Skip to main content

Are discharged debts considered income?

As a result of my bankruptcy filing I had several thousand dollars in discharged debt mostly from a credit card bill I owed. Then I received a form from the card company saying that debt may be income (a form 1099-C). So is that income that I have to report and pay taxes on?

Editor's Response

No.  If you settle a debt out of bankruptcy by, for example, paying $5 on the $10 that you owed, that five dollar difference may be considered taxable income.  However, it is not supposed to work that way with a debt that is discharged in bankruptcy.  If you received a Form 1099-C, you need to talk to a bankruptcy attorney or a tax professional (accountant) about it.  I would not ignore it but, rather, straighten the matter out as soon as possible to avoid future entanglements with the IRS. Good luck.


Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws

Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws

ForumLast post
We sold our condo in November of 2009. We had a new house lined up-offer was accepted (per our realtor) after....
Thanks again. I think we have two issues, what the would-be sellers d....
7/30/2010 08:40
by flyers559
Several years ago my mother died and left some property in a trust with my uncle as trustee. I'm not sure but....
Yes, as a beneficiary of the trust, under Massachusetts law, you are e....
7/30/2010 07:08
by Donaldson
My fiance was arrested for a dui, his 5th. His last one was in 94, I know the time between offenses doesn't m....
The penalty would depend on how the offense was charged. They could ch....
7/29/2010 10:42
by Anonymous
I'm permanently disabled and rely on my SSDI to get by. Before i was injured and had a job I got several debt....
Your level of income, or source of income, does not generally have any....
7/29/2010 05:47
by Anonymous
First, I like your site and visit often for info about MA law. Just wondering if you saw the new Massachusett....
LOL.  Yes I will.  This thread (as you mention) discusses th....
7/28/2010 06:53
by AlbertY
My uncle appointed me as his power of attorney several years ago. Then last year he signed a health care prox....
Follow these two threads for an explanation of what a power of attorne....
7/27/2010 05:46
by Snowe55
I purchased a MP3 player from a local resident through Craigslist. The device was not compatible with my compu....
I obviously do not know what the ad said or what the seller said to yo....
7/26/2010 00:26
by Anonymous
I have a 15 month lease which terminates on August 26th. The lease states that 60 day notice is required prio....
With my limited experience in Housing Court, I have to admit I'm stump....
7/24/2010 18:09
by alyssariffic
I live in MA and I'm the permanent guardian of my nephew who is six. My sister, his mother, has been involved....
If the Probate and Family Court appointed you as the permanent guardia....
7/24/2010 09:21
by Hall83
I read the other post about the medical malpractice tribunals in Massachusetts but I'm curious about how the t....
The panel is comprised of a judge, a doctor, a lawyer and preside....
3/9/2010 05:53
by Wookie