Los Angeles Bankruptcy Attorney

TITLE 11 - BANKRUPTCY
CHAPTER 5 - CREDITORS, THE DEBTOR, AND THE ESTATE
    SUBCHAPTER II - DEBTOR'S DUTIES AND BENEFITS

-HEAD-
    Sec. 523. Exceptions to discharge

-STATUTE-
      (a) A discharge under section 727, 1141, 1228(a), 1228(b), or
    1328(b) of this title does not discharge an individual debtor from
    any debt - 
        (1) for a tax or a customs duty - 
          (A) of the kind and for the periods specified in section
        507(a)(3) or 507(a)(8) of this title, whether or not a claim
        for such tax was filed or allowed;
          (B) with respect to which a return, or equivalent report or
        notice, if required - 
            (i) was not filed or given; or
            (ii) was filed or given after the date on which such
          return, report, or notice was last due, under applicable law
          or under any extension, and after two years before the date
          of the filing of the petition; or

          (C) with respect to which the debtor made a fraudulent return
        or willfully attempted in any manner to evade or defeat such
        tax;

        (2) for money, property, services, or an extension, renewal, or
      refinancing of credit, to the extent obtained by - 
          (A) false pretenses, a false representation, or actual fraud,
        other than a statement respecting the debtor's or an insider's
        financial condition;
          (B) use of a statement in writing - 
            (i) that is materially false;
            (ii) respecting the debtor's or an insider's financial
          condition;
            (iii) on which the creditor to whom the debtor is liable
          for such money, property, services, or credit reasonably
          relied; and
            (iv) that the debtor caused to be made or published with
          intent to deceive; or

          (C)(i) for purposes of subparagraph (A) - 
            (I) consumer debts owed to a single creditor and
          aggregating more than $500 for luxury goods or services
          incurred by an individual debtor on or within 90 days before
          the order for relief under this title are presumed to be
          nondischargeable; and
            (II) cash advances aggregating more than $750 that are
          extensions of consumer credit under an open end credit plan
          obtained by an individual debtor on or within 70 days before
          the order for relief under this title, are presumed to be
          nondischargeable; and

          (ii) for purposes of this subparagraph - 
            (I) the terms "consumer", "credit", and "open end credit
          plan" have the same meanings as in section 103 of the Truth
          in Lending Act; and
            (II) the term "luxury goods or services" does not include
          goods or services reasonably necessary for the support or
          maintenance of the debtor or a dependent of the debtor.

        (3) neither listed nor scheduled under section 521(1) of this
      title, with the name, if known to the debtor, of the creditor to
      whom such debt is owed, in time to permit - 
          (A) if such debt is not of a kind specified in paragraph (2),
        (4), or (6) of this subsection, timely filing of a proof of
        claim, unless such creditor had notice or actual knowledge of
        the case in time for such timely filing; or
          (B) if such debt is of a kind specified in paragraph (2),
        (4), or (6) of this subsection, timely filing of a proof of
        claim and timely request for a determination of
        dischargeability of such debt under one of such paragraphs,
        unless such creditor had notice or actual knowledge of the case
        in time for such timely filing and request;

        (4) for fraud or defalcation while acting in a fiduciary
      capacity, embezzlement, or larceny;
        (5) for a domestic support obligation;
        (6) for willful and malicious injury by the debtor to another
      entity or to the property of another entity;
        (7) to the extent such debt is for a fine, penalty, or
      forfeiture payable to and for the benefit of a governmental unit,
      and is not compensation for actual pecuniary loss, other than a
      tax penalty - 
          (A) relating to a tax of a kind not specified in paragraph
        (1) of this subsection; or
          (B) imposed with respect to a transaction or event that
        occurred before three years before the date of the filing of
        the petition;

        (8) unless excepting such debt from discharge under this
      paragraph would impose an undue hardship on the debtor and the
      debtor's dependents, for - 
          (A)(i) an educational benefit overpayment or loan made,
        insured, or guaranteed by a governmental unit, or made under
        any program funded in whole or in part by a governmental unit
        or nonprofit institution; or
          (ii) an obligation to repay funds received as an educational
        benefit, scholarship, or stipend; or
          (B) any other educational loan that is a qualified education
        loan, as defined in section 221(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue
        Code of 1986, incurred by a debtor who is an individual;

        (9) for death or personal injury caused by the debtor's
      operation of a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft if such
      operation was unlawful because the debtor was intoxicated from
      using alcohol, a drug, or another substance;
        (10) that was or could have been listed or scheduled by the
      debtor in a prior case concerning the debtor under this title or
      under the Bankruptcy Act in which the debtor waived discharge, or
      was denied a discharge under section 727(a)(2), (3), (4), (5),
      (6), or (7) of this title, or under section 14c(1), (2), (3),
      (4), (6), or (7) of such Act;
        (11) provided in any final judgment, unreviewable order, or
      consent order or decree entered in any court of the United States
      or of any State, issued by a Federal depository institutions
      regulatory agency, or contained in any settlement agreement
      entered into by the debtor, arising from any act of fraud or
      defalcation while acting in a fiduciary capacity committed with
      respect to any depository institution or insured credit union;
        (12) for malicious or reckless failure to fulfill any
      commitment by the debtor to a Federal depository institutions
      regulatory agency to maintain the capital of an insured
      depository institution, except that this paragraph shall not
      extend any such commitment which would otherwise be terminated
      due to any act of such agency;
        (13) for any payment of an order of restitution issued under
      title 18, United States Code;
        (14) incurred to pay a tax to the United States that would be
      nondischargeable pursuant to paragraph (1);
        (14A) incurred to pay a tax to a governmental unit, other than
      the United States, that would be nondischargeable under paragraph
      (1);
        (14B) incurred to pay fines or penalties imposed under Federal
      election law;
        (15) to a spouse, former spouse, or child of the debtor and not
      of the kind described in paragraph (5) that is incurred by the
      debtor in the course of a divorce or separation or in connection
      with a separation agreement, divorce decree or other order of a
      court of record, or a determination made in accordance with State
      or territorial law by a governmental unit;
        (16) for a fee or assessment that becomes due and payable after
      the order for relief to a membership association with respect to
      the debtor's interest in a unit that has condominium ownership,
      in a share of a cooperative corporation, or a lot in a homeowners
      association, for as long as the debtor or the trustee has a
      legal, equitable, or possessory ownership interest in such unit,
      such corporation, or such lot, but nothing in this paragraph
      shall except from discharge the debt of a debtor for a membership
      association fee or assessment for a period arising before entry
      of the order for relief in a pending or subsequent bankruptcy
      case;
        (17) for a fee imposed on a prisoner by any court for the
      filing of a case, motion, complaint, or appeal, or for other
      costs and expenses assessed with respect to such filing,
      regardless of an assertion of poverty by the debtor under
      subsection (b) or (f)(2) of section 1915 of title 28 (or a
      similar non-Federal law), or the debtor's status as a prisoner,
      as defined in section 1915(h) of title 28 (or a similar non-
      Federal law);
        (18) owed to a pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or other
      plan established under section 401, 403, 408, 408A, 414, 457, or
      501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, under - 
          (A) a loan permitted under section 408(b)(1) of the Employee
        Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or subject to section
        72(p) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or
          (B) a loan from a thrift savings plan permitted under
        subchapter III of chapter 84 of title 5, that satisfies the
        requirements of section 8433(g) of such title;

      but nothing in this paragraph may be construed to provide that
      any loan made under a governmental plan under section 414(d), or
      a contract or account under section 403(b), of the Internal
      Revenue Code of 1986 constitutes a claim or a debt under this
      title; or
        (19) that - 
          (A) is for - 
            (i) the violation of any of the Federal securities laws (as
          that term is defined in section 3(a)(47) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934), any of the State securities laws, or
          any regulation or order issued under such Federal or State
          securities laws; or
            (ii) common law fraud, deceit, or manipulation in
          connection with the purchase or sale of any security; and

          (B) results, before, on, or after the date on which the
        petition was filed, from - 
            (i) any judgment, order, consent order, or decree entered
          in any Federal or State judicial or administrative
          proceeding;
            (ii) any settlement agreement entered into by the debtor;
          or
            (iii) any court or administrative order for any damages,
          fine, penalty, citation, restitutionary payment, disgorgement
          payment, attorney fee, cost, or other payment owed by the
          debtor.

    For purposes of this subsection, the term "return" means a return
    that satisfies the requirements of applicable nonbankruptcy law
    (including applicable filing requirements). Such term includes a
    return prepared pursuant to section 6020(a) of the Internal Revenue
    Code of 1986, or similar State or local law, or a written
    stipulation to a judgment or a final order entered by a
    nonbankruptcy tribunal, but does not include a return made pursuant
    to section 6020(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or a
    similar State or local law.
      (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a debt that
    was excepted from discharge under subsection (a)(1), (a)(3), or
    (a)(8) of this section, under section 17a(1), 17a(3), or 17a(5) of
    the Bankruptcy Act, under section 439A (!1) of the Higher Education
    Act of 1965, or under section 733(g) (!1) of the Public Health
    Service Act in a prior case concerning the debtor under this title,
    or under the Bankruptcy Act, is dischargeable in a case under this
    title unless, by the terms of subsection (a) of this section, such
    debt is not dischargeable in the case under this title.

      (c)(1) Except as provided in subsection (a)(3)(B) of this
    section, the debtor shall be discharged from a debt of a kind
    specified in paragraph (2), (4), or (6) of subsection (a) of this
    section, unless, on request of the creditor to whom such debt is
    owed, and after notice and a hearing, the court determines such
    debt to be excepted from discharge under paragraph (2), (4), or
    (6), as the case may be, of subsection (a) of this section.
      (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of a Federal
    depository institutions regulatory agency seeking, in its capacity
    as conservator, receiver, or liquidating agent for an insured
    depository institution, to recover a debt described in subsection
    (a)(2), (a)(4), (a)(6), or (a)(11) owed to such institution by an
    institution-affiliated party unless the receiver, conservator, or
    liquidating agent was appointed in time to reasonably comply, or
    for a Federal depository institutions regulatory agency acting in
    its corporate capacity as a successor to such receiver,
    conservator, or liquidating agent to reasonably comply, with
    subsection (a)(3)(B) as a creditor of such institution-affiliated
    party with respect to such debt.
      (d) If a creditor requests a determination of dischargeability of
    a consumer debt under subsection (a)(2) of this section, and such
    debt is discharged, the court shall grant judgment in favor of the
    debtor for the costs of, and a reasonable attorney's fee for, the
    proceeding if the court finds that the position of the creditor was
    not substantially justified, except that the court shall not award
    such costs and fees if special circumstances would make the award
    unjust.
      (e) Any institution-affiliated party of an insured depository
    institution shall be considered to be acting in a fiduciary
    capacity with respect to the purposes of subsection (a)(4) or (11).

-SOURCE-
    (Pub. L. 95-598, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2590; Pub. L. 96-56, Sec.
    3, Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 387; Pub. L. 97-35, title XXIII, Sec.
    2334(b), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 863; Pub. L. 98-353, title III,
    Secs. 307, 371, 454, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 353, 364, 375; Pub. L.
    99-554, title II, Secs. 257(n), 281, 283(j), Oct. 27, 1986, 100
    Stat. 3115-3117; Pub. L. 101-581, Sec. 2(a), Nov. 15, 1990, 104
    Stat. 2865; Pub. L. 101-647, title XXV, Sec. 2522(a), title XXXI,
    Sec. 3102(a), title XXXVI, Sec. 3621, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat.
    4865, 4916, 4964; Pub. L. 103-322, title XXXII, Sec. 320934, Sept.
    13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2135; Pub. L. 103-394, title II, Sec. 221,
    title III, Secs. 304(e), (h)(3), 306, 309, title V, Sec.
    501(d)(13), Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4129, 4133-4135, 4137, 4145;
    Pub. L. 104-134, title I, Sec. 101[(a)] [title VIII, Sec. 804(b)],
    Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321-74; renumbered title I, Pub. L.
    104-140, Sec. 1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327; Pub. L. 104-193,
    title III, Sec. 374(a), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2255; Pub. L. 105-
    244, title IX, Sec. 971(a), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1837; Pub. L.
    107-204, title VIII, Sec. 803, July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 801; Pub.
    L. 109-8, title II, Secs. 215, 220, 224(c), title III, Secs. 301,
    310, 314(a), title IV, Sec. 412, title VII, Sec. 714, title XII,
    Secs. 1209, 1235, title XIV, Sec. 1404(a), title XV, Sec.
    1502(a)(2), Apr. 20, 2005, 119 Stat. 54, 59, 64, 75, 84, 88, 107,
    128, 194, 204, 215, 216.)


                       HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES                   

                          LEGISLATIVE STATEMENTS                      
      Section 523(a)(1) represents a compromise between the position
    taken in the House bill and the Senate amendment. Section 523(a)(2)
    likewise represents a compromise between the position taken in the
    House bill and the Senate amendment with respect to the false
    financial statement exception to discharge. In order to clarify
    that a "renewal of credit" includes a "refinancing of credit",
    explicit reference to a refinancing of credit is made in the
    preamble to section 523(a)(2). A renewal of credit or refinancing
    of credit that was obtained by a false financial statement within
    the terms of section 523(a)(2) is nondischargeable. However, each
    of the provisions of section 523(a)(2) must be proved. Thus, under
    section 523(a)(2)(A) a creditor must prove that the debt was
    obtained by false pretenses, a false representation, or actual
    fraud, other than a statement respecting the debtor's or an
    insider's financial condition. Subparagraph (A) is intended to
    codify current case law e.g., Neal v. Clark, 95 U.S. 704 (1887) [24
    L. Ed. 586], which interprets "fraud" to mean actual or positive
    fraud rather than fraud implied in law. Subparagraph (A) is
    mutually exclusive from subparagraph (B). Subparagraph (B) pertains
    to the so-called false financial statement. In order for the debt
    to be nondischargeable, the creditor must prove that the debt was
    obtained by the use of a statement in writing (i) that is
    materially false; (ii) respecting the debtor's or an insider's
    financial condition; (iii) on which the creditor to whom the debtor
    is liable for obtaining money, property, services, or credit
    reasonably relied; (iv) that the debtor caused to be made or
    published with intent to deceive. Section 523(a)(2)(B)(iv) is not
    intended to change from present law since the statement that the
    debtor causes to be made or published with the intent to deceive
    automatically includes a statement that the debtor actually makes
    or publishes with an intent to deceive. Section 523(a)(2)(B) is
    explained in the House report. Under section 523(a)(2)(B)(i) a
    discharge is barred only as to that portion of a loan with respect
    to which a false financial statement is materially false.
      In many cases, a creditor is required by state law to refinance
    existing credit on which there has been no default. If the creditor
    does not forfeit remedies or otherwise rely to his detriment on a
    false financial statement with respect to existing credit, then an
    extension, renewal, or refinancing of such credit is
    nondischargeable only to the extent of the new money advanced; on
    the other hand, if an existing loan is in default or the creditor
    otherwise reasonably relies to his detriment on a false financial
    statement with regard to an existing loan, then the entire debt is
    nondischargeable under section 523(a)(2)(B). This codifies the
    reasoning expressed by the second circuit in In re Danns, 558 F.2d
    114 (2d Cir. 1977).
      Section 523(a)(3) of the House amendment is derived from the
    Senate amendment. The provision is intended to overrule Birkett v.
    Columbia Bank, 195 U.S. 345 (1904) [25 S.Ct. 38, 49 L.Ed. 231, 12
    Am.Bankr.Rep. 691].
      Section 523(a)(4) of the House amendment represents a compromise
    between the House bill and the Senate amendment.
      Section 523(a)(5) is a compromise between the House bill and the
    Senate amendment. The provision excepts from discharge a debt owed
    to a spouse, former spouse or child of the debtor, in connection
    with a separation agreement, divorce decree, or property settlement
    agreement, for alimony to, maintenance for, or support of such
    spouse or child but not to the extent that the debt is assigned to
    another entity. If the debtor has assumed an obligation of the
    debtor's spouse to a third party in connection with a separation
    agreement, property settlement agreement, or divorce proceeding,
    such debt is dischargeable to the extent that payment of the debt
    by the debtor is not actually in the nature of alimony,
    maintenance, or support of debtor's spouse, former spouse, or
    child.
      Section 523(a)(6) adopts the position taken in the House bill and
    rejects the alternative suggested in the Senate amendment. The
    phrase "willful and malicious injury" covers a willful and
    malicious conversion.
      Section 523(a)(7) of the House amendment adopts the position
    taken in the Senate amendment and rejects the position taken in the
    House bill. A penalty relating to a tax cannot be nondischargeable
    unless the tax itself is nondischargeable.
      Section 523(a)(8) represents a compromise between the House bill
    and the Senate amendment regarding educational loans. This
    provision is broader than current law which is limited to federally
    insured loans. Only educational loans owing to a governmental unit
    or a nonprofit institution of higher education are made
    nondischargeable under this paragraph.
      Section 523(b) is new. The section represents a modification of
    similar provisions contained in the House bill and the Senate
    amendment.
      Section 523(c) of the House amendment adopts the position taken
    in the Senate amendment.
      Section 523(d) represents a compromise between the position taken
    in the House bill and the Senate amendment on the issue of
    attorneys' fees in false financial statement complaints to
    determine dischargeability. The provision contained in the House
    bill permitting the court to award damages is eliminated. The court
    must grant the debtor judgment or a reasonable attorneys' fee
    unless the granting of judgment would be clearly inequitable.
      Nondischargeable debts: The House amendment retains the basic
    categories of nondischargeable tax liabilities contained in both
    bills, but restricts the time limits on certain nondischargeable
    taxes. Under the amendment, nondischargeable taxes cover taxes
    entitled to priority under section 507(a)(6) of title 11 and, in
    the case of individual debtors under chapters 7, 11, or 13, tax
    liabilities with respect to which no required return had been filed
    or as to which a late return had been filed if the return became
    last due, including extensions, within 2 years before the date of
    the petition or became due after the petition or as to which the
    debtor made a fraudulent return, entry or invoice or fraudulently
    attempted to evade or defeat the tax.
      In the case of individuals in liquidation under chapter 7 or in
    reorganization under chapter 11 of title 11, section 1141(d)(2)
    incorporates by reference the exceptions to discharge continued in
    section 523. Different rules concerning the discharge of taxes
    where a partnership or corporation reorganizes under chapter 11,
    apply under section 1141.
      The House amendment also deletes the reduction rule contained in
    section 523(e) of the Senate amendment. Under that rule, the amount
    of an otherwise nondischargeable tax liability would be reduced by
    the amount which a governmental tax authority could have collected
    from the debtor's estate if it had filed a timely claim against the
    estate but which it did not collect because no such claim was
    filed. This provision is deleted in order not to effectively compel
    a tax authority to file claim against the estate in "no asset"
    cases, along with a dischargeability petition. In no-asset cases,
    therefore, if the tax authority is not potentially penalized by
    failing to file a claim, the debtor in such cases will have a
    better opportunity to choose the prepayment forum, bankruptcy court
    or the Tax Court, in which to litigate his personal liability for a
    nondischargeable tax.
      The House amendment also adopts the Senate amendment provision
    limiting the nondischargeability of punitive tax penalties, that
    is, penalties other than those which represent collection of a
    principal amount of tax liability through the form of a "penalty."
    Under the House amendment, tax penalties which are basically
    punitive in nature are to be nondischargeable only if the penalty
    is computed by reference to a related tax liability which is
    nondischargeable or, if the amount of the penalty is not computed
    by reference to a tax liability, the transaction or event giving
    rise to the penalty occurred during the 3-year period ending on the
    date of the petition.

                         SENATE REPORT NO. 95-989                     
      This section specifies which of the debtor's debts are not
    discharged in a bankruptcy case, and certain procedures for
    effectuating the section. The provision in Bankruptcy Act Sec. 17c
    [section 35(c) of former title 11] granting the bankruptcy courts
    jurisdiction to determine dischargeability is deleted as
    unnecessary, in view of the comprehensive grant of jurisdiction
    prescribed in proposed 28 U.S.C. 1334(b), which is adequate to
    cover the full jurisdiction that the bankruptcy courts have today
    over dischargeability and related issues under Bankruptcy Act Sec.
    17c. The Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure will specify, as they do
    today, who may request determinations of dischargeability, subject,
    of course, to proposed 11 U.S.C. 523(c), and when such a request
    may be made. Proposed 11 U.S.C. 350, providing for reopening of
    cases, provides one possible procedure for a determination of
    dischargeability and related issues after a case is closed.
      Subsection (a) lists nine kinds of debts excepted from discharge.
    Taxes that are excepted from discharge are set forth in paragraph
    (1). These include claims against the debtor which receive priority
    in the second, third and sixth categories (Sec. 507(a)(3)(B) and
    (c) and (6)). These categories include taxes for which the tax
    authority failed to file a claim against the estate or filed its
    claim late. Whether or not the taxing authority's claim is secured
    will also not affect the claim's nondischargeability if the tax
    liability in question is otherwise entitled to priority.
      Also included in the nondischargeable debts are taxes for which
    the debtor had not filed a required return as of the petition date,
    or for which a return had been filed beyond its last permitted due
    date (Sec. 523(a)(1)(B)). For this purpose, the date of the tax
    year to which the return relates is immaterial. The late return
    rule applies, however, only to the late returns filed within three
    years before the petition was filed, and to late returns filed
    after the petition in title 11 was filed. For this purpose, the
    taxable year in question need not be one or more of the three years
    immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
      Tax claims with respect to which the debtor filed a fraudulent
    return, entry or invoice, or fraudulently attempted to evade or
    defeat any tax (Sec. 523(a)(1)(C)) are included. The date of the
    taxable year with regard to which the fraud occurred is immaterial.
      Also included are tax payments due under an agreement for
    deferred payment of taxes, which a debtor had entered into with the
    Internal Revenue Service (or State or local tax authority) before
    the filing of the petition and which relate to a prepetition tax
    liability (Sec. 523(a)(1)(D)) are also nondischargeable. This
    classification applies only to tax claims which would have received
    priority under section 507(a) if the taxpayer had filed a title 11
    petition on the date on which the deferred payment agreement was
    entered into. This rule also applies only to installment payments
    which become due during and after the commencement of the title 11
    case. Payments which had become due within one year before the
    filing of the petition receive sixth priority, and will be
    nondischargeable under the general rule of section 523(a)(1)(A).
      The above categories of nondischargeability apply to customs
    duties as well as to taxes.
      Paragraph (2) provides that as under Bankruptcy Act Sec. 17a(2)
    [section 35(a)(2) of former title 11], a debt for obtaining money,
    property, services, or a refinancing extension or renewal of credit
    by false pretenses, a false representation, or actual fraud, or by
    use of a statement in writing respecting the debtor's financial
    condition that is materially false, on which the creditor
    reasonably relied, and which the debtor made or published with
    intent to deceive, is excepted from discharge. This provision is
    modified only slightly from current section 17a(2). First, "actual
    fraud" is added as a ground for exception from discharge. Second,
    the creditor must not only have relied on a false statement in
    writing, but the reliance must have been reasonable. This codifies
    case law construing present section 17a(2). Third, the phrase "in
    any manner whatsoever" that appears in current law after "made or
    published" is deleted as unnecessary, the word "published" is used
    in the same sense that it is used in defamation cases.
      Unscheduled debts are excepted from discharge under paragraph
    (3). The provision, derived from section 17a(3) [section 35(a)(3)
    of former title 11], follows current law, but clarifies some
    uncertainties generated by the case law construing 17a(3). The debt
    is excepted from discharge if it was not scheduled in time to
    permit timely action by the creditor to protect his rights, unless
    the creditor had notice or actual knowledge of the case.
      Paragraph (4) excepts debts for fraud incurred by the debtor
    while acting in a fiduciary capacity or for defalcation,
    embezzlement, or misappropriation.
      Paragraph (5) provides that debts for willful and malicious
    conversion or injury by the debtor to another entity or the
    property of another entity are nondischargeable. Under this
    paragraph "willful" means deliberate or intentional. To the extent
    that Tinker v. Colwell, 139 U.S. 473 (1902), held that a less
    strict standard is intended, and to the extent that other cases
    have relied on Tinker to apply a "reckless disregard" standard,
    they are overruled.
      Paragraph (6) excepts from discharge debts to a spouse, former
    spouse, or child of the debtor for alimony to, maintenance for, or
    support of the spouse or child. This language, in combination with
    the repeal of section 456(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
    656(b)) by section 326 of the bill, will apply to make
    nondischargeable only alimony, maintenance, or support owed
    directly to a spouse or dependent. What constitutes alimony,
    maintenance, or support, will be determined under the bankruptcy
    law, not State law. Thus, cases such as In re Waller, 494 F.2d 447
    (6th Cir. 1974), are overruled, and the result in cases such as
    Fife v. Fife, 1 Utah 2d 281, 265 P.2d 642 (1952) is followed. The
    proviso, however, makes nondischargeable any debts resulting from
    an agreement by the debtor to hold the debtor's spouse harmless on
    joint debts, to the extent that the agreement is in payment of
    alimony, maintenance, or support of the spouse, as determined under
    bankruptcy law considerations as to whether a particular agreement
    to pay money to a spouse is actually alimony or a property
    settlement.
      Paragraph (7) makes nondischargeable certain liabilities for
    penalties including tax penalties if the underlying tax with
    respect to which the penalty was imposed is also nondischargeable
    (sec. 523(a)(7)). These latter liabilities cover those which, but
    are penal in nature, as distinct from so-called "pecuniary loss"
    penalties which, in the case of taxes, involve basically the
    collection of a tax under the label of a "penalty." This provision
    differs from the bill as introduced, which did not link the
    nondischarge of a tax penalty with the treatment of the underlying
    tax. The amended provision reflects the existing position of the
    Internal Revenue Service as to tax penalties imposed by the
    Internal Revenue Code (Rev.Rul. 68-574, 1968-2 C.B. 595).
      Paragraph (8) follows generally current law and excerpts from
    discharge student loans until such loans have been due and owing
    for five years. Such loans include direct student loans as well as
    insured and guaranteed loans. This provision is intended to be self-
    executing and the lender or institution is not required to file a
    complaint to determine the nondischargeability of any student loan.
      Paragraph (9) excepts from discharge debts that the debtor owed
    before a previous bankruptcy case concerning the debtor in which
    the debtor was denied a discharge other than on the basis of the
    six-year bar.
      Subsection (b) of this section permits discharge in a bankruptcy
    case of an unscheduled debt from a prior case. This provision is
    carried over from Bankruptcy Act Sec. 17b [section 35(b) of former
    title 11]. The result dictated by the subsection would probably not
    be different if the subsection were not included. It is included
    nevertheless for clarity.
      Subsection (c) requires a creditor who is owed a debt that may be
    excepted from discharge under paragraph (2), (4), or (5), (false
    statements, defalcation or larceny misappropriation, or willful and
    malicious injury) to initiate proceedings in the bankruptcy court
    for an exception to discharge. If the creditor does not act, the
    debt is discharged. This provision does not change current law.
      Subsection (d) is new. It provides protection to a consumer
    debtor that dealt honestly with a creditor who sought to have a
    debt excepted from discharge on the ground of falsity in the
    incurring of the debt. The debtor may be awarded costs and a
    reasonable attorney's fee for the proceeding to determine the
    dischargeability of a debt under subsection (a)(2), if the court
    finds that the proceeding was frivolous or not brought by its
    creditor in good faith.
      The purpose of the provision is to discourage creditors from
    initiating proceedings to obtaining a false financial statement
    exception to discharge in the hope of obtaining a settlement from
    an honest debtor anxious to save attorney's fees. Such practices
    impair the debtor's fresh start and are contrary to the spirit of
    the bankruptcy laws.

                          HOUSE REPORT NO. 95-595                      
      Subsection (a) lists eight kinds of debts excepted from
    discharge. Taxes that are entitled to priority are excepted from
    discharge under paragraph (1). In addition, taxes with respect to
    which the debtor made a fraudulent return or willfully attempted to
    evade or defeat, or with respect to which a return (if required)
    was not filed or was not filed after the due date and after one
    year before the bankruptcy case are excepted from discharge. If the
    taxing authority's claim has been disallowed, then it would be
    barred by the more modern rules of collateral estoppel from
    reasserting that claim against the debtor after the case was
    closed. See Plumb, The Tax Recommendations of the Commission on the
    Bankruptcy Laws: Tax Procedures, 88 Harv.L.Rev. 1360, 1388 (1975).
      As under Bankruptcy Act Sec. 17a(2) [section 35(a)(2) of former
    title 11], debt for obtaining money, property, services, or an
    extension or renewal of credit by false pretenses, a false
    representation, or actual fraud, or by use of a statement in
    writing respecting the debtor's financial condition that is
    materially false, on which the creditor reasonably relied, and that
    the debtor made or published with intent to deceive, is excepted
    from discharge. This provision is modified only slightly from
    current section 17a(2). First, "actual fraud" is added as a grounds
    for exception from discharge. Second, the creditor must not only
    have relied on a false statement in writing, the reliance must have
    been reasonable. This codifies case law construing this provision.
    Third, the phrase "in any manner whatsoever" that appears in
    current law after "made or published" is deleted as unnecessary.
    The word "published" is used in the same sense that it is used in
    slander actions.
      Unscheduled debts are excepted from discharge under paragraph
    (3). The provision, derived from section 17a(3) [section 35(a)(3)
    of former title 11], follows current law, but clarifies some
    uncertainties generated by the case law construing 17a(3). The debt
    is excepted from discharge if it was not scheduled in time to
    permit timely action by the creditor to protect his rights, unless
    the creditor had notice or actual knowledge of the case.
      Paragraph (4) excepts debts for embezzlement or larceny. The
    deletion of willful and malicious conversion from Sec. 17a(2) of
    the Bankruptcy Act [section 35(a)(2) of former title 11] is not
    intended to effect a substantive change. The intent is to include
    in the category of non-dischargeable debts a conversion under which
    the debtor willfully and maliciously intends to borrow property for
    a short period of time with no intent to inflict injury but on
    which injury is in fact inflicted.
      Paragraph (5) excepts from discharge debts to a spouse, former
    spouse, or child of the debtor for alimony to, maintenance for, or
    support of, the spouse or child. This language, in combination with
    the repeal of section 456(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
    656(b)) by section 327 of the bill, will apply to make
    nondischargeable only alimony, maintenance, or support owed
    directly to a spouse or dependent. See Hearings, pt. 2, at 942.
    What constitutes alimony, maintenance, or support, will be
    determined under the bankruptcy laws, not State law. Thus, cases
    such as In re Waller, 494 F.2d 447 (6th Cir. 1974); Hearings, pt.
    3, at 1308-10, are overruled, and the result in cases such as Fife
    v. Fife, 1 Utah 2d 281, 265 P.2d 642 (1952) is followed. This
    provision will, however, make nondischargeable any debts resulting
    from an agreement by the debtor to hold the debtor's spouse
    harmless on joint debts, to the extent that the agreement is in
    payment of alimony, maintenance, or support of the spouse, as
    determined under bankruptcy law considerations that are similar to
    considerations of whether a particular agreement to pay money to a
    spouse is actually alimony or a property settlement. See Hearings,
    pt. 3, at 1287-1290.
      Paragraph (6) excepts debts for willful and malicious injury by
    the debtor to another person or to the property of another person.
    Under this paragraph, "willful" means deliberate or intentional. To
    the extent that Tinker v. Colwell, 193 U.S. 473 (1902) [24 S.Ct.
    505, 48 L.Ed. 754, 11 Am.Bankr.Rep. 568], held that a looser
    standard is intended, and to the extent that other cases have
    relied on Tinker to apply a "reckless disregard" standard, they are
    overruled.
      Paragraph (7) excepts from discharge a debt for a fine, penalty,
    or forfeiture payable to and for the benefit of a governmental
    unit, that is not compensation for actual pecuniary loss.
      Paragraph (8) [enacted as (9)] excepts from discharge debts that
    the debtor owed before a previous bankruptcy case concerning the
    debtor in which the debtor was denied a discharge other than on the
    basis of the six-year bar.
      Subsection (d) is new. It provides protection to a consumer
    debtor that dealt honestly with a creditor who sought to have a
    debt excepted from discharge on grounds of falsity in the incurring
    of the debt. The debtor is entitled to costs of and a reasonable
    attorney's fee for the proceeding to determine the dischargeability
    of a debt under subsection (a)(2), if the creditor initiated the
    proceeding and the debt was determined to be dischargeable. The
    court is permitted to award any actual pecuniary loss that the
    debtor may have suffered as a result of the proceeding (such as
    loss of a day's pay). The purpose of the provision is to discourage
    creditors from initiating false financial statement exception to
    discharge actions in the hopes of obtaining a settlement from an
    honest debtor anxious to save attorney's fees. Such practices
    impair the debtor's fresh start.

-REFTEXT-
                            REFERENCES IN TEXT                        
      The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (a), is
    classified generally to Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
      Section 103 of the Truth in Lending Act, referred to in subsec.
    (a)(2)(C)(ii)(I), is classified to section 1602 of Title 15,
    Commerce and Trade.
      The Bankruptcy Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(10) and (b), is
    act July 1, 1898, ch. 541, 30 Stat. 544, as amended, which was
    classified generally to former Title 11. Sections 14c and 17a of
    the Bankruptcy Act were classified to sections 32(c) and 35(a) of
    former Title 11.
      Section 408(b)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
    of 1974, referred to in subsec. (a)(18)(A), is classified to
    section 1108(b)(1) of Title 29, Labor.
      Section 3(a)(47) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, referred
    to in subsec. (a)(19)(A)(i), is classified to section 78c(a)(47) of
    Title 15, Commerce and Trade.
      Section 439A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, referred to in
    subsec. (b), was classified to section 1087-3 of Title 20,
    Education, and was repealed by Pub. L. 95-598, title III, Sec. 317,
    Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2678.
      Section 733(g) of the Public Health Service Act, referred to in
    subsec. (b), was repealed by Pub. L. 95-598, title III, Sec. 327,
    Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2679. A subsec. (g), containing similar
    provisions, was added to section 733 by Pub. L. 97-35, title XXVII,
    Sec. 2730, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 919. Section 733 was
    subsequently omitted in the general revision of subchapter V of
    chapter 6A of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, by Pub. L.
    102-408, title I, Sec. 102, Oct. 13, 1992, 106 Stat. 1994. See
    section 292f(g) of Title 42.


-MISC2-
                                AMENDMENTS                            
      2005 - Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 1209(1), transferred par. (15) and
    inserted it after subsec. (a)(14A). See 1994 Amendments note below.
      Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 215(3), in par. (15), inserted "to a spouse,
    former spouse, or child of the debtor and" before "not of the kind"
    and "or" after "court of record," and substituted a semicolon for
    "unless - 
        "(A) the debtor does not have the ability to pay such debt from
      income or property of the debtor not reasonably necessary to be
      expended for the maintenance or support of the debtor or a
      dependent of the debtor and, if the debtor is engaged in a
      business, for the payment of expenditures necessary for the
      continuation, preservation, and operation of such business; or
        "(B) discharging such debt would result in a benefit to the
      debtor that outweighs the detrimental consequences to a spouse,
      former spouse, or child of the debtor;".
      Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 714(2), inserted at end "For
    purposes of this subsection, the term 'return' means a return that
    satisfies the requirements of applicable nonbankruptcy law
    (including applicable filing requirements). Such term includes a
    return prepared pursuant to section 6020(a) of the Internal Revenue
    Code of 1986, or similar State or local law, or a written
    stipulation to a judgment or a final order entered by a
    nonbankruptcy tribunal, but does not include a return made pursuant
    to section 6020(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or a
    similar State or local law."
      Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 1502(a)(2), substituted
    "507(a)(3)" for "507(a)(2)".
      Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 714(1)(A), inserted "or
    equivalent report or notice," after "a return," in introductory
    provisions.
      Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 714(1)(B), inserted "or
    given" after "filed".
      Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 714(1)(C), inserted
    "or given" after "filed" and ", report, or notice" after "return".
      Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 310, amended subpar. (C)
    generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: "for
    purposes of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, consumer debts owed
    to a single creditor and aggregating more than $1,000 for 'luxury
    goods or services' incurred by an individual debtor on or within 60
    days before the order for relief under this title, or cash advances
    aggregating more than $1,000 that are extensions of consumer credit
    under an open end credit plan obtained by an individual debtor on
    or within 60 days before the order for relief under this title, are
    presumed to be nondischargeable; 'luxury goods or services' do not
    include goods or services reasonably acquired for the support or
    maintenance of the debtor or a dependent of the debtor; an
    extension of consumer credit under an open end credit plan is to be
    defined for purposes of this subparagraph as it is defined in the
    Consumer Credit Protection Act;".
      Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 215(1)(A), added par. (5) and
    struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: "to a spouse,
    former spouse, or child of the debtor, for alimony to, maintenance
    for, or support of such spouse or child, in connection with a
    separation agreement, divorce decree or other order of a court of
    record, determination made in accordance with State or territorial
    law by a governmental unit, or property settlement agreement, but
    not to the extent that - 
        "(A) such debt is assigned to another entity, voluntarily, by
      operation of law, or otherwise (other than debts assigned
      pursuant to section 408(a)(3) of the Social Security Act, or any
      such debt which has been assigned to the Federal Government or to
      a State or any political subdivision of such State); or
        "(B) such debt includes a liability designated as alimony,
      maintenance, or support, unless such liability is actually in the
      nature of alimony, maintenance, or support;"
      Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 220, added par. (8) and
    struck out former par. (8) which read as follows: "for an
    educational benefit overpayment or loan made, insured or guaranteed
    by a governmental unit, or made under any program funded in whole
    or in part by a governmental unit or nonprofit institution, or for
    an obligation to repay funds received as an educational benefit,
    scholarship or stipend, unless excepting such debt from discharge
    under this paragraph will impose an undue hardship on the debtor
    and the debtor's dependents;".
      Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 1209(2), substituted "motor
    vehicle, vessel, or aircraft" for "motor vehicle".
      Subsec. (a)(14A). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 314(a), added par. (14A).
      Subsec. (a)(14B). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 1235, added par. (14B).
      Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 412, struck out "dwelling"
    after "debtor's interest in a" and "housing" after "share of a
    cooperative" and substituted "ownership," for "ownership or" and
    "or a lot in a homeowners association, for as long as the debtor or
    the trustee has a legal, equitable, or possessory ownership
    interest in such unit, such corporation, or such lot," for "but
    only if such fee or assessment is payable for a period during which
    - 
        "(A) the debtor physically occupied a dwelling unit in the
      condominium or cooperative project; or
        "(B) the debtor rented the dwelling unit to a tenant and
      received payments from the tenant for such period,".
      Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 301, substituted "on a
    prisoner by any court" for "by a court" and "subsection (b) or
    (f)(2) of section 1915" for "section 1915(b) or (f)" and inserted
    "(or a similar non-Federal law)" after "title 28" in two places.
      Subsec. (a)(18). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 224(c), added par. (18).
      Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 215(1)(B), struck out par. (18) which read as
    follows: "owed under State law to a State or municipality that is -
    
        "(A) in the nature of support, and
        "(B) enforceable under part D of title IV of the Social
      Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); or".
      Subsec. (a)(19)(B). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 1404(a), inserted ",
    before, on, or after the date on which the petition was filed,"
    after "results" in introductory provisions.
      Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 215(2), substituted "or (6)"
    for "(6), or (15)" in two places.
      Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 1209(3), substituted "an
    insured" for "a insured".
      2002 - Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 107-204 added par. (19).
      1998 - Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 105-244 substituted "stipend,
    unless" for "stipend, unless - " and struck out "(B)" before
    "excepting such debt" and subpar. (A) which read as follows: "such
    loan, benefit, scholarship, or stipend overpayment first became due
    more than 7 years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the
    repayment period) before the date of the filing of the petition;
    or".
      1996 - Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 104-193, Sec. 374(a)(4),
    substituted "section 408(a)(3)" for "section 402(a)(26)".
      Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 104-134 added par. (17).
      Subsec. (a)(18). Pub. L. 104-193, Sec. 374(a)(1)-(3), added par.
    (18).
      1994 - Par. (15). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 304(e)[(1)], amended this
    section by adding par. (15) at the end. See 2005 Amendment note
    above.
      Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(13)(A)(i), substituted
    "1141," for "1141,," in introductory provisions.
      Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 304(h)(3), substituted
    "507(a)(8)" for "507(a)(7)".
      Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 103-394, Secs. 306, 501(d)(13)(A)(ii),
    substituted "$1,000 for" for "$500 for", "60" for "forty" after
    "incurred by an individual debtor on or within", and "60" for
    "twenty" after "obtained by an individual debtor on or within", and
    struck out "(15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)" after "Protection Act".
      Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 103-322, Sec. 320934(1), struck out "or"
    after semicolon at end.
      Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 103-322, Sec. 320934(2), which directed
    the substitution of "; or" for a period at end of par. (12), could
    not be executed because a period did not appear at end.
      Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 221(1), substituted
    semicolon for period at end.
      Pub. L. 103-322, Sec. 320934(3), added par. (13).
      Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 221(2), added par. (14).
      Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 309, added par. (16).
      Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(13)(B), struck out "(20
    U.S.C. 1087-3)" after "Act of 1965" and "(42 U.S.C. 294f)" after
    "Service Act".
      Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 304(e)(2), substituted
    "(6), or (15)" for "or (6)" in two places.
      Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(13)(C), substituted
    "insured depository institution" for "depository institution or
    insured credit union".
      1990 - Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 101-647, Sec. 3621, substituted
    "for an educational benefit overpayment or loan made, insured or
    guaranteed by a governmental unit, or made under any program funded
    in whole or in part by a governmental unit or nonprofit
    institution, or for an obligation to repay funds received as an
    educational benefit, scholarship or stipend, unless" for "for an
    educational loan made, insured, or guaranteed by a governmental
    unit, or made under any program funded in whole or in part by a
    governmental unit or a nonprofit institution, unless" in
    introductory provisions and amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to
    amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "such loan first became due
    before five years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of the
    repayment period) before the date of the filing of the petition;
    or".
      Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 101-581 and Pub. L. 101-647, Sec.
    3102(a), identically amended par. (9) generally. Prior to
    amendment, par. (9) read as follows: "to any entity, to the extent
    that such debt arises from a judgment or consent decree entered in
    a court of record against the debtor wherein liability was incurred
    by such debtor as a result of the debtor's operation of a motor
    vehicle while legally intoxicated under the laws or regulations of
    any jurisdiction within the United States or its territories
    wherein such motor vehicle was operated and within which such
    liability was incurred; or".
      Subsec. (a)(11), (12). Pub. L. 101-647, Sec. 2522(a)(1), added
    pars. (11) and (12).
      Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101-647, Sec. 2522(a)(3), designated
    existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
      Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101-647, Sec. 2522(a)(2), added subsec. (e).
      1986 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 257(n), inserted
    reference to sections 1228(a) and 1228(b) of this title.
      Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 283(j)(1)(A), substituted
    "507(a)(7)" for "507(a)(6)".
      Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 281, struck out the comma
    after "decree" and inserted ", determination made in accordance
    with State or territorial law by a governmental unit," after
    "record".
      Subsec. (a)(9), (10). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 283(j)(1)(B),
    redesignated par. (9) relating to debts incurred by persons driving
    while intoxicated, added by Pub. L. 98-353, as (10).
      Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 283(j)(2), substituted
    "Service" for "Services".
      1984 - Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 454(a)(1), in
    provisions preceding subpar. (A), struck out "obtaining" after
    "for", and substituted "refinancing of credit, to the extent
    obtained" for "refinance of credit,".
      Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 307(a)(1), struck out
    "or" at end.
      Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 307(a)(2), inserted "or"
    at end.
      Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 454(a)(1)(A), struck
    out "obtaining" before "such".
      Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 307(a)(3), added subpar.
    (C).
      Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 454(b)(1), inserted "or
    other order of a court of record" after "divorce decree," in
    provisions preceding subpar. (A).
      Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 454(b)(2), inserted ", or
    any such debt which has been assigned to the Federal Government or
    to a State or any political subdivision of such State".
      Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 98-353, Secs. 371(1), 454(a)(2), struck
    out "of higher education" after "a nonprofit institution of" and
    struck out "or" at end.
      Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 371(2), added the par. (9)
    relating to debts incurred by persons driving while intoxicated.
      Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 454(c), inserted "of a kind"
    after "debt".
      Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 307(b), substituted "the court
    shall grant judgment in favor of the debtor for the costs of, and a
    reasonable attorney's fee for, the proceeding if the court finds
    that the position of the creditor was not substantially justified,
    except that the court shall not award such costs and fees if
    special circumstances would make the award unjust" for "the court
    shall grant judgment against such creditor and in favor of the
    debtor for the costs of, and a reasonable attorney's fee for, the
    proceeding to determine dischargeability, unless such granting of
    judgment would be clearly inequitable".
      1981 - Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 97-35 substituted "law, or
    otherwise (other than debts assigned pursuant to section 402(a)(26)
    of the Social Security Act);" for "law, or otherwise;".
      1979 - Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 96-56 substituted "for an
    educational loan made, insured, or guaranteed by a governmental
    unit, or made under any program funded in whole or in part by a
    governmental unit or a nonprofit institution of higher education"
    for "to a governmental unit, or a nonprofit institution of higher
    education, for an educational loan" in the provisions preceding
    subpar. (A) and inserted "(exclusive of any applicable suspension
    of the repayment period)" after "before five years" in subpar. (A).

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2005 AMENDMENT                 
      Pub. L. 109-8, title XIV, Sec. 1404(b), Apr. 20, 2005, 119 Stat.
    215, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending
    this section] is effective beginning July 30, 2002."
      Amendment by sections 215, 220, 224(c), 301, 310, 314(a), 412,
    714, 1209, 1235, and 1502(a)(2) of Pub. L. 109-8 effective 180 days
    after Apr. 20, 2005, and not applicable with respect to cases
    commenced under this title before such effective date, except as
    otherwise provided, see section 1501 of Pub. L. 109-8, set out as a
    note under section 101 of this title.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT                 
      Pub. L. 105-244, title IX, Sec. 971(b), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat.
    1837, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a)
    [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to cases
    commenced under title 11, United States Code, after the date of
    enactment of this Act [Oct. 7, 1998]."

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT                 
      Section 374(c) of Pub. L. 104-193 provided that: "The amendments
    made by this section [amending this section and section 656 of
    Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall apply only with
    respect to cases commenced under title 11 of the United States Code
    after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 22, 1996]."
      For provisions relating to effective date of title III of Pub. L.
    104-193, see section 395(a)-(c) of Pub. L. 104-193, set out as a
    note under section 654 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by Pub. L. 103-394 effective Oct. 22, 1994, and not
    applicable with respect to cases commenced under this title before
    Oct. 22, 1994, see section 702 of Pub. L. 103-394, set out as a
    note under section 101 of this title.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENTS                 
      Section 3104 of title XXXI of Pub. L. 101-647 provided that:
      "(a) Effective Date. - This title and the amendments made by this
    title [amending this section and section 1328 of this title and
    enacting provisions set out as a note under section 101 of this
    title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act
    [Nov. 29, 1990].
      "(b) Application of Amendments. - The amendments made by this
    title [amending this section and section 1328 of this title] shall
    not apply with respect to cases commenced under title 11 of the
    United States Code before the date of the enactment of this Act."
      Amendment by section 3621 of Pub. L. 101-647 effective 180 days
    after Nov. 29, 1990, see section 3631 of Pub. L. 101-647, set out
    as an Effective Date note under section 3001 of Title 28, Judiciary
    and Judicial Procedure.
      Section 4 of Pub. L. 101-581 provided that:
      "(a) Effective Date. - This Act and the amendments made by this
    Act [amending this section and section 1328 of this title and
    enacting provisions set out as a note under section 101 of this
    title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act
    [Nov. 15, 1990].
      "(b) Application of Amendments. - The amendments made by this Act
    [amending this section and section 1328 of this title] shall not
    apply with respect to cases commenced under title 11 of the United
    States Code before the date of the enactment of this Act."

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by section 257 of Pub. L. 99-554 effective 30 days
    after Oct. 27, 1986, but not applicable to cases commenced under
    this title before that date, see section 302(a), (c)(1) of Pub. L.
    99-554, set out as a note under section 581 of Title 28, Judiciary
    and Judicial Procedure.
      Amendment by sections 281 and 283 of Pub. L. 99-554 effective 30
    days after Oct. 27, 1986, see section 302(a) of Pub. L. 99-554.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by Pub. L. 98-353 effective with respect to cases filed
    90 days after July 10, 1984, see section 552(a) of Pub. L. 98-353,
    set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1981 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by Pub. L. 97-35 effective Aug. 13, 1981, see section
    2334(c) of Pub. L. 97-35, set out as a note under section 656 of
    Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

                       ADJUSTMENT OF DOLLAR AMOUNTS                   
      For adjustment of dollar amounts specified in subsec.
    (a)(2)(C)(i) of this section by the Judicial Conference of the
    United States, see note set out under section 104 of this title.

-FOOTNOTE-
    (!1) See References in Text note below.