2026 median income limits for Massachusetts by household size. Free calculator and filing guide.
The table below shows the approximate annual and monthly income thresholds for Massachusetts by household size. If your annualized income (6-month average multiplied by 12) is at or below the figure for your household size, you pass Part 1 of the means test.
| Household Size | Annual Median | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $95,727 | $7,977 |
| 2 persons | $124,445 | $10,370 |
| 3 persons | $145,505 | $12,125 |
| 4 persons | $169,437 | $14,120 |
| 5 persons | $180,537 | $15,045 |
| 6 people | $191,637 | $15,970 |
For each additional person above 4, add approximately $11,100 to the 4-person figure.
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Massachusetts is one of the states that allows bankruptcy filers to choose between state exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. Section 522(d)). This gives filers more flexibility to protect their property. In many cases, the federal exemptions offer higher protection for personal property, while state exemptions may provide better homestead coverage. A careful comparison of both sets is essential before filing.
1 district
Massachusetts has one federal bankruptcy district. All bankruptcy cases in the state are filed in this single district court.
With a single-person median income of $95,727, Massachusetts has one of the higher income thresholds in the country. This means more filers in Massachusetts may pass Part 1 of the means test compared to lower-income states. However, the higher cost of living in Massachusetts often offsets the higher median.
Numbers from the Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database covering 1,356 consumer bankruptcy cases filed in Massachusetts federal bankruptcy courts. These are actual case outcomes - not estimates - and show what really happens after filing.
| Chapter | Cases Filed | Discharge Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | 1,290 | 98.3% | 0.9% |
| Chapter 13 | 66 | 59.1% | 40.9% |
95.1% of consumer filings
4.9% of consumer filings
Massachusetts stands out with a 59% Chapter 13 discharge rate among resolved cases - above the national norm. Plans that run to completion are the majority here. Chapter 7 in Massachusetts is a high-completion path: 98% of resolved filings receive discharge. For filers who pass the means test, this is a reliable outcome. Massachusetts files more Chapter 7 than Chapter 13 (95.1% vs 4.9%), consistent with a state where median income supports more below-median filers and fewer debtors needing a 3-5 year repayment structure.
Discharge and dismissal rates are computed on resolved cases only; pending cases are excluded. Source: FJC Integrated Database.
There is no single income limit. The means test compares your annualized income (6-month average times 12) to the median income for your household size. For a single person in Massachusetts, the current median is approximately $95,727 per year. For a family of four, it is approximately $169,437. If your income is below the median for your household size, you pass Part 1 of the means test.
Yes. Massachusetts allows bankruptcy filers to choose between state exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. Section 522(d). You must choose one complete set - you cannot mix and match individual exemptions from both. Compare both sets carefully with attention to the homestead, vehicle, and wildcard exemptions.
Failing Part 1 of the means test (having above-median income) does not disqualify you. You must then complete Part 2 (Form 122A-2), which deducts allowable expenses - including IRS standard amounts, actual secured debt payments, taxes, insurance, and child care. Many above-median filers pass Part 2. If you still do not pass, Chapter 13 is an alternative that allows debt repayment over 3 to 5 years with no income ceiling.
Free tools and guides from the Open Bankruptcy Project.
Means Test Calculator Exemptions by StateOur research was cited by the federal judiciary as Suggestions 26-BK-3 and 26-BK-5