Bankruptcy & Debt Flashcards
What are bankruptcy basics?
- Bankruptcy gives debtors protection from their creditors and stops them from either permanently
(Chapter 7) or temporarily (Chapter 11 or 13) collecting a debt - Filing halts all collection; grants automatic stay
- Stops creditors from suing debtor
Bankruptcy does not stop collections on what?
o Student Loans o Income Taxes from previous 3 years o Alimony & Child Support o Debts/judgments resulting from drunk driving o Pension Obligations o Debts relating to SOX Violations o Debts arising from illegal activities o Debts not listed in the Bankruptcy Filing
Does owning a bankrupt corporation doesn’t affect the owner’s ability to file Bankruptcy?
No, Corporations are dissolved and individuals are discharged
What does bankruptcy stop related to property included in Bankruptcy Estates?
Stops judgment lien on property included in Bankruptcy Estate
What must Bankruptcy attorneys file?
A statement showing their payment for Bankruptcy services so that the court can review and make sure that the legal fees are reasonable
A Bankruptcy discharge will be denied if…?
A debtor fails to keep good records or falsifies documents,
What is CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY (LIQUIDATION)?
Chapter 7 discharges all non-exempt debt
How often can Chapeter 7 be filed?
Can only be filed every 8 years
o Remember: 8 looks like the letter B
What are Businesses disallowed from Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
o Railroads
o Banks
o Insurance Companies
o Savings & Loans
o Think – 7th Inning and your team needs RBIs
What must occur for Voluntary Filing of Chapter 7?
o Must pass Means Test
Your State income must be below the Median
Note – Median, not Mean
Credit Card companies made it harder for people to declare Chapter 7 when they lobbied Congress in 2005
What is Involuntary Filing of Chapter 7?
o In some cases, your creditors can force you into Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
o Creditors must be able to prove that they are not being paid on time (i.e. debtor is insolvent) or that within the past 120 days the debtor assigned a custodian of the secured property
o If 12+ unsecured creditors
At least 3 must file
Claims must be in excess of $15,325
o If less than 12 unsecured creditors
* Only 1 must file
* Claim(s) must be in excess of $15,325
o Upon filing, a judge will declare an order for relief unless the debtor protests
o Businesses disallowed from involuntary filings
* Charities
* Farming
o If the debtor pays the court-assigned bond to keep a property in an involuntary Bankruptcy, they can reclaim possession of their property from the interim Bankruptcy trustee
What is an exam trick about bankruptcy?
Remember – If you see an answer on the CPA Exam that states that Bankruptcy can be commenced against any debtor, that option is WRONG.
What is CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY (BUSINESS REPAYMENT)?
- Allows a business a reprieve from creditors
- Creates a payment plan for the debt
- Business remains in operation
- At least 2/3 of each debt class of creditors must consent to reorganization
- Ch. 11 Involuntary petitions are allowed
What is CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY (PERSONAL REPAYMENT)?
- Similar to Chapter 11, but for individuals
- Gives individuals a reprieve from creditors
- Creates a payment plan for the debt
- Ch. 13 Involuntary petitions are not allowed
What are BANKRUPTCY TRUSTEES?
Optional – Creditors decide
o Can be elected by creditors
o Can be appointed by the court
What do Bankruptcy Trustees Represents?
They represent Bankruptcy Estate and
o Can sue
o Can be sued