What Documents Do You Need to File Bankruptcy?
The short version
Most filers need to round up the same core paperwork: recent pay stubs, the last two years of tax returns, several months of bank statements, a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number, plus statements for your debts and a list of what you own. Gathering these early is the single best thing you can do to make filing smoother.
One of the most stressful parts of filing on your own is simply not knowing what to collect. Below is a plain-language checklist you can work through at your own pace. Requirements vary by court district and by the individual trustee assigned to your case, so treat this as a strong starting point, not a final legal list. If you're still deciding whether to file, start with our Considering Bankruptcy? guide or the Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 comparison.
Your document checklist
💰 Income
- Pay stubs for roughly the last 6 months (for every job you've held in that window).
- Your last two W-2s, and 1099s if you're self-employed or do gig work.
- Proof of any other income: Social Security, disability, unemployment, child support, side income.
🧾 Taxes
- Federal (and state) tax returns for the last 2 years — or official tax transcripts if you can't find them.
🏦 Bank & financial accounts
- Bank statements for about the last 6–7 months for every account with your name on it (checking, savings, joint accounts).
- Statements for online money apps: PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and similar.
- Recent statements for retirement and investment accounts (401(k), IRA, brokerage).
📄 What you owe (debts)
- Recent statements for credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and collections.
- Car loan statement (balance + payment), plus registration and proof of insurance.
- Mortgage or lease statements; any court judgments or garnishment notices.
🏠 What you own (property)
- A list of major possessions: vehicles, real estate, valuable items.
- Recent home/vehicle value estimates if you have them, and any deeds or titles.
🔑 Identity
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID).
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, or a W-2 showing the full number).
🎓 Required course certificate
- Certificate from the approved credit-counseling course filers typically complete before filing (a second debtor-education course comes later).
Want help getting it all organized?
That's the heart of what we do. A 30-minute Navigation Session helps you build your document checklist, spot what's missing, and set up a simple system to stay on track — for $50, with no obligation.
Request a $50 Navigation Session →Frequently asked questions
Many trustees ask for roughly the last six to seven months of statements for every account in your name, including online money apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. Your specific trustee may ask for more or less.
Yes. You'll typically need your federal tax returns for the last two years. If you can't locate them, you can request free tax transcripts from the IRS.
Gather what you can and note what's missing. Most documents can be re-requested — pay stubs from an employer, statements from your bank, transcripts from the IRS. Getting organized about the gaps is a productive first step.
No. The core list is similar everywhere, but specific requirements vary by court district and by the individual trustee assigned to your case. Always check your district's and trustee's instructions.