Surplus Income & Bankruptcy Discharge

When you file an Assignment in Bankruptcy, you are allowed to keep sufficient of your income to allow you to live a normal life. The trouble is that the definition of a “normal life” is based on a cross-Canada average that is calculated annually by the Office of Superintendent in Bankruptcy.

It starts with your net after tax take-home pay and has an allowance for special non-discretionary expenses such as child and spousal support payments, child care expenses, expenses of a medical condition, court imposed fines or penalties that are being paid and any expenses related to your employment that are recognized by the Income Tax Act. Unfortunately, the average of high cost areas such as Toronto and Vancouver are merged with low cost areas.

If you live in a high cost area, the average cost of living does not work – but you still have to abide by it.

Once surplus income is calculated, 50% of the surplus amount must be paid to your Licensed Insolvency Trustee who will divide the amount among your creditors. For the first time bankrupts, you must pay the surplus for 21 months, for 2nd time bankrupts, you must pay for 36 months.

For a more detailed reading of Directive 11R2 – 2016, please go to Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada (/eic/site/bsf-osb.nsf/eng/home)

Contact Rumanek & Company Ltd. for more information on bankruptcy and debt solutions. Or please fill out the free bankruptcy evaluation form. To learn more please visit our YouTube Channel. Rumanek & Company have been helping individuals and families overcome debt for more than 25 years.