Badge - National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Badge - 2014 Gold Star Certificate - Law Office of David M Serafin LLC
Badge - 2013 Gold Star Certificate - Law Office of David M Serafin LLC
Badge - 2012 BBB Gold Star Certificate - Law Office of David M Serafin LLC

What is Income under the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test?

July 27, 2011

By: David M. Serafin

Under the Means Test created per the new bankruptcy laws, “higher income” debtors in Colorado with mostly consumer debts will not be eligible for chapter 7 bankruptcy and will be required to pay back some or all unsecured debts back in a chapter 13 payment plan. The Means Test requires calculation of all gross income received for the six full months prior to the bankruptcy filing date, except for Social Security retirement income. The Means Test definition of income in bankruptcy often includes items, such as gifts or distributions from a Roth IRA, not deemed taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code. As a Denver bankruptcy lawyer, attorney David M. Serafin will advise as to whether you pass the Means Test.

A key question under the Means Test is whether money received from a relative or friend is a gift or loan. Gifts are considered income under the Means Test and may push a debtor into chapter 13 bankruptcy (or increase the plan payment for an existing chapter 13 debtor) while a loan is not income. Note that a loan creditor must be listed in the schedules and, under the law against preferential transfers, certain pre-bankruptcy loan payments can later be rescinded by a bankruptcy trustee depending on the timing of the payments, amounts paid and the relationship of the creditor and bankruptcy debtor.

Client Reviews

David Serafin is a talented and respectful attorney that works hard to get the best results for his clients. He's thorough at reviewing client cases and patient at explaining all the available options. I would certainly recommend him to anyone searching for help with a bankruptcy, a tax situation or...

A. K.

Mr. Serafin is a consummate professional and his hard work and legal advice are second to none. He will give you outstanding personalized legal service, and you will be glad you chose him as your attorney. While some lawyers have a bad reputation for lacking ethics, Mr. Serafin holds himself to the...

R.S.

If you are in need of a excellent attorney who will provide you support, guidance, professionalism, and most importantly, INTEGRITY. David does it all! I would not pass up his due diligence!

R. T.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Initial Consultation
  2. 2 Over 20 Years of Experience
  3. 3 Master's Degree in Taxation
Fill out the contact form or call us at (303) 862-9124 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Leave Us a Message