If the IRS has begun repossessing your assets, bankruptcy could be of help. Filing for bankruptcy will ruin your credit score, but it might be the only way of getting out of debt. This article will help you learn many things about bankruptcy.
If you are considering paying your taxes with credit cards and turning around and filing bankruptcy–they are on to you. Generally speaking, taxes are not a dischargeable debt. The delays caused by this sort of tactic could leave you owing the IRS a great deal in interest and penalties. The rule here is that if you can get the tax discharged then you can get the debt discharged. There isn’t any reason to use a credit card to pay the tax bill since the bill can be discharged anyway.
Knowledge is power when you’re considering bankrupcy; there are many websites available to help you. The United States Department of Justice, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, all provide valuable information. The more you know about it, the better you are able to make the best decision for your situation and to make sure that the bankruptcy proceedings move forward with minimal setbacks.
Instead of jumping into a bankruptcy filing, be sure your situation requires it. Debt advisors are one of the many other avenues you can consider. Bankruptcy will be on your credit report and affect your credit score for many years to come, so it is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Try to use it as a last resort.
When it soaks in that filing for personal bankruptcy, don’t use all of your retirement funds, or all of your savings to resolve insolvency or pay creditors. Leave your retirement accounts untouched unless there is absolutely no other alternative. Dipping into savings may need to happen, just don’t totally wipe it out, or you might not have much financial security later.
Check the accuracy of all information before it is filed. You cannot expect your lawyer to remember every important detail without some reminder from you. Remember that you’re the boss. You’re paying your lawyer, so you should not be afraid to have your say. After all, the quality of your life hangs in the balance.
Prior to putting in the bankruptcy paperwork, determine what assets are protected from seizure. Check the bankruptcy laws in your state to find out if certain items are excluded from your bankruptcy filing. Make sure that you carefully look over this list prior to filing to discover if your valuable assets will be seized. You wouldn’t want to unexpectedly lose any possessions you treasure.
Unsecured Credit
Getting unsecured credit post-bankruptcy will likely be difficult. If you do, then try applying for a coupe of secured cards. When you do this, it shows your determination to fix your credit history. After some time passes they may be willing to offer you unsecured credit.
Instead of getting your lawyer from the yellow pages or on the Internet, try your hardest to find one with a personal recommendation. There are lots of unsavory companies and lawyers out there who prey on people who are in desperate straits. It is up to you to find someone that is trustworthy and can make the process go smoothly.
Before filing for bankruptcy, determine whether Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 is appropriate for your financial situation. Every one of your debts will be gone if you decide to go with Chapter 7. Any ties you have concerning creditors will definitely be dissolved. A Chapter 13 filing involves a repayment plan, though. Typically, you will make a partial payment against your debts over the next 60 months before the balance of the debts is lifted. It is important that you understand the differences between the different types of bankruptcy, so that you can decide which option is best for you.
Don’t try to hide anything if you are filing for bankruptcy, as this will hurt you in the long run. Your attorney and trustee should be privy to all information about your finances. Lay everything out on the table so that you and your lawyer can devise a plan to get you out of this mess.
As was stated before, the option of filing for personal bankruptcy should be kept open. However, it has detrimental effects on your credit, so this should not be your first choice Arming yourself with knowledge is a good way to protect assets and approach the process wisely.