Avoid Mistakes When Planning and Filing Illinois Bankruptcy Cases

The best-planned bankruptcy cases go unnoticed. A few debtors glide through the system without attracting attention and receive full discharges in record time. Luck is not involved, but rather each successful debtor begins planning strategically a few weeks or months in advance. These debtors know something that you don’t.

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Illinois Bankruptcy Lawyers - Taxes

11 U.S.C. 523. - Exceptions to discharge - provides (a) discharge under section 727, 1141, 1228(a), 1228(b), or 1328(b) of this title does not discharge an individual debtor from any debt - (1) for a tax or a customs duty - (A) of the kind and for the periods specified in section 507(a)(2) or 507(a)(8) of this title, whether or not a claim for such tax was filed or allowed; (B) with respect to which a return, if required - (i) was not filed; or (ii) was filed after the date on which such return was last due, under applicable law or under any extension, and after two years before the date of the filing of the petition; or (C) with respect to which the debtor made a fraudulent return or willfully attempted in any manner to evade or defeat such tax.

Illinois Bankruptcy Lawyers -  In Practice

Only taxes which were declared, due, and payable more than two before filing are dischargeable. Any deviation from full disclosure by a debtor or their bankruptcy lawyer will prevent discharge. In practice, expect liens to attach before the expiration of two years. Tax liens will be enforced against specific property regardless of filing. Also expect all bankruptcy lawyers to require tax returns to be current.

Requirements for discharge and confirmation are complex. Bankruptcy lawyers must carefully construct a financial history for each client before recommending any course of action. Because financial histories are unique, available options under the Code vary. Also, bankruptcy lawyers frequently arrive at different conclusions regarding available options, based on each bankruptcy lawyer's level of experience and expertise. All debtors who have questions regarding discharge and confirmation through the Illinois federal court system should compare the advice of several bankruptcy lawyers to establish the range of options available.

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