US small-business Subchapter V bankruptcy elections rise 24% in October, Epiq says
SPY•Small-business Subchapter V elections rose 24% year over year to 280 in October 2026. Total US bankruptcy filings increased 2% to 54,028, while commercial filings fell 4% to 2,762.
1. October filings
Small-business Subchapter V elections rose 24% year over year to 280 in October 2026, and increased 3% from September. Total US bankruptcy filings rose 2% year over year to 54,028, despite one fewer business day than a year earlier.
2. Filing breakdown
Individual bankruptcy filings climbed 2% to 51,266. Commercial filings fell 4% to 2,762, while commercial Chapter 11 filings declined 2% to 624. Total filings rose 3% month over month.
