Bankruptcy Workbook

Documents That Must Be Included

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(Copies only, originals will not be returned)

Copies, not originals, of income tax returns, including all supporting schedules, for the last 4 years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010). We must have FEDERAL and STATE returns. If you, or you and your spouse, own 50% or more of a corporation, LLC, partnership, etc., we will need a copy of that entity’s returns as well. If you cannot find your tax returns, check with your tax preparer or ask the IRS or State for a copy of your returns. Copies of W-2s are also helpful. You may order a tax transcript from the IRS by contacting them at 1-800-829-1040 or completing IRS Form 4506. If you have not filed your past taxes, do it NOW. You do not necessarily have to pay your taxes, but you must file the returns. If the returns are not filed, the Court may dismiss your case.

Income received in the past seven (7) months (the month you are filing plus the prior 6 months) for you and your spouse, even if your spouse is not filing.

Pay stubs OR a letter from the employer, on company letterhead, stating gross income, taxes and individual deductions for each of the seven (7) months

If self-employed, a Profit & Loss Statement breaking down the Gross Income, Expenses by major areas of detail (payroll, supplies, gasoline, etc.), and Net Income for each of the past seven (7) months. If you do not have a Profit & Loss Statement, you may use the attached link to obtain a sample profit and loss statement (Microsoft Excel file format). This should be modified for your specific business.

Rent received from properties you own and lease to others as well as any expenses for those properties including management fees paid, repairs, homeowner associates dues, etc.

Social Security, Disability, Unemployment, Retirement, Pension, Child Support, Alimony, Support from family, or any other assistance (The entity paying you can provide a letter supporting the amount you receive each month and you are able to obtain unemployment and child support information from the specific government agency’s website.)

401(k) or pension withdrawals

Bank statements for the past seven (7) months (the month you are filing plus the prior 6 months) for all accounts, even if you closed or recently opened an account during this timeframe.

Medical, dental, optical and prescription drug expenses paid within the past seven (7) months (the month you are filing plus the prior 6 months) broken out by month. For example, copays, coinsurance, braces, etc. You will need to provide either copies of your bills or obtain a statement for that time period from your doctor or pharmacy.

Charitable contributions made within the past seven (7) months (the month you are filing plus the prior 6 months) broken down by month, e.g., contributions made to your church. Do not include contributions deducted from your payroll.

Childcare expenses for the past seven (7) months (the month you are filing plus the prior 6 months) broken down by month, e.g., daycare, after-school care.

Children’s expenses associated with an elementary or secondary school for the past seven (7) months (the month you are filing plus the prior 6 months) broken down by month, e.g., private school tuition, uniforms, band instrument lease, etc.

Statements and/or bills from all creditors, excluding current utilities, received in the past 60 days (2 months). To ensure that you do not miss any creditors we suggest you get a free credit report. Our office does not need a copy of your credit report; it is for your use only.

Copies of documents for the purchase of:

Car – the interest rate, number of months financed and date of purchase are usually on pink or yellow legal size paper or a copy of the title if there is no loan on the car

House – the “note” found with the closing documents with the interest rate, very important if adjustable rate mortgage

Furniture, appliances, jewelry or computer

Proof of insurance on your home and automobile(s); current binder and/or declaration page from your insurance agency including insurance agent’s name and agency address. This must be a current document provided to you within two (2) weeks of filing your bankruptcy.

Most recent IRA, pension, retirement, saving plan, 401(k) and/or 403(b) statement from your plan’s administrator or your employer.  Unless it is an IRA or government plan, a copy of the plan summary indicating it is an ERISA qualified plan is also required.

Credit counseling control number or affidavit. Most of our clients use Hummingbird Credit Counseling. If you choose to use another credit counseling organization, be sure it has been approved by the Western District of North Carolina Bankruptcy Court.

Driver’s license and social security card. You must bring your ORIGINAL driver’s license and social security card (the one made of paper, not one made with metal), since we must increase the size and clarity for the Court. Do not bring copies of these two documents. If you do not have a social security card, you must apply for a new card with the Social Security Administration. You can find the office closest to you and the information you need by using the Social Security Office Locator. It is important not to wait until the last minute to apply for a new social security card.

We must have copies of the above documents before we can proceed with or file your bankruptcy. Do not turn in your paperwork without these items!