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Worried about bankruptcy?

Free, online debt advice available now.

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i This solution is only available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How to go bankrupt

How much does it cost to go bankrupt? Bankruptcy fees

It costs money to go bankrupt. The fees and administration costs vary depending on where you live in the UK.

A lot of our callers ask how to apply for bankruptcy. You’ll need to submit your bankruptcy forms along with some fees. The cost of bankruptcy differs depending on where you live.

The rules around debt relief orders (DRO) have changed. These changes could benefit those considering an insolvency solution like bankruptcy. Please take a look at the changes, as for some people a DRO will be a cheaper alternative to full bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy costs and fees in the UK

In England and Wales:

  • the application fee is £130 and
  • the bankruptcy deposit is £550

In Northern Ireland:

  • the court fee is £151
  • the bankruptcy deposit is £525, and
  • there is a solicitor’s fee of approximately £7, depending on your solicitor


If you live in Northern Ireland and you‘re on a low income or receive certain benefits, the court fee may be waived. Whatever your circumstances, the bankruptcy deposit always has to be paid.

Once you’ve petitioned for bankruptcy, the official receiver assigned to deal with your bankruptcy will look through your finances and decide if you need to pay anything towards your debts. You may have to pay a monthly contribution towards your debts for up to three years. This is called an ‘income payment arrangement’ or IPA. It’s payable if you have available income of more than £20 per month after paying your household bills and essential living costs.

The official receiver won’t make you pay anything towards your bankruptcy if you can’t afford to, and they’ll always leave you with enough money to live on each month.

If you have any valuable items, such as property, a vehicle, expensive items of jewellery or savings, the official receiver may arrange for them to be sold, and the money generated will be used to pay back some of your debts.


mum pushing son on swing

Worried about bankruptcy?

Free, online debt advice available now.

Get debt help

Bankruptcy costs in Scotland

  • Sequestration (Scottish bankruptcy): the Accountant in Bankruptcy fee is £150, at least until the end of September 2020. This fee may be reduced to £0 if you receive certain benefits, even if those benefits are not your sole income
  • Minimal assets process (MAP) bankruptcy: £50 application fee, at least until the end of September 2020. This fee may be reduced to £0 if you receive certain benefits, even if those benefits are not your sole income

In Scotland, the Accountant in Bankruptcy may order you to make a payment each month for up to four years after sequestration. This is called a ‘debtors contribution order’ and is based on your ability to pay. You won’t be asked to pay anything after MAP bankruptcy.

Get help now

Going bankrupt is a big step to take. Get free, impartial debt advice online and we'll recommend the best solution for your situation.

Or, if you’d prefer to speak to us, call our advisors (free from all landlines and mobiles).

"They were so kind, they listened patiently and helped me through the process" Alison, Kent