Experts see current bankruptcy trends as a reminder of 2008.

According to data provided by Epiq AACER, total U.S. bankruptcy filings in August increased 6% year-over-year to 47,936. That’s up from 45,177 filings a year ago.

Epiq AACER reported total individual bankruptcy filings came in 7% higher at 45,395. That’s up from the August 2024 individual total of 42,574.

Analysts said the number of consumers filing for Chapter 7 in August increased 10% year-over-year to 28,053 from the 25,427 who filed for Chapter 7 last August. Analysts added Chapter 13 filings ticked up 1% to 17,232 in August from the 17,068 Chapter 13 filings completed last August.

Epiq AACER went on to mention the number of distressed small businesses electing to file for subchapter V of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code increased 17% to 200 last month from the 171 registered a year ago.

Analysts noted overall commercial bankruptcy filings decreased 3% in August to 2,541 from the 2,603 cases in August 2024.

Commercial Chapter 11 filings in August decreased 0.5 percent to 616 from the 619 filings in August of last year, according to Epiq AACER tracking.

“As anticipated, bankruptcy filing volumes continue to climb, even as GDP shows growth and unemployment remains relatively stable,” said Michael Hunter, vice president of Epiq AACER. “Notably, we are witnessing the longest sustained increase in total open case inventory since 2008 — a clear indicator of shifting financial pressures.

“Looking ahead, we expect this upward trend to persist into 2026, as bankruptcy protection filings return to pre-pandemic levels,” Hunter continued in a news release. “Key factors contributing to future uncertainty include the impact of tariffs, the resumption of student loan obligations, and interest rates.”

Looking at the data on sequential comparison, Epiq AACER said August’s total bankruptcy filings showed a 4% decrease from July’s total of 49,650.

Analysts noted total individual filings for August dropped 3% from the July 2025 individual filing total of 46,663.

The new data also showed consumer Chapter 7 filings decreased 4% from the 29,121 filings in July, while Chapter 13 filings registered a 1% decline from the 17,406 Chapter 13 cases filed in July.

American Bankruptcy Institute executive director Amy Quackenboss added her perspectives in the news release, too.

“While filings are still below pre-pandemic totals, financial challenges continue to accumulate for consumers and businesses amid an economic environment of elevated prices, higher borrowing costs and uncertain geopolitical activity,” Quackenboss said. “Bankruptcy provides a proven process for struggling families and businesses wrestling with mounting debt to achieve a financial fresh start.”