bankruptcy can affect manufactured homes and vehicles in Minnesota.

I am going to skip over subdivision 11, which covers “beneficiary associations” because this law was found unconstitutional. See the court decision, In re Tveten, 402 N.W.2d 551 (Minn. 1987).

During your bankruptcy case there are going to be moving parts. There will be at least one hearing you have to attend (typically only one), your date for discharge, and more.

Are you considering foregoing a bankruptcy filing in favor of attempting to settle your debt? Whether you're attempting to settle debt directly with your creditors or with some third-party debt relief agency, it is important to first consider the potential tax consequences that will arise from pursuing debt settlement.

It is tempting to repay friends and family members while before filing a bankruptcy. After all, these are the people that were there for you when you were in a bind. So naturally, when you find yourself in a position to finally repay a friend or family member that is exactly what you are going to do.

Unfortunately, repayments of loans to family members and close friends are considered preferential payments.

The court can dismiss your case, upon request of the bankruptcy trustee, for good cause, including things like unreasonable delay by the debtor, failure by the debtor to timely file documents, failure by the debtor to pay fees, and failure to make payments in a chapter 13 plan.

Dismissal is typically granted when the debtor does not fulfil their obligations under the Bankruptcy Code to the harm of creditors. However, is it possible for the debtor to voluntarily dismiss their case on their own?

A common question I get from Minnesotans who are suffering from debt and considering filing for bankruptcy relief is: “how does the court know how much stuff I have and what it is worth?” The answer is very simple. We tell them.

If you have filed a bankruptcy, or are considering filing a bankruptcy, you may find yourself wondering if there is anything different you would need to do when filing your tax returns following a bankruptcy filing. In most cases, the answer is no, but in some cases, there may be an extra form that you might need to file.

Individual people can file either a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in order to get relief from their personal debt. Chapter 7 bankruptcies are typically the more attractive option to potential bankruptcy filers for a couple of reasons. First, people in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy are not required to make any payments towards their debt like they do in a Chapter 13. Second, a Chapter 7 typically lasts only a few months, unlike a Chapter 13, which lasts 3 to 5 years.

When I meet with clients who own their home, protecting their loved ones and their family home are the number one concerns. As far as protecting your home in bankruptcy goes, Minnesota is one of the best states in the country as far as protecting your equity. Currently, you can have up to $450,000.00 worth of home equity and not lose any of it in filing for bankruptcy relief.

Individuals looking for a fresh start seek a bankruptcy to get rid of their overwhelming debt. They may be able to file under a chapter 7 or chapter 13, or they may be eligible for just a chapter 13.

There are lots of reasons that people file for bankruptcy. One very common reason is because they have lots of medical debt. Medical services can be very expensive, particularly for those who have no or little insurance. Medical debt is considered general unsecured debt, just like credit cards and personal loans that are not secured by any collateral. This type of debt can be completely wiped out by a bankruptcy discharge.