PART III—CLAIMS; PLANS; DISTRIBUTIONS TO CREDITORS AND EQUITY SECURITY HOLDERS
Rule 3001. Proof of Claim
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Claim or Interest Based on a Writing. If a claim or an interest in the debtor's property securing the claim is based on a writing, the creditor must file a copy with the proof of claim—except for a claim based on a consumer-credit agreement under (4). If the writing has been lost or destroyed, a statement explaining the loss or destruction must be filed with the claim.
(2) Additional Information in an Individual Debtor's Case. If the debtor is an individual, the creditor must file with the proof of claim:
(A) an itemized statement of the principal amount and any interest, fees, expenses, or other charges incurred before the petition was filed;
(B) for any claimed security interest in the debtor's property, the amount needed to cure any default as of the date the petition was filed; and
(C) for any claimed security interest in the debtor's principal residence:
(i) Form 410A; and
(ii) if there is an escrow account connected with the claim, an escrow-account statement, prepared as of the date the petition was filed, that is consistent in form with applicable nonbankruptcy law.
(3) Sanctions in an Individual-Debtor Case. If the debtor is an individual and a claim holder fails to provide any information required by (1) or (2), the court may, after notice and a hearing, take one or both of these actions:
(A) preclude the holder from presenting the information in any form as evidence in any contested matter or adversary proceeding in the case—unless the court determines that the failure is substantially justified or is harmless; and
(B) award other appropriate relief, including reasonable expenses and attorney's fees caused by the failure.
(4) Claim Based on an Open-End or Revolving Consumer-Credit Agreement.
(A) Required Statement. Except when the claim is secured by an interest in the debtor's real property, a proof of claim for a claim based on an open-end or revolving consumer-credit agreement must be accompanied by a statement that shows the following information about the credit account:
(i) the name of the entity from whom the creditor purchased the account;
(ii) the name of the entity to whom the debt was owed at the time of an account holder's last transaction on the account;
(iii) the date of that last transaction;
(iv) the date of the last payment on the account; and
(v) the date that the account was charged to profit and loss.
(B) Copy to a Party in Interest. On a party in interest's written request, the creditor must send a copy of the writing described in (1) to that party within 30 days after the request is sent.
(d)
(e)
(1) Claim Transferred Before a Proof of Claim Is Filed. Unless the transfer was made for security, if a claim was transferred before a proof of claim is filed, only the transferee or an indenture trustee may file a proof of claim.
(2) Claim Transferred After a Proof of Claim Was Filed.
(A) Filing Evidence of the Transfer. Unless the transfer was made for security, the transferee of a claim that was transferred after a proof of claim is filed must file evidence of the transfer—except for a claim based on a publicly traded note, bond, or debenture.
(B) Notice of the Filing and the Time for Objecting. The clerk must immediately notify the alleged transferor, by mail, that evidence of the transfer has been filed and that the alleged transferor has 21 days after the notice is mailed to file an objection. The court may extend the time to file it.
(C) Hearing on an Objection; Substituting the Transferee. If, on timely objection by the alleged transferor and after notice and a hearing, the court finds that the claim was transferred other than for security, the court must substitute the transferee for the transferor. If the alleged transferor does not file a timely objection, the transferee must be substituted for the transferor.
(3) Claim Transferred for Security Before a Proof of Claim Is Filed.
(A) Right to File a Proof of Claim. If a claim (except one based on a publicly traded note, bond, or debenture) was transferred for security before the proof of claim is filed, either the transferor or transferee (or both) may file a proof of claim for the full amount. The proof of claim must include a statement setting forth the terms of the transfer.
(B) Notice of a Right to Join in a Proof of Claim; Consolidating Proofs. If either the transferor or transferee files a proof of claim, the clerk must, by mail, immediately notify the other of the right to join in the claim. If both file proofs of the same claim, the claims must be consolidated.
(C) Failure to File an Agreement About the Rights of the Transferor and Transferee. On a party in interest's motion and after notice and a hearing, the court must issue appropriate orders regarding the rights of the transferor and transferee if either one fails to file an agreement on voting the claim, receiving dividends on it, or participating in the estate's administration.
(4) Claim Transferred for Security After a Proof of Claim Was Filed.
(A) Filing Evidence of the Transfer. If a claim (except one based on a publicly traded note, bond, or debenture) was transferred for security after a proof of claim was filed, the transferee must file a statement setting forth the terms of the transfer.
(B) Notice of the Filing and the Time for Objecting. The clerk must immediately notify the alleged transferor, by mail, that evidence of the transfer has been filed and that the alleged transferor has 21 days after the notice is mailed to file an objection. The court may extend the time to file it.
(C) Hearing on an Objection. If the alleged transferor files a timely objection, the court must, after notice and a hearing, determine whether the transfer was for security.
(D) Failure to File an Agreement About the Rights of the Transferor and Transferee. On a party in interest's motion and after notice and a hearing, the court must issue appropriate orders regarding the rights of the transferor and transferee if either one fails to file an agreement on voting the claim, receiving dividends on it, or participating in the estate's administration.
(5) Serving an Objection or Motion; Notice of a Hearing. At least 30 days before a hearing, a copy of any objection filed under (2) or (4) or any motion filed under (3) or (4) must be mailed or delivered to either the transferor or transferee as appropriate, together with notice of the hearing.
(f)
(g)
(As amended
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is adapted from former Bankruptcy Rules 301 and 302. The Federal Rules of Evidence, made applicable to cases under the Code by Rule 1101, do not prescribe the evidentiary effect to be accorded particular documents. Subdivision (f) of this rule supplements the Federal Rules of Evidence as they apply to cases under the Code.
Subdivision (c). This subdivision is similar to former Bankruptcy Rule 302(c) and continues the requirement for the filing of any written security agreement and provides that the filing of a duplicate of a writing underlying a claim authenticates the claim with the same effect as the filing of the original writing. Cf. Rules 1001(4) and 1003 of F.R. of Evid. Subdivision (d) together with the requirement in the first sentence of subdivision (c) for the filing of any written security agreement, is designed to facilitate the determination whether the claim is secured and properly perfected so as to be valid against the trustee.
Subdivision (d). "Satisfactory evidence" of perfection, which is to accompany the proof of claim, would include a duplicate of an instrument filed or recorded, a duplicate of a certificate of title when a security interest is perfected by notation on such a certificate, a statement that pledged property has been in possession of the secured party since a specified date, or a statement of the reasons why no action was necessary for perfection. The secured creditor may not be required to file a proof of claim under this rule if he is not seeking allowance of a claim for a deficiency. But see §506(d) of the Code.
Subdivision (e). The rule recognizes the differences between an unconditional transfer of a claim and a transfer for the purpose of security and prescribes a procedure for dealing with the rights of the transferor and transferee when the transfer is for security. The rule clarifies the procedure to be followed when a transfer precedes or follows the filing of the petition. The interests of sound administration are served by requiring the post-petition transferee to file with the proof of claim a statement of the transferor acknowledging the transfer and the consideration for the transfer. Such a disclosure will assist the court in dealing with evils that may arise out of post-bankruptcy traffic in claims against an estate. Monroe v. Scofield, 135 F.2d 725 (10th Cir. 1943); In re Philadelphia & Western Ry., 64 F. Supp. 738 (E.D. Pa. 1946); cf. In re Latham Lithographic Corp., 107 F.2d 749 (2d Cir. 1939). Both paragraphs (1) and (3) of this subdivision, which deal with a transfer before the filing of a proof of claim, recognize that the transferee may be unable to obtain the required statement from the transferor, but in that event a sound reason for such inability must accompany the proof of claim filed by the transferee.
Paragraphs (3) and (4) clarify the status of a claim transferred for the purpose of security. An assignee for security has been recognized as a rightful claimant in bankruptcy. Feder v. John Engelhorn & Sons, 202 F.2d 411 (2d Cir. 1953). An assignor's right to file a claim notwithstanding the assignment was sustained in In re R & L Engineering Co., 182 F. Supp. 317 (S.D. Cal. 1960). Facilitation of the filing of proofs by both claimants as holders of interests in a single claim is consonant with equitable treatment of the parties and sound administration. See In re Latham Lithographic Corp., 107 F.2d 749 (2d Cir. 1939).
Paragraphs (2) and (4) of subdivision (e) deal with the transfer of a claim after proof has been filed. Evidence of the terms of the transfer required to be disclosed to the court will facilitate the court's determination of the appropriate order to be entered because of the transfer.
Paragraph (5) describes the procedure to be followed when an objection is made by the transferor to the transferee's filed evidence of transfer.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987
Subdivision (g) was added by §354 of the 1984 amendments.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended in anticipation of future revision and renumbering of the Official Forms.
Subdivision (e) is amended to limit the court's role to the adjudication of disputes regarding transfers of claims. If a claim has been transferred prior to the filing of a proof of claim, there is no need to state the consideration for the transfer or to submit other evidence of the transfer. If a claim has been transferred other than for security after a proof of claim has been filed, the transferee is substituted for the transferor in the absence of a timely objection by the alleged transferor. In that event, the clerk should note the transfer without the need for court approval. If a timely objection is filed, the court's role is to determine whether a transfer has been made that is enforceable under nonbankruptcy law. This rule is not intended either to encourage or discourage postpetition transfers of claims or to affect any remedies otherwise available under nonbankruptcy law to a transferor or transferee such as for misrepresentation in connection with the transfer of a claim. "After notice and a hearing" as used in subdivision (e) shall be construed in accordance with paragraph (5).
The words "with the clerk" in subdivision (e)(2) and (e)(4) are deleted as unnecessary. See Rules 5005(a) and 9001(3).
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadlines in the rule are amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2011 Amendment
Subdivision (c). Subdivision (c) is amended to prescribe with greater specificity the supporting information required to accompany certain proofs of claim and, in cases in which the debtor is an individual, the consequences of failing to provide the required information.
Existing subdivision (c) is redesignated as (c)(1).
Subdivision (c)(2) is added to require additional information to accompany proofs of claim filed in cases in which the debtor is an individual. When the holder of a claim seeks to recover—in addition to the principal amount of a debt—interest, fees, expenses, or other charges, the proof of claim must be accompanied by a statement itemizing these additional amounts with sufficient specificity to make clear the basis for the claimed amount.
If a claim is secured by a security interest in the property of the debtor and the debtor defaulted on the claim prior to the filing of the petition, the proof of claim must be accompanied by a statement of the amount required to cure the prepetition default.
If the claim is secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal residence, the proof of claim must be accompanied by the attachment prescribed by the appropriate Official Form. In that attachment, the holder of the claim must provide the information required by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph (2). In addition, if an escrow account has been established in connection with the claim, an escrow account statement showing the account balance, and any amount owed, as of the date the petition was filed must be submitted in accordance with subparagraph (C). The statement must be prepared in a form consistent with the requirements of nonbankruptcy law. See, e.g., 12 U.S.C. §2601 et seq. (Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act). Thus the holder of the claim may provide the escrow account statement using the same form it uses outside of bankruptcy for this purpose.
Subparagraph (D) of subdivision (c)(2) sets forth sanctions that the court may impose on a creditor in an individual debtor case that fails to provide information required by subdivision (c). Failure to provide the required information does not itself constitute a ground for disallowance of a claim. See §502(b) of the Code. But when an objection to the allowance of a claim is made or other litigation arises concerning the status or treatment of a claim, if the holder of that claim has not complied with the requirements of this subdivision, the court may preclude it from presenting as evidence any of the omitted information, unless the failure to comply with this subdivision was substantially justified or harmless. The court retains discretion to allow an amendment to a proof of claim under appropriate circumstances or to impose a sanction different from or in addition to the preclusion of the introduction of evidence.
Changes Made After Publication.
Subdivision (c)(1). The requirement that the last account statement sent to the debtor be filed with the proof of claim was deleted.
Subdivision (c)(2). In subparagraph (C), a provision was added requiring the use of the appropriate Official Form for the attachment filed by a holder of a claim secured by a security interest in a debtor's principal residence.
In subdivision (c)(2)(D), the clause "the holder shall be precluded" was deleted, and the provision was revised to state that "the court may, after notice and hearing, take either or both" of the specified actions.
Committee Note. In the discussion of subdivision (c)(2), the term "security interest" was added to the sentence that discusses the required filing of a statement of the amount necessary to cure a prepetition default.
The discussion of subdivision (c)(2)(D) was expanded to clarify that failure to provide required documentation, by itself, is not a ground for disallowance of a claim and that the court has several options in responding to a creditor's failure to provide information required by subdivision (c).
Other changes. Stylistic changes were made to the rule and the Committee Note.
Committee Notes on Rules—2012 Amendment
Subdivision (c). Subdivision (c) is amended in several respects. The former requirement in paragraph (1) to file an original or duplicate of a supporting document is amended to reflect the current practice of filing only copies. The proof of claim form instructs claimants not to file the original of a document because it may be destroyed by the clerk's office after scanning.
Subdivision (c) is further amended to add paragraph (3). Except with respect to claims secured by a security interest in the debtor's real property (such as a home equity line of credit), paragraph (3) specifies information that must be provided in support of a claim based on an open-end or revolving consumer credit agreement (such as an agreement underlying the issuance of a credit card). Because a claim of this type may have been sold one or more times prior to the debtor's bankruptcy, the debtor may not recognize the name of the person filing the proof of claim. Disclosure of the information required by paragraph (3) will assist the debtor in associating the claim with a known account. It will also provide a basis for assessing the timeliness of the claim. The date, if any, on which the account was charged to profit and loss ("charge-off" date) under subparagraph (A)(v) should be determined in accordance with applicable standards for the classification and account management of consumer credit. A proof of claim executed and filed in accordance with subparagraph (A), as well as the applicable provisions of subdivisions (a), (b), (c)(2), and (e), constitutes prima facie evidence of the validity and amount of the claim under subdivision (f).
To the extent that paragraph (3) applies to a claim, paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) is not applicable. A party in interest, however, may obtain the writing on which an open-end or revolving consumer credit claim is based by requesting in writing that documentation from the holder of the claim. The holder of the claim must provide the documentation within 30 days after the request is sent. The court, for cause, may extend or reduce that time period under Rule 9006.
Changes Made After Publication.
Subdivision (c)(1). The requirement for the attachment of a writing on which a claim is based was changed to require that a copy, rather than the original or a duplicate, of the writing be provided.
Subdivision (c)(3). An exception to subparagraph (A) was added for open-end or revolving consumer credit agreements that are secured by the debtor's real property.
A time limit of 30 days for responding to a written request under subparagraph (B) was added.
Committee Note. A statement was added to clarify that if a proof of claim complies with subdivision (c)(3)(A), as well as with subdivisions (a), (b), (c)(2), and (e), it constitutes prima facie evidence of the validity and amount of the claim under subdivision (f).
Other changes. Stylistic changes were also made to the rule.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of most provisions in Rule 3001 have been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only. Rule 3001(g) has not been restyled (except to add a title) because it was enacted by Congress,
References in Text
The United States Warehouse Act, referred to in subd. (g), is Part C of act Aug. 11, 1916, ch. 313,
Amendment by Public Law
1984—Subd. (g).
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by
Rule 3002. Filing a Proof of Claim or Interest
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Governmental Unit. A governmental unit's proof of claim is timely if filed within 180 days after the order for relief. But a proof of claim resulting from a tax return filed under §1308 is timely if filed within 180 days after the order for relief or within 60 days after the tax return is filed. On motion filed by a governmental unit before the time expires and for cause, the court may extend the time to file a proof of claim.
(2) Infant or Incompetent Person. In the interests of justice, the court may extend the time for an infant or incompetent person—or a representative of either—to file a proof of claim, but only if the extension will not unduly delay case administration.
(3) Unsecured Claim That Arises from a Judgment. This paragraph (3) applies if an unsecured claim arises in favor of an entity or becomes allowable because of a judgment to recover money or property from that entity or a judgment that denies or avoids the entity's interest in property. The claim may be filed within 30 days after the judgment becomes final. But the claim must not be allowed if the judgment imposes a liability that is not satisfied—or a duty that is not performed—within the 30 days or any additional time set by the court.
(4) Claim Arising from a Rejected Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease. A proof of claim for a claim that arises from a rejected executory contract or an unexpired lease may be filed within the time set by the court.
(5) Notice That Assets May Be Available to Pay a Dividend. The clerk must, by mail, give at least 90 days' notice to creditors that a dividend payment appears possible and that proofs of claim must be filed by the date set forth in the notice if:
(A) a notice of insufficient assets to pay a dividend had been given under Rule 2002(e); and
(B) the trustee later notifies the court that a dividend appears possible.
(6) Claim Secured by a Security Interest in the Debtor's Principal Residence. A proof of a claim secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal residence is timely filed if:
(A) the proof of claim and attachments required by Rule 3001(c)(2)(C) are filed within 70 days after the order for relief; and
(B) the attachments required by Rule 3001(c)(1) and (d) are filed as a supplement to the holder's claim within 120 days after the order for relief.
(7) Extending the Time to File. On a creditor's motion filed before or after the time to file a proof of claim has expired, the court may extend the time to file by no more than 60 days from the date of its order. The motion may be granted if the court finds that the notice was insufficient to give the creditor a reasonable time to file.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 23, 1996, eff. Dec. 1, 1996; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Apr. 27, 2017, eff. Dec. 1, 2017; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Subdivision (a) of this rule is substantially a restatement of the general requirement that claims be proved and filed. The exceptions refer to Rule 3003 providing for the filing of claims in
A secured claim need not be filed or allowed under §502 or §506(d) unless a party in interest has requested a determination and allowance or disallowance under §502.
Subdivision (c) is adapted from former Bankruptcy Rule 302(e) but changes the time limits on the filing of claims in
Although the claim of a secured creditor may have arisen before the petition, a judgment avoiding the security interest may not have been entered until after the time for filing claims has expired. Under Rule 3002(c)(3) the creditor who did not file a secured claim may nevertheless file an unsecured claim within the time prescribed. A judgment does not become final for the purpose of starting the 30 day period provided for by paragraph (3) until the time for appeal has expired or, if an appeal is taken, until the appeal has been disposed of. In re Tapp, 61 F. Supp. 594 (W.D. Ky. 1945).
Paragraph (1) is derived from former Bankruptcy Rule 302(e). The governmental unit may move for an extension of the 90 day period. Pursuant to §501(c) of the Code, if the government does not file its claim within the proper time period, the debtor or trustee may file on its behalf. An extension is not needed by the debtor or trustee because the right to file does not arise until the government's time has expired.
Paragraph (4) is derived from former chapter rules. (See, e.g., Rule 11–33(a)(2)(B). In light of the reduced time it is necessary that a party with a claim arising from the rejection of an executory contract have sufficient time to file that claim. This clause allows the court to fix an appropriate time.
Paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) is correlated with the provision in Rule 2002(e) authorizing notification to creditors of estates from which no dividends are anticipated. The clause permits creditors who have refrained from filing claims after receiving notification to be given an opportunity to file when subsequent developments indicate the possibility of a dividend. The notice required by this clause must be given in the manner provided in Rule 2002. The information relating to the discovery of assets will usually be obtained by the clerk from the trustee's interim reports or special notification by the trustee.
Provision is made in Rule 2002(a) and (h) for notifying all creditors of the fixing of a time for filing claims against a surplus under paragraph (6). This paragraph does not deal with the distribution of the surplus. Reference must also be made to §726(a)(2)(C) and (3) which permits distribution on late filed claims.
Paragraph (6) is only operative in a
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended by adding a reference to Rule 1019(4). Rule 1019(4) provides that claims actually filed by a creditor in a
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to conform to the renumbering of subdivisions of Rule 1019. Subdivision (c) is amended to include
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1996 Amendment
The amendments are designed to conform to §§502(b)(9) and 726(a) of the Code as amended by the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994.
The Reform Act amended §726(a)(1) and added §502(b)(9) to the Code to govern the effects of a tardily filed claim. Under §502(b)(9), a tardily filed claim must be disallowed if an objection to the proof of claim is filed, except to the extent that a holder of a tardily filed claim is entitled to distribution under §726(a)(1), (2), or (3).
The phrase "in accordance with this rule" is deleted from Rule 3002(a) to clarify that the effect of filing a proof of claim after the expiration of the time prescribed in Rule 3002(c) is governed by §502(b)(9) of the Code, rather than by this rule.
Section 502(b)(9) of the Code provides that a claim of a governmental unit shall be timely filed if it is filed "before 180 days after the date of the order for relief" or such later time as the Bankruptcy Rules provide. To avoid any confusion as to whether a governmental unit's proof of claim is timely filed under §502(b)(9) if it is filed on the 180th day after the order for relief, paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) provides that a governmental unit's claim is timely if it is filed not later than 180 days after the order for relief.
References to "the United States, a state, or subdivision thereof" in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) are changed to "governmental unit" to avoid different treatment among foreign and domestic governments.
GAP Report on Rule 3002. After publication of the proposed amendments, the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994 amended sections 726 and 502(b) of the Code to clarify the rights of creditors who tardily file a proof of claim. In view of the Reform Act, proposed new subdivision (d) of Rule 3002 has been deleted from the proposed amendments because it is no longer necessary. In addition, subdivisions (a) and (c) have been changed after publication to clarify that the effect of tardily filing a proof of claim is governed by §502(b)(9) of the Code, rather than by this rule.
The amendments to §502(b) also provide that a governmental unit's proof of claim is timely filed if it is filed before 180 days after the order for relief. Proposed amendments to Rule 3002(c)(1) were added to the published amendments to conform to this statutory change and to avoid any confusion as to whether a claim by a governmental unit is timely if it is filed on the 180th day.
The committee note has been re-written to explain the rule changes designed to conform to the Reform Act.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
Subdivision (c)(1) is amended to reflect the addition of §1308 to the Bankruptcy Code in 2005. This provision requires that
Subdivision (c)(5) of the rule is amended to set a new period for providing notice to creditors that they may file a proof of claim in a case in which they were previously informed that there was no need to file a claim. Under Rule 2002(e), if it appears that there will be no distribution to creditors, the creditors are notified of this fact and are informed that if assets are later discovered and a distribution is likely that a new notice will be given to the creditors. This second notice is prescribed by Rule 3002(c)(5). The rule is amended to direct the clerk to give at least 90 days' notice of the time within which creditors may file a proof of claim. Setting the deadline in this manner allows the notices being sent to creditors to be more accurate regarding the deadline than was possible under the prior rule. The rule previously began the 90 day notice period from the time of the mailing of the notice, a date that could vary and generally would not even be known to the creditor. Under the amended rule, the notice will identify a specific bar date for filing proofs of claim thereby being more helpful to the creditors.
Subdivision (c)(6) is added to give the court discretion to extend the time for filing a proof of claim for a creditor who received notice of the time to file the claim at a foreign address, if the court finds that the notice was not sufficient, under the particular circumstances, to give the foreign creditor a reasonable time to file a proof of claim. This amendment is designed to comply with §1514(d), added to the Code by the 2005 amendments, and requires that the rules and orders of the court provide such additional time as is reasonable under the circumstances for foreign creditors to file claims in cases under all chapters of the Code.
Other changes are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication. Subdivision (c)(1) was amended to allow governmental units to move for an enlargement of the time to file a proof of claim. The Committee Note was amended to describe this addition to the rule.
Committee Notes on Rules—2017 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to clarify that a creditor, including a secured creditor, must file a proof of claim in order to have an allowed claim. The amendment also clarifies, in accordance with §506(d), that the failure of a secured creditor to file a proof of claim does not render the creditor's lien void. The inclusion of language from §506(d) is not intended to effect any change of law with respect to claims subject to setoff under §553. The amendment preserves the existing exceptions to this rule under Rules 1019(3), 3003, 3004, and 3005. Under Rule 1019(3), a creditor does not need to file another proof of claim after conversion of a case to
Subdivision (c) is amended to alter the calculation of the bar date for proofs of claim in
Subdivision (c)(6) is amended to expand the exception to the bar date for cases in which a creditor received insufficient notice of the time to file a proof of claim. The amendment provides that the court may extend the time to file a proof of claim if the debtor fails to file a timely list of names and addresses of creditors as required by Rule 1007(a). The amendment also clarifies that if a court grants a creditor's motion under this rule to extend the time to file a proof of claim, the extension runs from the date of the court's decision on the motion.
Subdivision (c)(7) is added to provide a two-stage deadline for filing mortgage proofs of claim secured by an interest in the debtor's principal residence. Those proofs of claim must be filed with the appropriate Official Form mortgage attachment within 70 days of the order for relief. The claim will be timely if any additional documents evidencing the claim, as required by Rule 3001(c)(1) and (d), are filed within 120 days of the order for relief. The order for relief is the commencement of the case upon filing a petition, except in an involuntary case. See §301 and §303(h). The confirmation of a plan within the 120-day period set forth in subdivision (c)(7)(B) does not prohibit an objection to any proof of claim.
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
Rule 3002(c)(6) is amended to provide a single standard for granting motions for an extension of time to file a proof of claim, whether the creditor has a domestic address or a foreign address. If the notice to such creditor was "insufficient under the circumstances to give the creditor a reasonable time to file a proof of claim," the court may grant an extension.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3002 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3002.1. Notice Relating to Claims Secured by a Security Interest in the Debtor's Principal Residence in a Chapter 13 Case
(a)
(b)
(1) Notice by the Claim Holder. The claim holder must file a notice of any change in the amount of an installment payment—including any change resulting from an interest-rate or escrow-account adjustment. At least 21 days before the new payment is due, the notice must be filed and served on:
• the debtor;
• the debtor's attorney; and
• the trustee.
If the claim arises from a home-equity line of credit, the court may modify this requirement.
(2) Party in Interest's Objection. A party in interest who objects to the payment change may file a motion to determine whether the change is required to maintain payments under §1322(b)(5). Unless the court orders otherwise, if no motion is filed by the day before the new payment is due, the change goes into effect.
(c)
• the debtor;
• the debtor's attorney; and
• the trustee.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Content of a Notice. Within 30 days after the debtor completes all payments under a
(A) stating that the debtor has paid in full the amount required to cure any default on the claim; and
(B) informing the claim holder of its obligation to file and serve a response under (g).
(2) Serving the Notice. The notice must be served on:
• the claim holder;
• the debtor; and
• the debtor's attorney.
(3) The Debtor's Right to File. The debtor may file and serve the notice if:
(A) the trustee fails to do so; and
(B) the debtor contends that the final cure payment has been made and all plan payments have been completed.
(g)
(1) Required Statement. Within 21 days after the notice under (f) is served, the claim holder must file and serve a statement that:
(A) indicates whether:
(i) the claim holder agrees that the debtor has paid in full the amount required to cure any default on the claim; and
(ii) the debtor is otherwise current on all payments under §1322(b)(5); and
(B) itemizes the required cure or postpetition amounts, if any, that the claim holder contends remain unpaid as of the statement's date.
(2) Persons to be Served. The holder must serve the statement on:
• the debtor;
• the debtor's attorney; and
• the trustee.
(3) Statement to be a Supplement. The statement must be filed as a supplement to the proof of claim and is not subject to Rule 3001(f).
(h)
(i)
(1) preclude the holder from presenting the omitted information in any form as evidence in a contested matter or adversary proceeding in the case—unless the failure was substantially justified or is harmless; and
(2) award other appropriate relief, including reasonable expenses and attorney's fees caused by the failure.
(Added Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011; amended Apr. 28, 2016, eff. Dec. 1, 2016; Apr. 26, 2018, eff. Dec. 1, 2018; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Committee Notes on Rules—2011
This rule is new. It is added to aid in the implementation of §1322(b)(5), which permits a
In order to be able to fulfill the obligations of §l322(b)(5), a debtor and the trustee have to be informed of the exact amount needed to cure any prepetition arrearage, see Rule 3001(c)(2), and the amount of the postpetition payment obligations. If the latter amount changes over time, due to the adjustment of the interest rate, escrow account adjustments, or the assessment of fees, expenses, or other charges, notice of any change in payment amount needs to be conveyed to the debtor and trustee. Timely notice of these changes will permit the debtor or trustee to challenge the validity of any such charges, if appropriate, and to adjust postpetition mortgage payments to cover any undisputed claimed adjustment. Compliance with the notice provision of the rule should also eliminate any concern on the part of the holder of the claim that informing a debtor of a change in postpetition payment obligations might violate the automatic stay.
Subdivision (a). Subdivision (a) specifies that this rule applies only in a
Subdivision (b). Subdivision (b) requires the holder of a claim to notify the debtor, debtor's counsel, and the trustee of any postpetition change in the mortgage payment amount at least 21 days before the new payment amount is due.
Subdivision (c). Subdivision (c) requires an itemized notice to be given, within 180 days of incurrence, of any postpetition fees, expenses, or charges that the holder of the claim asserts are recoverable from the debtor or against the debtor's principal residence. This might include, for example, inspection fees, late charges, or attorney's fees.
Subdivision (d). Subdivision (d) provides the method of giving the notice under subdivisions (b) and (c). In both instances, the holder of the claim must give notice of the change as prescribed by the appropriate Official Form. In addition to serving the debtor, debtor's counsel, and the trustee, the holder of the claim must also file the notice on the claims register in the case as a supplement to its proof of claim. Rule 3001(f) does not apply to any notice given under subdivision (b) or (c), and therefore the notice will not constitute prima facie evidence of the validity and amount of the payment change or of the fee, expense, or charge.
Subdivision (e). Subdivision (e) permits the debtor or trustee, within a year after service of a notice under subdivision (c), to seek a determination by the court as to whether the fees, expenses, or charges set forth in the notice are required by the underlying agreement or applicable nonbankruptcy law to cure a default or maintain payments.
Subdivision (f). Subdivision (f) requires the trustee to issue a notice to the holder of the claim, the debtor, and the debtor's attorney within 30 days after completion of payments under the plan. The notice must (1) indicate that all amounts required to cure a default on a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence have been paid, and (2) direct the holder to comply with subdivision (g). If the trustee fails to file this notice within the required time, this subdivision also permits the debtor to file and serve the notice on the trustee and the holder of the claim.
Subdivision (g). Subdivision (g) governs the response of the holder of the claim to the trustee's or debtor's notice under subdivision (f). Within 21 days after service of notice of the final cure payment, the holder of the claim must file and serve a statement indicating whether the prepetition default has been fully cured and also whether the debtor is current on all payments in accordance with §1322(b)(5) of the Code. If the holder of the claim contends that all cure payments have not been made or that the debtor is not current on other payments required by §1322(b)(5), the response must itemize all amounts, other than regular future installment payments, that the holder contends are due.
Subdivision (h). Subdivision (h) provides a procedure for the judicial resolution of any disputes that may arise about payment of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence. Within 21 days after the service of the statement under (g), the trustee or debtor may move for a determination by the court of whether any default has been cured and whether any other non-current obligations remain outstanding.
Subdivision (i). Subdivision (i) specifies sanctions that may be imposed if the holder of a claim fails to provide any of the information as required by subdivisions (b), (c), or (g).
If, after the
Changes Made After Publication.
Subdivision (a). As part of organizational changes intended to make the rule shorter and clearer, a new subdivision (a) was inserted that specifies the applicability of the rule. Other subdivision designations were changed accordingly.
Subdivision (b). The timing of the notice of payment change, addressed in subdivision (a) of the published rule, was changed from 30 to 21 days before payment must be made in the new amount.
Subdivision (d). The provisions of the published rule prescribing the procedure for providing notice of payment changes and of fees, expenses, and charges were moved to subdivision (d).
Subdivision (e). As part of the organizational revision of the rule, the provision governing the resolution of disputes over claimed fees, expenses, or charges was moved to this subdivision.
Subdivision (f). The triggering event for the filing of the notice of final cure payment was changed to the debtor's completion of all payments required under the plan. A sentence was added requiring the notice to inform the holder of the mortgage claim of its obligation to file and serve a response under subdivision (g).
Subdivision (h). The caption of this subdivision (which was subdivision (f) as published), was changed to describe its content more precisely.
Subdivision (i). The clause "the holder shall be precluded" was deleted, and the provision was revised to state that "the court may, after notice and hearing, take either or both" of the specified actions.
Committee Note. A sentence was added to the first paragraph to clarify that the rule applies regardless of whether ongoing mortgage payments are made directly by the debtor or disbursed through the
Other changes. Stylistic changes were made throughout the rule and Committee Note.
Committee Notes on Rules—2016 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to clarify the applicability of the rule. Its provisions apply whenever a
Subdivision (a) is further amended to provide that, unless the court orders otherwise, the notice obligations imposed by this rule cease on the effective date of an order granting relief from the automatic stay with regard to the debtor's principal residence. Debtors and trustees typically do not make payments on mortgages after the stay relief is granted, so there is generally no need for the holder of the claim to continue providing the notices required by this rule. Sometimes, however, there may be reasons for the debtor to continue receiving mortgage information after stay relief. For example, the debtor may intend to seek a mortgage modification or to cure the default. When the court determines that the debtor has a need for the information required by this rule, the court is authorized to order that the notice obligations remain in effect or be reinstated after the relief from the stay is granted.
Committee Notes on Rules—2018 Amendment
Subdivision (b) is subdivided and amended in two respects. First, it is amended in what is now subdivision (b)(1) to authorize courts to modify its requirements for claims arising from home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Because payments on HELOCs may adjust frequently and in small amounts, the rule provides flexibility for courts to specify alternative procedures for keeping the person who is maintaining payments on the loan apprised of the current payment amount. Courts may specify alternative requirements for providing notice of changes in HELOC payment amounts by local rules or orders in individual cases.
Second, what is now subdivision (b)(2) is amended to acknowledge the right of the trustee, debtor, or other party in interest, such as the United States trustee, to object to a change in a home-mortgage payment amount after receiving notice of the change under subdivision (b)(1). The amended rule does not set a deadline for filing a motion for a determination of the validity of the payment change, but it provides as a general matter—subject to a contrary court order—that if no motion has been filed on or before the day before the change is to take effect, the announced change goes into effect. If there is a later motion and a determination that the payment change was not required to maintain payments under §1322(b)(5), appropriate adjustments will have to be made to reflect any overpayments. If, however, a motion is made during the time specified in subdivision (b)(2), leading to a suspension of the payment change, a determination that the payment change was valid will require the debtor to cure the resulting default in order to be current on the mortgage at the end of the bankruptcy case.
Subdivision (e) is amended to allow parties in interest in addition to the debtor or trustee, such as the United States trustee, to seek a determination regarding the validity of any claimed fee, expense, or charge.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3002.1 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3003. Chapter 9 or 11—Filing a Proof of Claim or Equity Interest
(a)
(b)
(1) Creditor's Claim. An entry on the schedule of liabilities filed under §521(a)(1)(B)(i) is prima facie evidence of the validity and the amount of a creditor's claim—except for a claim scheduled as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated. Filing a proof of claim is unnecessary except as provided in (c)(2).
(2) Interest of an Equity Security Holder. An entry on the list of equity security holders filed under Rule 1007(a)(3) is prima facie evidence of the validity and the amount of the equity interest. Filing a proof of the interest is unnecessary except as provided in (c)(2).
(c)
(1) Who May File a Proof of Claim. A creditor or indenture trustee may file a proof of claim.
(2) Who Must File a Proof of Claim or Interest. A creditor or equity security holder whose claim or interest is not scheduled—or is scheduled as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated—must file a proof of claim or interest. A creditor who fails to do so will not be treated as a creditor for that claim for voting and distribution.
(3) Time to File. The court must set the time to file a proof of claim or interest and may, for cause, extend the time. If the time has expired, the proof of claim or interest may be filed to the extent and under the conditions stated in Rule 3002(c)(2), (3), (4), and (7).
(4) Proof of Claim by an Indenture Trustee. An indenture trustee may file a proof of claim on behalf of all known or unknown holders of securities issued under the trust instrument under which it is trustee.
(5) Effect of Filing a Proof of Claim or Interest. A proof of claim or interest signed and filed under (c) supersedes any scheduling of the claim or interest under §521(a)(1).
(d)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Subdivision (a). This rule applies only in
Subdivision (b). This general statement implements §§925 and 1111(a) of the Code.
Subdivision (c). This subdivision permits, in paragraph (1), the filing of a proof of claim but does not make it mandatory. Paragraph (2) requires, as does the Code, filing when a claim is scheduled as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated as to amount. It is the creditor's responsibility to determine if the claim is accurately listed. Notice of the provision of this rule is provided for in Official Form No. 16, the order for the meeting of creditors. In an appropriate case the court may order creditors whose claims are scheduled as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated be notified of that fact but the procedure is left to the discretion of the court.
Subdivision (d) is derived from former Chapter X Rule 10–401(f).
Except with respect to the need and time for filing claims, the other aspects concerning claims covered by Rules 3001 and 3002 are applicable in
Holders of equity security interests need not file proofs of interest. Voting and distribution participation is dependent on ownership as disclosed by the appropriate records of a transfer agent or the corporate or other business records at the time prescribed in Rules 3017 and 3021.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) is amended to permit the late filing of claims by infants or incompetent persons under the same circumstances that permit late filings in cases under
The caption of paragraph (4) of subdivision (c) is amended to indicate that it applies to a proof of claim.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
Subdivision (c)(3) is amended to implement §1514(d) of the Code, which was added by the 2005 amendments. It makes the new Rule 3002(c)(6) applicable in
Changes Made After Publication. No changes were made after publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3003 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3004. Proof of Claim Filed by the Debtor or Trustee for a Creditor
(a)
(b)
• the creditor;
• the debtor; and
• the trustee.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 25, 2005, eff. Dec. 1, 2005; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is adapted from former Bankruptcy Rule 303 but conforms with the changes made by §501(c) of the Code. Rule 303 permitted only the filing of tax and wage claims by the debtor. Section 501(c) of the Code, however, permits the filing by the debtor or trustee on behalf of any creditor.
It is the policy of the Code that debtors' estates should be administered for the benefit of creditors without regard to the dischargeability of their claims. After their estates have been closed, however, discharged debtors may find themselves saddled with liabilities, particularly for taxes, which remain unpaid because of the failure of creditors holding nondischargeable claims to file proofs of claim and receive distributions thereon. The result is that the debtor is deprived of an important benefit of the Code without any fault or omission on the debtor's part and without any objective of the Code being served thereby.
Section 501(c) of the Code authorizes a debtor or trustee to file a proof of claim for any holder of a claim. Although all claims may not be nondischargeable, it may be difficult to determine, in particular, whether tax claims survive discharge. See Plumb, Federal Tax Liens and Priorities in Bankruptcy, 43 Ref. J. 37, 43–44 (1969); 1 Collier, Bankruptcy 17.14 (14th ed. 1967); 3 id. 523.06 (15th ed. 1979). To eliminate the necessity of the resolution of this troublesome issue, the option accorded the debtor by the Code does not depend on the nondischargeability of the claim. No serious administrative problems and no unfairness to creditors seemed to develop from adoption of Rule 303, the forerunner to §501(c). The authority to file is conditioned on the creditor's failure to file the proof of claim on or before the first date set for the meeting of creditors, which is the date a claim must ordinarily be filed in order to be voted in a
To the extent the claim is allowed and dividends paid thereon, it will be reduced or perhaps paid in full. If the claim is also filed pursuant to Rule 3005, only one distribution thereon may be made. As expressly required by Rule 3005 and by the purpose of this rule such distribution must diminish the claim.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 Amendment
Under the rule as amended, the debtor or trustee in a
Committee Notes on Rules—2005 Amendment
The rule is amended to conform to §501(c) of the Code. Under that provision, the debtor or trustee may file proof of a claim if the creditor fails to do so in a timely fashion. The rule previously authorized the debtor and the trustee to file a claim as early as the day after the first date set for the meeting of creditors under §341(a). Under the amended rule, the debtor and trustee must wait until the creditor's opportunity to file a claim has expired. Providing the debtor and the trustee with the opportunity to file a claim ensures that the claim will participate in any distribution in the case. This is particularly important for claims that are nondischargeable.
Since the debtor and trustee cannot file a proof of claim until after the creditor's time to file has expired, the rule no longer permits the creditor to file a proof of claim that will supersede the claim filed by the debtor or trustee. The rule leaves to the courts the issue of whether to permit subsequent amendment of such proof of claim.
Other changes are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication and Comment. No changes were made after publication. The Advisory Committee concluded that Mr. Van Allsburg's suggestion goes beyond the scope of the published proposal. Consequently, the Committee declined to adopt the suggestion but may consider it in greater detail at a future meeting.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3004 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3005. Filing a Proof of Claim or Accepting or Rejecting a Plan by a Surety, Endorser, Guarantor, or Other Codebtor
(a)
(b)
(1) files a proof of claim within the time permitted by Rule 3003(c); or
(2) files notice, before the plan is confirmed, of an intent to act on the creditor's own behalf.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 25, 2005, eff. Dec. 1, 2005; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is adapted from former Rules 304 and 10–402. Together with §501(b) of the Code, the rule makes clear that anyone who may be liable on a debt of the debtor, including a surety, guarantor, indorser, or other codebtor, is authorized to file in the name of the creditor of the debtor.
Subdivision (a). Rule 3002(c) provides the time period for filing proofs of claim in
Subdivision (b). This subdivision applies in
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
The words "with the court" in subdivision (b) are deleted as unnecessary. See Rules 5005(a) and 9001(3).
Committee Notes on Rules—2005 Amendment
The rule is amended to delete the last sentence of subdivision (a). The sentence is unnecessary because if a creditor has filed a timely claim under Rule 3002 or 3003(c), the codebtor cannot file a proof of such claim. The codebtor, consistent with §501(b) of the Code, may file a proof of such claim only after the creditor's time to file has expired. Therefore, the rule no longer permits the creditor to file a superseding claim. The rule leaves to the courts the issue of whether to permit subsequent amendment of the proof of claim.
The amendment conforms the rule to §501(b) by deleting language providing that the codebtor files proof of the claim in the name of the creditor.
Other amendments are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication and Comment:
(a) The reference on line 2 of Rule 3005 to "Rule 3002 or 3003(c)" was changed to read "Rule 3002(c) or 3003(c)" to make it parallel to the language in Rule 3004.
(b) The phrase "file a proof of the claim" from line 7 of the proposed rule was moved up to line 4 of the proposed amendment immediately after the word "may". This makes the structure of Rules 3004 and 3005 more consistent.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3005 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3006. Withdrawing a Proof of Claim; Effect on a Plan
(a)
(1) an objection to it has been filed;
(2) a complaint has been filed against the creditor in an adversary proceeding; or
(3) the creditor has accepted or rejected the plan or has participated significantly in the case.
(b)
• the trustee or debtor in possession; and
• any creditors' committee elected under §705(a) or appointed under §1102.
The court's order permitting a creditor to withdraw a proof of claim may contain any terms and conditions the court considers proper.
(c)
(As amended Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from former Rules 305 and 10–404.
Since 1938 it has generally been held that Rule 41 F.R.Civ.P. governs the withdrawal of a proof of claim. In re Empire Coal Sales Corp., 45 F. Supp. 974, 976 (S.D.N.Y.), aff'd sub nom. Kleid v. Ruthbell Coal Co., 131 F.2d 372, 373 (2d Cir. 1942); Kelso v. MacLaren, 122 F.2d 867, 870 (8th Cir. 1941); In re Hills, 35 F. Supp. 532, 533 (W.D. Wash. 1940). Accordingly, the cited cases held that after an objection has been filed a proof of claim may be withdrawn only subject to approval by the court. This constitutes a restriction of the right of withdrawal as recognized by some though by no means all of the cases antedating the promulgation of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See 3 Collier Bankruptcy, 57.12 (14th ed. 1961); Note, 20 Bost. U. L. Rev. 121 (1940).
The filing of a claim does not commence an adversary proceeding but the filing of an objection to the claim initiates a contest that must be disposed of by the court. This rule recognizes the applicability of the considerations underlying Rule 41(a) F.R.Civ.P. to the withdrawal of a claim after it has been put in issue by an objection. Rule 41(a)(2) F.R.Civ.P. requires leave of court to obtain dismissal over the objection of a defendant who has pleaded a counterclaim prior to the service of the plaintiff's motion to dismiss. Although the applicability of this provision to the withdrawal of a claim was assumed in Conway v. Union Bank of Switzerland, 204 F.2d 603, 608 (2d Cir. 1953), Kleid v. Ruthbell Coal Co., supra, Kelso v. MacLaren, supra, and In re Hills, supra, this rule vests discretion in the court to grant, deny, or condition the request of a creditor to withdraw, without regard to whether the trustee has filed a merely defensive objection or a complaint seeking an affirmative recovery of money or property from the creditor.
A number of pre-1938 cases sustained denial of a creditor's request to withdraw proof of claim on the ground of estoppel or election of remedies. 2 Remington, Bankruptcy 186 (Henderson ed. 1956); cf. 3 Collier, supra 57.12, at 201 (1964). Voting a claim for a trustee was an important factor in the denial of a request to withdraw in Standard Varnish Works v. Haydock, 143 Fed. 318, 319–20 (6th Cir. 1906), and In re Cann, 47 F.2d 661, 662 (W.D. Pa. 1931). And it has frequently been recognized that a creditor should not be allowed to withdraw a claim after accepting a dividend. In re Friedmann, 1 Am. B. R. 510, 512 (Ref., S.D.N.Y. 1899); 3 Collier 205 (1964); cf. In re O'Gara Coal Co., 12 F.2d 426, 429 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 271 U.S. 683 (1926). It was held in Industrial Credit Co. v. Hazen, 222 F.2d 225 (8th Cir. 1955), however, that although a claimant had participated in the first meeting of creditors and in the examination of witnesses, the creditor was entitled under Rule 41(a)(1) F.R.Civ.P. to withdraw the claim as of right by filing a notice of withdrawal before the trustee filed an objection under §57g of the Act. While this rule incorporates the post-1938 case law referred to in the first paragraph of this note, it rejects the inference drawn in the Hazen case that Rule 41(a) F.R.Civ.P. supersedes the pre-1938 case law that vests discretion in the court to deny or restrict withdrawal of a claim by a creditor on the ground of estoppel or election of remedies. While purely formal or technical participation in a case by a creditor who has filed a claim should not deprive the creditor of the right to withdraw the claim, a creditor who has accepted a dividend or who has voted in the election of a trustee or otherwise participated actively in proceedings in a case should be permitted to withdraw only with the approval of the court on terms it deems appropriate after notice to the trustee. 3 Collier 205–06 (1964).
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
This amendment is stylistic. Notice of the hearing need not be given to committees of equity security holders appointed pursuant to §1102 or committees of retired employees appointed pursuant to §1114 of the Code.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3006 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3007. Objecting to a Claim
(a)
(1) Time to Serve. An objection to a claim and a notice of the objection must be filed and served at least 30 days before a scheduled hearing on the objection or any deadline for the claim holder to request a hearing.
(2) Whom to Serve; Manner of Service.
(A) Serving the Claim Holder. The notice—substantially conforming to Form 420B—and objection must be served by mail on the person the claim holder most recently designated to receive notices on the claim holder's original or latest amended proof of claim, at the address so indicated. If the objection is to a claim of:
(i) the United States or one of its officers or agencies, service must also be made as if it were a summons and complaint under Rule 7004(b)(4) or (5); or
(ii) an insured depository institution as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, service must also be made under Rule 7004(h).
(B) Serving Others. The notice and objection must also be served, by mail (or other permitted means), on:
• the debtor or debtor in possession;
• the trustee; and
• if applicable, the entity that filed the proof of claim under Rule 3005.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) all the claims were filed by the same entity; or
(2) the objections are based solely on grounds that the claims should be disallowed, in whole or in part, because they:
(A) duplicate other claims;
(B) were filed in the wrong case;
(C) have been amended by later proofs of claim;
(D) were not timely filed;
(E) have been satisfied or released during the case in accordance with the Code, applicable rules, or a court order;
(F) were presented in a form that does not comply with applicable rules and the objection states that the objector is therefore unable to determine a claim's validity;
(G) are interests, not claims; or
(H) assert a priority in an amount that exceeds the maximum amount allowable under §507.
(e)
(1) state in a conspicuous place that claim holders can find their names and claims in the objection;
(2) list the claim holders alphabetically, provide a cross-reference to claim numbers, and, if appropriate, list claim holders by category of claims;
(3) state for each claim the grounds for the objection and provide a cross-reference to the pages where pertinent information about the grounds appears;
(4) state in the title the objector's identity and the grounds for the objections;
(5) be numbered consecutively with other omnibus objections filed by the same objector; and
(6) contain objections to no more than 100 claims.
(f)
(As amended Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 30, 2007, eff. Dec. 1, 2007; Apr. 27, 2017, eff. Dec. 1, 2017; Apr. 14, 2021, eff. Dec. 1, 2021; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from §47a(8) of the Act and former Bankruptcy Rule 306. It prescribes the manner in which an objection to a claim shall be made and notice of the hearing thereon given to the claimant. The requirement of a writing does not apply to an objection to the allowance of a claim for the purpose of voting for a trustee or creditors' committee in a
The contested matter initiated by an objection to a claim is governed by rule 9014, unless a counterclaim by the trustee is joined with the objection to the claim. The filing of a counterclaim ordinarily commences an adversary proceeding subject to the rules in Part VII.
While the debtor's other creditors may make objections to the allowance of a claim, the demands of orderly and expeditious administration have led to a recognition that the right to object is generally exercised by the trustee. Pursuant to §502(a) of the Code, however, any party in interest may object to a claim. But under §704 the trustee, if any purpose would be served thereby, has the duty to examine proofs of claim and object to improper claims.
By virtue of the automatic allowance of a claim not objected to, a dividend may be paid on a claim which may thereafter be disallowed on objection made pursuant to this rule. The amount of the dividend paid before the disallowance in such event would be recoverable by the trustee in an adversary proceeding.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
The words "with the court" are deleted as unnecessary. See Rules 5005(a) and 9001(3).
Committee Notes on Rules—2007 Amendment
The rule is amended in a number of ways. First, the amendment prohibits a party in interest from including in a claim objection a request for relief that requires an adversary proceeding. A party in interest may, however, include an objection to the allowance of a claim in an adversary proceeding. Unlike a contested matter, an adversary proceeding requires the service of a summons and complaint, which puts the defendant on notice of the potential for an affirmative recovery. Permitting the plaintiff in the adversary proceeding to include an objection to a claim would not unfairly surprise the defendant as might be the case if the action were brought as a contested matter that included an action to obtain relief of a kind specified in Rule 7001.
The rule as amended does not require that a party include an objection to the allowance of a claim in an adversary proceeding. If a claim objection is filed separately from a related adversary proceeding, the court may consolidate the objection with the adversary proceeding under Rule 7042.
The rule also is amended to authorize the filing of a pleading that joins objections to more than one claim. Such filings present a significant opportunity for the efficient administration of large cases, but the rule includes restrictions on the use of these omnibus objections to ensure the protection of the due process rights of the claimants.
Unless the court orders otherwise, objections to more than one claim may be joined in a single pleading only if all of the claims were filed by the same entity, or if the objections are based solely on the grounds set out in subdivision (d) of the rule. Objections of the type listed in subdivision (d) often can be resolved without material factual or legal disputes. Objections to multiple claims permitted under the rule must comply with the procedural requirements set forth in subdivision (e). Among those requirements is the requirement in subdivision (e)(5) that these omnibus objections be consecutively numbered. Since these objections may not join more than 100 objections in any one omnibus objection, there may be a need for several omnibus objections to be filed in a particular case. Consecutive numbering of each omnibus objection and the identification of the objector in the title of the objection is essential to keep track of the objections on the court's docket. For example, the objections could be titled Debtor in Possession's First Omnibus Objection to Claims, Debtor in Possession's Second Omnibus Objection to Claims, Creditors' Committee's First Omnibus Objection to Claims, and so on. Titling the objections in this manner should avoid confusion and aid in tracking the objections on the docket.
Subdivision (f) provides that an order resolving an objection to any particular claim is treated, for purposes of finality, as if the claim had been the subject of an individual objection. A party seeking to appeal any such order is neither required, nor permitted, to await the court's resolution of all other joined objections. The rule permits the joinder of objections for convenience, and that convenience should not impede timely review of a court's decision with respect to each claim. Whether the court's action as to a particular objection is final, and the consequences of that finality, are not addressed by this amendment. Moreover, use of an omnibus objection generally does not preclude the objecting party from raising a subsequent objection to the claim on other grounds. See Restatement (Second) of Judgments §26(1)(d) (1982) (generally applicable rule barring multiple actions based on same transaction or series of transactions is overridden when a statutory scheme permits splitting of claims).
Changes Made After Publication. There were several changes made to the rule after its publication. The Advisory Committee declined to follow Mr. Sabino's suggestion, concluding that the rule as proposed includes sufficient flexibility, and that expanding the flexibility might lead to excessive deviation from the appropriate format for omnibus claims objections. The Advisory Committee also declined to follow Mr. Horsley's suggestion because the deadline for filing a proof of claim varies based on the nature of the creditor (governmental units have different deadlines from other creditors) as well as on the chapter under which the case is pending. The Advisory Committee rejected Judge Grant's suggestion that a party proposing an omnibus claims objection be required to demonstrate some special cause to allow the joinder of the objections. The Advisory Committee concluded that the rule includes sufficient protections for claimants such that omnibus objections should be allowed without the need for a special showing by the claims objector that joinder is proper.
The Advisory Committee did accept several of Judge Grant's suggestions, and the rule was amended by deleting the grounds for objection to claims based on the filing of a superceding proof of claim under proposed subdivision (d)(3) and the transfer of claims under proposed subdivision (d)(4). Subdivision (d)(3) now permits objections to claims that have been amended by a subsequently filed proof of claim and the paragraphs within subdivision (d) have been renumbered to reflect the deletion. The Committee Note also no longer includes any reliance on §502(j) for the statement indicating that a subsequent claim objection can be filed to a claim that was previously included in an omnibus claim objection.
Committee Notes on Rules—2017 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to specify the manner in which an objection to a claim and notice of the objection must be served. It clarifies that Rule 7004 does not apply to the service of most claim objections. Instead, a claimant must be served by first-class mail addressed to the person whom the claimant most recently designated on its proof of claim to receive notices, at the address so indicated. If, however, the claimant is the United States, an officer or agency of the United States, or an insured depository institution, service must also be made according to the method prescribed by the appropriate provision of Rule 7004. The service methods for the depository institutions are statutorily mandated, and the size and dispersal of the decision-making and litigation authority of the federal government necessitate service on the appropriate United States attorney's office and the Attorney General, as well as the person designated on the proof of claim.
As amended, subdivision (a) no longer requires that a hearing be scheduled or held on every objection. The rule requires the objecting party to provide notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the objection, but, by deleting from the subdivision references to "the hearing," it permits local practices that require a claimant to timely request a hearing or file a response in order to obtain a hearing. The official notice form served with a copy of the objection will inform the claimant of any actions it must take. However, while a local rule may require the claimant to respond to the objection to a proof of claim, the court will still need to determine if the claim is valid, even if the claimant does not file a response to a claim objection or request a hearing.
Committee Notes on Rules—2021 Amendment
Subdivision (a)(2)(A)(ii) is amended to clarify that the special service method required by Rule 7004(h) must be used for service of objections to claims only on insured depository institutions as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813. Rule 7004(h) was enacted by Congress as part of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994. It applies only to insured depository institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and does not include credit unions, which are instead insured by the National Credit Union Administration. A credit union, therefore, may be served with an objection to a claim according to Rule 3007(a)(2)(A)—by first-class mail sent to the person designated for receipt of notice on the credit union's proof of claim.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3007 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
References in Text
Section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, referred to in subd. (a)(2)(A)(ii), is classified to
Rule 3008. Reconsidering an Order Allowing or Disallowing a Claim
A party in interest may move to reconsider an order allowing or disallowing a claim. After notice and a hearing, the court must issue an appropriate order.
(As amended Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Section 502(j) of the Code deals only with the reconsideration of allowed claims as did former §57k of the Act and General Order 21(b). It had sometimes been held that a referee had no jurisdiction to reconsider a disallowed claim, or the amount or priority of an allowed claim, at the instance of the claimant. See, e.g., In re Gouse, 7 F. Supp. 106 (M.D. Pa. 1934); In re Tomlinson & Dye, Inc., 3 F. Supp. 800 (N.D. Okla. 1933). This view disregarded §2a(2) of the Act and the "ancient and elementary power" of a referee as a court to reconsider orders. In re Pottasch Brow. Co., Inc., 79 F.2d 613, 616 (2d Cir. 1935); Castaner v. Mora, 234 F.2d 710 (1st Cir. 1956). This rule recognizes, as did former Bankruptcy Rule 307, the power of the court to reconsider an order of disallowance on appropriate motion.
Reconsideration of a claim that has been previously allowed or disallowed after objection is discretionary with the court. The right to seek reconsideration of an allowed claim, like the right to object to its allowance, is generally exercised by the trustee if one has qualified and is performing the duties of that office with reasonable diligence and fidelity. A request for reconsideration of a disallowance would, on the other hand, ordinarily come from the claimant.
A proof of claim executed and filed in accordance with the rules in this Part III is prima facie evidence of the validity and the amount of the claim notwithstanding a motion for reconsideration of an order of allowance. Failure to respond does not constitute an admission, though it may be deemed a consent to a reconsideration. In re Goble Boat Co., 190 Fed. 92 (N.D.N.Y. 1911). The court may decline to reconsider an order of allowance or disallowance without notice to any adverse party and without affording any hearing to the movant. If a motion to reconsider is granted, notice and hearing must be afforded to parties in interest before the previous action in the claim taken in respect to the claim may be vacated or modified. After reconsideration, the court may allow or disallow the claim, increase or decrease the amount of a prior allowance, accord the claim a priority different from that originally assigned it, or enter any other appropriate order.
The rule expands §502(j) which provides for reconsideration of an allowance only before the case is closed. Authorities have disagreed as to whether reconsideration may be had after a case has been reopened. Compare 3 Collier Bankruptcy 57.23[4] (14th ed. 1964), see generally 3 id. 502.10 (15th ed. 1979), with 2 Remington, Bankruptcy 498 (Henderson ed. 1956). If a case is reopened as provided in §350(b) of the Code, reconsideration of the allowance or disallowance of a claim may be sought and granted in accordance with this rule.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3008 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3009. Chapter 7 —Paying Dividends
In a
(a) made payable to both the creditor and the other entity; and
(b) mailed to the other entity.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 22, 1993, eff. Aug. 1, 1993; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from former Rules 308 and 11–35(a). The preparation of records showing dividends declared and to whom payable is subject to prescription by the Director of the Administrative Office pursuant to Rule 5003(e). The rule governs distributions to creditors having priority as well as to general unsecured creditors. Notwithstanding the detailed statutory provisions regulating the declaration of dividends, a necessarily wide discretion over this matter has been recognized to reside in the court. See 3A Collier, Bankruptcy 65.03 (14th ed. 1975): 1 Proceedings of Seminar for Newly Appointed Referees in Bankruptcy 173 (1964). Although the rule leaves to the discretion of the court the amount and the times of dividend payments, it recognizes the creditors' right to as prompt payment as practicable.
The second and third sentences of the rule make explicit the method of payment of dividends and afford protection of the interests of the creditor and the holder of a power of attorney authorized to receive payment.
The rule does not permit variance at local option. This represents a marked change from former Bankruptcy Rule 308.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1993 Amendment
This rule is amended to delete the requirement that the court approve the amounts and times of distributions in
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3009 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3010. Chapter 7 , Subchapter V of Chapter 11 , Chapter 12 , and Chapter 13 — Limits on Small Dividends and Payments
(a)
(b)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule permits a court to eliminate the disproportionate expense and inconvenience incurred by the issuance of a dividend check of less than $5 (or $15 in a
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivision (b) is amended to include
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
The rule is amended in response to the enactment of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019,
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3010 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3011. Chapter 7 , Subchapter V of Chapter 11 , Chapter 12 , and Chapter 13 —Listing Unclaimed Funds
(a)
(1) file a list of the known names and addresses of entities entitled to payment from any remaining property of the estate that is paid into court under §347(a); and
(2) include the amount due each entity.
(b)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 24, 2023, eff. Dec. 1, 2023; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from former Bankruptcy Rule 310. The operative provisions of that rule, however, are contained in §347(a) of the Code, requiring the trustee to stop payment of checks remaining unpaid 90 days after distribution. The rule adds the requirement of filing a list of the names and addresses of the persons entitled to these dividends. This rule applies in a
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
The title of this rule is amended to include
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
The rule is amended in response to the enactment of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019,
Committee Notes on Rules—2023 Amendment
Rule 3011 is amended to require the clerk to provide searchable access (as by providing a link to the U.S. Bankruptcy Unclaimed Funds Locator) on the court's website to information about unclaimed funds deposited pursuant to §347(a). The court may limit access to information about such funds in a specific case for cause, including, for example, if such access risks disclosing the identity of claimants whose privacy should be protected, or if the information about the unclaimed funds is so old as to be unreliable.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3011 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3012. Determining the Amount of a Secured or Priority Claim
(a)
• the claim holder; and
• any other entity the court designates.
(b)
(1) Secured Claim. Except as provided in (c), a request to determine the amount of a secured claim may be made by motion, in an objection to a claim, or in a plan filed in a
(2) Priority Claim. A request to determine the amount of a priority claim may be made only by motion after the claim is filed or in an objection to the claim.
(c)
(1) the governmental unit has filed the proof of claim; or
(2) the time to file it under Rule 3002(c)(1) has expired.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 27, 2017, eff. Dec. 1, 2017; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Pursuant to §506(a) of the Code, secured claims are to be valued and allowed as secured to the extent of the value of the collateral and unsecured, to the extent it is enforceable, for the excess over such value. The valuation of secured claims may become important in different contexts e.g., to determine the issue of adequate protection under §361, impairment under §1124, or treatment of the claim in a plan pursuant to §1129(b) of the Code. This rule permits the issue to be raised on motion by a party in interest. The secured creditor is entitled to notice of the hearing on the motion and the court may direct that others in the case also receive such notice.
An adversary proceeding is commenced when the validity, priority, or extent of a lien is at issue as prescribed by Rule 7001. That proceeding is relevant to the basis of the lien itself while valuation under Rule 3012 would be for the purposes indicated above.
Committee Notes on Rules—2017 Amendment
This rule is amended and reorganized.
Subdivision (a) provides, in keeping with the former version of this rule, that a party in interest may seek a determination of the amount of a secured claim. The amended rule provides that the amount of a claim entitled to priority may also be determined by the court.
Subdivision (b) is added to provide that a request to determine the amount of a secured claim may be made in a
Subdivision (c) clarifies that a determination under this rule with respect to a secured claim of a governmental unit may be made only by motion or in a claim objection, but not until the governmental unit has filed a proof of claim or its time for filing a proof of claim has expired.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3012 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3013. Determining Classes of Creditors and Equity Security Holders
For purposes of a plan and its acceptance, the court may—on motion after hearing on notice as the court orders—determine classes of creditors and equity security holders under §§1122, 1222(b)(1), and 1322(b)(1).
(As amended Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Sections 1122 and 1322(b)(1) set the standards for classifying claims and interests but provide that such classification is accomplished in the plan. This rule does not change the standards; rather it recognizes that it may be desirable or necessary to establish proper classification before a plan can be formulated. It provides for a court hearing on such notice as the court may direct.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
This rule is amended to include
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3013 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3014. Chapter 9 or 11—Secured Creditors' Election to Apply §1111(b)
(a)
(1)
(2) Subchapter V of
(b)
(As amended Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Pursuant to §1111(b)(1) of the Code, a nonrecourse secured loan is converted, automatically, into a recourse loan thereby entitling the creditor to an unsecured deficiency claim if the value of the collateral is less than the debt. The class, however, may retain the loan as a nonrecourse loan by electing application of §1111(b)(2) by the majorities stated in §1111(b)(1)(A)(i). That section does not specify any time periods for making the election.
Rule 3014 provides that if no agreement is negotiated, the election of §1111(b)(2) of the Code may be made at any time prior to conclusion of the hearing on the disclosure statement. Once the hearing has been concluded, it would be too late for a secured creditor class to demand different treatment unless the court has fixed a later time. This would be the case if, for example, a public class of secured creditors should have an approved disclosure statement prior to electing under §1111(b).
Generally it is important that the proponent of a plan ascertain the position of the secured creditor class before a plan is proposed. The secured creditor class must know the prospects of its treatment under the plan before it can intelligently determine its rights under §1111(b). The rule recognizes that there may be negotiations between the proponent of the plan and the secured creditor leading to a representation of desired treatment under §1111(b). If that treatment is approved by the requisite majorities of the class and culminates in a written, signed statement filed with the court, that statement becomes binding and the class may not thereafter demand different treatment under §1111(b) with respect to that plan. The proponent of the plan is thus enabled to seek approval of the disclosure statement and transmit the plan for voting in anticipation of confirmation. Only if that plan is not confirmed may the class of secured creditors thereafter change its prior election.
While this rule and the Code refer to a class of secured creditors it should be noted that ordinarily each secured creditor is in a separate and distinct class. In that event, the secured creditor has the sole power to determine application of §1111(b) with respect to that claim.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1997 Amendment
This amendment provides a deadline for electing application of §1111(b)(2) in a small business case in which a conditionally approved disclosure statement is finally approved without a hearing.
GAP Report on Rule 3014. No changes to the published draft.
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
The rule is amended in response to the enactment of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019,
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3014 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3015. Chapter 12 or 13—Time to File a Plan; Nonstandard Provisions; Objection to Confirmation; Effect of Confirmation; Modifying a Plan
(a)
(1) with the petition; or
(2) within the time prescribed by §1221.
(b)
(1) In General. The debtor must file a
(2) Case Converted to
(c)
(1) In General. In filing a
(2) Nonstandard Provision. With either form, a nonstandard provision is effective only if it is included in the section of the form that is designated for nonstandard provisions and is identified in accordance with any other requirements of the form. A nonstandard provision is one that is not included in the form or deviates from it.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Serving an Objection. An entity that objects to a plan's confirmation must file and serve the objection on the debtor, trustee, and any other entity the court designates, and must send a copy to the United States trustee. Unless the court orders otherwise, the objection must be filed, served, and sent at least 7 days before the date set for the confirmation hearing. The objection is governed by Rule 9014.
(2) When No Objection Is Filed. If no objection is timely filed, the court may, without receiving evidence, determine that the plan has been proposed in good faith and not by any means forbidden by law.
(g)
(1) Secured Claim. When a plan is confirmed, the amount of a secured claim—determined in the plan under Rule 3012—becomes binding on the claim holder. That is the effect even if the holder files a contrary proof of claim, the debtor schedules that claim, or an objection to the claim is filed.
(2) Terminating the Stay. When a plan is confirmed, a request in the plan to terminate the stay imposed under §362(a), §1201(a), or §1301(a) is granted.
(h)
(1) Request to Modify a Plan After It Is Confirmed. A request to modify a confirmed plan under §1229 or §1329 must identify the proponent and include the proposed modification. Unless the court orders otherwise for creditors not affected by the modification, the clerk or the court's designee must:
(A) give the debtor, trustee, and creditors at least 21 days' notice, by mail, of the time to file objections and the date of any hearing;
(B) send a copy of the notice to the United States trustee; and
(C) include a copy or summary of the modification.
(2) Objecting to a Modification. Rule 9014 governs an objection to a proposed modification. An objection must be filed and served on:
• the debtor;
• the trustee; and
• any other entity the court designates.
A copy must also be sent to the United States trustee.
(As amended Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 22, 1993, eff. Aug. 1, 1993; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 27, 2017, eff. Dec. 1, 2017; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Section 1321 provides only that the "debtor shall file a plan." No time periods are specified, nor is any other detail provided. The rule requires a
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
This rule is amended to include
Subdivision (e) enables the United States trustee to monitor
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1993 Amendment
Subdivision (b) is amended to provide a time limit for filing a plan after a case has been converted to
Subdivision (d) is amended to clarify that the plan or a summary of the plan must be included with each notice of the confirmation hearing in a
Subdivision (f) is added to expand the scope of the rule to govern objections to confirmation in
Subdivision (g) is added to provide a procedure for post-confirmation modification of
Amendments to the title of this rule are stylistic and make no substantive change.
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadlines in the rule are amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2017 Amendment
This rule is amended and reorganized.
Subdivision (c) is amended to require use of an Official Form if one is adopted for
Subdivision (d) is amended to ensure that the trustee and creditors are served with the plan before confirmation. Service may be made either at the time the plan is filed or with the notice under Rule 2002 of the hearing to consider confirmation of the plan.
Subdivision (f) is amended to require service of an objection to confirmation at least seven days before the hearing to consider confirmation of a plan, unless the court orders otherwise.
Subdivision (g) is amended to set out two effects of confirmation. Subdivision (g)(1) provides that the amount of a secured claim under §506(a) may be determined through a
Subdivision (h) was formerly subdivision (g). It is redesignated and is amended to reflect that often the party proposing a plan modification is responsible for serving the proposed modification on other parties. The option to serve a summary of the proposed modification has been retained. Unless required by another rule, service under this subdivision does not need to be made in the manner provided for service of a summons and complaint by Rule 7004.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3015 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3015.1.1 Requirements for a Local Form for a Chapter 13 Plan
As an exception to Rule 9029(a)(1), a district may require that a single local form be used for a
(a) is adopted for the district after public notice and an opportunity for comment;
(b) numbers and labels each paragraph in boldface type with a heading that states its general subject matter;
(c) includes an opening paragraph for the debtor to indicate that the plan does or does not:
(1) contain a nonstandard provision;
(2) limit the amount of a secured claim based on a valuation of the collateral; or
(3) avoid a security interest or lien;
(d) contains separate paragraphs relating to:
(1) curing any default and maintaining payments on a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence;
(2) paying a domestic support obligation;
(3) paying a claim described in the final paragraph of §1325(a); and
(4) surrendering property that secures a claim and requesting that the stay under §362(a) or 1301(a) related to the property be terminated; and
(e) contains a final paragraph providing a place for:
(1) nonstandard provisions as defined in Rule 3015(c), with a warning that any nonstandard provision placed elsewhere is void; and
(2) a certification by the debtor's attorney, or by an unrepresented debtor, that the plan does not contain any nonstandard provision except as set out in the final paragraph.
(Added Apr. 27, 2017, eff. Dec. 1, 2017; amended Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Committee Notes on Rules—2017
This rule is new. It sets out features required for all Local Forms for plans in
Under the rule only one Local Form may be adopted in a district. The rule does not specify the method of adoption, but it does require that adoption of a Local Form be preceded by a public notice and comment period.
To promote consistency among Local Forms and clarity of content of
The rule requires that a Local Form begin with a paragraph for the debtor to call attention to the fact that the plan contains a nonstandard provision; limits the amount of a secured claim based on a valuation of the collateral, as authorized by Rule 3012(b); or avoids a lien, as authorized by Rule 4003(d).
The last paragraph of a Local Form must be for the inclusion of any nonstandard provisions, as defined by Rule 3015(c), and must include a statement that nonstandard provisions placed elsewhere in the plan are void. This part gives the debtor the opportunity to propose provisions that are not otherwise in, or that deviate from, the Local Form. The form must also require a certification by the debtor's attorney or unrepresented debtor that there are no nonstandard provisions other than those placed in the final paragraph.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3015.1 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
1 Second period editorially added.
Rule 3016. Chapter 9 or 11—Plan and Disclosure Statement
(a)
(b)
(1) In General. In a
(2) Providing Information Under §1125(f)(1). A plan intended to provide adequate information under §1125(f)(1) must be so designated. Rule 3017.1 then applies as if the plan were a disclosure statement.
(c)
(1) describe in specific and conspicuous language (bold, italic, or underlined text) all acts to be enjoined; and
(2) identify the entities that would be subject to the injunction.
(d)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 23, 1996, eff. Dec. 1, 1996; Apr. 23, 2001, eff. Dec. 1, 2001; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule implements the Code provisions concerning the filing of plans in chapters 9 and 11.
Subdivision (a). Section 1121(c), while permitting parties in interest a limited right to file plans, does not provide any time limitation. This subdivision sets as the deadline, the conclusion of the hearing on the disclosure statement. The court may, however, grant additional time. It is derived from former Chapter X Rule 10–301(c)(2) which used, as the cut-off time, the conclusion of the hearing on approval of a plan. As indicated, supra, §1121(a) permits a debtor to file a plan at any time during the
Subdivision (b) requires plans to be properly identified.
Subdivision (c). This provision is new. In
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to enlarge the time for filing competing plans. A party in interest may not file a plan without leave of court only if an order approving a disclosure statement relating to another plan has been entered and a decision on confirmation of the plan has not been entered. This subdivision does not fix a deadline beyond which a debtor may not file a plan.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1996 Amendment
Section 1121(c) gives a party in interest the right to file a
The amendment to subdivision (c), redesignated as subdivision (b), is stylistic.
GAP Report on Rule 3016. No changes since publication, except for a stylistic change.
Committee Notes on Rules—2001 Amendment
Subdivision (c) is added to assure that entities whose conduct would be enjoined under a plan, rather than by operation of the Code, are given adequate notice of the proposed injunction. The validity and effect of any injunction are substantive law matters that are beyond the scope of these rules.
Specific and conspicuous language is not necessary if the injunction contained in the plan is substantially the same as an injunction provided under the Code. For example, if a plan contains an injunction against acts to collect a discharged debt from the debtor, Rule 3016(c) would not apply because that conduct would be enjoined nonetheless under §524(a)(2). But if a plan provides that creditors will be permanently enjoined from asserting claims against persons who are not debtors in the case, the plan and disclosure statement must highlight the injunctive language and comply with the requirements of Rule 3016(c). See §524(e).
The requirement in this rule that the plan and disclosure statement identify the entities that would be subject to the injunction requires reasonable identification under the circumstances. If the entities that would be subject to the injunction cannot be identified by name, the plan and disclosure statement may describe them by class or category. For example, it may be sufficient to identify the subjects of the injunction as "all creditors of the debtor."
Changes Made After Publication and Comments. The word "highlighted" in the parenthesis was replaced with "underlined" because highlighted documents are difficult to scan electronically for inclusion in the clerks' files. The Committee Note was revised to put in a more prominent position the statement that the validity and effect of any injunction provided for in a plan are substantive matters beyond the scope of the rules. Other stylistic changes were made to the Committee Note.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
Subdivision (b) is amended to recognize that, in 2005, §1125(f)(1) was added to the Code to provide that the plan proponent in a small business case need not file a disclosure statement if the plan itself includes adequate information and the court finds that a separate disclosure statement is unnecessary. If the plan is intended to provide adequate information in a small business case, it may be conditionally approved as a disclosure statement under Rule 3017.1 and is subject to all other rules applicable to disclosure statements in small business cases.
Subdivision (d) is added to the rule to implement §433 of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 which requires the promulgation of Official Forms for plans and disclosure statements in small business cases. Section 1125(f)(2) of the Code provides that the court may approve a disclosure statement submitted on the appropriate Official Form or on a standard form approved by the court. The rule takes no position on whether a court may require a local standard form disclosure statement or plan of reorganization in lieu of the Official Forms.
Other amendments are stylistic.
Changes Made After Publication. No changes were made after publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
The rule is amended in response to the enactment of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019,
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3016 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3017. Chapter 9 or 11—Hearing on a Disclosure Statement and Plan
(a)
(1) Notice and Hearing.
(A) Notice. Except as provided in Rule 3017.1 for a small business case, the court must hold a hearing on a disclosure statement filed under Rule 3016(b) and any objection or modification to it. The hearing must be held on at least 28 days' notice under Rule 2002(b) to:
• the debtor;
• creditors;
• equity security holders; and
• other parties in interest.
(B) Limit on Sending the Plan and Disclosure Statement. A copy of the plan and disclosure statement must be mailed with the notice of a hearing to:
• the debtor;
• any trustee or appointed committee;
• the Securities and Exchange Commission; and
• any party in interest that, in writing, requests a copy of the disclosure statement or plan.
(2) Objecting to a Disclosure Statement. An objection to a disclosure statement must be filed and served before the disclosure statement is approved or by an earlier date the court sets. The objection must be served on:
• the debtor;
• the trustee;
• any appointed committee; and
• any other entity the court designates.
(3)
(b)
(c)
(1) must set a deadline for the holders of claims and interests to accept or reject the plan; and
(2) may set a date for a confirmation hearing.
(d)
(1) Sending the Plan and Related Documents.
(A) In General. After the disclosure statement has been approved, the court must order the debtor in possession, the trustee, the plan proponent, or the clerk to mail the following items to creditors and equity security holders and, in a
(i) the court-approved disclosure statement;
(ii) the plan or a court-approved summary of it;
(iii) a notice of the time to file acceptances and rejections of the plan; and
(iv) any other information as the court orders—including any opinion approving the disclosure statement or a court-approved summary of the opinion.
(B) Exception. The court may vary the requirements for an unimpaired class of creditors or equity security holders.
(2) Time to Object to a Plan; Notice of the Confirmation Hearing. Notice of the time to file an objection to a plan's confirmation and the date of the hearing on confirmation must be mailed to creditors and equity security holders in accordance with Rule 2002(b). A ballot that conforms to Form 314 must also be mailed to creditors and equity security holders who are entitled to vote on the plan. If the court's opinion is not sent (or only a summary of the plan was sent), a party in interest may request a copy of the opinion or plan, which must be provided at the plan proponent's expense.
(3) Notice to Unimpaired Classes. If the court orders that the disclosure statement and plan (or the plan summary) not be mailed to an unimpaired class, a notice that the class has been designated as unimpaired must be mailed to the class members. The notice must show:
(A) the name and address of the person from whom the plan (or summary) and the disclosure statement may be obtained at the plan proponent's expense;
(B) the time to file an objection to the plan's confirmation; and
(C) the date of the confirmation hearing.
(4) Definition of "Creditors" and "Equity Security Holders." In this Rule 3017(d), "creditors" and "equity security holders" include record holders of stock, bonds, debentures, notes, and other securities on the date the order approving the disclosure statement is entered—or another date the court sets for cause and after notice and a hearing.
(e)
(1) determine the adequacy of the procedures for sending the documents and information listed in (d)(1) to beneficial holders of stock, bonds, debentures, notes, and other securities; and
(2) issue any appropriate orders.
(f)
(1) Timing of the Notice. This Rule 3017(f) applies if, under a plan, an entity that is not a creditor or equity security holder is subject to an injunction against conduct not otherwise enjoined by the Code. At the hearing under (a), the court must consider procedures to provide the entity with at least 28 days' notice of:
(A) the time to file an objection; and
(B) the date of the confirmation hearing.
(2) Content of the Notice. The notice must:
(A) provide the information required by Rule 2002(c)(3); and
(B) if feasible, include a copy of the plan and disclosure statement.
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997; Apr. 23, 2001, eff. Dec. 1, 2001; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is adapted from former Rule 10–303 which dealt with the approval of a Chapter X plan by the court. There is no requirement for plan approval in a
Subdivision (a) of this rule provides for the hearing on the disclosure statement. Thus, a hearing would be required in all cases; whether it may be ex parte would depend on the circumstances of the case, but a mere absence of objections would not eliminate the need for a hearing; see §102(1) of the Code.
No provision similar to former Rule 10–303(f) is included. That subdivision together with former Rule 10–304 prohibited solicitation of votes until after entry of an order approving the plan. Section 1125(b) of the Code explicitly provides that votes on a plan may not be solicited until a disclosure statement approved by the court is transmitted. Pursuant to the change in rulemaking power, a comparable provision in this rule is unnecessary. 28 U.S.C. §2075.
Copies of the disclosure statement and plan need not be mailed with the notice of the hearing or otherwise transmitted prior to the hearing except with respect to the parties explicitly set forth in the subdivision.
It should be noted that, by construction, the singular includes the plural. Therefore, the phrase "plan or plans" or "disclosure statement or statements" has not been used although the possibility of multiple plans and statements is recognized.
Subdivision (d) permits the court to require a party other than the clerk of the bankruptcy court to bear the responsibility for transmitting the notices and documents specified in the rule when votes on the plan are solicited. Ordinarily the person responsible for such mailing will be the proponent of the plan. In rare cases the clerk may be directed to mail these documents, particularly when the trustee would have the responsibility but there is insufficient money in the estate to enable the trustee to perform this task.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1987 Amendment
Subdivision (d). Section 1125(c) of the Code requires that the entire approved disclosure statement be provided in connection with voting on a plan. The court is authorized by §1125(c) to approve different disclosure statements for different classes. Although the rule does not permit the mailing of a summary of the disclosure statement in place of the approved disclosure statement, the court may approve a summary of the disclosure statement to be mailed with the complete disclosure statement to those voting on the plan.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
This rule is amended to enable the United States trustee to monitor and comment with regard to
Subdivision (d) is amended to give the court the discretion to direct that one or more unimpaired classes shall not receive disclosure statements, plans, or summaries of plans. Members of unimpaired classes are not entitled to vote on the plan. Although disclosure statements enable members of unimpaired classes to make informed judgments as to whether to object to confirmation because of lack of feasibility or other grounds, in an unusual case the court may direct that disclosure statements shall not be sent to such classes if to do so would not be feasible considering the size of the unimpaired classes and the expense of printing and mailing. In any event, all creditors are entitled to notice of the time fixed for filing objections and notice of the hearing to consider confirmation of the plan pursuant to Rule 2002(b) and the requirement of such notice may not be excused with respect to unimpaired classes. The amendment to subdivision (d) also ensures that the members of unimpaired classes who do not receive such documents will have sufficient information so that they may request these documents in advance of the hearing on confirmation. The amendment to subdivision (d) is not intended to give the court the discretion to dispense with the mailing of the plan and disclosure statement to governmental units holding claims entitled to priority under §507(a)(7) because they may not be classified. See §1123(a)(1).
The words "with the court" in subdivision (a) are deleted as unnecessary. See Rules 5005(a) and 9001(3). Reference to the Official Form number in subdivision (d) is deleted in anticipation of future revision and renumbering of the Official Forms.
Subdivision (e) is designed to ensure that appropriate measures are taken for the plan, disclosure statement, ballot and other materials which are required to be transmitted to creditors and equity security holders under this rule to reach the beneficial holders of securities held in nominee name. Such measures may include orders directing the trustee or debtor in possession to reimburse the nominees out of the funds of the estate for the expenses incurred by them in distributing materials to beneficial holders. In most cases, the plan proponent will not know the identities of the beneficial holders and therefore it will be necessary to rely on the nominal holders of the securities to distribute the plan materials to the beneficial owners.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1997 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to provide that it does not apply to the extent provided in new Rule 3017.1, which applies in small business cases.
Subdivision (d) is amended to provide flexibility in fixing the record date for the purpose of determining the holders of securities who are entitled to receive documents pursuant to this subdivision. For example, if there may be a delay between the oral announcement of the judge's order approving the disclosure statement and entry of the order on the court docket, the court may fix the date on which the judge orally approves the disclosure statement as the record date so that the parties may expedite preparation of the lists necessary to facilitate the distribution of the plan, disclosure statement, ballots, and other related documents.
The court may set a record date pursuant to subdivision (d) only after notice and a hearing as provided in §102(1) of the Code. Notice of a request for an order fixing the record date may be included in the notice of the hearing to consider approval of the disclosure statement mailed pursuant to Rule 2002(b).
If the court fixes a record date pursuant to subdivision (d) with respect to the holders of securities, and the holders are impaired by the plan, the judge also should order that the same record date applies for the purpose of determining eligibility for voting pursuant to Rule 3018(a).
Other amendments to this rule are stylistic.
GAP Report on Rule 3017. No changes to the published draft.
Committee Notes on Rules—2001 Amendment
Subdivision (f) is added to assure that entities whose conduct would be enjoined under a plan, rather than by operation of the Code, and who will not receive the documents listed in subdivision (d) because they are neither creditors nor equity security holders, are provided with adequate notice of the proposed injunction. It does not address any substantive law issues relating to the validity or effect of any injunction provided under a plan, or any due process or other constitutional issues relating to notice. These issues are beyond the scope of these rules and are left for judicial determination.
This rule recognizes the need for adequate notice to subjects of an injunction, but that reasonable flexibility under the circumstances may be required. If a known and identifiable entity would be subject to the injunction, and the notice, plan, and disclosure statement could be mailed to that entity, the court should require that they be mailed at the same time that the plan, disclosure statement and related documents are mailed to creditors under Rule 3017(d). If mailing notices and other documents is not feasible because the entities subject to the injunction are described in the plan and disclosure statement by class or category and they cannot be identified individually by name and address, the court may require that notice under Rule 3017(f)(1) be published.
Changes Made After Publication and Comments. No changes were made in the text of the proposed amendments since publication. The Committee Note was revised to put in a more prominent position the statement that the rule does not address related substantive law issues which are beyond the scope of the rules.
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadlines in the rule are amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3017 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3017.1. Disclosure Statement in a Small Business Case or a Case Under Subchapter V of Chapter 11
(a)
(1) set the time within which the claim holders and interest holders may accept or reject the plan;
(2) set the time to file an objection to the disclosure statement;
(3) if a timely objection is filed, set the date to hold the hearing on final approval of the disclosure statement; and
(4) set a date for the confirmation hearing.
(b)
(c)
(1) Notice. Notice must be given under Rule 2002(b) of the time to file an objection and the date of a hearing to consider final approval of the disclosure statement. The notice may be combined with notice of the confirmation hearing.
(2) Time to File an Objection to the Disclosure Statement. An objection to the disclosure statement must be filed before it is finally approved or by an earlier date set by the court. The objection must be served on:
• the debtor;
• the trustee;
• any appointed committee; and
• any other entity the court designates.
A copy must also be sent to the United States trustee.
(3) Hearing on an Objection to the Disclosure Statement. If a timely objection to the disclosure statement is filed, the court must hold a hearing on final approval either before or combined with the confirmation hearing.
(Added Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997; amended Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1997
This rule is added to implement §1125(f) that was added to the Code by the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994.
The procedures for electing to be considered a small business are set forth in Rule 1020. If the debtor is a small business and has elected to be considered a small business, §1125(f) permits the court to conditionally approve a disclosure statement subject to final approval after notice and a hearing. If a disclosure statement is conditionally approved, and no timely objection to the disclosure statement is filed, it is not necessary for the court to hold a hearing on final approval.
GAP Report on Rule 3017.1. No change to the published draft.
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
Section 101 of the Code, as amended in 2005, defines a "small business case" and "small business debtor," and eliminates any need to elect that status. Therefore, the reference in the rule to an election is deleted.
As provided in the amendment to Rule 3016(b), a plan intended to provide adequate information in a small business case under §1125(f)(1) may be conditionally approved and is otherwise treated as a disclosure statement under this rule.
Changes Made After Publication. No changes were made after publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
The rule is amended in response to the enactment of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019,
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3017.1 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3017.2. Setting Dates in a Case Under Subchapter V of Chapter 11 in Which There Is No Disclosure Statement
In a case under Subchapter V of
(a) a time within which the holders of claims and interests may accept or reject the plan;
(b) a date on which an equity security holder or a creditor whose claim is based on a security must be the record holder of the security in order to be eligible to accept or reject the plan;
(c) a date for the hearing on confirmation; and
(d) a date for sending the plan, notice of the time within which the holders of claims and interests may accept or reject it, and notice of the date for the hearing on confirmation.
(Added Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; amended Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Committee Notes on Rules—2022
The rule is added in response to the enactment of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019,
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3017.2 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3018. Chapter 9 or 11—Accepting or Rejecting a Plan
(a)
(1) Who May Accept or Reject a Plan. Within the time set by the court under Rule 3017, 3017.1, or 3017.2, a claim holder or equity security holder may accept or reject a
(2) Claim Based on a Security of Record. Subject to (b), an equity security holder or creditor whose claim is based on a security of record may accept or reject a plan only if the equity security holder or creditor is the holder of record:
(A) on the date the order approving the disclosure statement is entered; or
(B) on another date the court sets:
(i) under Rule 3017.2; or
(ii) after notice and a hearing and for cause.
(3) Changing or Withdrawing an Acceptance or Rejection. After notice and a hearing and for cause, the court may permit a creditor or equity security holder to change or withdraw an acceptance or rejection.
(4) Temporarily Allowing a Claim or Interest. Even if an objection to a claim or interest has been filed, the court may, after notice and a hearing, temporarily allow a claim or interest in an amount that the court considers proper for voting to accept or reject a plan.
(b)
(1) Acceptance or Rejection by a Nonholder of Record. An equity security holder or creditor who accepted or rejected a plan before the petition was filed will not be considered to have accepted or rejected the plan under §1126(b) if the equity security holder or creditor:
(A) has a claim or interest based on a security of record; and
(B) was not the security's holder of record on the date specified in the solicitation of the acceptance or rejection.
(2) Defective Solicitations. A holder of a claim or interest who accepted or rejected a plan before the petition was filed will not be considered to have accepted or rejected the plan if the court finds, after notice and a hearing, that:
(A) the plan was not sent to substantially all creditors and equity security holders of the same class;
(B) an unreasonably short time was prescribed for those creditors and equity security holders to accept or reject the plan; or
(C) the solicitation did not comply with §1126(b).
(c)
(1) Form. An acceptance or rejection of a plan must:
(A) be in writing;
(B) identify the plan or plans;
(C) be signed by the creditor or equity security holder—or an authorized agent; and
(D) conform to Form 314.
(2) When More Than One Plan Is Distributed. If more than one plan is sent under Rule 3017, a creditor or equity security holder may accept or reject one or more plans and may indicate preferences among those accepted.
(d)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 22, 1993, eff. Aug. 1, 1993; Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule applies in
Subdivision (a) is derived from former Rule 10–305(a). It substitutes, in a reorganization case, entry of the order approving the disclosure statement for the order approving a plan in conformity with the differences between Chapter X and
Subdivision (b) recognizes the former Chapter XI practice permitting a plan and acceptances to be filed with the petition, as does §1126(b) of the Code. However, because a plan under
While §1126(c), (d), and (e) prohibits use of an acceptance or rejection not procured in good faith, the added provision in subdivision (b) of the rule is somewhat more detailed. It would prohibit use of prepetition acceptances or rejections when some but not all impaired creditors or equity security holders are solicited or when they are not given a reasonable opportunity to submit their acceptances or rejections. This provision together with §1126(e) gives the court the power to nullify abusive solicitation procedures.
Subdivision (c). It is possible that multiple plans may be before the court for confirmation. Pursuant to §1129(c) of the Code, the court may confirm only one plan but is required to consider the preferences expressed by those accepting the plans in determining which one to confirm.
Subdivisions (d) and (e) of former Rule 10–305 are not continued since comparable provisions are contained in the statute; see §1126(c), (d), (e).
It should be noted that while the singular "plan" is used throughout, by construction the plural is included; see §102(7).
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Subdivisions (a) and (b) are amended to delete provisions that duplicate §1126 of the Code. An entity who is not a record holder of a security, but who claims that it is entitled to be treated as a record holder, may file a statement pursuant to Rule 3003(d).
Subdivision (a) is amended further to allow the court to permit a creditor or equity security holder to change or withdraw an acceptance or rejection for cause shown whether or not the time fixed for voting has expired.
Subdivision (b) is also amended to give effect to a prepetition acceptance or rejection if solicitation requirements were satisfied with respect to substantially all members of the same class, instead of requiring proper solicitation with respect to substantially all members of all classes.
Subdivision (c) is amended to delete the Official Form number in anticipation of future revision and renumbering of the Official Forms.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1993 Amendment
The title of this rule is amended to indicate that it applies only in a
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1997 Amendment
Subdivision (a) is amended to provide flexibility in fixing the record date for the purpose of determining the holders of securities who are entitled to vote on the plan. For example, if there may be a delay between the oral announcement of the judge's decision approving the disclosure statement and entry of the order on the court docket, the court may fix the date on which the judge orally approves the disclosure statement as the record date for voting purposes so that the parties may expedite preparation of the lists necessary to facilitate the distribution of the plan, disclosure statement, ballots, and other related documents in connection with the solicitation of votes.
The court may set a record date pursuant to subdivision (a) only after notice and a hearing as provided in §102(1) of the Code. Notice of a request for an order fixing the record date may be included in the notice of the hearing to consider approval of the disclosure statement mailed pursuant to Rule 2002(b).
If the court fixes the record date for voting purposes, the judge also should order that the same record date shall apply for the purpose of distributing the documents required to be distributed pursuant to Rule 3017(d).
GAP Report on Rule 3018. No changes to the published draft.
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
Subdivision (a) of the rule is amended to take account of the court's authority to set times under Rules 3017.1 and 3017.2 in small business cases and cases under subchapter V of
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3018 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3019. Chapter 9 or 11—Modifying a Plan
(a)
• the trustee;
• any appointed committee; and
• any other entity the court designates.
(b)
(1) In General. When a plan in an individual debtor's
(2) Time to File an Objection; Service.
(A) Time. Unless the court orders otherwise for creditors who are not affected by the proposed modification, the clerk—or the court's designee—must give the debtor, trustee, and creditors at least 21 days' notice, by mail, of:
(i) the time to file an objection; and
(ii) if an objection is filed, the date of a hearing to consider the proposed modification.
(B) Service. Any objection must be served on:
• the debtor;
• the entity proposing the modification;
• the trustee; and
• any other entity the court designates.
A copy of the notice, modification, and objection must also be sent to the United States trustee.
(c)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 22, 1993, eff. Aug. 1, 1993; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 11, 2022, eff. Dec. 1, 2022; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule implements §§942, 1127 and 1323 of the Code. For example, §1127 provides for modification before and after confirmation but does not deal with the minor modifications that do not adversely change any rights. The rule makes clear that a modification may be made, after acceptance of the plan without submission to creditors and equity security holders if their interests are not affected. To come within this rule, the modification should be one that does not change the rights of a creditor or equity security holder as fixed in the plan before modification.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1993 Amendment
This rule is amended to limit its application to
Committee Notes on Rules—2008 Amendment
The 2005 amendments to §1127 of the Code provide for modification of a confirmed plan in an individual debtor
Changes Made After Publication. The last sentence of the published rule provided that an objection to modification of a plan is governed by Rule 9014. The sentence is deleted and the reference to Rule 9014 is moved to the first sentence of subdivision (b) of the rule. The Committee Note was revised to make the reference to the 2005 amendments to the Bankruptcy Code consistent with their identification in other Committee Notes.
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadline in the rule is amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2022 Amendment
The rule is amended in response to the enactment of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019,
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3019 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3020. In a Chapter 11 Case, Depositing Funds Before the Plan is Confirmed; Confirmation in a Chapter 9 or 11 Case
(a)
(b)
(1) Objecting to Confirmation. In a
• the debtor;
• the trustee;
• the plan proponent;
• any appointed committee; and
• any other entity the court designates.
(2) Copy to the United States Trustee. In a
(3) Hearing on the Objection; Procedure If No Objection Is Filed. After notice and a hearing as provided in Rule 2002, the court must rule on confirmation. If no objection is timely filed, the court may, without receiving evidence, determine that the plan was proposed in good faith and not by any means forbidden by law.
(c)
(1) Form of the Order; Injunctive Relief. A confirmation order must conform to Form 315. If the plan provides for an injunction against conduct not otherwise enjoined under the Code, the order must:
(A) describe the acts enjoined in reasonable detail;
(B) be specific in its terms regarding the injunction; and
(C) identify the entities subject to the injunction.
(2) Notice of Confirmation. Notice of entry of a confirmation order must be promptly mailed to:
• the debtor;
• the trustee;
• creditors;
• equity security holders;
• other parties in interest; and
• if known, identified entities subject to an injunction described in (1).
(3) Copy to the United States Trustee. In a
(d)
(e)
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 22, 1993, eff. Aug. 1, 1993; Apr. 26, 1999, eff. Dec. 1, 1999; Apr. 23, 2001, eff. Dec. 1, 2001; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is adapted from former Rules 10–307, 11–38, and 13–213. It applies to cases filed under chapters 9, 11 and 13. Certain subdivisions of the earlier rules have not been included, such as, a subdivision revesting title in the debtor because §541 of the Code does not transfer title out of the debtor as did §70a of the Bankruptcy Act; see also §§1141(b), 1327(b). Subdivision (b) of former Rule 13–213 is not included because its provisions are contained in the statute; see §§1322, 1325(b), 105.
Subdivision (a) gives discretion to the court to require in
Subdivision (d) clarifies the authority of the court to conclude matters pending before it prior to confirmation and to continue to administer the estate as necessary, e.g., resolving objections to claims.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
The United States trustee monitors
In a
Subdivision (c) is also amended to require that the confirmation order be mailed to the trustee. Reference to the Official Form number is deleted in anticipation of future revision and renumbering of the Official Forms.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1993 Amendment
This rule is amended to limit its application to
Committee Notes on Rules—1999 Amendment
Subdivision (e) is added to provide sufficient time for a party to request a stay pending appeal of an order confirming a plan under
The court may, in its discretion, order that Rule 3020(e) is not applicable so that the plan may be implemented and distributions may be made immediately. Alternatively, the court may order that the stay under Rule 3020(e) is for a fixed period less than 10 days.
GAP Report on Rule 3020. No changes since publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2001 Amendment
Subdivision (c) is amended to provide notice to an entity subject to an injunction provided for in a plan against conduct not otherwise enjoined by operation of the Code. This requirement is not applicable to an injunction contained in a plan if it is substantially the same as an injunction provided under the Code. The validity and effect of any injunction provided for in a plan are substantive law matters that are beyond the scope of these rules.
The requirement that the order of confirmation identify the entities subject to the injunction requires only reasonable identification under the circumstances. If the entities that would be subject to the injunction cannot be identified by name, the order may describe them by class or category if reasonable under the circumstances. For example, it may be sufficient to identify the entities as "all creditors of the debtor."
Changes Made After Publication and Comments. No changes were made in the text of the proposed amendments. The Committee Note was revised to put in a more prominent position the statement that the validity and effect of injunctions provided for in plans is beyond the scope of the rules.
Committee Notes on Rules—2009 Amendment
The rule is amended to implement changes in connection with the amendment to Rule 9006(a) and the manner by which time is computed under the rules. The deadline in the rule is amended to substitute a deadline that is a multiple of seven days. Throughout the rules, deadlines are amended in the following manner:
• 5-day periods become 7-day periods
• 10-day periods become 14-day periods
• 15-day periods become 14-day periods
• 20-day periods become 21-day periods
• 25-day periods become 28-day periods
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3020 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3021. Distributing Funds Under a Plan
(a)
• creditors whose claims have been allowed;
• interest holders whose interests have not been disallowed; and
• indenture trustees whose claims under Rule 3003(c)(5) have been allowed.
(b)
(1) "creditors" include record holders of bonds, debentures, notes, and other debt securities as of the initial distribution date, unless the plan or confirmation order states a different date; and
(2) "interest holders" include record holders of stock and other equity securities as of the initial distribution date, unless the plan or confirmation order states a different date.
(As amended Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997; Apr. 26, 1999, eff. Dec. 1, 1999; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
This rule is derived from former Chapter X Rule 10–405(a). Subdivision (b) of that rule is covered by §1143 of the Code.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1997 Amendment
This rule is amended to provide flexibility in fixing the record date for the purpose of making distributions to holders of securities of record. In a large case, it may be impractical for the debtor to determine the holders of record with respect to publicly held securities and also to make distributions to those holders at the same time. Under this amendment, the plan or the order confirming the plan may fix a record date for distributions that is earlier than the date on which distributions commence.
This rule also is amended to treat holders of bonds, debentures, notes, and other debt securities the same as any other creditors by providing that they shall receive a distribution only if their claims have been allowed. Finally, the amendments clarify that distributions are to be made to all interest holders—not only those that are within the definition of "equity security holders" under §101 of the Code—whose interests have not been disallowed.
GAP Report on Rule 3021. No changes to the published draft.
Committee Notes on Rules—1999 Amendment
This amendment is to conform to the amendments to Rule 3020 regarding the ten-day stay of an order confirming a plan in a
GAP Report on Rule 3021. No changes since publication.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3021 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.
Rule 3022. Chapter 11 —Final Decree
After the estate is fully administered in a
(As amended Mar. 30, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Aug. 1, 1991; Apr. 2, 2024, eff. Dec. 1, 2024.)
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1983
Section 350 of the Code requires the court to close the case after the estate is fully administered and the trustee has been discharged. Section 1143 places a five year limitation on the surrender of securities when required for participation under a plan but this provision should not delay entry of the final decree.
Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules—1991 Amendment
Entry of a final decree closing a
The court should not keep the case open only because of the possibility that the court's jurisdiction may be invoked in the future. A final decree closing the case after the estate is fully administered does not deprive the court of jurisdiction to enforce or interpret its own orders and does not prevent the court from reopening the case for cause pursuant to §350(b) of the Code. For example, on motion of a party in interest, the court may reopen the case to revoke an order of confirmation procured by fraud under §1144 of the Code. If the plan or confirmation order provides that the case shall remain open until a certain date or event because of the likelihood that the court's jurisdiction may be required for specific purposes prior thereto, the case should remain open until that date or event.
Committee Notes on Rules—2024 Amendment
The language of Rule 3022 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Bankruptcy Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only.