2020 US Code
Title 28 - Judiciary and Judicial Procedure
Part V - Procedure
Chapter 123 - Fees and Costs
Sec. 1930 - Bankruptcy fees

(a) The parties commencing a case under title 11 shall pay to the clerk of the district court or the clerk of the bankruptcy court, if one has been certified pursuant to section 156(b) of this title, the following filing fees:

An individual commencing a voluntary case or a joint case under title 11 may pay such fee in installments. For converting, on request of the debtor, a case under chapter 7, or 13 of title 11, to a case under chapter 11 of title 11, the debtor shall pay to the clerk of the district court or the clerk of the bankruptcy court, if one has been certified pursuant to section 156(b) of this title, a fee of the amount equal to the difference between the fee specified in paragraph (3) and the fee specified in paragraph (1).

(b) The Judicial Conference of the United States may prescribe additional fees in cases under title 11 of the same kind as the Judicial Conference prescribes under section 1914(b) of this title.

(c) Upon the filing of any separate or joint notice of appeal or application for appeal or upon the receipt of any order allowing, or notice of the allowance of, an appeal or a writ of certiorari $5 shall be paid to the clerk of the court, by the appellant or petitioner.

(d) Whenever any case or proceeding is dismissed in any bankruptcy court for want of jurisdiction, such court may order the payment of just costs.

(e) The clerk of the court may collect only the fees prescribed under this section.

(f)(1) Under the procedures prescribed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the district court or the bankruptcy court may waive the filing fee in a case under chapter 7 of title 11 for an individual if the court determines that such individual has income less than 150 percent of the income official poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981) applicable to a family of the size involved and is unable to pay that fee in installments. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "filing fee" means the filing fee required by subsection (a), or any other fee prescribed by the Judicial Conference under subsections (b) and (c) that is payable to the clerk upon the commencement of a case under chapter 7.

(2) The district court or the bankruptcy court may waive for such debtors other fees prescribed under subsections (b) and (c).

(3) This subsection does not restrict the district court or the bankruptcy court from waiving, in accordance with Judicial Conference policy, fees prescribed under this section for other debtors and creditors.

(Added Pub. L. 95–598, title II, §246(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2671; amended Pub. L. 98–353, title I, §111(a), (b), July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 342; Pub. L. 99–500, §101(b) [title IV, §407(b)], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–39, 1783–64, and Pub. L. 99–591, §101(b) [title IV, §407(b)], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–39, 3341–64; Pub. L. 99–554, title I, §§117, 144(f), Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3095, 3097; Pub. L. 101–162, title IV, §406(a), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1016; Pub. L. 102–140, title I, §111(a), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 103–121, title I, §111(a)(1), (b)(1), Oct. 27, 1993, 107 Stat. 1164; Pub. L. 104–91, title I, §101(a), Jan. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 11, amended Pub. L. 104–99, title II, §211, Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 37; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §109(a)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009–18; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(1) [title I, §113], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–20; Pub. L. 106–518, title I, §§103–105, Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2411, 2412; Pub. L. 109–8, title III, §325(a), title IV, §418, Apr. 20, 2005, 119 Stat. 98, 108; Pub. L. 109–13, div. A, title VI, §6058(a), May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 297; Pub. L. 109–171, title X, §10101(a), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 184; Pub. L. 110–161, div. B, title II, §213(a), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1914; Pub. L. 112–121, §3(a), May 25, 2012, 126 Stat. 348; Pub. L. 115–72, div. B, §1004(a), Oct. 26, 2017, 131 Stat. 1232; Pub. L. 116–54, §4(b)(3), Aug. 23, 2019, 133 Stat. 1087; Pub. L. 116–325, §3(d), Jan. 12, 2021, 134 Stat. 5088.)

Section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is section 673(2) of Pub. L. 97–35, which is classified to section 9902(2) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–91 is based on section 111(a) of H.R. 2076, One Hundred Fourth Congress, as passed by House of Representatives on Dec. 6, 1995, which was enacted into law by Pub. L. 104–91.

Pub. L. 99–591 is a corrected version of Pub. L. 99–500.

2021—Subsec. (a)(6)(B). Pub. L. 116–325, §3(d)(1), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "During each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022, if the balance in the United States Trustee System Fund as of September 30 of the most recent full fiscal year is less than $200,000,000, the quarterly fee payable for a quarter in which disbursements equal or exceed $1,000,000 shall be the lesser of 1 percent of such disbursements or $250,000."

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 116–325, §3(d)(2), in first sentence, substituted "shall" for "may".

2019—Subsec. (a)(6)(A). Pub. L. 116–54 inserted ", other than under subchapter V," after "chapter 11 of title 11".

2017—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–72 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in addition" for "In addition", and added subpar. (B).

2012—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 112–121 substituted "$1,167" for "$1,000".

2007—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 110–161 substituted last two sentences for former last two sentences which read as follows: "The fee shall be $250 for each quarter in which disbursements total less than $15,000; $500 for each quarter in which disbursements total $15,000 or more but less than $75,000; $750 for each quarter in which disbursements total $75,000 or more but less than $150,000; $1,250 for each quarter in which disbursements total $150,000 or more but less than $225,000; $1,500 for each quarter in which disbursements total $225,000 or more but less than $300,000; $3,750 for each quarter in which disbursements total $300,000 or more but less than $1,000,000; $5,000 for each quarter in which disbursements total $1,000,000 or more but less than $2,000,000; $7,500 for each quarter in which disbursements total $2,000,000 or more but less than $3,000,000; $8,000 for each quarter in which disbursements total $3,000,000 or more but less than $5,000,000; $10,000 for each quarter in which disbursements total $5,000,000 or more. The fee shall be payable on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar quarter for which the fee is owed."

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–171, §10101(a)(1), substituted "$245" for "$220" in subpar. (A) and "$235" for "$150" in subpar. (B).

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–171, §10101(a)(2), which directed substitution of "$2,750" for "$1,000" in par. (2), could not be executed because "$1,000" does not appear in par. (2).

2005—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–8, §418(1), substituted "The parties" for "Notwithstanding section 1915 of this title, the parties" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–8, §325(a)(1), as amended by Pub. L. 109–13, added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1), which read as follows: "For a case commenced under chapter 7 or 13 of title 11, $155."

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 109–8, §325(a)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 109–13, substituted "$1,000" for "$800".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–8, §418(2), added subsec. (f).

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–518, §104, substituted "the amount equal to the difference between the fee specified in paragraph (3) and the fee specified in paragraph (1)" for "$400" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 106–518, §103, substituted "equal to the fee specified in paragraph (3) for filing a case under chapter 11 of title 11. The amount by which the fee payable under this paragraph exceeds $300 shall be deposited in the fund established under section 1931 of this title" for "$300".

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 106–518, §105, which directed amendment of subsec. (a) by adding par. (7) at end, was executed by adding par. (7) after par. (6) and before concluding provisions to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1999—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–113 substituted "$155" for "$130".

1996—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–208 inserted a dollar sign before "800".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 104–208 substituted "$500 for each quarter in which disbursements total $15,000 or more but less than $75,000; $750 for each quarter in which disbursements total $75,000 or more but less than $150,000; $1,250 for each quarter in which disbursements total $150,000 or more but less than $225,000; $1,500 for each quarter in which disbursements total $225,000 or more but less than $300,000; $3,750 for each quarter in which disbursements total $300,000 or more but less than $1,000,000; $5,000 for each quarter in which disbursements total $1,000,000 or more but less than $2,000,000; $7,500 for each quarter in which disbursements total $2,000,000 or more but less than $3,000,000; $8,000 for each quarter in which disbursements total $3,000,000 or more but less than $5,000,000; $10,000 for each quarter in which disbursements total $5,000,000 or more. The fee shall be payable on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar quarter for which the fee is owed." for "$500 for each quarter in which disbursements total $15,000 or more but less than $150,000; $1,250 or each quarter in which disbursements total $150,000 or more but less than $300,000; $3,750 for each quarter in which disbursements total $300,000 or more but less than $3,000,000; $5,000 for each quarter in which disbursements total $3,000,000 or more. The fee shall be payable on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar quarter for which the fee is owed."

Pub. L. 104–91, as amended by Pub. L. 104–99, struck out "a plan is confirmed or" before "the case is converted".

1993—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–121, §111(a)(1), substituted "$130" for "$120".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103–121, §111(b)(1), substituted "800" for "$600".

1991—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–140, §111(a)(1), substituted "$600" for "$500".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 102–140, §111(a)(2), substituted "$250" for "$150", "$500" for "$300", "$1,250" for "$750", "$3,750" for "$2,250", and "$5,000" for "$3,000".

1989—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–162 substituted "$120" for "$90".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–554, §§117(5), 144(f), in introductory and closing provisions, substituted "of the district court or the clerk of the bankruptcy court, if one has been certified pursuant to section 156(b) of this title" for "of the court", and in closing provisions, inserted provision that for conversion, on request of the debtor, of a case under chapter 7 or 13 of title 11, to a case under chapter 11 of title 11, the debtor pay to the clerk of the court a fee of $400.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–500 and Pub. L. 99–591, Pub. L. 99–554, §117(1), amended par. (1) identically substituting "$90" for "$60".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–554, §117(2), substituted "$500" for "$200".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–554, §117(3), substituted "$1,000" for "$500".

Subsec. (a)(5), (6). Pub. L. 99–554, §117(4), added pars. (5) and (6).

1984—Pub. L. 98–353, §111(b), substituted "fees" for "courts" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a), (c), (e). Pub. L. 98–353, §111(a), substituted "clerk of the court" for "clerk of the bankruptcy court".

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–54 effective 180 days after Aug. 23, 2019, see section 5 of Pub. L. 116–54, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.

Pub. L. 115–72, div. B, §1004(c), Oct. 26, 2017, 131 Stat. 1232, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 589a of this title] shall apply to quarterly fees payable under section 1930(a)(6) of title 28, United States Code, as amended by this section, for disbursements made in any calendar quarter that begins on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 26, 2017]."

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–121 effective 180 days after May 25, 2012, see section 3(e) of Pub. L. 112–121, set out as a note under section 589a of this title.

Pub. L. 110–161, div. B, title II, §213(b), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1914, provided that: "This section [amending this section] and the amendment made by this section shall take effect January 1, 2008, or the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2007], whichever is later."

Pub. L. 109–171, title X, §10101(c), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 184, provided that: "This section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1931 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 8, 2006]."

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–13 effective immediately after the enactment of Pub. L. 109–8, Apr. 20, 2005, see section 6058(b) of Pub. L. 109–13, set out as a note under section 589a of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–8 effective 180 days after Apr. 20, 2005, and not applicable with respect to cases commenced under Title 11, Bankruptcy, before such effective date, except as otherwise provided, see section 1501 of Pub. L. 109–8, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 11.

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(1) [title I, §113], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–20, provided that the amendment made by section 1000(a)(1) [title I, §113] is effective 30 days after Nov. 29, 1999.

Pub. L. 103–121, title I, §111(a), Oct. 27, 1993, 107 Stat. 1164, provided in part that the amendment made by that section is effective 30 days after Oct. 27, 1993.

Pub. L. 103–121, title I, §111(b), Oct. 27, 1993, 107 Stat. 1164, provided in part that the amendment made by that section is effective 30 days after Oct. 27, 1993.

Pub. L. 102–140, title I, §111, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 795, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective 60 days after Oct. 28, 1991.

Pub. L. 101–162, title IV, §406(a), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1016, provided that: "Section 1930(a)(1) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking out '$90' and inserting in lieu thereof '$120'. Pursuant to section 1930(b) of title 28, the Judicial Conference of the United States shall prescribe a fee of $60 on motions seeking relief from the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. section 362(b) and motions to compel abandonment of property of the estate. The fees established pursuant to the preceding two sentences shall take effect 30 days after the enactment of this Act [Nov. 21, 1989]."

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–554 effective 30 days after Oct. 27, 1986, with effective date and applicability of enactment of subsec. (a)(6) of this section by section 117(4) of Pub. L. 99–554 dependent upon the judicial district involved, see section 302(a), (d), (e) of Pub. L. 99–554, set out as a note under section 581 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–353 effective July 10, 1984, see section 122(a) of Pub. L. 98–353, set out as an Effective Date note under section 151 of this title.

Section effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 402(c) of Pub. L. 95–598, set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.

Pub. L. 116–325, §2, Jan. 12, 2021, 134 Stat. 5086, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—Congress finds the following:

"(b) Purpose.—The purpose of this Act and the amendments made by this Act is to further the long-standing goal of Congress of ensuring that the bankruptcy system is self-funded, at no cost to the taxpayer."

Pub. L. 116–93, div. B, title II, §219, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2415, provided that, for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, subsection (a)(6)(B) of this section would be applied by substituting $300,000,000 for $200,000,000. For text of subsec. (a)(6)(B) prior to amendment by Pub. L. 116–325, see 2021 Amendment note above. Similar provisions applicable for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 were contained in Pub. L. 116–260, div. B, title II, §218, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1265.

Pub. L. 109–8, title III, §325(e), Apr. 20, 2005, 119 Stat. 99, which provided for the disposition of certain fees collected under section 1930 of this title during the 5-year period beginning on Apr. 20, 2005, greater than the amount that would have been collected had the amendment by Pub. L. 109–8, §325(a), not been made, was omitted in the general amendment of section 325 of Pub. L. 109–8 by Pub. L. 109–13, div. A, title VI, §6058, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 297, effective immediately after the enactment of Pub. L. 109–8, Apr. 20, 2005.

Pub. L. 104–91, title I, §101(a), Jan. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 10, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title I, §109(d)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009–19, provided in part: "That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the fees under 28 U.S.C. 1930(a)(6) shall accrue and be payable from and after January 27, 1996, in all cases (including, without limitation, any cases pending as of that date), regardless of confirmation status of their plans".

Pub. L. 103–121, title I, §111(d), Oct. 27, 1993, 107 Stat. 1165, provided that not later than Mar. 31, 1998, the Judicial Conference of the United States would submit to Congress a report, with specified contents, waiver of fees in selected districts, and study of graduated fee systems, relating to the bankruptcy fee system and the impact of such system on various participants in bankruptcy cases.

Judicial Conference to prescribe reasonable fees for collection by courts under this section for access to information available through automatic data processing equipment and fees to be deposited in Judiciary Automation Fund, see section 303 of Pub. L. 102–140, set out as a note under section 1913 of this title.

Pub. L. 101–162, title IV, §403, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1013, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal year 1990 and hereafter, (a) The Administrative Office of the United States Courts, or any other agency or instrumentality of the United States, is prohibited from restricting solely to staff of the Clerks of the United States Bankruptcy Courts the issuance of notices to creditors and other interested parties. (b) The Administrative Office shall permit and encourage the preparation and mailing of such notices to be performed by or at the expense of the debtors, trustees or such other interested parties as the Court may direct and approve. (c) The Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall make appropriate provisions for the use of and accounting for any postage required pursuant to such directives."

Pub. L. 101–162, title IV, §404(a), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1013, provided that: "For fiscal year 1990 and hereafter, such fees as shall be collected for the preparation and mailing of notices in bankruptcy cases as prescribed by the Judicial Conference of the United States pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1930(b) shall be deposited to the 'Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services, Salaries and Expenses' appropriation to be used for salaries and other expenses incurred in providing these services."