National standards/expenses

[justagirl]

Sorry...yet another question.

As I'm double checking and triple checking everything, I have once again pulled up the National Standards for allowable expenses to make sure all of my figures fall below the max. This sentence has me intrigued:

"National Standards for food, clothing and other items apply nationwide. Taxpayers are allowed the total National Standards amount for their family size, without questioning the amount actually spent."

Does this mean, as an example: Food expense allowed is $537 for a family of 2...as long as you don't hit $538 you are safe from questioning?

This is purely a hypothetical question, as my food expense is well below the max...I'm mainly just curious!

~JAG

[justbroke]

Does this mean, as an example: Food expense allowed is $537 for a family of 2...as long as you don't hit $538 you are safe from questioning?

It means that you can claim $537, even if you only spend $437. This goes for Form B22A -- I'm assuming you're over the median, because you're asking.

This is purely a hypothetical question, as my food expense is well below the max...I'm mainly just curious!

No problem! On Schedule J, you'd put your actual cost. Don't shortchange yourself.

[justagirl]

As always, thanks JB! I'm actually under the median, way under, and it really doesn't matter to me, but I found that statement very interesting and wanted to make sure I was understanding it correctly.

Shortchanging myself - the reason I'm researching everything again and now, probably to my paralegal's dismay, I'm increasing some of my expenses. I was being pretty tight with most things, so I just expanded them some to give more "breathing room." I just kept asking myself, "If I had the money, how much would I spend for..." I also added in dental care that I didn't include previously. Now my expenses range from 62% to 85% of the maximum allowed, as opposed to 52% to 75%.

I was worried about the trustee saying, "If you're so poor, why are you spending X amount of dollars on clothing???" or whatever expense it may be.

Jeez, I really over-analyze everything! LOL But I guess regarding BK, it comes in handy...although I may drive you all insane by the time I'm done!

~JAG