Almost any individual, partnership, or corporation may file a chapter 7 bankruptcy petition if he or she resides, has a domicile, a place of business, or property in the United States. If you filed a prior bankruptcy petition and the prior proceeding was dismissed within the last 180 days, you may not be able to file a second petition. If you pass the “means test” and complete the required credit counseling within six months prior, most people can file a Chapter 7.