How to File for Bankruptcy
in Texas
A complete guide for Texas residents — means test thresholds, state exemptions, federal filing districts, and a step-by-step process overview.
Filing Districts
4
Federal courts
1-Person Median
$67k
Annual income limit
Homestead
Unlimited (10 acres urban; 200 acres rural family)
Protected equity
Texas Median Income — 2025–2026
If your income is below these thresholds, you likely pass the Chapter 7 Means Test automatically. Figures updated annually — verify at uscourts.gov.
| Household Size | Annual Median Income | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $67,123 | $5,594 |
| 2 People | $86,789 | $7,232 |
| 3 People | $103,456 | $8,621 |
| 4 People | $123,210 | $10,268 |
Note: Add $9,900 per person for households with 5 or more members. Figures based on 2025–2026 U.S. Trustee Program data.
Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions
Exemptions protect your property from being sold to pay creditors. Texas has some of the most debtor-friendly exemptions in the country, including an unlimited homestead exemption and unlimited vehicle exemptions per licensed driver. Texas requires debtors to use state exemptions.
Homestead Exemption
Unlimited (10 acres urban; 200 acres rural family)
Equity in your primary residence
Vehicle Exemption
Unlimited (1 vehicle per licensed household member)
Equity in one motor vehicle
Personal Property
$50,000 single; $100,000 family (personal property aggregate)
Household goods, clothing, tools
Means test note: Texas's median income thresholds are near the national average; while the means test may require a full calculation for some filers, Texas's exceptional exemptions make Chapter 7 very attractive regardless of income.
Federal Bankruptcy Courts in Texas
You must file in the district where you've lived for the majority of the last 180 days (6 months).
Northern District of Texas
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Eastern District of Texas
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Southern District of Texas
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Western District of Texas
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
7-Step Bankruptcy Process in Texas
Take the Means Test
Compare your income to Texas's median income for your household size. If you're at or below the threshold, you likely qualify for Chapter 7.
Complete Credit Counseling
Federal law requires you to complete an approved credit counseling course within 180 days before filing. This takes about 1–2 hours online and costs $10–$50.
Gather Your Financial Documents
Collect pay stubs (last 6 months), tax returns (last 2 years), bank statements, creditor bills, property deeds, and vehicle titles. JustiPal™ provides a complete document checklist.
Complete the Bankruptcy Petition
File Schedules A through J, the Statement of Financial Affairs, and the Means Test Calculation. In Texas, you file in the Northern District of Texas.
Pay the Filing Fee
The federal bankruptcy filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. You file in the Northern District of Texas. Fee waivers are available if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line.
Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors
Approximately 3–5 weeks after filing, you'll attend a brief 341 Meeting. The trustee will ask questions about your petition under oath. Most meetings last under 10 minutes.
Receive Your Discharge
If no creditors object and you've completed a Debtor Education course, the court issues your discharge — typically 60–90 days after your 341 Meeting. Your qualifying debts are legally eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas Bankruptcy
Do I qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas?
To qualify for Chapter 7 in Texas, your income must be at or below the state median. For a single-person household, the 2025–2026 median is approximately $67,123. If you're above the median, you may still qualify after deducting allowed expenses. Use our Chapter 7 Qualification Check to get your eligibility assessment instantly.
What property can I keep when filing bankruptcy in Texas?
Texas allows you to protect certain property using exemptions. Your homestead exemption protects Unlimited (10 acres urban; 200 acres rural family) in home equity. Vehicle exemption: Unlimited (1 vehicle per licensed household member). Texas has some of the most debtor-friendly exemptions in the country, including an unlimited homestead exemption and unlimited vehicle exemptions per licensed driver. Texas requires debtors to use state exemptions.
Which court do I file bankruptcy in for Texas?
Texas has 4 federal bankruptcy districts: Northern District of Texas, Eastern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas. You file in the district where you've lived for the majority of the last 180 days.
How long does bankruptcy take in Texas?
A standard Chapter 7 in Texas typically takes 4–6 months from filing to discharge. Your 341 Meeting of Creditors is usually scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. After the creditor objection period closes, the court issues your discharge order.
Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy in Texas?
You are not required to hire an attorney. Filing without a lawyer is called filing "pro se." JustiPal™ is a document preparation service that helps you organize your paperwork and prepare your filing — we are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
Related Resources
Free Check
Do You Qualify for Chapter 7?
Take our free 2-minute eligibility check based on Texas's median income thresholds.
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Bankruptcy Intake Package
Guided intake wizard, document checklist for Texas, and your complete case packet — ready to file.
- Complete intake workflow
- Texas-specific document checklist
- Case readiness score
- Organized document packet
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ is a document preparation service. We do not provide legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney in Texas.
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