I’ve already filed bankruptcy before. Can I file again?

It depends on how long ago you filed and what type of bankruptcy you filed. You can file Chapter 7 if you filed an earlier Chapter 7 more than eight years ago. You can receive a discharge in Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you received a Chapter 7 discharge more than four years ago or a Chapter 13 discharge more than two years ago. You can also file Chapter 13 sooner than four years after Chapter 7 if you’re not seeking to discharge debts. For example, sometimes it’s best to file Chapter 7 to discharge what debt you can and then file a Chapter 13 soon after to deal with nondischargeable taxes or a mortgage arrearage. This so-called Chapter 20 allows you to use both types of bankruptcy to deal with debts.