Calculator Inputs
Formula Used
Counted monthly income = debtor income + spouse income + business income + rental income + other counted income.
Annualized income = counted monthly income × 12.
Total monthly deductions = taxes + insurance + living costs + housing + utilities + transportation + medical costs + other allowed deductions.
Monthly disposable income = counted monthly income − total monthly deductions.
Plan base = positive monthly disposable income × selected plan months.
Trustee fee estimate = plan base × trustee fee percent.
Unsecured dividend = available unsecured pool ÷ unsecured claims × 100.
How To Use This Calculator
Enter all counted monthly income first. Add the annual median income for comparison. Choose an automatic, 36 month, or 60 month plan term. Then enter monthly deductions and plan claim amounts. Press calculate. Review the result above the form. Use CSV or PDF export for records.
This calculator is for educational planning. It is not legal advice. Court forms, local rules, trustee practice, and professional review may change the final result.
Example Data Table
| Input Item | Example Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Counted monthly income | $5,450 | Used to annualize income. |
| Annual median income | $72,000 | Used for median comparison. |
| Total monthly deductions | $5,390 | Subtracted from income. |
| Trustee fee | 10% | Estimated plan administration cost. |
| Unsecured claims | $42,000 | Used for dividend estimate. |
Understanding Chapter 13 Means Testing
A Chapter 13 means test calculator estimates whether a repayment plan has enough projected disposable income. It compares monthly income with allowed deductions, then spreads the remaining amount across a selected plan term. The result does not replace court forms. It gives a planning view before formal review.
Why Income Matters
The calculator begins with counted household income. Regular wages, business profit, rental income, support income, and other recurring receipts may affect the estimate. Annualized income is compared with a median income figure entered by the user. If income is above the median, a longer commitment period is often tested. If income is below or equal to the median, a shorter term may appear.
How Deductions Shape Results
Deductions are the heart of the estimate. They may include payroll taxes, insurance, living standards, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, childcare, support payments, secured debt, priority debt, and other allowed amounts. Higher deductions reduce disposable income. Lower deductions increase the monthly amount that may be available for creditors.
Reading the Output
The result shows annualized income, median status, total deductions, monthly disposable income, plan base, trustee fee estimate, and unsecured dividend. These figures help compare different filing scenarios. For example, a user can test a higher rent expense, a different plan length, or a changed trustee percentage.
Practical Use
Use the calculator for rough planning only. Enter conservative numbers and keep records for each run. The CSV export helps save rows for spreadsheets. The PDF button creates a simple report for notes. Always confirm legal treatment with a qualified professional before relying on any number.
Good Data Habits
A useful estimate depends on clean input. Use the same month for income and deductions when possible. Average irregular wages over a sensible period. Separate counted income from excluded income. Enter annual median income from a trusted source or case worksheet. Do not hide debts inside ordinary expenses. List priority claims and secured arrears in their own fields. That separation makes the plan pool easier to read.
Planning Limits
Actual forms may use official standards, local rules, trustee practice, and court findings. This tool supports comparison. It is not a filing decision. Keep every source document close for review.
FAQs
What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates counted income, deductions, disposable income, plan base, trustee fee, and possible unsecured creditor dividend for a Chapter 13 planning scenario.
Is this an official court form?
No. It is a planning tool. Official forms, local rules, trustee review, and legal advice should guide any filing decision.
Why does the plan length change?
The auto option compares annualized income with the entered median income. Above median estimates use 60 months. Other estimates use 36 months.
What is disposable income?
Disposable income is counted monthly income minus allowed monthly deductions. The calculator uses positive disposable income to estimate plan funding.
What is the required pool?
The required pool combines attorney fee balance, priority claims, and secured arrears. These items usually need attention before unsecured dividend estimates.
How is unsecured dividend calculated?
The calculator subtracts trustee fee and required pool from the plan base. The remaining amount is divided by general unsecured claims.
Can I export the result?
Yes. Use the CSV button for spreadsheet records. Use the PDF button after calculation to save a simple report.
Should excluded income be counted?
The excluded income field is only a note in this tool. It does not increase counted monthly income or the disposable income result.