Getting the filing fee waived or reduced
The bankruptcy court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 (as of 2024). If you cannot afford this, options exist.
Fee waiver (Chapter 7 only)
Under 28 U.S.C. Section 1930(f), if your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level and you cannot pay the filing fee in installments, you may request a complete waiver. File the application (Official Form 103B) with your petition.
Installment payments
You can request to pay the filing fee in up to four installments over 120 days. File Official Form 103A with your petition. The court typically grants this request. No interest is charged.
How to qualify for a fee waiver
- Your household income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level
- You must be unable to pay even in installments
- You must be filing Chapter 7 (fee waivers are not available in Chapter 13)
- The court has discretion and may require a hearing
2024 poverty guidelines (150%): $22,590 for a 1-person household; $30,660 for 2 people; $38,730 for 3 people; $46,800 for 4 people. These numbers are updated annually by the Department of Health and Human Services.
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