U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Alabama

Miscellaneous Clerk Duties

Document Retention

§ 1228 of the BAPCPA of 2005 pertains to the filing of tax documents. § 1228(c) states that “the court shall destroy documents submitted in support of a bankruptcy claim not sooner that 3 years after the date of conclusion of a case filed by an individual under chapter 7, 11, or 13 of title 11, United States Code.  In the event of a pending audit or enforcement action, the court may extend the time for destruction of such requested tax documents. ”Cross Reference: See Discharge / Confirmation below for the provisions of § 1228(a) [re chapter 7 discharge] and § 1228(b) [re confirmation of plan in individual debtor’s ch. 11 or 13 case].
Section
BAPCPA
Form ECF Event Deadlines Flags
 

Maintain Information as Confidential

In the § 707(b)(2) calculation to determine whether the presumption of abuse exists in a Ch. 7 case, one of the real expenses that can be used is for the debtor’s “reasonably necessary expenses incurred to maintain the safety of the debtor and the family of the debtor from family violence as identified under § 309 of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, or other applicable federal law.”  The court is required to keep confidential such expenses if included in the calculation.
Section
707(b)(2)(A)(ii)(I)
Form
ECF Event
bk>misc>Expenses re: FVPS
This private event will not appear on the public docket.  Only court users will have access - not trustees or BA.  
Deadlines
Flags
 

Maintain Publicly Available List

The clerk must maintain a publicly available list of 1) nonprofit budget and credit counseling agencies currently approved by the US Trustee and 2) instructional courses on personal financial management currently approved by the US Trustee.
Section
111(a)
Form
ECF Event
Deadlines
Flags
 

Maintain List for Taxing Authority Address

The clerk must maintain a list under which a Federal, State or local taxing authority within the district may designate an address for service of requests under § 505(b) and describe where more information regarding additional requirements for filing such requests may be found.
Section
505(b)(1)(A)
Form
ECF Event
Deadlines
Flags
 

Make Documents Available

(1)  If a creditor in an individual debtor’s Ch. 7 or 13 case files at any time a request to receive a copy of the petition, schedules and statement of financial affairs, the court shall make available to that creditor such petition, schedules and statement.

(2)  Where a creditor in a chapter 13 case requests to receive a copy of the plan, the court shall make available to such creditor – not later than 5 days after the request – a copy of the plan at a reasonable cost.

(3)  Subject to the confidentiality requirements of § 315(c) of the BPACPA of 2005, the clerk shall make available – to the US Trustee, the trustee, and any party in interest – for inspection and copying the tax returns, amendments and statement of income and expenditures described in § 521(e)(2)(A) and (f). (See Tax Related Documents section for events).
Section
 
521(e)(1)
 521(e)(3)
521(g)(2)
Form
Flowchart
 
ECF Event
Deadlines
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Statistics

The clerk shall collect statistics regarding Ch. 7, 11 and 13 individual debtors whose debts are primarily consumer debts. The statistics collected must include information on what is listed in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of 28 USC § 159(c)(3). NOTE: This provision takes effect 18 months after the date of enactment (approx. mid-October 2006).
Section
28 USC 159(a)
Form
ECF Event
Deadlines
Flags