Can You Pass the 2026 Texas Chapter 7 Means Test?
Feeling overwhelmed by debt and unsure if your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas? Relief is still possible—even for families with steady earnings. Here’s what you need to know about the updated 2026 income limits, how the means test works, and steps you can take toward a fresh financial start.
What Is the Maximum Income for Chapter 7 in Texas (2026)?
The maximum income for Chapter 7 in Texas for 2026 is $67,556 for a single filer and $112,067 for a family of four, with $9,900 added for each extra household member. If your income is above these figures, you may still qualify by passing the means test, which considers your expenses and debts.
For 2026, the Texas Chapter 7 income limits are: $67,556 for a single filer, $88,777 for a household of two, $100,520 for three, and $112,067 for a family of four. Add $9,900 for each additional person. Even if you’re over these limits, you may still qualify using the means test.
2026 Texas Chapter 7 Income Limits Table
| Household Size | 2026 Median Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $67,556 |
| 2 | $88,777 |
| 3 | $100,520 |
| 4 | $112,067 |
| Each Additional | + $9,900 |
These limits are updated every year. If your household income is below the limit for your family size, you automatically pass the first step of the Chapter 7 means test in Texas.
What If My Income Is Above the Chapter 7 Limit?
If your income is above the median, you may still qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas. The means test allows you to deduct certain allowed expenses—such as mortgage payments, car loans, taxes, child care, and health insurance. Many families and higher earners still qualify after these deductions.
What Income Counts for the Chapter 7 Means Test?
The means test considers all sources of household income from the past six months, including wages, self-employment, rental income, unemployment, and your spouse’s income (even if they’re not filing). Social Security retirement and disability benefits do not count toward the means test calculation.
How Does the Chapter 7 Means Test Work in Texas?
The means test compares your average household income to the Texas median. If you’re over the limit, you can subtract certain expenses. If your remaining income is low enough, you can still qualify for Chapter 7. Timing matters—recent income changes can affect your eligibility.
Free Texas Chapter 7 Income Limit Calculator
Not sure if you qualify? Use our free Texas bankruptcy means test calculator for a quick answer, or request a free consultation with our Dallas bankruptcy attorneys. We’ll help you understand your options and find the best path forward.
2026 Texas Chapter 7 Income Limits: FAQs
You can still file Chapter 7 if your income exceeds the 2026 Texas limit—for example, $88,777 for a two-person household—by passing the means test, which considers your expenses and debts. We help you analyze your financial situation to determine if you qualify, even if you surpass the median income for your family size.
What are the 2026 Texas Chapter 7 income limits?
For 2026, the Texas Chapter 7 income limits are $67,556 for a single person, $88,777 for a household of two, $100,520 for a household of three, and $112,067 for a family of four. Add $9,900 for each additional family member. These limits are updated annually and affect your bankruptcy eligibility.
Can I file Chapter 7 if I’m over the income limit?
Yes. Even if your income is above the Texas median, you may still qualify for Chapter 7 by passing the means test. The means test allows you to deduct specific expenses—like mortgage, car payments, taxes, and health insurance. Many people with higher incomes still qualify after these deductions.
What income counts for the Chapter 7 means test?
The means test includes all household income from the last six months, such as wages, self-employment, rental income, unemployment, and your spouse’s income (even if they aren’t filing). Social Security retirement and disability benefits are excluded from the calculation.
How does the means test work in Texas?
The means test compares your average household income to the Texas median for your family size. If you’re over, you can subtract certain allowed expenses. If your disposable income is low enough after these deductions, you can still qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy—even if your income started out above the limit.
Does my spouse’s income count for Chapter 7 in Texas?
Yes, your spouse’s income is included in the means test, even if they are not filing bankruptcy with you. However, you can also deduct your spouse’s personal expenses, so working with an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help ensure your calculation is accurate.
What if my income changes before filing Chapter 7?
The means test uses your average income over the six months before filing. If your income drops, waiting a few months can help you qualify. Timing your bankruptcy filing can make a big difference in whether you pass the means test.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
You can get a fresh financial start—over 99% of our eligible Chapter 7 clients receive full debt discharge. If you qualify, you could be debt-free in as little as 120 days. We offer a free consultation to see if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is your best path forward.
Our Dallas bankruptcy attorneys have helped more than 13,000 Texans escape debt and rebuild their lives. Get a free consultation and see if you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy today.
