Application to Pay Filing Fees in Installments (Chapter 7)
Last Updated: July 31, 2026

In an Individual Chapter 7 debtor(s) may request to pay the filing fees in installments at commencement by filing an Application to Pay Filing Fees in Installments (Form 103A).

• Note: A Corporation is not allowed to pay the filing fees in installments.

Opening an Installment Case (Electronic Filers) :

• When manually filing a Bankruptcy Petition that includes an Installment Application, type "inst" in the receipt field.  
• When filing the case via bankruptcy software, contact the vendor for instructions.

Making Installment Payments

The Court can accept:

• Partial payments or Full payment of the filing fee ($338.00)

• Full/Final payment due 120-days from filing of the Petition

Installment Payment Procedure

• Debtor: See Payment of Filing Fees 
• Debtor's Attorney: Installment payments made on behalf of the debtor.
  • Enter payments in ECF using the Miscellaneous  Category.
  • Select either
    • (a) Payment of Chapter 7 Filing Fee - Installment Payment [Partial Payment] or
    • (b) Payment Chapter 7 Filing Fee - Final Payment
      • Either a one time payment of $338.00 or the installment payment that brings the amount owed to $0.00]
  • NOTE: Be careful to select the correct event to prevent delayed or erroneous discharge of a case.

Related topic: Application to Pay Filing Fee Through the Plan (Chapter 13)

To File Electronically

1. Log into CM/ECF.

2. Select [Bankruptcy >  Motions/Applications].

3. Enter the case number (e.g, xx-xxxxx).

4. Select [Pay Filing Fee in Installments] from the event list.

5. Select the party filer.

6. Browse to select the Application (PDF file).

7. Verify the final docket text; if correct, click [Next] to submit your document(s).
   
   Note: The Notice of Electronic Filing displays giving you the document number. Copies of this notice are immediately e-mailed to all participants who receive electronic notification in the case.