Define the question before choosing an answer
Use this guide to organize Business Records, Income Proof, Expenses, Taxes and Chapter Choice. Start with the controlling record and date, then connect the issue to the bankruptcy chapter, property, debts, and local procedure that may change the answer.
Evidence file for Bankruptcy For Self-Employed People
Business Records
Entity records, owners, guarantees, accounts, receivables, inventory, leases, taxes, payroll, assets, and insider payments.
Income Proof
Pay records, business books, bank deposits, household contributions, tax returns, and the period each figure covers.
Expenses
The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it.
Taxes
Tax type and year, return filing date, assessment, transcript, balance, lien, levy, audit, and payment history.
Chapter Choice
The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it.
Facts that shape the review
- Separate the entity from the individual: ownership, guarantees, taxes, leases, payroll, receivables, collateral, and recent owner transactions may point to different options.
Issue log
| Issue | Evidence to preserve | Open question |
|---|---|---|
| Business Records | Entity records, owners, guarantees, accounts, receivables, inventory, leases, taxes, payroll, assets, and insider payments. | |
| Income Proof | Pay records, business books, bank deposits, household contributions, tax returns, and the period each figure covers. | |
| Expenses | The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it. | |
| Taxes | Tax type and year, return filing date, assessment, transcript, balance, lien, levy, audit, and payment history. | |
| And Chapter Choice | The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it. |
Questions that can change the next step
| Question | Your facts |
|---|---|
| What exact outcome is needed? | |
| What date changes the next step? | |
| Which fact remains unverified? |
Timing caution
If a sale, hearing, deduction, seizure, shutoff, or response deadline is near, use qualified local help rather than waiting for general online information.
Verify with current sources
U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Basics · Official Bankruptcy Forms · Current Means Testing Data · Official source directory