Can you file bankruptcy without debt?

Filing bankruptcy in California can help you wipe your slate clean and get a fresh start. Bankruptcy law provides for an automatic stay of debt collection actions. Not all debts are dischargeable in bankruptcy. Things like unpaid child support, recent tax debt and most student loans are not erased by filing bankruptcy.

Do you get tax relief when you file bankruptcy?

When you file for bankruptcy, you enjoy CRA debt relief along with relief from all other unsecured creditors. The common belief that you can’t escape tax debt this way comes from the past.

Can a tax debt be discharged in bankruptcy?

You cannot discharge income tax debts without a special exemption, which can only be obtained by petitioning the bankruptcy court and explaining why you deserve relief. If you have income tax debts you cannot repay, you may be better off consulting with a tax attorney about making an offer in compromise,…

What happens to your debt when you file bankruptcy?

Debt discharge is the cancellation of a debt due to a bankruptcy and can result in taxable income to the debtor unless certain IRS conditions are met.

What can’t be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Perhaps the most common debts that cannot be discharged under any circumstances are child support and alimony. If you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will also continue to owe any condominium or cooperation association fees, along with any other debts that were not discharged in a prior bankruptcy.

What kind of debts can I still pay after filing bankruptcy?

Those debts are called pre-petition debts. Anything that you owe after you filed—called pre-petition debts—are not included in your bankruptcy and remain your responsibility, with some exceptions. Some debts that you should continue to pay after filing a Chapter 7 include:

What kind of tax return is filed during Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

During the chapter 7 or 11 bankruptcy, the debtor continues to file an individual tax return on Form 1040 or 1040-SR. The bankruptcy trustee files a Form 1041 for the bankruptcy estate.

What happens to my IRS tax debt if I file bankruptcy?

The IRS is very big on rules. There is a regulation for pretty much everything. So, it should be no surprise that there are specific rules for bankruptcy discharge. It should also be no surprise that the IRS will object to discharge if it has any reason to do so. The primary bankruptcy discharge rules all pertain to time. Income Taxes.

When is a debt discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In Chapter 7, your debts are typically discharged about four months after you file your bankruptcy petition, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. 1 (Bankruptcy is governed by federal law and overseen by federal bankruptcy courts, although some rules differ from state to state.)