Nondischargeable Debts in Bankruptcy - Machi and Associates, P.C.

Nondischargeable Debts in Bankruptcy

If you’re thinking about filing bankruptcy, you may have learned that certain debts are nondischargeable. If so, you’ve likely begun to wonder if your most pressing debts are dischargeable. This list is a guideline for what kinds of common debts are nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Keep in mind that there may be exceptions in the cases listed below and that there are other cases in which a debt may be declared nondischargeable. Only an experienced bankruptcy attorney can truly help you determine whether your debts can be discharged. If you would like to get an idea of what debts are nondischargeable before you decide to declare bankruptcy, here’s a list of the 9 most common nondischargeable debts:

1. Alimony and Child Support

The most common debts that people ask if they can discharge are alimony and child support debts. These are often the most overwhelming causes of debt for people, so it’s disappointing to find out that they are not dischargeable. There is some good news, however. If you go with a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, there are provisions that allow you an extended period of time to pay off nondischargeable debts such as child support arrears and alimony.

2. Debts from Credit Obtained under Fraudulent Means

If you gained an asset, money, credit refinancing, or the like under fraudulent means, any debt that you’ve incurred related to it is nondischargeable. Fraudulent means may include lying on a document, deceit, or actual fraud.

3. Debts Owed due to Criminal Actions or Lawsuits

Certain criminal actions may lead you to owe money for damages, and that money owed may turn into debt. Nondischargeable debts in this category include damages and restitution payments owed for:
  • Committing embezzlement or larceny
  • Intentionally causing property damage or injury
  • Causing injuries or death while operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Fraud committed at a banking institution or credit union
  • Committing fraud, manipulation, or deceit when purchasing stocks, bonds, or other securities

4. Taxes Owed to the Federal and State Government

Certain IRS and State Taxes may not be dischargeable in your Bankruptcy. If you failed to file your tax return in a timely manner, the debt will not be discharged. Any taxes assessed within the three years prior to the filing of your bankruptcy may also be nondischargeable.

5. Fines Owed to the Government

If you owe fines (such as for tickets) or penalties to the government, these don’t generally count as dischargeable debts. However, you may be granted an exception for tax penalties.

6. Payments Owed to a Pension or Profit-Sharing System

When you opt into a profit-sharing system such as a 401 (K), your payments are often taken directly from your paycheck; however, this is not always the case. Since profit-sharing plans and pensions are investments, any back payments owed to these systems won’t count as dischargeable debt.

7. Student Loans

Debts owed on student loans may be nondischargeable. There are exceptions, however, so you shouldn’t automatically assume that you can’t get these discharged.

8. Debts Not Listed before Bankruptcy Proceedings

It is vitally important that you take great care to list all of your debts before the bankruptcy proceedings begin. You can’t go back and tack on a debt that you forgot after the proceedings are over, which means that you may still be overwhelmed with one of your looming debts after declaring bankruptcy. And if you decide that you’ll just declare bankruptcy on that debt later, you’ll have to wait 2-8 years.

9. Debts before Previous Bankruptcy Proceeding

If you list a debt in a bankruptcy proceeding but waive the right to declare bankruptcy on it, you can’t decide to declare bankruptcy on that debt later. Similarly, if the court denied your request for bankruptcy on a debt, you can’t get it discharged later. If you still need help deciding whether or not bankruptcy is right for you, contact Ted Machi & Associates for a free consultation. Attorney Daniel Wright has over 16 years of experience with bankruptcy cases and will offer you honest and compassionate advice regarding your debts.
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Ted Machi, Arlington Bankruptcy Lawyer

Ted Machi Lead Attorney

Machi & Associates has been led by our founder, Ted Machi, who has helped the little guy in the DFW metroplex through effective, determined, professional representation. Ted Machi is Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He directs a team of attorneys who help people like yourself in areas such as Personal Injury, Bankruptcy and Disability Law. If you have another legal matter, such as deceptive trade, products liability, health or auto insurance denial or questions about personal injuries, we can help!

Daniel Wright, Arlington Bankruptcy Attorney

Daniel Wright Attorney

Daniel Wright has been a licensed attorney in the Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington and Mansfield area for the past two decades. Initially practicing in multiple areas of law, Daniel has focused on Bankruptcy Law for the past 16 years, as well as Social Security Disability for the last 7. He chose these areas because he wanted to improve the lives of his clients and help them get through some incredibly difficult times. Daniel appreciates the small size of his firm because it keeps the legal process from becoming impersonal.

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