An In Form Paupers Affidavit (IFP) is a document used by a person who cannot afford the fees associated with filing a legal action in court. It is a sworn statement that states the person's income and assets and the reasons why they cannot afford the costs associated with filing a case. The purpose of the affidavit is to allow the court to waive the filing fees for the litigant. The affidavit must be signed in front of a notary public or other court official. There are two types of In Form Paupers Affidavit. The first is a Federal In Form Paupers Affidavit, which is used for federal court cases. The second is a State In Form Paupers Affidavit, which is used for state court cases. Both affidavits are similar in that they require a person to provide information about their financial status and the reasons why they are unable to pay the filing fees.