It is bad enough that the new bankruptcy laws are making bankruptcy more arduous and expensive for debtors, but now Congress is set to stick it to debtors once again…by increasing filing fees.

As of October 17, BAPCPA’s increased filing fees for Chapter 7 cases went from $209 up to $274. Chapter 13 cases - which involve payment plans - actually went down from $194 to $189.

Now, a provision in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 increases filing fees for Chapter 7 cases another $25 to $299 and fees for Chapter 13 cases another $85 to $274. The biggest increase: Chapter 11 filing fees will jump from $1,039 to $2,789. Both the House and the Senate passed the bill but a procedural move in the Senate has sent the bill back to the House for another vote. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill when after it returns on January 31.

The effective date of the bill is 60 days after the President signs it. Mark your calendars accordingly.