As a Chicago bankruptcy attorney, I sometimes get a potential client or client in that has not filed tax returns for a long period of time. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy the Debtor is required to file their tax returns both federal and state for the last four years preceding the bankruptcy filing before the plan may be confirmed by the court. In practical terms some Chicago bankruptcy lawyers including myself, will not file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy until the Debtor has filed all of their state and federal tax returns prior to the filing of the case. The risk is too great to have the case dismissed if taxes are not filed prior to the filing.

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the Debtor is required to submit a copy to the trustee or any creditor who requests a copy of the Debtor most recent tax return or transcript no later than seven days before the meeting of creditors. Otherwise the Debtor could risk dismissal of the case. The amended bankruptcy code of 2005 put a number of changes into the bankruptcy code and put a document hurdle for any person who wants or needs to file for a bankruptcy. I am an experienced Chicago bankruptcy attorney who is happy to go through your options and my office offers a free consultation please call me at 312-489-8182 if you are experiencing financial difficulties.

Marc Wagman

Attorney at Law