What Does Going Bankrupt Cost in Canada?
Answers and commonly asked questions
  1. Debt Help
  2. Bankruptcy
  3. Cost of Bankruptcy in Canada - Fees Apply for Filing

Costs and Fees for Bankruptcy in Canada

In Canada, the cost of bankruptcy is at least $1,800. This fee is payable to the trustee for their time. It also includes administration services and the costs associated with filing the appropriate bankruptcy forms with the Court. How much a trustee may charge for their services is determined by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB).

There May be Additional Costs to Pay in Order to be Discharged

Depending on how much income you earn and the nature of your debts and assets, you may also be required to pay extra towards your debts before you’re able to obtain your bankruptcy discharge. Funds are paid to your trustee and then disbursed to creditors. While these additional funds aren’t considered a fee, they can increase what it costs to go bankrupt in Canada.

A woman talks to a credit counsellor about her financial situation

You’ll also need to pay extra towards your debts if you receive any lump sums of money while you’re working through your bankruptcy process. Lump sums of money include tax refunds, winning the lottery, or receiving an inheritance or insurance settlement.

How to File for Bankruptcy When You Can’t Afford the Fee

If you need to file for bankruptcy but can’t afford the fee, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) will help find a bankruptcy trustee who will then be assigned to your case for a reduced fee. You may be able to get help with or get an exemption from the financial cost (fees and deductible) of bankruptcy.

The amount of the fee is based on what the trustee must pay to file your bankruptcy paperwork with the Court.

 

 

 

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Their staff are incredible…

Whatever your financial worries, trepidation or fear of being judged/forced into bankruptcy – get CCS to help. Their staff are incredible, couldn’t have dealt with a better group of people. They are truly dedicated to finding practical solutions, advocating for your financial future. First they provide hope, then they help and finish by delivering happiness.

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Daryl, a client of the Credit Counselling Society.

When Not to Declare Bankruptcy
When Fees and Associated Costs Are Too Expensive

Many people wonder why it costs so much to go bankrupt and think that they need to go bankrupt because they don’t have enough money to pay their debts. Not everyone who is insolvent and unable to pay their debts needs to go bankrupt. It depends on your situation if bankruptcy is a good option or not.

Avoid Bankruptcy by Communicating with Creditors
Get Help to Stop Collection Calls

There are a lot of situations where once a creditor is fully aware of someone’s circumstance, they no longer actively attempt to collect what is owed. There are effective ways to communicate with creditors to ask them to help you, which will stop collection calls. After the statute of limitation has been reached, a debt can no longer be legally collected.

Don’t Let the Cost of Bankruptcy Stop You from Getting More Information
Contact Us

The costs and fees of bankruptcy are very similar in each province, but the rules and regulations are somewhat different. Bankruptcy laws are designed to ensure that overall costs are based on someone’s individual situation.

If you’re not sure if you need go bankrupt or not, or if communicating with your creditors might be better, contact us for more information. We can explain how bankruptcy rules affect debt collection in your province and what your options are for dealing with your debts.

Discover your options

Between financial difficulty and insolvency are many options. Our credit counsellors specialize in helping you explore your options and discover which one will work best for you.

Get the clarity you need.

Speak with a non-profit credit counsellor.

When things get really tough and there doesn’t seem to be any hope, it can be helpful to sit down with a knowledgeable credit counsellor who can talk through all your options and make a plan to resolve your difficulties. Many are surprised at the number of options available besides bankruptcy. Once you can see your way out, you can regain your peace of mind and move forward with confidence.

Get Some Help – It’s Free

Get a free appointment to explore your options and get back on track.

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