Bankruptcy Filing Fees by Chapter (2024-2026)
Last updated: March 2026
Every bankruptcy case begins with a filing fee paid to the court. These fees are set by the Judicial Conference of the United States and are uniform across all 94 federal bankruptcy courts. The fee amount depends solely on which chapter you file under.
Complete Fee Schedule
| Chapter | Filing Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | Liquidation for individuals and businesses |
| Chapter 9 | $1,738 | Municipality reorganization |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | Business reorganization |
| Chapter 12 | $278 | Family farmer or fisherman adjustment |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | Wage earner repayment plan |
| Chapter 15 | $1,738 | Cross-border insolvency |
The filing fee is a one-time cost paid when your petition is filed with the court. It is separate from any attorney fees, credit counseling fees, or other costs associated with your case.
What the Filing Fee Covers
The filing fee covers the administrative cost of processing your bankruptcy case. When you pay the filing fee, the court:
- Assigns a case number and judge
- Issues the automatic stay (which immediately stops most collection actions)
- Schedules the 341 Meeting of Creditors
- Sends notices to all listed creditors
- Maintains your case docket throughout the proceeding
The filing fee does NOT cover: attorney fees, mandatory pre-filing credit counseling, post-filing debtor education, or any other professional services.
Installment Payment Option
If you cannot pay the full filing fee at the time of filing, you may request to pay in installments. This option is available for all chapters of bankruptcy.
- File an Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments (Official Form 103A)
- The fee is divided into up to four installments
- All installments must be paid within 120 days of filing
- The court may extend this to 180 days for cause shown
- The first installment is due at filing; the final installment cannot be later than 120 (or 180) days after
- You cannot pay anyone else (including your attorney) until the filing fee is paid in full
There is no interest or additional charge for paying in installments. However, failing to make installment payments on time can result in your case being dismissed.
Fee Waiver (Chapter 7 Only)
Chapter 7 is the only chapter where the filing fee can be waived entirely. This is called filing "in forma pauperis" (IFP). To qualify, you must demonstrate that:
- Your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- You are unable to pay the fee in installments
To request a fee waiver, file Official Form 103B (Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived) along with your petition. The court will review your income and expenses to determine eligibility.
2024-2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (150% Threshold for Fee Waiver)
| Household Size | Annual Income Threshold | Monthly Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 | $30,660 | $2,555 |
| 3 | $38,730 | $3,228 |
| 4 | $46,800 | $3,900 |
| 5 | $54,870 | $4,573 |
| 6 | $62,940 | $5,245 |
Source: HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines. Add $8,070 for each additional household member. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds.
For complete details on fee waivers, installment plans, and free filing options, see Can I File Bankruptcy for Free?
Fees for Other Bankruptcy Actions
Beyond the initial filing fee, certain actions during a bankruptcy case carry additional fees:
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Converting from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 | $25 |
| Converting from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 | $25 |
| Reopening a closed case | Same as original filing fee |
| Amending schedules | $32 |
| Motion for relief from the automatic stay | $181 |
| Filing a proof of claim after the deadline | $26 |
These fees are typically paid by the party filing the motion or amendment, not necessarily the debtor.
Where to Pay
Filing fees are paid to the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court in the district where you file. Most courts accept:
- Money order or cashier's check (preferred)
- Cash (at the clerk's office)
- Credit or debit card (some courts)
- Electronic payment through CM/ECF (for attorneys filing electronically)
Personal checks are generally not accepted. If you file electronically through an attorney, the attorney typically handles the fee payment on your behalf.