Consumer filings decline from April but remain elevated compared with prior year
New monthly bankruptcy data from G2 Risk Solutions (G2RS) shows that U.S. bankruptcy filings continued to increase year over year in May 2026, despite a decline from April levels.
Consumer bankruptcy filings totaled 50,560 in May 2026, representing an 8.46% decrease from April 2026. Despite the month-over-month decline, consumer filings were 7.43% higher than in May 2025, reflecting continued year-over-year growth.
Commercial bankruptcy filings totaled 1,155 in May 2026, a decrease of 4.39% from April and 4.78% lower than May 2025. While filings declined on both a monthly and annual basis, commercial activity remains elevated compared with pre-pandemic levels following a rebound that began in 2024.
Combined consumer and commercial filings reached 51,715 in May 2026, representing the third-highest May total since 2018, underscoring the persistence of filing activity at relatively elevated levels.
Chapter-level trends indicate continued growth in liquidation activity. Compared with May 2025: Chapter 7 filings increased 10.11%, while Chapter 13 filings rose 2.68%.