Individual and business bankruptcy is entirely different from each other. Businesses use bankruptcy to reorganize their company to avoid bankruptcy. This allows time to turn a profit and retain ownership of all assets. Many businesses can file under chapters 13, 7, 12 and 11 depending on their circumstance.

Limitations apply to businesses that use chapters 12 and 13. Chapter 12 is dedicated to farmers and anglers who operate family businesses. Chapter 13 pertains to proprietary business owners of a small business. Because of these limitations, most businesses file under chapters 7 or 11.

 If you feel your business is failing, bankruptcy may be the answer and chapter 7 will allow you to liquidate your assets to settle debts with creditors. A court appointed trustee will help you through the process of liquidation and keeps the money to distribute to creditors after all sales are completed. Creditors are paid back according to federal bank codes.

Understanding bankruptcy in business leads us to look further at chapter 7. Creditors like chapter 7 bankruptcies because they receive as much of their money as possible through the liquidation process along with the legal liability of their claim. The company itself is responsible for taxes in most cases. The chapter 7 expenses and taxes are paid before creditors. This prevents you from incurring any more debt than you already have.

If you feel, your business can be saved but need some time to reorganize and turn a profit, chapter 11 will benefit you by allowing the business to run as usual while trying to become profitable. Any big decisions about the business must have approval from the courts. Some big businesses and corporations such as K-Mart used chapter 11 bankruptcies in order to reorganize and turn a profit. Many companies’s use this course of action and succeed, but some do not make it and lose their business and assets.

Creditors are stopped cold in their tracks from taking any further action against you once you file the bankruptcy papers and this helps a company turn a profit and pay creditors before collection actions further hamper the business. Understanding bankruptcy in business in not much different from a personal bankruptcy, but there are a few things that appear different. If a company needs some time to earn a few dollars, they can just file a chapter 11 and reorganize before losing the company. We really do not have that complete option as personal bankruptcy candidates

By: Wade Robins

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

No doubt, this is a tough economy, and many small business are struggling.  However, with the right business bankruptcy attorney, you may be able to save your business and continue to live the dream of being a small business owner.

Small businesses can sometimes have difficulty in succeeding in the global competitive market. They can sometimes face financial problems and filing for small business bankruptcy may seem the solution. However, before filing, business owners should know what type to file.

There are three bankruptcy types that business owners can file depending on the type of business they have.

First, Chapter 7 bankruptcy or liquidation: This is the best choice for businesses having no possible future. This can be filed by sole proprietorships, wherein the owner is responsible for all assets and liabilities of the firm, and corporations and partnerships, which have legal entities separated from the owner. This is also filed when a company has too many debts that restructuring is not possible or if the company does not have any substantial assets. For small business bankruptcy, this type could mean that the business is over.

With liquidation, a trustee is appointed to take possession of the assets of the business and distribute them among the creditors. The sole proprietor then receives a discharge or is released from any debt obligations at the end of the case.

Second, Chapter 11 bankruptcy: this is best suited for companies, which still have a possible future. Sole proprietorships, and corporations and partnerships can file this. But this is complex and success is sometimes minimal.

For small business bankruptcy, this type means the company plans for reorganization and continuation of the business. Nevertheless, reorganization is done under a court appointed trustee, the owner of the company, and will be shown to creditors. Creditors will vote on and approve the plan. The plan will provide a period for the company to pay their creditors. However, confirmation can sometimes take a year to finalize.

Third, Chapter 13 bankruptcy: this is usually reserved for consumers. However, this can also be filed by sole proprietorship. Small business bankruptcy of this type entails the firm to submit a repayment plan stating how the company will repay the debts. Repayment depends on earnings, debts and property ownerships. Filing this type could save the owner from losing personal assets.

Small business bankruptcy can be a solution to a company’s debt but before deciding to file, consult an attorney first. They can recommend the type to file and might even recommend other options that will help save your company without filing.

Author: Naomi Smith

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naomi_Smith