An In Form Paupers Affidavit (IFP) is a legal document used to request an exemption from filing fees in civil court proceedings. It is also known as a poverty affidavit, pauper's affidavit, or application to proceed in form paupers (Latin for “in the form of a pauper”). There are two types of IFP Affidavit: one for federal courts and one for state courts. The federal IFP Affidavit is a sworn statement made under penalty of perjury that states a person or entity's inability to pay the filing fees for a civil case in a federal court. The document must be signed and dated by the party or the party's attorney and contain information about the party's assets and financial situation. The state IFP Affidavit is a sworn statement made under penalty of perjury that states a person’s inability to pay the filing fees for a civil case in a state court. The document must be signed and dated by the party or the party's attorney and contain information about the party's financial situation. Both types of IFP Affidavit must be approved by the court before the case is allowed to proceed. If the court grants the exemption, the party may proceed with the case without having to pay the filing fees.