Does Bankruptcy Clear Federal Tax Debt?
Bankruptcy does clear federal tax debt in some instances. This article will discuss the conditions you need in order to have your federal tax debt discharged when you file bankruptcy. If you’d like to speak with someone about federal tax debt and whether bankruptcy can help, you can also just call 704.749.7747 and we’d be happy to discuss it with you. Or, you can click for a FREE CASE EVALUATION and we will reach out to you.
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Tax Debt In Chapter 7
If you have federal or state tax debt and are considering a Chapter 7, your bankruptcy filing will discharge the tax debt if the following conditions are true:
- The federal tax debt is income tax debt
- The federal tax debt is at least three years old
- You filed a tax return related to the debt
As it relates to the filing of a return, the return related to the tax debt must be filed at least two years before the filing of the bankruptcy. Additionally, the income tax debt you seek to discharge, must be at least 240 days old. This means the IRS must have assessed the debt more than 240 days prior to filing bankruptcy.
Any tax debt that does not meet the criteria above, or fails to qualify because you were guilty of tax evasion, will survive the bankruptcy filing. The taxes won’t keep you from an otherwise successful bankruptcy filing, but when your bankruptcy case finally closes, you will still have the tax debt which does not meet the above requirements.
Tax Debt In Chapter 13
The same rules apply for taxes in Chapter 13. However, any tax debt which survives in Chapter 13 must be paid in full during the duration of your Chapter 13 plan. For example, if you have tax debt which is only one year old at the time of the bankruptcy filing, that debt will be paid in full throughout the Chapter 13. This is not necessarily bad news—your Chapter 13 filing forces the federal and state government to allow you to schedule your payback of taxes on a 3 or 5 year plan in Chapter 13. Additionally, penalties and interest are limited during your Chapter 13.
Federal Tax Liens In Bankruptcy
If you have a tax debt which has been recorded as a lien, that lien will not be addressed by the bankruptcy. While your bankruptcy may eliminate the personal obligation under the tax debt, if the lien attached to real property (real estate, your home, etc.), that lien would survive the bankruptcy. This means that when the real property is eventually sold, the tax debt will need to be paid at that time.
Further Reading
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Speak With A Bankruptcy Attorney Today
We know that financial stress is overwhelming. One phone call can change your life. Call us today to find out answers to questions, and decide if filing a bankruptcy is the right step for you. You can reach us at 704.749.7747 and we’d be happy to discuss it with you. Or, you can click for a FREE CASE EVALUATION and we will reach out to you. We know you have choices. We hope you choose to Recover With Us.