What Is the Income Limit for Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arizona?

At Yusufov Law Firm PLLC, we focus on solutions that help folks in Arizona eliminate or reduce overwhelming debts. Our goal in this article is to share a user-friendly look at the income limits for Chapter 7 bankruptcy so you can be better informed.

If you suspect that this relief option might fit your situation, we welcome you to reach out for further help in checking your eligibility.

The Chapter 7 Means Test in Arizona

The Chapter 7 means test is a tool used to gauge whether filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy would be unfair under bankruptcy law. This test was introduced in the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. In basic terms, the means test tallies your average monthly income and compares it against standard expenses to see if Chapter 7 is acceptable or if you likely have enough disposable income to repay debts under another bankruptcy chapter.

In Arizona, a major step is assessing whether your current monthly income is below the state median for a household of your size. If it is, you normally pass the means test, which means you can file for Chapter 7 without satisfying any additional income and expense requirements. If your income is higher, the analysis shifts to allowable expenses, which we will discuss further below.

Arizona Chapter 7 Income Limits

The most recent data from the United States Trustee Program offers guidelines for Arizona households. These figures change periodically, and the table below reflects an approximate snapshot for households filing after November 1, 2024. Check the Trustee’s office for updates, as these numbers can shift over time.

Arizona Median Income for Chapter 7 (Approx.)

Your total monthly income is usually calculated by taking what you earned in the six months before filing, summing it up, and then dividing by six for a monthly average. That figure is multiplied by 12 to get the annual amount. If the annual number is below the income limit for your household size, you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If not, you continue with the means test to see how monthly costs might lower your disposable income enough to help you qualify.

What Counts as Income for the Means Test?

It may look as if all money inflows are counted, but some forms of income are left out. That’s one reason a thorough review helps. The means test requires that you total many types of financial inflows, such as:

• Paychecks from job or self-employment
• Rental income
• Support payments like child support or alimony
• Side ventures and business proceeds

Other types of compensation might be excluded. Income from certain benefit programs, social security disability payments, or selected war-related compensation can be left out. It’s crucial to examine each inflow carefully and see which class it falls into.

What If Your Income Is Above the Limit?

A family whose earnings top the median limit can still pursue Chapter 7 relief. The law lets you deduct approved expenses from your total monthly income to figure out whether you have leftover funds (sometimes called “disposable income”). If that leftover is below a certain threshold, you qualify for Chapter 7. There are many approved deductions, but the most common are the following:

1. Income taxes
2. Health, life, and disability insurance premiums
3. Living expenses, such as food, utilities, and rent
4. Secured loan payments on a residence or automobile
5. Costs for daycare
6. Mandatory payroll deductions like union dues
7. Out-of-pocket clinical needs

Each expense has guidelines, and there’s a range of median-based or national-based amounts you might rely on. Because the calculation of disposable income can be very complex, many folks get advice from a bankruptcy lawyer to compile these figures correctly.

Options if You Don’t Qualify for Chapter 7

Some people find themselves with too much disposable income after deductions. That doesn’t end your quest for debt relief. Other avenues may help:

• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: You could reorganize debts with a court-approved repayment plan lasting typically three to five years.
• Debt Settlement: This involves negotiating reductions to the amounts owed. It might depend on your creditors’ willingness to accept partial payment.
• Debt Management Plans: This is often an arrangement to reduce interest rates or spread payments out more manageably.

If you’re balancing multiple obligations, one or more of these strategies may help you seek relief. Chapter 13, for instance, may allow you to eliminate part of your debt, while spreading out payments on the remainder over time.

Considering Bankruptcy? Contact Yusufov Law Firm Today

At Yusufov Law Firm, we have been helping individuals navigate the bankruptcy process for over fifteen years.  You can reach us in Tucson at (520) 745-4429 or in Mesa/Phoenix number at (480) 788-0098, or Contact Us online, to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you explore a path to financial peace of mind.