Ohio Bankruptcy Means Test Figures for 2026

If you are considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Ohio, your first step is completing the Means Test, which averages your income over the previous six months and compares it to the state’s median income.

If your income falls below Ohio’s average income, then you can consider filing under Chapter 7. However, you shouldn’t depend solely on the Means Test to conclude that Chapter 7 is the best option for your financial situation.

By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).

Key Takeaways on the Ohio Means Test

• The Means Test: The Means Test is based on the last 6 months of income prior to filing and helps determine eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
• Timing is Critical: One month of higher-than-normal income could affect the Means Test average, requiring delaying filing to exclude those high-income months.
• Rebutting the Presumption of Abuse: Failing the Means Test creates a presumption of abuse under §707(b), requiring debtors to complete a more detailed second-stage analysis to determine whether they can still qualify for Chapter 7.
• The Chapter 13 Option: Even if you qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13 can still be the better choice, especially to catch up on missed mortgage payments and auto loans.

How the Means Test Works

Starting the Means Test means beginning with calculating the average income over a six-month period and comparing it to the Ohio median income based on household size. This is done by completing Official Form 122A‑1 to determine the Current Monthly Income (CMI) under 11 U.S.C. §101(10A).

For example, suppose the debtor received a total of $19,200 in income during the six calendar months before filing. Dividing by six yields a CMI of $3,200 per month. That monthly figure is then annualized or multiplied by twelve, which results in $38,400. That figure is then compared to the Ohio median income for the debtor’s household size.

If the annualized income is at or below the state median, no further Means Test calculations are required. However, this does not automatically make Chapter 7 the best choice. You must still evaluate the value of your non‑exempt assets, and determine your actual disposable income for the month of filing by completing Schedule I (Income) and Schedule J (Expenses).

If your income exceeds the Ohio median, you must proceed to the next step , which requires completing Official Form 122A‑2, which applies IRS‑approved National and Local Standard deductions to determine whether a presumption of abuse arises under Section 707(b).

Below are the official median income figures for Ohio:

Household Size	Annual Median Income	Monthly Median Income
1 Earner	$66,239	$5,519.92
2 Persons	$83,725	$6,977.08
3 Persons	$102,504	$8,542.00
4 Persons	$123,702	$10,308.50

Note, if the household has more than four persons, then add $11,100 for each additional person.

The Means Test and the Presumption of Abuse

The second part of the Means Test requires completing Official Form 122A-2. This form is more detailed and focuses on using IRS-approved expense deductions that reduce your “disposable income.” These deductions include housing, transportation, and secured debt payments such as car loans and mortgages, which often allow above-median filers to qualify. It should be stressed that these deductions are not based on your actual expenses, but IRS-approved deductions.

However, whether you qualify under Step 1 or 2, the Means Test will not necessarily result in your best option. Besides an exemption analysis to determine the value of any non-exempt assets, remember to always determine your disposable income by comparing Schedule I to Schedule J.

In addition, if you are behind on secured debt payments such as your car or mortgage, Chapter 7 does not offer a path to catch up on arrears; only Chapter 13 does. This is a critical distinction because I’ve experienced self-represented parties filing Chapter 7 believing the automatic stay is sufficient to save the home.  It’s not. The automatic stay will only delay a foreclosure or car repossession. Chapter 13 will allow you to save your car or home and also has additional remedies that debtors should consider.

Chapter 13 can also potentially reduce your car loan balance through a process known as a “cramdown,” which reduces the loan to the fair market value of your vehicle under Section 506(a) and is subject to the 910-day rule. Section 1325(a).

Likewise, second mortgages and HELOCs may be stripped under Sections 506(a) and 1322(b)(2) if the home is worth less than the balance of the first mortgage. These options are not permitted in Chapter 7.

When You Should File for Bankruptcy

The timing of your bankruptcy petition is critical. Because the Means Test averages your income for a six month period, a one-time bonus or higher than average commission could result in exceeding Ohio’s median income.

In those situations, filing should be delayed until that high-income month rolls off and is no longer counted as part of the six-month look-back period, allowing your measured income to stabilize and return to normal.

For example, if looking back at the last 6 months, if month three is the reason why the Means Test is failed, waiting an additional four months to file removes that month from the calculations.

Conclusion

Passing the Ohio Means Test is essential to qualify for Chapter 7, but it’s not the final determining factor. Evaluate assets based on the fair market value, and deduct the statutory exemption amount to determine if there is non-exempt equity.

Compare Schedules I and J for disposable income, and if you are behind on your car loan or mortgage and wish to keep either, then focus on Chapter 13.

Educational Resources

• For Institutions: Colleges and universities may request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
• For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
• Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Bankruptcy.blog YouTube Channel.

Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources

Explore additional consumer guides and state-specific directories to navigate your legal options:

• A step-by-step master guide to completing and understanding the bankruptcy petition.
• Bankruptcy Court Directory: Full listings for the federal bankruptcy court system and trustee contact information.
• State Bankruptcy Exemptions: Review your state‑specific exemptions or compare them with the federal exemptions.
• 341 Meeting Procedures: Prepare for your court date with updated rules, expectations, and practical guidance.

Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.

Bankruptcy Code References and Official Forms

• 11 U.S. Code §101 – Definitions.
• Official Form 122A-1. Chapter 7 Statement of Your Current Monthly Income.
• Official Form 122A-2. Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation.
• 11 U.S. Code §707 – Dismissal of a case or conversion to a case under Chapter 11 or 13.
• 11 U.S. Code §362 – Automatic stay.
• 11 U.S. Code §506 – Determination of secured status.
• 11 U.S. Code §1325 – Confirmation of plan.
• 11 U.S. Code §1322 – Contents of plan.