Last Updated September 19, 2026
The Chapter 7 means test begins with an income comparison. The Bankruptcy Code generally looks at income derived during the six full calendar months before the month in which the case is filed, subject to statutory inclusions and exclusions. The resulting current monthly income is annualized and compared with the applicable Census median for the state and household size. This tool uses the table for cases filed on or after July 15, 2026.
If you are under the line, consumer Chapter 7 usually does not start with a presumption that the filing is abusive. If you are over the line, a second form looks at allowed expenses. Either way, assets, debts, recent transfers, and prior cases still matter. Read the means test guide for the legal structure. Use this page only for the income comparison.
Interactive tool
Data last verified: 2026-09-19. Calculation version 2026.09.1.
How the calculation works
The tool divides the six-month total by six to determine an estimated current monthly income, multiplies that amount by 12 to annualize it, and compares the annualized result with the applicable Census median. It does not complete Official Form 122A-1 or Form 122A-2 and does not determine Chapter 7 eligibility.
What this result does not tell you
A result below or above the median is only one part of the Chapter 7 analysis. The official forms contain specific rules about income sources and exclusions, and an above-median debtor may need to complete the expense calculation on Official Form 122A-2. Property, debts, prior cases, transfers, and other facts also matter.
Relevant legal rules
11 U.S.C. § 707(b) is the consumer abuse provision. Current monthly income is defined in the Code and implemented on Forms 122A-1 and 122A-2. Chapter 13 uses related forms for plan length. Figures match the filing date, not the day you ran a calculator.
Example
A household of one in Alabama with $30,000 over the last six months annualizes to $60,000. The current Alabama median for one person is higher than that, so the screen would show below median. That still is not a filing recommendation.
What you may want to do next
If a garnishment, foreclosure, or lawsuit is already underway, call. If you are comparing options, gather six months of paystubs and a list of who lives in the household. Then request a free consultation.
How Brock & Stout can help
Brock & Stout’s bankruptcy attorneys complete the official forms with the table that matches your expected filing date. We look at property and prior cases in the same meeting. Call or request a free consultation. We cannot promise Chapter 7 eligibility.
Related resources
- What is the means test? — What is the means test?
How the official Chapter 7 means-test forms and income analysis work.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy — Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Discharge of qualifying unsecured debt.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy — Chapter 13 bankruptcy
A repayment plan that may catch up a house or car.
- Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 tool — Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 tool
An educational comparison based on what you are trying to protect.
FAQs
The U.S. Trustee Program publishes the Census median-family-income data used on Official Forms 122A-1 and 122C-1. This tool currently uses the table for cases filed on or after July 15, 2026. The table must be updated when the official data changes.
Being at or below the applicable median generally means the presumption-of-abuse calculation on Form 122A-2 is not required solely because of the income comparison. It does not by itself establish eligibility for Chapter 7 or guarantee a discharge.
No. The second form deducts allowed expenses. Some people still file Chapter 7. Others file Chapter 13 because they need to catch up a house or car. See the Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 comparison.
Not sure which option fits your situation?
We can review your debts, income, assets, and goals with you. A screening result is not a filing recommendation.
Prefer to send us your information? Start a case evaluation.