Certain debts survive bankruptcy discharge, including most student loans, recent tax debts, child support, alimony, and debts incurred through fraud. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans are also treated differently—you can keep the property if you stay current on payments, but the debt remains tied to the collateral. However, bankruptcy eliminates most common debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and older tax debts. Even if some debts can’t be discharged, bankruptcy often provides enough relief to make your remaining obligations manageable.