Free Interactive Tools

Bankruptcy Calculators
& Decision Tools

Clean desk with laptop, calculator, and organized financial papers representing the Duncan Law bankruptcy calculator tools

These Tools Are for Informational Purposes OnlyEach tool takes 1–3 minutes to complete. The results generated by these calculators are a starting point — not legal advice. Bankruptcy law is highly fact-specific, and your eligibility, timing, and best path forward depend on the full picture of your financial situation in ways no online tool can completely capture. Even when a calculator points toward a clear answer, the specific details of your case may lead to a very different outcome. We encourage you to use these tools to get oriented, then speak with one of our experienced bankruptcy attorneys before making any decisions. Our consultations are free, and a single conversation can clarify more than any calculator ever could.

Tool 1 of 7

Could Bankruptcy Help Me?

Answer five questions to get a personalized starting-point recommendation.

Step 1 of 5
What is your approximate total unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans)?
What types of debt are causing you the most stress?
How would you describe your current income situation?
Which of these are you currently dealing with?
What is your most important goal right now?

Chapter 7 May Be a Strong Fit

Based on your answers, Chapter 7 bankruptcy could be your fastest path to relief. Chapter 7 is a 4–6 month process that permanently eliminates most unsecured debt — credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans — without a repayment plan.

To confirm you qualify, you need to pass the Chapter 7 Means Test. Use Tool 2 on this page for a quick check.

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Chapter 13 May Be the Better Option

Based on your answers, Chapter 13 bankruptcy could be the right fit — especially if you need to save a home from foreclosure, catch up on car payments, or manage secured or priority debt over time. Chapter 13 organizes your debt into a 3–5 year plan while protecting your assets.

Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and wage garnishment immediately through the automatic stay.

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Both Chapters May Apply — Let's Talk

Your situation has elements that could fit either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. The right answer depends on your income, your assets, and your specific goals — including whether you want to keep a home or vehicle and how much disposable income you have each month.

A free consultation with our team is the fastest way to get a clear picture of which path makes the most sense for you.

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This quiz provides educational guidance only — not legal advice. Results depend on your complete financial picture. Schedule a free consultation for an accurate assessment of your options.

Next step: check if your income qualifies you for Chapter 7.

Run the Means Test

Tool 2 of 7

Chapter 7 Means Test

The Means Test compares your household income to NC's median. If you're at or below the median, you likely qualify for Chapter 7 automatically.

Include all income received in the past 6 months from every source: wages, salary, self-employment income, rental income, pension payments, alimony or support received, unemployment compensation, and any other regular payments. Divide the 6-month total by 6 to get the monthly average. Do not include irregular one-time windfalls such as an inheritance or insurance settlement.

✓ You Likely Pass the Means Test

Passing the income portion of the Means Test means you may qualify for Chapter 7. An attorney will confirm this using your actual financial documents.

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Your Income Is Above the NC Median

Being above the median does not automatically disqualify you from Chapter 7. A second calculation applies allowed deductions for housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and secured debt payments. Many people with above-median income still qualify. Chapter 13 is also available if they do not.

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NC median income figures reflect the most recently published U.S. Trustee Program data. This tool covers only the first part of the Means Test. The full test involves additional allowed deductions that an attorney will apply to your specific situation.

Filed bankruptcy before? Find out when you're eligible to file again.

Check Filing Eligibility

Tool 3 of 7

Can I File Bankruptcy Again?

Federal law requires waiting periods between bankruptcy filings. Enter your prior case details to find out when you can file again.

✓ You Can File Now

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Waiting Period Not Yet Met

In the meantime, options may include negotiating directly with creditors or exploring non-bankruptcy debt relief. Call us to discuss what makes sense now.

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Waiting periods run from the filing date of the prior case, not the discharge date. If your prior case was dismissed without a discharge, different rules may apply. This tool covers standard discharge scenarios only.

Own a vehicle with an outstanding loan? See if you can reduce the balance in Chapter 13.

Check the 910-Day Rule

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910-Day Vehicle Rule

In Chapter 13, you may be able to reduce a vehicle loan to the car's actual value — but only if you purchased it more than 910 days (about 2.5 years) before filing.

A cram down lets you reduce your vehicle loan balance to the car's current fair market value in a Chapter 13 plan. For example: if you owe $14,000 on a car worth $8,000, a cram down can reduce what you must pay to $8,000 — saving you $6,000. The 910-day rule restricts when this is available: the vehicle must have been purchased for personal use more than 910 days before your filing date.

✓ Potentially Eligible for a Cram Down

A cram down could reduce what you owe to the vehicle's current market value, potentially saving you thousands in Chapter 13. An attorney will confirm the vehicle's value and exact loan terms.

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910-Day Period Not Yet Met

Because the vehicle was purchased within 910 days of filing, the full loan balance must be paid through your Chapter 13 plan. However, Chapter 13 can still help you keep the vehicle and catch up on missed payments.

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The 910-day rule applies to vehicles purchased for personal use. Different rules apply to vehicles used primarily for business. The cram down amount is based on the vehicle's fair market value at the time of filing, which an attorney will assess using standard valuation sources.

Considering Chapter 13? Estimate what your monthly plan payment might be.

Run the Estimator
Seven interactive bankruptcy calculators represented by organized financial planning tools on a desk

Tool 5 of 7

Chapter 13 Payment Estimator

Get a rough estimate of your monthly Chapter 13 plan payment. Actual payments are set by the court based on your complete financial picture.

Your plan payment equals the greater of two amounts: (1) your disposable income — net income minus allowed living expenses — or (2) the minimum needed to pay all priority and secured arrears in full over the plan term. Courts use standardized IRS expense allowances for housing, food, transport, and healthcare rather than your actual figures, so your real payment may differ from this estimate. Think of this number as a planning starting point, not a final answer.

Estimated Chapter 13 Plan Payment

Get an Accurate Estimate

This estimate does not include attorney fees or trustee commissions (typically 7–10% of plan payments). Actual plan payments are confirmed by the bankruptcy court based on your complete financial disclosure. Use this figure for planning purposes only.

Worried about losing your home, car, or savings? Look up what NC law protects.

Check NC Exemptions

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NC Exemptions Lookup

NC exemptions protect property you keep when filing bankruptcy. Select an asset type to see what's protected under NC law.

Review Your Assets With an Attorney
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NC exemptions are set by state statute (N.C.G.S. §§ 1C-1601 et seq.). Married couples filing jointly can generally double most exemptions. Federal exemptions are not available in North Carolina. Consult an attorney to apply these amounts to your specific assets and situation.

Owe back taxes? Find out if they can be discharged in bankruptcy.

Check Tax Dischargeability

Tool 7 of 7

Tax Dischargeability Calculator

Federal income taxes can sometimes be eliminated in bankruptcy — but only if they pass the "3-2-240" test. This tool walks you through each rule.

What type of tax debt do you have?
Enter the key dates for this income tax debt.
To discharge an income tax in bankruptcy, it must pass all three timing rules: 3-Year Rule — the return's original due date must be at least 3 years before your filing date; 2-Year Rule — you must have actually filed the return at least 2 years before filing bankruptcy; 240-Day Rule — if the IRS formally assessed the tax, that assessment must be at least 240 days old. All three must be met, and the return must not have been fraudulent or filed with intent to evade.
Two final disqualifying factors:
Was the return fraudulent or filed with intent to evade tax?
Did you willfully attempt to evade or defeat the tax?

✓ This Tax May Be Dischargeable

A bankruptcy attorney should review the exact dates and IRS transcript before filing. If dischargeable, this tax debt would be eliminated just like credit card debt.

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This Tax Is Likely Not Dischargeable

Non-dischargeable taxes can still be managed in bankruptcy. Chapter 13 lets you repay them over 3–5 years at 0% interest, stopping penalties and collection action while you catch up.

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Result Is Uncertain — Attorney Review Needed

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Tax dischargeability is among the most complex areas of bankruptcy law. The IRS may dispute dischargeability and courts apply the rules strictly. This tool provides general guidance under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(1) — always confirm with a bankruptcy attorney before relying on this result.

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Ready to Talk to a Real Person?

These tools give you a starting point. A free consultation with our team gives you answers specific to your situation — with no pressure and no cost.

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