How can I pay for filing for bankruptcy? Disclaimer Filing for bankruptcy in Illinois costs $299 for a Chapter 7, or liquidation, bankruptcy, and $274 for a Chapter 13, or reorganization, bankruptcy. However, federal law does provide that the Chapter 7 filing fee may be waived if your household meets certain income limits prescribed by the federal government. Even if you do not qualify for the fee waiver, you may be able to pay the Chapter 7 filing fee in installments.