Document Checklist
Gathering documents is one of the most time-consuming steps. Start early -- most people need 1-3 weeks to collect everything. Missing documents delay your case.
Income Documents
- Last 6 months of pay stubs (for means test calculation)
- Tax returns for the past 2 years (must provide to trustee)
- W-2s or 1099s for the past 2 years
- Proof of all other income: Social Security award letters, pension statements, rental income, child support received, unemployment compensation
- Self-employment records: profit/loss statements, business bank statements
Asset Documents
- Bank statements for all accounts (past 6 months)
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Real estate deeds and mortgage statements
- Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
- Life insurance policies with cash value
- Investment account statements
- Personal property appraisals (jewelry, collectibles, etc.)
Debt Documents
- All credit card statements
- Medical bills
- Personal loan agreements
- Student loan statements
- Auto loan agreements
- Mortgage statements
- Collection letters
- Court judgments, liens, or garnishment orders
- Tax debts: IRS transcripts (free at irs.gov)
Other Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
- Vehicle insurance declarations page
- Homeowner/renter insurance declarations
- Child support or alimony orders
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Prior bankruptcy filing information
Tips for Organizing
Create a folder (physical or digital) with tabs for each category. Label documents clearly. Make copies of everything before giving originals to your attorney.
Missing documents are the #1 cause of filing delays. Your attorney cannot prepare your petition without complete information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to file bankruptcy?
Key documents include: 6 months of pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns, bank statements, vehicle titles, mortgage statements, credit card statements, medical bills, and government ID.
What if I can't find all my documents?
Request duplicates: tax transcripts from IRS (free), pay stubs from employer/payroll company, bank statements from your bank (may charge a fee), and credit report from annualcreditreport.com (free, shows all debts).
How far back do bank statements need to go?
Most courts require 6 months of bank statements for all accounts. Some trustees request 12 months. Your attorney will advise based on your district's practices.
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Last updated: April 2026. Not legal advice.
Part of the Bankruptcy Transparency Network