A majority of respondents in a recent ABI Quick Poll believe that business bankruptcy filings will increase by more than 10% in 2012. Sixty-eight percent agree (31% “strongly agreed” and 37% “somewhat agreed”) that business filings will increase by more than 10% this year.

Twenty-five respondents to the current poll disagree (7% “strongly disagreed” and 18% “somewhat disagreed”) that business filings will increase more than 10% in 2012. Five percent “did not know or had no opinion” on the question.

Total commercial filings for calendar year 2011 fell to 74,142, representing a 19% decline from the 92,070 business filings recorded in 2010, according to data from Epiq Systems, Inc. However, the fallout from the recent recession continues to take a toll on U.S. businesses as access to credit remains tight and debt levels are elevated.

ABI is A multi-disciplinary, nonpartisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency.