You may have to pay 3 fees when you take your petition and statement of affairs to court:
- The court fee of £150. In some circumstances the court may waive this fee; for example, if you are on Income Support. If you are not sure whether you qualify for a reduction in the fee or whether you are exempt from paying the fee, court staff will be able to advise you.
- The deposit of £325 towards the costs of administering your bankruptcy. This deposit is payable in all cases.
- The fee to swear the statement of affairs. In a county court, no charge is made to swear this affidavit, which is part of the statement of affairs. But in the High Court or before a solicitor there is a £7 charge.
If you are a married couple and you are both applying for bankruptcy, you will each have to pay separate fees. If you were in business as a partnership, each partner will have to pay separate fees, unless all the partners apply for a joint bankruptcy petition under the Insolvent Partnerships Order 1994 (Form 16). Form 16 is available from the court or a copy can be printed from The Insolvency Service website.
The above fees should be paid in cash or postal orders, or by a cheque from a building society, bank or solicitor. Cheques should be made payable to H M Paymaster General. Personal cheques will not be accepted.
