Formula Used
Current Monthly Income = Total income from the last six full months ÷ 6.
Annualized Income = Current Monthly Income × 12.
Ohio Median Comparison = Annualized Income compared with the Ohio household median.
Net Mortgage or Rent Allowance = Housing mortgage or rent standard − average home secured debt payment.
Net Vehicle Ownership Allowance = Vehicle ownership standard − average vehicle secured debt payment.
Total Monthly Deductions = Standards + actual allowed expenses + secured debt averages + priority debt average + plan administration estimate.
Monthly Disposable Income = Current Monthly Income − Total Monthly Deductions.
Sixty-Month Disposable Income = Monthly Disposable Income × 60.
Abuse Trigger = Lesser of the upper threshold and the greater of 25% of unsecured debt or the lower threshold.
Ohio Chapter 7 Means Test Guide
The Chapter 7 means test compares household income with allowed deductions. It follows a structured bankruptcy form. Ohio filers first compare annualized current monthly income with the Ohio median for the household size. If income is below the median, the case often clears the first screen. If income is above the median, the second stage estimates disposable income after allowed expenses.
Income Review
Income is based on the six full calendar months before filing. Wages, business receipts, rent, pension income, unemployment, and regular support can matter. The calculator divides that six month total by six. It then multiplies the result by twelve. This gives the annualized income used for the Ohio median comparison.
Allowed Deductions
Deductions are more detailed. Some amounts use national standards. Some amounts use Ohio county housing standards. Transportation may include ownership, operating, or public transit allowances. Actual necessary expenses can include payroll taxes, insurance, childcare, court ordered payments, care for elderly relatives, and priority debts. Secured debts are usually averaged over sixty months. Priority debts are also divided by sixty.
Result Meaning
The result is monthly disposable income. The calculator also shows a sixty month repayment amount. That number is compared with the statutory abuse threshold. If the projected amount is low, the result may show no presumption of abuse. If it is high enough, the result may show a possible presumption. A presumption does not always end the case. Special circumstances, documents, and legal arguments can still matter.
Record Tips
Use this tool as a planning worksheet. Enter gross income. Choose the household size. Load a county housing preset when it fits. Then review each deduction line. Change any estimate that does not match your records. The export buttons help save the result for review.
This calculator is educational only. It cannot replace official bankruptcy forms. It does not decide eligibility. Ohio bankruptcy practice may depend on district, trustee review, timing, and documentation. Always confirm figures before filing. A qualified bankruptcy attorney can explain exemptions, exceptions, and local practice. The best entries are conservative and documented. Save pay stubs, benefit statements, bank records, bills, loan contracts, and support orders. Good records make the means test easier, clearer, and safer.
FAQs
What is the Ohio Chapter 7 means test?
It is a bankruptcy screening calculation. It compares income, household size, deductions, and debt repayment ability. The result helps estimate whether a Chapter 7 abuse presumption may arise.
Which income period should I enter?
Use the six full calendar months before filing. Do not use a partial filing month. Enter gross income before deductions unless a line asks for an expense.
Does being below the Ohio median guarantee approval?
No. It usually helps the first screen, but other issues can still matter. Bad faith, total circumstances, paperwork, and eligibility rules may still be reviewed.
What household size should I use?
Use the household size that matches the bankruptcy forms and your facts. Dependents, spouse status, and support arrangements can affect the correct number.
Why does the calculator divide debt by sixty?
The means test estimates repayment ability over sixty months. Secured debt and priority debt are commonly averaged across that period for the deduction stage.
What are Ohio county housing presets?
They are local housing standard shortcuts for common Ohio counties. Use them only when they match your county and household size. You can override any preset.
Can I rely on this calculator for filing?
No. It is an educational worksheet. Official forms, current standards, documents, trustee review, and legal advice should control any filing decision.
Why might a presumption still be rebutted?
Special circumstances may change the result when properly documented. Examples can include necessary expenses or income changes. A bankruptcy attorney can review those facts.