Whether you're trying to figure out the best time to file for bankruptcy
or have
already filed, you need to know how your
filing will affect your tax refund. If you're like millions of Americans who
have too much withheld from their paycheck for taxes, you could have thousands
of dollars on the line.
Your Tax Refund is an Asset
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your assets, including cash, investments, and
luxury goods, are placed into the bankruptcy estate. Your tax refund is also
considered to be an asset because it is cash that you either have received or
will receive.
If you've already received your tax refund and haven't spent it, it will
be treated the same as any other cash you are holding and will be placed into
the bankruptcy estate. If you have spent it, the transaction will be reviewed
before your bankruptcy is finalized, so don't spend it just to try to keep it
out of your bankruptcy -- this could invalidate your bankruptcy or lead to
debts not being discharged.
If you haven't received your tax refund yet, you will generally have to
send it to the bankruptcy trustee so that it becomes part of the bankruptcy
estate, although you may be able to keep it if you haven't reached the limit of
your exemptions.
A Tax Refund Will Be Included in Your Bankruptcy if It Is Earned Prior
to Bankruptcy Filing
The treatment of your tax refund depends on the tax year the refund is
for and not the tax year when it was received. If you are filing for bankruptcy
in 2015 and are owed a refund for 2014 taxes (for the return due April 15,
2015), the refund will become part of the bankruptcy estate.
If you are filing for bankruptcy in 2015, your 2015 refund (for the return due April 1, 2016) will be
prorated based on the filing date of your bankruptcy. The portion of the refund
based on income earned before the filing date will become part of your
bankruptcy estate. The portion of the refund based on income received after the
filing date is not included in your bankruptcy.
If you are filing for bankruptcy in 2015 and your bankruptcy isn't
finalized before the end of the year, your 2016 refund (for the return due
April 1, 2017) will not be included in the bankruptcy estate. The original
filing date still applies.
How to Save Your Tax Refund
There are four ways to ensure you retain your tax refund in a Chapter 7
bankruptcy filing.
1. If your state's exemptions allow you to keep a certain amount
of cash and you are below the exemption limit, you will be able to keep some or
all of your tax return to take you up to the exemption limit.
2. Wait to file for bankruptcy until you have already received your tax
refund. If you do this, be sure to spend the money on essentials such as rent
or mortgage payments, food, medical expenses, etc. Non-essential purchases,
such as a vacation, new furniture, or gifts, have a good chance of being viewed
as an attempt to fraudulently withhold assets from the estate.
3. File before the end of the year if you expect to owe taxes or receive
a small refund. This will protect next year's refund in case it is larger.
4. Reduce the tax
withholding. Estimate your taxes before the year is over to determine if you
are having too much withheld. If you are, reduce your withholding rate so that
your refund will be as close to $0 as possible.
In conclusion, understanding the implications of filing for bankruptcy on your tax refund is crucial for anyone navigating financial challenges. Your tax refund is considered an asset and may be subject to inclusion in the bankruptcy estate, depending on various factors such as the timing of the filing and the tax year to which the refund pertains.
It's important to be aware of the rules governing the treatment of tax refunds in bankruptcy proceedings and to plan accordingly. Taking proactive steps, such as adjusting tax withholding or timing the bankruptcy filing, can help individuals protect their tax refunds or minimize their impact on the bankruptcy process.
Ultimately, consulting with a qualified bankruptcy attorney and seeking personalized financial advice is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring the best possible outcome in navigating the complexities of bankruptcy and tax matters. By understanding the options available and taking proactive measures, individuals can effectively manage their finances and work towards a fresh start.
