Roommates?

[LifeNLemons]

I noticed on the schedule J (I think) that other income is supposed to include any contributions to the household from roommates/domestic partners, etc. I pay half the rent, and I'm not on the lease. (I am listed as an occupant, but not a leaseholder) Technically, I'm contributing to my roommates household, not the other way around. Since I only claim what I actually pay in rent, do I have to claim her half of the rent as income? If so, do I bump up my rent to the amount the apartment actually costs?

[magyar123]

If you are single and filing on your own - no need to reveal the existence/their share of household expenses of a roommate. This country is not at the point yet where bankruptcy courts' agents/snoops spy on you.

[HHM]

There is a risk, the trustee may ask you at the 341 meeting if live with anyone else and you will be under oath.

Also, as a factual matter, since the paperwork is filed out under penalty of perjury...if you don't actually pay the higher amount in rent, I WOULD NOT say that you do. You can really only list what you "actually" spend.

But you do not claim your roomates contribution to rent as income.

Bottom line with expenses, you list what you actually spend.

[Chicago]

Yeah, I have several roommates as it's a huge apartment in Chicago and I just listed my share of the monthly rent & utilities on my schedule. Wouldn't have thought to do it any other way, though it makes it seem like I'm the greenest person in the world with gas/electric/water being so cheap

Hopefully that will play into my favor as some of my other monthly expenses are high.

[jp2861]

If you are single and filing on your own - no need to reveal the existence/their share of household expenses of a roommate. This country is not at the point yet where bankruptcy courts' agents/snoops spy on you.

Try selling that to the folks that are unlucky enough to get audited.