Chapter 13 Tames Your Income Tax Monster
A “straight” Chapter 7 can write off some income taxes. But if you owe recent taxes, or multiple years of taxes, Chapter 13 is usually a much better way to go. It often provides tremendous advantages over both Chapter 7 and dealing with the IRS on your own. I’ll illustrate this with an example, and […]
The Collision between State Garnishment Law and Federal Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy quashes a garnishment, but only if it’s filed in time.
Four Hoops to Jump Through to Write Off Income Taxes in Bankruptcy
The conditions you have to meet to write off an income tax debt actually make sense. And understanding those conditions is a lot easier if you understand the sense behind them. In my last blog I introduced the four conditions for discharging taxes in a Chapter 7 “straight bankruptcy,” and said I’d explain them in […]
Bankruptcy Stops Wage Garnishments Before They Can Hit You
Bankruptcy protects your paycheck because it’s more powerful than a creditor’s garnishment court order.
Just Been Sued by a Creditor? How Bankruptcy Helps Right Away
Getting sued by a creditor is a wake-up call to consider filing bankruptcy. If it’s the right thing to do, there are advantages to filing before your deadline to respond to the lawsuit.
Writing Off Income Taxes with a “Straight Bankruptcy”
You don’t always need to file a Chapter 13 case—with its 3-to-5-year payment plan–to deal with income tax debts. Thinking that you do is a myth, alongside the broader myth that “you can’t write off taxes in a bankruptcy.” Both have a kernel of truth, which is why they persist. It’s true: some taxes cannot […]
Help! I’ve Just Been Sued by a Creditor! What Do I Do Now?
Don’t react to getting lawsuit papers by avoiding them. Treat the lawsuit as a great incentive for taking the first step towards a better life.
Taxes and Bankruptcy—Debunking a Hardy Myth
No wonder people think “bankruptcy can’t help me with my tax debt.” Even attorneys sometimes perpetuate the myth. A few days ago I saw a video of a bankruptcy attorney being interviewed in what amounted to be an infomercial. He was asked by the interviewer whether there were some debts that can’t be “touched” in […]
Independent Monitor Releases 1st Report on the Bank’s Compliance with the National Mortgage Settlement
This report provides tons of accessible information, lots of clear graphics. Includes a detailed timetable, and state-by-state compliance data.
The Costs and Benefits of Surrendering Collateral in Chapter 13
Chapter 13 buys you flexibility when you want to keep your home or vehicle, but might need to surrender it after all. But it’ll cost you.