Bankruptcy Forms

Below is a guide to the official bankruptcy forms used in the U.S. bankruptcy system. These forms are issued by the United States Courts and are required when filing under different chapters of the Bankruptcy Code. This overview also includes links to relevant U.S. Courts resources and AccountingPortal guides where applicable.

Chapters of Bankruptcy Covered

Bankruptcy cases in the United States operate under several different chapters of the Bankruptcy Code. Each chapter serves a specific type of debtor and provides a structured process for dealing with debt, assets, repayment, or reorganization.

Bankruptcy Basics (U.S. Courts)

Bankruptcy Basics is an official introductory guide published by the U.S. Courts. It explains how bankruptcy works, outlines the different chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, and describes key steps such as filing, the automatic stay, the role of the trustee, and discharge of debts. It is the primary federal overview for anyone considering or preparing to file for bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Basics – U.S. Courts

Chapter 7 — Liquidation

Used by individuals and businesses that are unable to repay their debts. A court-appointed trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors, and most remaining unsecured debts can be discharged. Chapter 7 is typically the fastest form of bankruptcy, making it the most common choice for consumers seeking a fresh start.

Related AccountingPortal resources:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Forms – Complete Guide

Chapter 7 Means Test – Explanation and Requirements

Official U.S. Courts resource:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics – U.S. Courts

Chapter 9 — Municipal Bankruptcy

Designed exclusively for municipalities such as cities, towns, school districts, and public utilities. This chapter allows a municipality to reorganize its debts while continuing to provide essential public services. It is rarely used but provides important protection for local governments during financial crises.

Chapter 9 Bankruptcy Basics – U.S. Courts

Chapter 11 — Reorganization

Primarily used by businesses that need to restructure debt while continuing operations. Chapter 11 allows a debtor to propose a reorganization plan that must be voted on by creditors and approved by the court. Although complex and often expensive, it provides significant flexibility, including options to renegotiate contracts and reorganize business operations.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Basics – U.S. Courts

Chapter 12 — Family Farmers and Fishermen

Created specifically to serve family farmers and family fishermen with regular annual income. It provides a streamlined repayment and reorganization structure tailored to the seasonal and unpredictable nature of agricultural and fishing income. Chapter 12 offers more flexible terms than Chapter 13 and is easier to navigate than Chapter 11.

Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Basics – U.S. Courts

Chapter 13 — Individual Debt Adjustment

For individuals with regular income who want to keep their home, car, and other property while repaying debts over three to five years. Debtors propose a repayment plan that must be approved by the court and administered by a trustee. Chapter 13 is often used to stop foreclosure, catch up on overdue mortgage payments, or manage tax debts over time.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Basics – U.S. Courts

Chapter 15 — Cross-Border Bankruptcy

Designed for international insolvency cases where a foreign debtor has assets, creditors, or business operations within the United States. It helps coordinate cross-border proceedings and promotes cooperation between U.S. courts and foreign courts. Chapter 15 supports efficient administration of multinational insolvency cases and protects assets across jurisdictions.

Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Basics – U.S. Courts

M. Spik

Editor
25 years of experience managing tax, accounting, payroll, and employment-related information portals. Editor of Accounting Portal since 2011.
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