Bankruptcy Exemptions by State
All 50 states and the federal exemption overview are on this single page — use the selector above or the index below to jump to a section.
- Federal Exemptions (Overview)
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Can You Keep?
A general overview of how bankruptcy exemptions work, which states allow a choice between state and federal exemptions, and the current federal exemption amounts.
The dollar figures above reflect the mandatory inflation adjustment that took effect April 1, 2025, and apply to cases filed between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2028 (adjusted every three years per 11 U.S.C. § 104(b), based on the Consumer Price Index). Figures cited in older exemption summaries (e.g. a $27,900 homestead or $1,512,350 IRA cap) reflect the prior 2022–2025 period and are now out of date. Married couples filing jointly may generally double each exemption amount (11 U.S.C. § 522(m)). Separately, the federal cap that limits a debtor’s homestead exemption when the home was acquired within 1,215 days before filing, or where certain debtor misconduct is found, is currently $214,000 (11 U.S.C. § 522(p), (q)).
| Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions — Effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028 | ||
| Category | What It Covers | Current Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real property, mobile homes, co-ops, or burial plots; up to $15,800 of any unused portion may be applied to other property 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(1),(5) |
$31,575 |
| Motor Vehicle | One or more motor vehicles 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(2) |
$5,025 |
| Household Goods | Animals, crops, clothing, appliances, furnishings, books, musical instruments — up to $800 per item 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(3) |
$16,850 total |
| Jewelry | Personal or family jewelry 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(4) |
$2,125 |
| Wildcard | Any property of the debtor’s choosing, plus any unused homestead amount (up to $15,800) 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(5) |
$1,675 (+ unused homestead) |
| Tools of Trade | Implements, books, and tools of trade 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(6) |
$3,175 |
| Health Aids | Professionally prescribed health aids 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(9) |
No limit |
| Unmatured Life Insurance | Any unmatured life insurance contract owned by the debtor, other than credit life insurance 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(7) |
No limit |
| Life Insurance Loan Value | Accrued dividends, interest, or loan value of an unmatured life insurance contract on the debtor or a dependent 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(8) |
$16,850 |
| Public Benefits | Public assistance, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, unemployment compensation 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10)(A) |
No limit |
| Disability/Illness Benefits | Unemployment or illness benefits 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10)(C) |
No limit |
| Alimony and Child Support | To the extent reasonably necessary for support 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10)(D) |
No limit |
| Pensions | Payments from pension/profit-sharing plans on account of illness, disability, age, or length of service 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10)(E) |
To extent reasonably necessary for support |
| Retirement Accounts | Tax-exempt retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, profit-sharing, money purchase, SEP/SIMPLE IRAs, defined benefit plans 11 U.S.C. 522(b)(3)(C); IRA/Roth cap $1,711,975 |
No limit (plan itself); IRAs/Roth IRAs capped |
| ERISA-Qualified Benefits | Benefits under an ERISA-qualified plan 29 U.S.C. 1056(d) |
No limit |
| Crime Victim’s Compensation | Award under a crime victim’s reparation law 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11)(A) |
No limit |
| Wrongful Death Recovery | Payment for wrongful death of a person the debtor depended on, to extent necessary for support 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11)(B) |
No limit |
| Life Insurance Payment | Payment under a life insurance contract on a person the debtor depended on, to extent necessary for support 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11)(C) |
No limit |
| Personal Injury Recovery | Payment for bodily injury to debtor or a dependent (excludes pain & suffering, and pecuniary loss) 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11)(D) |
$31,575 |
| Lost Future Earnings | Payment compensating loss of future earnings, to extent necessary for support 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11)(E) |
No limit |
Alabama Bankruptcy Exemptions
Alabama has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Alabama’s state exemptions (Title 6 of the Alabama Code).
Alabama exemptions generally apply only if the debtor has been domiciled in Alabama for at least 730 days before filing; otherwise another state’s exemptions may apply. Figures are adjusted every 3 years based on the Alabama Treasury’s CPI review (posted each July 1, effective the following April 1).
| Alabama Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $18,800 of equity in a primary residence, house/mobile home/condo, land not exceeding 160 acres; married couples with joint ownership may double to $37,600. An enhanced $56,400 homestead applies to filers age 62+ or with a qualifying disability for cases filed on or after June 1, 2026. |
| Motor Vehicle | No separate motor vehicle exemption — use the personal property/wildcard exemption below. |
| Wildcard | $9,400 in personal property of the debtor’s choosing (furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, vehicles, cash, etc.), current as of April 1, 2024; adjusted every 3 years. |
| Personal Property | Covered by the $9,400 wildcard figure above; life insurance proceeds, and certain tax credits (e.g. Earned Income Credit) are separately protected. |
| Tools of Trade | Included within the general personal property exemption; no larger separate carve-out identified. |
| Retirement Accounts | Public pension plans (e.g. teacher retirement) and IRAs/qualified retirement accounts are exempt under Alabama law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Alaska Bankruptcy Exemptions
Debtors filing in Alaska may elect either state or federal exemptions on Schedule C, but not both.
Debtors filing in Alaska may take either state or federal exemptions on Schedule C — these can’t be mixed; a debtor must use only the state or only the federal list. Alaska state exemption amounts below are current under Alaska Stat. § 09.38 (unchanged since the cases-filed-2016 schedule); federal amounts reflect the current adjustment effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. The Alaska homestead exemption is not doubled for joint filers; a married debtor whose spouse does not join the petition can only take half the homestead amount. No single household item may exceed $800 in value under the federal exemption. The federal wild card exemption may be applied to any property, including cash; Alaska has no separate state wild card exemption.
| Alaska Exemptions — Federal vs. State Elections (cases filed on/after 4/1/2016) | |||
| Type of Property | Federal Exemption | Alaska Exemption | Alaska Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead (residence) | $31,575 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(1) |
$72,900 | AS 09.38.010(a)(1) |
| Household goods, furniture, clothing | $16,850 (no single item over $800) 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(3) |
$4,050 | AS 09.38.020(a) |
| Jewelry | $2,125 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(4) |
$1,350 | AS 09.38.020(b) |
| Automobile | $5,025 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(2) |
$4,050 | AS 09.38.020(e)(3) |
| Pets | N/A (see wild card) — |
$1,350 | AS 09.38.020(d) |
| Professional tools, books | $3,175 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(6) |
$3,780 | AS 09.38.020(c) |
| Personal injury award | $31,575 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11)(D) |
Up to $1,750 actually received | AS 09.38.030(3) |
| Life insurance, annuity | $16,850 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(8) |
$500,500 | AS 09.38.025(a) |
| Pension, profit sharing, IRA | Reasonably necessary for support; IRAs/Roth IRAs to $1,711,975 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10),(n) |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.017(a) |
| Wild card | $1,675 plus unused homestead portion 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(5) |
$1,675 plus unused homestead portion (federal only — no separate Alaska wild card) | — |
| Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) | N/A (see wild card) — |
20% exempt | AS 09.38.015(a)(9); 45.23.065(a) |
| Alaska Longevity Bonus | N/A — |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.015(a)(5) |
| Liquor licenses | N/A — |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.015(a)(7) |
| Fishing permits | N/A — |
Unlimited | AS 16.43.150(g) |
| Health aids | Unlimited 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(9) |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.015(a)(2) |
| Social Security, veteran’s benefits | Unlimited 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10) |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.015(a)(6) |
| Unemployment, disability & welfare benefits | Unlimited 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10) |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.030(e) |
| Alimony, child support | Reasonably necessary for support 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(10) |
Reasonably necessary for support | AS 09.38.030(e) |
| Wages of fishermen, seamen, apprentices; civil service, RRA, foreign service retirement | N/A — |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.015(a)(6) |
| Liquid assets (cash, receivables, notes, securities — not PFD) | N/A — |
$1,890 (only if debtor has no earnings) | AS 09.38.030(b) |
| Wrongful death, insurance proceeds, loss of future earnings | — 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11) |
— | AS 09.38.030(b) |
| Crime victim’s reparation award | Unlimited 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(11) |
Unlimited | AS 09.38.015(a)(4) |
Arizona Bankruptcy Exemptions
Arizona has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Arizona’s state exemptions (A.R.S. Title 33).
Married couples filing jointly can generally double personal property exemptions (though not the homestead exemption). Proposition 209 (2022) substantially increased Arizona’s exemption amounts from their prior levels.
| Arizona Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $425,200 of equity in a primary residence (house, condo, or mobile home), current as of 2025 and adjusted annually. A federal cap of $214,000 may apply if the home was acquired within 1,215 days (about 40 months) before filing. |
| Motor Vehicle | $15,000 in equity in one vehicle ($25,000 if the debtor or a dependent is disabled). |
| Wildcard | Arizona does not have a wildcard exemption. |
| Personal Property | $15,000 aggregate for household goods, furnishings, electronics, and appliances; separate smaller exemptions exist for items like a typewriter, computer, bicycle, sewing machine, family bible, and burial plot; domestic animals/pets and prescribed health aids/mobility devices are exempt without limit. |
| Tools of Trade | $5,000 in tools, equipment, and instruments used in a trade or business. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts (including IRAs and pensions) are exempt under Arizona law; Social Security, disability, and most government benefits are fully exempt. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Arkansas Bankruptcy Exemptions
Arkansas allows debtors who have lived in the state for at least 2 years to choose between Arkansas’s state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures (which are often more generous for vehicles, wages, and household goods, while Arkansas’s acreage-based homestead can be more generous for rural homeowners).
Wages: 60 days of unpaid wages, minimum $25/week, exempt.
| Arkansas Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | Unlimited value with acreage limits for married persons/heads of family (1/4 acre in a city/town/village or 80 acres elsewhere, with a $2,500 additional allowance if the property is larger, up to 1 acre/160 acres max); a flat $2,500 for single filers who are not head of family. Married couples may not double. |
| Motor Vehicle | $1,200 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $500 if married or head of household; $200 if unmarried and not head of household. |
| Personal Property | Clothing is fully exempt regardless of value; other personal property (household goods, etc.) covered by the wildcard figure above. |
| Tools of Trade | Approximately $750. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt; IRA contributions made within one year before filing are capped at $20,000. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
California Bankruptcy Exemptions
Debtors may choose either the “703” or “704” exemption classification — not both, and not mixed. Married debtors filing separately must still choose one classification jointly.
California is an opt-out state — the federal bankruptcy exemptions cannot be used. Debtors choose between the 703 exemptions (often paired with the wildcard) and the 704 exemptions (larger homestead, no separate wildcard). Most CCP 703.140 dollar amounts adjust every 3 years (most recently April 1, 2025 — reflected below); the CCP 704.730 homestead adjusts annually based on county median home price; and some CCP 704 bank-account figures adjust on a separate July 1 cycle. Figures marked “confirm current” below were not independently verified against the California Courts’ official current-amounts publication this session — check there before filing.
| “703” Exemptions — CCP § 703.140(b) | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Equity in real or personal property actually used as residence, up to $36,750 (current for cases filed April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2028; previously $29,275) | CCP 703.140(b)(1) |
| Motor Vehicles | Equity in one or more motor vehicles, up to $8,625 (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $7,500) | CCP 703.140(b)(2) |
| Furnishings, Clothing, Goods, Etc. | Household goods, wearing apparel, appliances, books, animals, crops, or musical instruments held for personal, family or household use, up to approximately $1,075 per item (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $800 — confirm exact current per-item and aggregate cap) | CCP 703.140(b)(3) |
| Jewelry | Personal or family jewelry, up to approximately $2,150–$2,175 (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $1,900 — confirm exact current amount) | CCP 703.140(b)(4) |
| Wild Card | Approximately $1,950 equity, plus any unused portion of the homestead exemption, in any property (up to roughly $38,700 combined if no 703 homestead is claimed; current 2025–2028 figures, previously $1,550/$30,825) | CCP 703.140(b)(5) |
| Tools of Trade | Equity in tools of trade, books or implements, up to approximately $10,950 (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $9,525) | CCP 703.140(b)(6) |
| Life Insurance Contract | Any life insurance contract owned by debtor, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(7) |
| Life Insurance Cash Value | Value up to approximately $16,125 (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $17,075 — confirm exact current amount) | CCP 703.140(b)(8) |
| Health Aids | Professionally prescribed health aids, and vehicles converted for the disabled debtor, spouse or dependent, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(9) |
| Employee Benefits | Vacation credits, or accrued/unused vacation pay, sick leave, or wages; confirm current dollar figure — previously $7,500 | CCP 703.140(b)(10)(F) |
| Personal Injury Compensation | Crime victim’s award, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(11)(A) |
| Employment Settlements | Money from settlement agreements arising from employment, to extent necessary for support, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(11)(B) |
| Wrongful Death Payment | If debtor was dependent of decedent, to extent necessary for support, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(11)(C) |
| Benefits | Social security, unemployment, public assistance, veterans’, disability, or illness benefits, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(10)(A)-(C) |
| Benefits | Alimony, support or maintenance, to extent necessary for support, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(10)(D) |
| Benefits | Stock bonus, pension, profit sharing, or annuity payments on account of illness, disability, death, age, or length of service, to extent necessary for support | CCP 703.140(b)(10)(E) |
| Personal Injury Compensation | Life insurance payment, if debtor was spouse/dependent of decedent, to extent necessary for support | CCP 703.140(b)(11)(D) |
| Personal Injury Compensation | Payment of personal injury claim for bodily injury to debtor/spouse/dependent; confirm current dollar figure — previously $31,950 | CCP 703.140(b)(11)(E) |
| Personal Injury Compensation | Payment for loss of future earnings, to extent necessary for support, no limit | CCP 703.140(b)(11)(F) |
| Golden State Scholarshare Trust | Exemption based on each account beneficiary; contribution-timing limit adjusts annually per the federal gift tax exclusion under IRC §2503(b) — confirm current year’s figure | CCP 703.140(b)(12) |
| Educational IRA / State 529 Plan | Contributed 365+ days before filing, beneficiary is child/step-child/grandchild/step-grandchild; contribution-window dollar limits adjust periodically — confirm current figures; no limit for funds contributed 720+ days before filing | IRC 530(b)(1), 529(b)(1) |
| “704” Exemptions — CCP § 704 et seq. | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | (1) The median sales price of single-family homes in the same county for the prior calendar year, subject to a floor and cap that adjust annually for inflation, or (2) the statutory floor — whichever is greater. For 2026, published estimates place this range at roughly $371,000 to $743,681 depending on county; confirm the exact current figure for the filer’s county via the California Courts website (previously cited as $348,500–$697,000 for 2023). | CCP 704.730 |
| Motor Vehicles | Up to approximately $8,625 equity in one or more vehicles (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $7,500); proceeds of forced sale or insurance for loss/damage | CCP 704.010 |
| Household Goods & Clothing | Furnishings, appliances, food, clothes, personal effects reasonably necessary at principal residence, no limit | CCP 704.020 |
| Residence Improvement Materials | Up to approximately $4,400 for materials to repair or improve the residence (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $3,825) | CCP 704.030 |
| Jewelry, Heirlooms, Art | Up to approximately $10,950 total equity (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $9,525) | CCP 704.040 |
| Health Aids | Reasonably necessary to work or sustain health of debtor or dependents, no limit | CCP 704.050 |
| Tools of Trade | Total equity in tools, implements, materials, uniforms, furnishings, books, equipment, one commercial vehicle, one vessel, up to approximately $10,950 base (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $9,525); sub-limits for a same-business couple and the commercial-vehicle portion have also increased proportionally — confirm exact current figures | CCP 704.060 |
| Deposit Account – Social Security Benefits | Bank account exemption for Social Security direct deposits; confirm current dollar figures (may adjust on a separate July 1 cycle) — previously $3,825 (single payee) / $5,725 (two or more payees) | CCP 704.080(b)(2),(4) |
| Deposit Account – Traceable Benefits | All money from social security or public benefits remaining in the account, no limits | CCP 704.080(c) |
| Deposits of Incarcerated Debtor | Inmate trust funds if not subject to restitution order; confirm current dollar figure — previously $1,900 | CCP 704.090 |
| Life Insurance Policies | Total loan value of unmatured policies (double if married); confirm current dollar figure — previously $15,250; matured policy benefits exempt to extent reasonably necessary for support | CCP 704.100 |
| Golden State Scholarshare Trust | Exemption per beneficiary; contribution-timing limit adjusts annually per the federal gift tax exclusion under IRC §2503(b) — confirm current year’s figure | CCP 704.105 |
| Educational IRA / State 529 Plan | Same terms as under the 703 system above — confirm current contribution-window dollar limits | IRC 530(b)(1), 529(b)(1) |
| Public Retirement Benefits | State, city, county, other public agency, or US federal retirement, no limit | CCP 704.110 |
| Vacation (Employment) Credits | Vacation pay/earnings credits for a public employee; confirm current dollar figure — previously $7,500 | CCP 704.113 |
| Family Support | Alimony, support, separate maintenance, to extent reasonably necessary, no limit | CCP 704.111 |
| Private Retirement Benefits | Private retirement, union, profit-sharing, Keogh, IRA plans exempt to extent necessary for support at retirement, no stated limits | CCP 704.115 |
| Unemployment and Disability Benefits | State, employer plan, or union payments, no limit | CCP 704.120 |
| Paid Earnings | Earnings paid within 30 days of filing; 100% exempt if subject to wage garnishment/assignment for support, else 75% exempt | CCP 704.070 |
| Deposit Account – Public Benefits | Bank account exemption for public benefits (other than Social Security) direct deposits; confirm current dollar figures — previously $1,900 (single payee) / $2,825 (two or more payees) | CCP 704.080(b)(1),(3) |
| Disability or Health Insurance | Benefits under disability/health insurance, no limit | CCP 704.130 |
| Personal Injury | Cause of action fully exempt; damages/settlement exempt to extent necessary for support | CCP 704.140 |
| Wrongful Death | Cause of action fully exempt; damages/settlement exempt to extent reasonably necessary for support | CCP 704.150 |
| Workers’ Compensation | All claims and benefits, no stated limit | CCP 704.160 |
| Financial Aid | For expenses while attending institution of higher learning, no stated limit | CCP 704.190 |
| Family Cemetery Plot | A plot for debtor and debtor’s spouse | CCP 704.200 |
| Charitable Aid | Aid or benefits from charitable organization or fraternal benefit society, no stated limit | CCP 704.170 |
| Relocation Benefits | Payments for relocation after displacement from residence, no stated limit | CCP 704.180 |
| Property Not Subject to Attachment | All property not subject to enforcement of a money judgment, no limit | CCP 704.210 |
| Minimum Basic Standard | Money on deposit for basic standard of adequate care for family of four (adjusted annually) — confirm current figure; previously $2,080 | CCP 704.220 |
| Monies Necessary for Support | Money in deposit accounts, not otherwise exempt, necessary for support, no stated limit | CCP 704.225 |
| FEMA Payments | Any money paid to debtor from FEMA | CCP 704.230 |
| Accrued & Unpaid Earnings | 75% of accrued and unpaid earnings (not subject to garnishment under 15 U.S.C. 1673(a)) | CCP 706.050 |
| Additional Federal Exemptions (usable with either 703 or 704) | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Benefits | All monies paid or payable, and rights to receive Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits, fully exempt | 42 U.S.C. 407(a) |
| Retirement Accounts | IRAs, 401(k), 403, 408, 414, deferred compensation, and tax-exempt employer benefit plans; maximum exemption for all IRAs is $1,711,975 (current for cases filed April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2028) | 42 U.S.C. 522(b)(3)(C) |
Colorado Bankruptcy Exemptions
Colorado has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
All statutory references are to the Colorado Revised Statutes unless otherwise noted.
| Colorado Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real property, mobile home, manufactured home, or house trailer occupied by the owner, up to $250,000 in equity; up to $350,000 if the owner, spouse, or a dependent is elderly (60+) or disabled. Sale proceeds remain exempt for up to 2 years after receipt. Note: this category did not appear in the original source document for this page and has been added here from current Colorado law. | C.R.S. 38-41-201 |
| Wearing apparel | Debtor and each dependent, up to $2,000 in value | 13-54-102(1)(a) |
| Watches and jewelry | Debtor and each dependent, up to $2,500 in value | 13-54-102(1)(b) |
| Library, family pictures, schoolbooks | Debtor and dependents, up to $2,000 in value | 13-54-102(1)(c) |
| Burial sites | Including mausoleum spaces, one site per debtor and each dependent | 13-54-102(1)(d) |
| Household goods | Debtor and dependents, up to $6,000 in value | 13-54-102(1)(e) |
| Provisions and fuel | On hand for debtor or dependents, up to $600 | 13-54-102(1)(f) |
| Agricultural property | For debtors engaged in agriculture: livestock, poultry, crops, tractors, farm implements, seed, machinery, up to $100,000 | 13-54-102(1)(g)(1) |
| Military pensions | Compensation/allowances from wartime armed forces service; extends to un-remarried widow/widower and children; National Guard equipment | 13-54-102(1)(h) |
| Business property | Stock in trade, supplies, fixtures, tools, electronics, equipment for primary occupation up to $60,000, or any other occupation up to $20,000 | 13-54-102(1)(i) |
| Motor vehicles / bicycles | Up to two, $15,000 in value; $25,000 if debtor/spouse/dependent is elderly or disabled (excludes snowmobiles, ATVs, golf carts, boats, trailers, motor homes) | 13-54-102(1)(j) |
| Professional library | Value up to $3,000, including for ministers/priests | 13-54-102(1)(k) |
| Life insurance cash surrender value | Up to $250,000 if owned continuously 48 months; full proceeds paid at death exempt | 13-54-102(1)(l) |
| Insurance proceeds | For loss, destruction, or damage of otherwise exempt property, up to that property’s exemption | 13-54-102(1)(m) |
| Personal injury settlement proceeds | Exempt except for debt for treatment of the injury or collection of proceeds | 13-54-102(1)(n) |
| Tax refunds | Attributable to earned income credit or child tax credit | 13-54-102(1)(o) |
| Health aids | Professionally prescribed, for debtor and dependents | 13-54-102(1)(p) |
| Crime victim’s award | Any award under crime victim’s reparation law | 13-54-102(1)(q) |
| Pension/retirement plans | Including ERISA-qualified plans, employee pension plans, IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k) plans | 13-54-102(1)(s) |
| Support obligations | Court-ordered domestic support, maintenance, or child support obligations/payments | 13-54-102(1)(u) |
| Disability benefits | Public or private, or proceeds of a claim, up to $5,000/month | 13-54-102(1)(v) |
| Cash in bank accounts | Up to $2,500 | 13-54-102(1)(w) |
| Firearms and hunting/fishing equipment | Personal/family/household use or protection, up to $1,000 | 13-54-102(1)(x) |
| Reverse mortgage proceeds | Designated for property taxes, hazard/flood/property insurance, or home maintenance | 13-54-102(1)(z) |
| Wages | 80% of debtor’s wages exempt (subject to adjustment; not exempt from support orders/taxes) | 13-54-104 |
| Group life insurance | Debtor’s ownership interest | 10-7-205 |
| Disability insurance benefits | Up to $200/month; accident settlement amounts fully exempt | 10-16-212 |
| Workers’ compensation | Most benefits fully exempt | 8-42-124 |
| Unemployment compensation | Fully exempt if not commingled with other funds | 8-80-103 |
| Public assistance benefits | Qualifying benefits fully exempt | 26-2-131 |
| Social Security benefits | Most benefits fully exempt | 42 U.S.C. 407(a) |
| Public pensions | Firefighter, police officer, public employee, teacher, veteran pension plans | 31-10-412, 31-10-518, 24-51-212 |
| Partnership business property | Protected per partnership law | 7-60-125 |
Connecticut Bankruptcy Exemptions
Connecticut allows debtors to choose between Connecticut’s state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
To claim the homestead exemption, the debtor generally must have resided in Connecticut for the 1,215-day period referenced in 11 U.S.C. § 522.
| Connecticut Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $250,000 of equity in owner-occupied real property, a co-op, or a mobile/manufactured home (effective October 1, 2021; not adjusted for inflation since). Married co-owning spouses filing jointly may double to $500,000. |
| Motor Vehicle | $7,000 aggregate, covering up to two motor vehicles. |
| Wildcard | $1,000, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Necessary appliances, furniture, clothing, food, and bedding are fully exempt; burial plots are also fully protected. |
| Tools of Trade | Farm-specific tools of the trade exemption; general tools/equipment exemption is more limited. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Connecticut and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Delaware Bankruptcy Exemptions
Delaware has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Delaware’s state exemptions (10 Del. C. §§ 4902–4914).
A roughly two-year Delaware residency requirement generally applies before a debtor can use Delaware’s exemptions; the debtor must also own the home for the 1,215-day period referenced in 11 U.S.C. § 522 to claim the full homestead amount. Wages: approximately 85% of wages are exempt.
| Delaware Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $200,000 of equity in real property or a manufactured home that is the debtor’s principal residence (raised from $125,000 effective January 1, 2025). This bankruptcy-specific exemption is not doubled for a married couple filing jointly — the $200,000 cap is shared. |
| Motor Vehicle | Combined with tools of the trade, up to $25,000 (10 Del. C. § 4914(c)(2)). |
| Wildcard | $25,000 in any other property (cannot be applied to real estate). |
| Personal Property | Family Bible, school books, family library, family pictures, a seat/pew in a place of worship, a burial ground lot, and wearing apparel are fully exempt. |
| Tools of Trade | Combined with the motor vehicle exemption above, up to $25,000 total. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Delaware and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions
Florida has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
Florida’s motor vehicle exemption increased from $1,000 to $5,000 for all legal contexts (bankruptcy and state-court collection) following 2024 legislation — reflected below.
| Florida Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real or personal property including mobile/modular home — Unlimited value; cannot exceed ½ acre in municipality or 160 contiguous acres elsewhere; spouse, child, or deceased owner may claim; may file homestead declaration; tenancy by entirety may be exempt against debts of one spouse | 222.01-.05; Const. |
| Insurance | Annuity contract proceeds (does not include lottery winnings) | 222.14 |
| Insurance | Death benefits payable to a specific beneficiary, not the deceased’s estate | 222.13 |
| Insurance | Disability or illness benefits | 222.18 |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits, if received before 10/1/96 | 632.619 |
| Insurance | Life insurance cash surrender value | 222.14 |
| Miscellaneous | Alimony, child support needed for support | 222.201 |
| Miscellaneous | Damages to employees for injuries in hazardous occupations | 769.05 |
| Miscellaneous | Pre-need funeral contract deposits | 497.413(8) |
| Miscellaneous | Property of business partnership | 620.68 |
| Pensions | County officers, employees | 122.15 |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits | 222.21(2) |
| Pensions | Firefighters | 175.241 |
| Pensions | Highway patrol officers | 321.22 |
| Pensions | Police officers | 185.25 |
| Pensions | State officers, employees | 121.131 |
| Pensions | Teachers | 238.15 |
| Personal Property | Any personal property (husband & wife may double), if debtor does not claim homestead exemption — To $4,000 | Const. 10-4; 222.25 |
| Personal Property | Federal income tax refunds | 222.25 |
| Personal Property | Health aids | 222.25 |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicle — To $5,000 (current figure following 2024 legislation; previously $1,000). Married joint filers who each own a vehicle may each claim this exemption, protecting up to $10,000 combined. | 222.25 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation (unless discharging debt for injury treatment) | 960.14 |
| Public Benefits | Hazardous occupation injury recoveries | 769.05 |
| Public Benefits | Public assistance | 222.201 |
| Public Benefits | Social security | 222.201 |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 222.201, 443.051(2),(3) |
| Public Benefits | Veterans’ benefits | 222.201, 744.626 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 440.22 |
| Tools of Trade | None | — |
| Wages | Disposable earnings for heads of family — Up to $750/week, unpaid or paid & deposited for up to 6 months | 222.11 |
| Wages | Federal government pension payments needed for support, received within 3 months prior | 222.21 |
| Savings | Qualified tuition programs (529 plans), health savings accounts (HSAs) | 222.22 |
Georgia Bankruptcy Exemptions
Georgia has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
| Georgia Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real or personal property used as a residence, only if homestead exemption not otherwise claimed — To $21,500 ($43,000 if married and jointly filing) | 44-13-100(a)(1) |
| Insurance | Annuity and endowment contract benefits | 33-28-7 |
| Insurance | Disability or health benefits — To $250/month | 33-29-15 |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits | 33-15-20 |
| Insurance | Group insurance | 33-30-10 |
| Insurance | Industrial life insurance if policy owned by someone you depend on, needed for support | 33-26-5 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds if policy owned by someone you depended on, needed for support | 44-13-100(a)(11)(C) |
| Insurance | Unmatured life insurance contract | 44-13-100(a)(8) |
| Insurance | Unmatured life insurance dividends, interest, loan or cash value if beneficiary is you or someone you depend on — To $2,000 | 44-13-100(a)(9) |
| Miscellaneous | Alimony, child support needed for support | 44-13-100(a)(2)(D) |
| Pensions | Employees of non-profit corporations | 44-13-100(a)(2.1)(B) |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits | 18-4-22 |
| Pensions | Public employees | 44-13-100(a)(2.1)(A), 47-2-332 |
| Pensions | Other pensions needed for support | 18-4-22, 44-13-100(a)(2)(E), (a)(2.1)(C) |
| Personal Property | Animals, crops, clothing, appliances, books, furnishings, household goods, musical instruments — $300 per item, $5,000 total | 44-13-100(a)(4) |
| Personal Property | Burial plot, in lieu of homestead | 44-13-100(a)(1) |
| Personal Property | Health aids | 44-13-100(a)(10) |
| Personal Property | Jewelry — To $500 | 44-13-100(a)(5) |
| Personal Property | Lost future earnings needed for support | 44-13-100(a)(11)(E) |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicles — To $5,000 | 44-13-100(a)(3) |
| Personal Property | Personal injury recoveries — To $10,000 | 44-13-100(a)(11)(C) |
| Personal Property | Wrongful death recoveries needed for support | 44-13-100(a)(11)(B) |
| Public Benefits | Aid to blind | 49-4-58 |
| Public Benefits | Aid to disabled | 49-4-84 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation | 44-13-100(a)(11)(A) |
| Public Benefits | Local public assistance | 44-13-100(a)(2)(A) |
| Public Benefits | Old age assistance | 49-4-35 |
| Public Benefits | Social security | 44-13-100(a)(2)(A) |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 44-13-100(a)(2)(A) |
| Public Benefits | Veterans’ benefits | 44-13-100(a)(2)(B) |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 34-9-84 |
| Tools of Trade | Implements, books and tools of trade — To $1,500 | 44-13-100(a)(7) |
| Wages | Minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages; $7,500 of compensation for future earnings necessary for support — Exempt (per terms) | 18-4-20, 18-4-21, 44-13-100(a)(11)(E) |
| Wild Card | Any property — $1,200; plus unused portion of homestead exemption, up to $5,000 | 44-13-100(a)(6) |
Hawaii Bankruptcy Exemptions
Hawaii allows debtors to choose between Hawaii’s state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. For renters or debtors without significant home equity, the federal exemptions (with their larger wildcard) are often more favorable. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
A residency period in Hawaii generally applies before a debtor can use Hawaii’s state exemptions.
| Hawaii Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $30,000 of equity in one parcel of real property (not exceeding 1 acre) for a debtor who is head of family or age 65+; $20,000 for other debtors. Not doubled for married couples filing jointly. |
| Motor Vehicle | $2,575 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | Hawaii does not have a separate wildcard exemption. |
| Personal Property | Necessities of life; specific dollar limits vary by item category. |
| Tools of Trade | Broad and largely uncapped — covers tools, implements, instruments, uniforms, furnishings, books, equipment, one commercial fishing boat and nets, and one motor vehicle used in the debtor’s trade, business, calling, or profession. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Hawaii and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Idaho Bankruptcy Exemptions
Idaho has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
Joint debtors can double the amount of the exemptions listed, unless otherwise noted. Idaho does not adjust its exemptions automatically for inflation — dollar figures change only when the legislature acts, so several of these amounts have increased significantly since older summaries were written (homestead, vehicle, tools of trade, and wildcard are all reflected at current levels below).
| Idaho Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real property or mobile home; sale proceeds exempt for 6 months (may not be doubled for husband and wife). Must record homestead exemption for property not yet occupied — To $175,000 (current figure, increased from $100,000 in March 2020) | 55-1003; 55-1113; 55-1004 |
| Insurance | Annuity contract proceeds — To $1,250/month | 41-1836 |
| Insurance | Death or disability benefits | 11-604(1)(a), 41-1834 |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefit | 41-3218 |
| Insurance | Group life insurance benefits | 41-1835 |
| Insurance | Homeowners’ insurance proceeds — To amount of homestead exemption | 55-1008 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds if clause prohibits payment to beneficiary’s creditors | 41-1930 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds/avails for beneficiary other than insured | 11-604(d), 41-1833 |
| Insurance | Medical, surgical or hospital care benefits | 11-603(5) |
| Insurance | One firearm — To $750 | 11-605(8) |
| Insurance | Life insurance (non-credit), including accrued dividends/interest/loan/cash surrender value, excluding value from premiums paid within 6 months of filing — Exempt (per terms) | 11-605(9) |
| Miscellaneous | Alimony, child support needed for support | 11-604(1)(b) |
| Miscellaneous | Liquor licenses | 23-514 |
| Miscellaneous | Property of business partnership | 53-325 |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits | 55-1101 |
| Pensions | Firefighters | 72-1422 |
| Pensions | Police officers | 50-1517 |
| Pensions | Public employees | 59-1317 |
| Pensions | Other pensions needed for support (payments can’t be mixed with other money) | 11-604(1)(e) |
| Personal Property | Household furnishings/goods/appliances, personal wearing apparel, animals, books, musical instruments, family portraits and heirlooms, 1 firearm — $1,000 per item, $7,500 total (current figures) | 11-605(1) |
| Personal Property | Jewelry — To $1,000 | 11-605(2) |
| Personal Property | Implements, professional books, tools of the trade — To $10,000 (current figure, previously $2,500) | 11-605(3) |
| Personal Property | Provisions of food or water (with storage containers/shelving) for 12 months | 11-605(4) |
| Personal Property | One motor vehicle — To $10,000 (current figure, previously $7,000); a 2026 bill (H0775) confirms this applies regardless of the vehicle’s operability or registration status | 11-605(7) |
| Personal Property | Arms, uniforms, accouterments for peace officer/national guard/military service | 11-605(5) |
| Personal Property | Water rights not exceeding 160 inches used for irrigation of cultivated lands, plus crops on up to 50 acres — Crops capped at $1,000 value | 11-605(3) |
| Public Benefits | Aid to blind, aged, disabled; federal/state/local public assistance; general assistance | 56-223; 11-603(4) |
| Public Benefits | Social security and unemployment compensation | 11-603(3) |
| Public Benefits | Veterans’ benefits | 11-603(3) |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 72-802 |
| Wages | 75% of earned but unpaid wages, or amount above 30x federal minimum hourly wage, whichever is less — Exempt (per terms) | 11-207 |
| Wild Card | Personal property — To $1,500 aggregate value (current figure, previously $800) | 11-605(10) |
Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions
Illinois has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Illinois’s state exemptions (735 ILCS 5/12-901 et seq.).
Illinois raised several key exemption amounts effective January 1, 2026 (Public Act 104-0120) — the most significant increase to the state’s exemption statute in over a decade. Married filers can generally double most exemption amounts if both spouses have an ownership interest in the property.
| Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $50,000 per person ($100,000 for jointly owned property, such as a married couple) — effective January 1, 2026 (Public Act 104-0120), up from $15,000/$30,000. Cases filed before January 1, 2026 use the prior $15,000/$30,000 figures. |
| Motor Vehicle | $3,600 in equity in one motor vehicle — effective January 1, 2026, up from $2,400. |
| Wildcard | $4,000 per person ($8,000 for joint filers), applicable to any personal property other than wages. |
| Personal Property | New as of January 1, 2026: a separate $5,000 exemption for household goods and furnishings (previously covered only by the wildcard). Personal injury awards are exempt up to $22,500. Life insurance, wrongful death, disability, support, and veterans’ benefits are fully protected. |
| Tools of Trade | $2,250 — effective January 1, 2026, up from $1,500. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs, pensions) are generally exempt under Illinois and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Indiana Bankruptcy Exemptions
Indiana has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Indiana’s state exemptions (Ind. Code § 34-55-10).
A roughly two-year Indiana residency requirement generally applies before a debtor can use Indiana’s exemptions; the homestead exemption additionally requires the 1,215-day ownership period referenced in 11 U.S.C. § 522.
| Indiana Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $22,750 of equity in real or personal property used as a residence (may include a house, condo, mobile home, or farm); married couples who co-own the home may double to $45,500. Adjusted every 6 years (most recently 2022; next adjustment expected 2028). |
| Motor Vehicle | No specific motor vehicle exemption — use the wildcard exemption below. |
| Wildcard | $12,100 for any other real estate or tangible personal property (commonly used for vehicles), plus a separate $350–$450 exemption for intangible personal property. |
| Personal Property | Health aids are separately exempt; health/medical savings accounts and 529/530 education savings accounts (contributions made at least 1 year before filing) are also protected. |
| Tools of Trade | No separate tools-of-trade exemption — covered under the wildcard exemption. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Indiana and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Iowa Bankruptcy Exemptions
Iowa has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Iowa’s state exemptions (Iowa Code §§ 561, 627).
Life insurance benefits or an inheritance received within 180 days after filing may need to be turned over to creditors.
| Iowa Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | Unlimited value, limited by size (not exceeding 1/2 acre if located within a city or town, or 40 acres elsewhere). Not doubled for married couples. |
| Motor Vehicle | $7,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $1,000 of any personal property, including cash. |
| Personal Property | $7,000 aggregate for clothing (and storage), household furnishings, appliances, and musical instruments; $2,000 for jewelry (including wedding/engagement rings purchased after marriage, subject to a 2-year lookback); $1,000 for bibles, books, portraits, and paintings; a rifle/musket or shotgun is separately exempt. |
| Tools of Trade | Generally covered within Iowa’s broader personal property categories; no large standalone figure identified beyond the vehicle exemption where relevant. |
| Retirement Accounts | Most pension and retirement benefits are exempt under Iowa law, subject to limits on unusually large recent contributions. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Kansas Bankruptcy Exemptions
Kansas has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
| Kansas Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real property or mobile home you occupy or intend to occupy — To unlimited value; property cannot exceed 1 acre in town/city, 160 acres on farm | 60-2301; Const. 15-9 |
| Insurance | Fraternal life insurance benefits — Fully exempt | 40-414(a) |
| Insurance | Life insurance forfeiture value if filed over 1 year after policy issued | 40-414(b) |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds if clause prohibits use to pay beneficiary’s creditors | 40-414(a) |
| Miscellaneous | Liquor licenses | 41-326 |
| Miscellaneous | Property of business partnership | 56-325 |
| Pensions | Elected/appointed officials, cities population 120,000-200,000 | 13-14, 102 |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits | 60-2038(b) |
| Pensions | Federal government pension needed for support, paid within 3 months of filing | 60-20338(a) |
| Pensions | Firefighters | 12-5005(e), 14-10a10 |
| Pensions | Judges | 20-2618 |
| Pensions | Police officers | 12-5005(e), 13-14a10 |
| Pensions | Public employees | 74-4923, 74-49, 105 |
| Pensions | State highway patrol officers | 74-4978g |
| Pensions | State school employees | 72-5526 |
| Personal Property | Burial plot or crypt | 60-2304(d) |
| Personal Property | Clothing — To last 1 year | 60-2304(a) |
| Personal Property | Food and fuel — To last 1 year | 60-2304(a) |
| Personal Property | Funeral plan prepayments | 16-310(d) |
| Personal Property | Furnishings and household equipment — Necessary for 1 year | 60-2304(a) |
| Personal Property | Jewelry and articles of adornment — To $1,000 | 60-2304(b) |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicle — To $20,000; no limit if designed/equipped for disabled persons | 60-2304(c) |
| Public Benefits | AFDC, general assistance, social welfare | 39-717 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation | 74-7313(d) |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 44-718(c) |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 44-514 |
| Tools of Trade | Business equipment, tools of trade, books/documents, furniture, instruments, breeding stock, seed & grain — To $7,500 total | 60-2304(e) |
| Miscellaneous | National Guard uniforms, arms and equipment | 48-245 |
| Wages | Earned but unpaid wages — Minimum 75% exempt; bankruptcy judge may authorize more for low-income debtors | 60-2310 |
| Wild Card | None | — |
Kentucky Bankruptcy Exemptions
Federal bankruptcy exemptions are also available in Kentucky — debtors may use either the federal or state exemptions, but not both.
| Kentucky Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real or personal property used as residence; sale proceeds exempt — To $5,000 | 427.060, 427.090 |
| Insurance | Annuity contract proceeds — To $350/month | 304.14-330 |
| Insurance | Cooperative life or casualty insurance benefits | 427.110(1) |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits | 427.110(2) |
| Insurance | Group life insurance proceeds | 304.14-320 |
| Insurance | Health or disability benefits | 304.14-310 |
| Insurance | Life insurance policy if beneficiary is a married woman | 304.14-340 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds if clause prohibits payment to beneficiary’s creditors | 304.14-350 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds/cash value if beneficiary is someone other than the insured | 304.14-300 |
| Miscellaneous | Alimony, child support needed for support | 427.150(1) |
| Miscellaneous | Property of business partnership | 362.270 |
| Pensions | Firefighters, police officers | 67A.620, 95.8878, 427.120, 427.125 |
| Pensions | IRAs | In re Worthington, 28 B.R. 736 (W.D. Ky. 1983) |
| Pensions | State employees | 61.690 |
| Pensions | Teachers | 161.700 |
| Pensions | Urban county government employees | 67A.350 |
| Pensions | Other pensions | 427.150(2)(e),(f) |
| Personal Property | Burial plot in lieu of homestead — To $5,000 | 427.060 |
| Personal Property | Clothing, jewelry, articles of adornment and furnishings — To $3,000 total | 427.010(1) |
| Personal Property | Health aids | 427.010(1) |
| Personal Property | Lost earnings payments needed for support | 427.150(2)(d) |
| Personal Property | Medical expenses paid and reparation benefits under motor vehicle reparation law | 304.39-260 |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicle — To $2,500 | 427.010(1) |
| Personal Property | Personal injury recoveries (not incl. pain & suffering or pecuniary loss) — To $7,500 | 427.150(2)(c) |
| Personal Property | Wrongful death recoveries needed for support, for person you depended on | 427.150(2)(b) |
| Public Benefits | Aid to blind, aged, disabled, public assistance | 205.220 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation | 427.150(2)(a) |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 341.470 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 342.180 |
| Tools of Trade | Library, office equipment, instruments, furnishings of minister, attorney, physician, surgeon, chiropractor, veterinarian, or dentist — To $1,000 | 427.040 |
| Tools of Trade | Motor vehicle of mechanic, electrical/mechanical equipment servicer, minister, attorney, physician, surgeon, chiropractor, veterinarian, or dentist — To $2,500 | 427.030 |
| Tools of Trade | Tools, equipment, livestock and poultry of farmer — To $3,000 | 427.010(1) |
| Tools of Trade | Tools of non-farmer — To $300 | 427.030 |
| Wages | Minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages; judge may authorize more for low-income debtors — Exempt (per terms) | 427.010(2),(3) |
| Wild Card | Any property — To $1,000 | 427.160 |
Louisiana Bankruptcy Exemptions
Louisiana has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Louisiana’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Louisiana Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $35,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $7,500 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | No general wildcard exemption identified. |
| Personal Property | Standard household goods/personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against La. Rev. Stat. Title 13. |
| Tools of Trade | No general tools-of-trade exemption identified beyond specific occupational carve-outs. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Louisiana and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Maine Bankruptcy Exemptions
Maine has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Maine’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Maine Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $80,000 of equity in a primary residence; $160,000 for filers who are elderly or disabled. |
| Motor Vehicle | $15,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $1,000, plus up to $6,000 of any unused homestead exemption. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against 14 M.R.S. § 4422. |
| Tools of Trade | $5,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Maine and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Maryland Bankruptcy Exemptions
Maryland has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
Maryland’s homestead exemption is pegged to the federal homestead exemption amount and rises automatically whenever the federal figure adjusts (most recently to $31,575, effective April 1, 2025).
| Maryland Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Owner-occupied residential real property, including condominiums — To $31,575 (spouses may not double); current figure — this amount is statutorily tied to the federal homestead exemption (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(1)), which increased to $31,575 effective April 1, 2025 (previously $25,150) | C&JP 11-504(f)(1)(ii) |
| Insurance | Net recovery of personal injury claims — 75% exempt | C&JP 11-504(b)(2)(I) |
| Insurance | Fraternal Benefit Society benefits — 100% exempt | Ins. Art. 8-431 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds payable to spouse, children, or dependent relations (death benefits, cash & loan values, waived premiums, dividends) — 100% exempt | Ins. Art. 16-111(a); Est. & Trust 8-115 |
| Insurance | Funds payable on sickness, accident, injury or death, including loss of future earnings — 100% exempt | C&JP 11-504(b)(2) |
| Business | Wearing apparel, books, tools, instruments, appliances necessary for a trade or profession (except items kept for sale, lease, or barter) — To $5,000 | C&JP 11-504(b)(1) |
| Business | Specific partnership property — 100% of partner’s interest | C&A 9A-502 |
| Retirement & Pensions | Money or assets payable to a participant/beneficiary from a qualified retirement plan | C&JP 11-504(h) |
| Retirement & Pensions | State employees’ pension benefits; teachers’ retirement benefits | SSP 21-502 |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, wearing apparel, books, pets, and other personal/family/household items — To $1,000 | C&JP 11-504(b)(4) |
| Personal Property | Professionally prescribed health aids of debtor or dependent | C&JP 11-504(b)(3) |
| Personal Property | Burial lots and crypts (not held for investment) | BR 5-503 |
| Public Benefits | Public assistance payments | Human Serv. 5-407(a)(1),(2) |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment insurance benefits | L&E 8-106(b)(2),(3) |
| Public Benefits | Workmen’s compensation | L&E 9-732 |
| Public Benefits | Criminal injuries compensation awards | CP 11-816 |
| Wages | Disposable earnings — Greater of 75% or $145/week (in Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s & Worcester counties: greater of 75% or 30x federal minimum hourly wage) | CL 15-601.1 |
| Other | Alimony, to the extent wages are exempt | C&JP 11-504(b)(7) |
| Other | Child support payments | C&JP 11-504(b)(6) |
| Wild Card | Cash or property of any kind — Up to $6,000; plus up to $5,000 in personal property under federal bankruptcy exemptions for bankruptcy filings | C&JP 11-504(b)(5), (f) |
Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions
Massachusetts allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Massachusetts Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $500,000 of equity in a primary residence (automatic homestead protection under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 188). |
| Motor Vehicle | $15,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $1,000, plus up to $5,000 of any unused personal property exemption. |
| Personal Property | Household furnishings, clothing, and similar items are separately protected; confirm current dollar limits. |
| Tools of Trade | $1,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Massachusetts and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Michigan Bankruptcy Exemptions
Federal bankruptcy exemptions are also available in Michigan — debtors may use either the federal or state exemptions, but not both.
| Michigan Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | The interest of debtor, codebtor (if any), and dependents in the debtor’s homestead — To $51,150; to $76,725 if debtor is 65+ or disabled (current figures effective April 1, 2026, adjusted triennially; previously $30,000/$45,000). Note: Michigan legislation (HB 4901) has been reported as moving through or passed by the legislature that would raise these further — to roughly $125,000/$200,000 homestead, $15,000 vehicle, and $10,000 tools of trade, and add a wildcard exemption for the first time. Confirm current enacted law before relying on either figure. Tenancy by the entirety property may be exempt against debts owed by only one spouse. | 600.5451(m),(n) |
| Insurance | Money or benefits paid by mutual life, health, or casualty insurance due to disability or sickness of an insured person | 600.5451(j) |
| Business | Tools, implements, materials, stock, apparatus, or other things to carry on a profession, trade, occupation, or business — To $2,000 | 600.5451(i) |
| Retirement & Pensions | All IRAs or individual retirement annuities (IRC 408/408a), and payments from those accounts; pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, 401(k) or 403(b) plans | 600.5451(k),(l) |
| Personal Property | Family pictures; arms and accoutrements; wearing apparel (excl. furs); cemeteries, tombs, burial rights for debtor’s family; professionally prescribed health aids | 600.5451(a) |
| Personal Property | Provisions and fuel for comfortable subsistence of each householder and family — 6 months | 600.5451(b) |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furniture, utensils, books, appliances, and jewelry — To $450 per item, $3,000 aggregate | 600.5451(c) |
| Personal Property | Interest in a seat, pew, or slip occupied by debtor/family in a house or place of public worship — To $500 | 600.5451(d) |
| Personal Property | Interest in crops, farm animals, and feed for farm animals — To $2,000 | 600.5451(e) |
| Personal Property | Household pets — To $500 | 600.5451(f) |
| Personal Property | One motor vehicle — To $2,775 | 600.5451(g) |
| Personal Property | One computer and its accessories — To $500 | 600.5451(h) |
| Public Benefits | Crime victim’s compensation | 18.362 |
| Public Benefits | Social welfare benefits/assistance | 400.63 |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 421.30 |
| Public Benefits | Veterans’ benefits (Korean, Vietnam, WWII) | 35.977, 35.1027, 35.926 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 418.821 |
| Wages | 60% of wages (min $15/week); plus $2/week per dependent under 18 or incapable of self-support. If no household family: 40% of wages (min $10/week) — Exempt (see terms) | 600.5311 |
Minnesota Bankruptcy Exemptions
Minnesota allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Minnesota Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $480,000 of equity in a primary residence; $1,200,000 if the property is classified as a farm homestead. |
| Motor Vehicle | $5,200 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $1,425, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against Minn. Stat. § 550.37. |
| Tools of Trade | $13,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Minnesota and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Mississippi Bankruptcy Exemptions
Mississippi has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Mississippi’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Mississippi Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $75,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | No separate motor vehicle exemption — use the personal property/wildcard exemption below. |
| Wildcard | $10,000 applicable to any personal property. |
| Personal Property | Covered by the $10,000 figure above. |
| Tools of Trade | $10,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Mississippi and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Missouri Bankruptcy Exemptions
Missouri has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Missouri’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Missouri Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $15,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $5,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $600, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against Mo. Rev. Stat. § 513.430. |
| Tools of Trade | $3,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Missouri and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Montana Bankruptcy Exemptions
Montana has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Montana’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Montana Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $350,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $4,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | No general wildcard exemption identified. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against Mont. Code Ann. Title 25. |
| Tools of Trade | $4,500 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Montana and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Nebraska Bankruptcy Exemptions
Nebraska has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Nebraska’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Nebraska Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $60,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $5,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $5,000, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1552 et seq. |
| Tools of Trade | $5,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Nebraska and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Nevada Bankruptcy Exemptions
Nevada has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
Exemption amounts and citations are per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 21.090 and related sections).
| Nevada Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Books, art, keepsakes, instruments, jewelry | Not to exceed $5,000 in value, selected by debtor | NRS 21.090(a) |
| Household goods, furnishings, electronics, apparel, yard equipment | Not to exceed $12,000 in value | NRS 21.090(b) |
| Farm trucks, stock, tools & equipment, supplies, seed | Not to exceed $4,500 in value | NRS 21.090(c) |
| Business equipment, tools, inventory, instruments, materials | Not to exceed $10,000 in value | NRS 21.090(d) |
| Miner or prospector’s cabin/dwelling | Cars, implements, mining claim, not exceeding $4,500 total | NRS 21.090(e) |
| One vehicle | Equity not to exceed $15,000 | NRS 21.090(f) |
| Disposable earnings | 82% if gross weekly wage is $770 or less; 75% if over $770; or 50x minimum hourly wage, whichever is greater | NRS 21.090(g) |
| Arms, uniforms, accouterments | Required by law, plus one gun | NRS 21.090(i) |
| Life insurance | All money or benefits arising from any life insurance | NRS 21.090(k) |
| Homestead | As provided by law, including $605,000 paid to debtor/spouse in execution | NRS 21.090(l), NRS 115.050 |
| Dwelling occupied as home | Equity not exceeding $605,000 in value | NRS 21.090(m) |
| Security deposits to landlords | Except where landlord enforces lease terms | NRS 21.090(n) |
| Vehicle for person with disability | Equipped or modified to provide mobility | NRS 21.090(p) |
| Prosthesis / medical equipment | Prescribed by physician or dentist | NRS 21.090(q) |
| IRA / pension / deferred compensation | Up to $1,000,000 present value, qualified under IRC, including inherited plans | NRS 21.090(r) |
| Child support payments | Money and benefits ordered by court | NRS 21.090(s) |
| Spousal support payments | Including arrearages | NRS 21.090(t) |
| Personal injury compensation | Up to $16,150 | NRS 21.090(u) |
| Wrongful death compensation | To extent reasonably necessary for support of dependents | NRS 21.090(v) |
| Loss of future earnings compensation | To extent reasonably necessary for support | NRS 21.090(w) |
| Restitution for a criminal act | Fully exempt | NRS 21.090(x) |
| Social Security payments | Retirement, survivors, SSI, disability insurance benefits | NRS 21.090(y) |
| Other personal property / bank funds | Up to $10,000 total, selected by debtor | NRS 21.090(z) |
| Earned income tax credit refund | Fully exempt | NRS 21.090(aa) |
| Unemployment compensation | NRS 612.710 | NRS 21.090(hh) |
| Public Employees’ Retirement System benefits | Benefits or refunds payable | NRS 21.090(ii) |
| Vocational rehabilitation payments | Under NRS 615.270 | NRS 21.090(jj) |
| Public assistance | Through Dept. of Health and Human Services | NRS 21.090(kk) |
| Child welfare assistance | Under NRS 432.036 | NRS 21.090(ll) |
| Partnership property | A partner’s right in specific partnership property, except on a claim against the partnership | NRS 87.250 |
| Group/individual insurance proceeds and annuities | Various protections for life, health, and disability insurance | NRS 687B.260, .270, .280, .290 |
| Fraternal society benefits | Money or benefits paid or rendered by fraternal society | NRS 695A.220 |
| Workers’ compensation | Fully exempt | NRS 616A.550 |
New Hampshire Bankruptcy Exemptions
New Hampshire allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| New Hampshire Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $120,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $10,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $1,000, plus up to $8,000 of any unused exemptions. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 511:2. |
| Tools of Trade | $5,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under New Hampshire and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
New Jersey Bankruptcy Exemptions
Federal bankruptcy exemptions are also available in New Jersey — debtors may use either the federal or state exemptions, but not both. In most cases the federal exemptions are more favorable, particularly because New Jersey has no state homestead exemption.
See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions overview page for current federal exemption amounts (effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028).
| New Jersey Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | None under NJ exemption law — but a spouse’s survivorship interest in property held as tenancy by the entirety is exempt from the other spouse’s creditors | — |
| Insurance | Annuity contract proceeds — To $500/month | 17B:24-7 |
| Insurance | Disability or death benefits for military member | 38A:4-8 |
| Insurance | Disability, death, medical or hospital benefits for civil defense workers | 17:4A-19 |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits; group life or health policy or proceeds | 17B:24-9, 17:18-12 |
| Insurance | Health or disability benefits | 17B:24-8 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds if clause prohibits payment to beneficiary’s creditors | 17B:24-10 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds/avails if you’re not the insured | 17B:24-6b |
| Miscellaneous | Property of business partnership | 42:1-25 |
| Pensions | Alcohol beverage control officers | 43:8A-20 |
| Pensions | City boards of health employees | 43:18-12 |
| Pensions | Civil defense workers | App. A:9-57.6 |
| Pensions | County employees | 43:10-57, 43:10-105 |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits | 43:13-9 |
| Pensions | Firefighters, police officers, traffic officers | 43:16-7, 43:16A-17 |
| Pensions | Judges | 43:6A-41 |
| Pensions | Municipal employees | 43:13-44 |
| Pensions | Prison employees | 43:7-13 |
| Pensions | Public employees | 43:15A-53 |
| Pensions | School district employees | 18A:66-116 |
| Pensions | State police | 53:5A-45 |
| Pensions | Street & water department employees | 43:19-17 |
| Pensions | Teachers | 18A:66-51 |
| Pensions | Trust containing personal property created under federal law (unless fraudulent conveyance or debt is for support/alimony) | 25:2-1 |
| Personal Property | Goods, chattels, corporate shares/interests, and personal property of every kind (excl. clothing, includes motor vehicle) — Not exceeding $1,000 in value | 2A:17-19 |
| Personal Property | Burial plots | 8A:5-10 |
| Personal Property | Clothing | 2A:17-19 |
| Personal Property | Furniture & household goods — To $1,000 | 2A:26-4 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation | 52:4B-30 |
| Public Benefits | Old-age, permanent disability assistance | 44:7-35 |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 43:21-53 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 34:15-29 |
| Tools of Trade | None | — |
| Wages | 90% of earned but unpaid wages, unless income exceeds 250% of poverty level (court may order higher percentage); wages/allowances of military personnel exempt — Exempt (per terms) | 2A:17-56; 38A:4-8 |
| Wild Card | None | — |
New Mexico Bankruptcy Exemptions
Federal bankruptcy exemptions are also available in New Mexico — debtors may use either the federal or state exemptions, but not both.
| New Mexico Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Married, widowed, or supporting another may claim real property — To $60,000 (joint owners may double) | 42-10-9 |
| Insurance | Benevolent association benefits — To $5,000 | 42-10-4 |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits | 59A-44-18 |
| Insurance | Life, accident, health, or annuity benefits, withdrawal or cash value, if beneficiary is a New Mexico citizen | 42-10-3 |
| Miscellaneous | Ownership interest in unincorporated association | 53-10-3 |
| Miscellaneous | Property of business partnership | 54-1-25 |
| Pensions | Pension or retirement benefits | 42-10-1, 42-10-2 |
| Pensions | Public school employees | 22-11-42A |
| Personal Property | Books, health equipment & furniture | 42-10-1, 42-10-2 |
| Personal Property | Building materials | 48-2-15 |
| Personal Property | Clothing | 42-10-1, 42-10-2 |
| Personal Property | Cooperative association shares (minimum amount needed to be member) | 53-4-28 |
| Personal Property | Jewelry — To $2,500 | 42-10-1, 42-10-2 |
| Personal Property | Materials, tools & machinery to dig, torpedo, drill, complete, operate or repair oil line, gas well, or pipeline | 70-4-12 |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicle — To $4,000 | 42-10-1, 42-10-2 |
| Public Benefits | AFDC, general assistance | 27-2-21 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation paid before 7/1/93 | 31-22-15 |
| Public Benefits | Occupational disease disablement benefits | 52-3-37 |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 51-1-37 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 52-1-52 |
| Tools of Trade | Tools of the trade — $1,500 | 42-10-1, 42-10-2 |
| Wages | Minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages; judge may authorize more for low-income debtors — Exempt (per terms) | 35-12-7 |
| Wild Card | Any personal property — $500 | 42-10-1 |
| Wild Card | Any property, in lieu of homestead — $2,000 | 42-10-10 |
New York Bankruptcy Exemptions
Federal bankruptcy exemptions are also available in New York — debtors may use either the federal or state exemptions, but not both. Most New York filers use the federal exemptions (for the wildcard), except where New York’s larger homestead exemption is needed to protect a residence.
See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions overview page for current federal exemption amounts (effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028). New York’s own CPLR exemption amounts also adjust periodically (most recently for the April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2027 cycle) — the homestead, vehicle, and other dollar figures below were not independently reconfirmed against that cycle this session; verify current amounts via the NY Department of Financial Services before filing.
| New York Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Principal residence, over and above liens and encumbrances — $150,000 for Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester & Putnam counties; $125,000 for Dutchess, Albany, Columbia, Orange, Saratoga & Ulster; $75,000 for remaining counties | CPLR 5206(a) |
| Personal Property | Stoves and home heating equipment, necessary fuel for 120 days, one sewing machine | CPLR 5205(a)(1) |
| Personal Property | Religious texts, family pictures/portraits, school books and other books — To $500 | CPLR 5205(a)(2) |
| Personal Property | A seat or pew occupied by debtor/family in a place of public worship | CPLR 5205(a)(3) |
| Personal Property | Domestic animals with necessary food for 120 days; food for debtor/family for 120 days — To $1,000 for animals | CPLR 5205(a)(4) |
| Personal Property | Wearing apparel, household furniture, refrigerator, radio, TV, computer, cellphone, crockery, tableware, cooking utensils, prescribed health aids | CPLR 5205(a)(5) |
| Personal Property | Wedding ring; watch, jewelry and art — To $1,000 | CPLR 5205(a)(6) |
| Personal Property | Tools of trade, working tools and implements, including mechanic’s/farm tools, professional instruments, furniture and library — To $3,000 | CPLR 5205(a)(7) |
| Personal Property | One motor vehicle, above liens and encumbrances; higher amount if equipped for a disabled debtor — $4,000 ($10,000 if equipped for disabled debtor) | CPLR 5205(a)(8) |
| Personal Property | Family or private burying ground (must be in actual use, not exceed ¼ acre, no buildings except vaults/monuments) | CPLR 5206(f) |
| Personal Property | Lost earnings recoveries needed for support | Debtor & Creditor 282(3)(iv) |
| Personal Property | Personal injury recoveries (not incl. pain & suffering) — To $7,500 | Debtor & Creditor 282(3)(iii) |
| Personal Property | Security deposits to landlord, utility company | CPLR 5205(g) |
| Personal Property | Trust fund principal, to 90% of income | CPLR 5205(c),(d) |
| Personal Property | Wrongful death recoveries for person you depended on, needed for support | Debtor & Creditor 282(3)(ii) |
| Personal Property | Medical/dental accessions, mobility equipment, guide/service/hearing dogs and their food | CPLR 5205(h) |
| Insurance | Annuity contract benefits due the debtor who paid for it; if purchased within 6 months and not tax-deferred, only $5,000 — Exempt (per terms) | Insurance 3212(d); Debtor & Creditor 283(1) |
| Insurance | Disability or illness benefits — To $400/month | Insurance 3212(c) |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds left at death with insurer, if clause prohibits payment to beneficiary’s creditors | Estates, Powers & Trusts 7-1.5(a)(2) |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds/avails if the person effecting the policy is the spouse of the insured | Insurance 321(b)(2) |
| College Education Savings | NY state college choice tuition savings program trust fund: scholarship program accounts and minor-beneficiary accounts fully exempt; other accounts to $10,000 — Exempt (per terms) | CPLR 5205(J) |
| Misc. | Alimony, child support needed for support | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(d) |
| Misc. | Property of business partnership | Partnership 51 |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits needed for support (incl. IRAs); Keoghs needed for support | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(e); CPLR 5205(c) |
| Pensions | Public retirement benefits; state employees; village police officers | Insurance 4607; Retirement/Social Sec. 110; Unconsolidated 5711-O |
| Public Benefits | Aid to blind, aged, disabled, AFDC | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(c) |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation | Debtor & Creditor 282(3)(i) |
| Public Benefits | Home relief, local public assistance | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(a) |
| Public Benefits | Social security | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(a) |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(a) |
| Public Benefits | Veterans’ benefits | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(b) |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | Debtor & Creditor 282(2)(c) |
| Wages | 90% of earned but unpaid wages received within 60 days prior to filing (100% for some militia members); 90% of milk sale earnings — Exempt (per terms) | CPLR 5205(d),(e),(f) |
| Wild Card | Personal property, bank account or cash, if no homestead exemption is claimed — To $1,000 | CPLR 5205(a)(9) |
North Carolina Bankruptcy Exemptions
North Carolina has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use North Carolina’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| North Carolina Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $35,000 of equity in a primary residence; $70,000 for filers who are elderly (65+). |
| Motor Vehicle | $3,500 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $5,000, usable only if the debtor does not claim the homestead exemption. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1C-1601. |
| Tools of Trade | $2,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under North Carolina and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
North Dakota Bankruptcy Exemptions
North Dakota has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use North Dakota’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| North Dakota Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $100,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $2,950 in equity in one motor vehicle; up to $32,000 if the vehicle is converted for a disability. |
| Wildcard | No general wildcard exemption identified. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against N.D. Cent. Code § 28-22. |
| Tools of Trade | $1,500 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under North Dakota and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Ohio Bankruptcy Exemptions
Ohio has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
Ohio’s exemption dollar amounts adjust every 3 years for inflation, on the same schedule as the federal amounts; the figures below reflect the update effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028 where confirmed. Some sub-category figures not independently reconfirmed this session are flagged “confirm current figure” — check Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.66 or the Ohio Judicial Conference website before filing.
| Ohio Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real or personal property used as residence — To $182,625 per person (current for cases filed April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2028; previously $145,425); tenancy by the entirety may be exempt against debts of only one spouse | 2329.66(A)(1)(b) |
| Insurance | Benevolent society benefits — To $5,000 | 2329.66(A)(6)(a) |
| Insurance | Sickness and accident insurance benefits necessary for support | 2329.66(A)(6)(e) |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits | 2329.66(A)(6)(d) |
| Insurance | Group life insurance policy or proceeds | 2329.66(A)(6)(c) |
| Insurance | Life, endowment or annuity contract avails for spouse, child or dependent | 2329.66(A)(6)(b) |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds for a spouse | 3911.12 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds if clause prohibits payment to beneficiary’s creditors | 3911.14 |
| Misc. | Alimony, child support needed for support | 2329.66(A)(11) |
| Misc. | Property of business partnership | 2329.66(A)(14) |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits needed for support | 2329.66(A)(10)(b) |
| Pensions | Firefighters, police officers | 742.47 |
| Pensions | Firefighters’/police officers’ death benefits | 2329.66(A)(10)(a) |
| Pensions | IRAs and 401(k)s as needed for support | 2329.66(A)(10)(c) |
| Pensions | Keogh plans needed for support | 2329.66(A)(10)(d) |
| Pensions | Public employees | 145.56 |
| Pensions | Public school employees | 3307.71, 3309.66 |
| Pensions | State highway patrol / volunteer firefighters’ dependents | 5505.22, 146.13 |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, wearing apparel, appliances, books, animals, crops, musical instruments, firearms, hunting/fishing equipment — $625 per item, $13,400 total | 2329.66(A)(4)(a) |
| Personal Property | Burial plot | 2329.66(A)(8) |
| Personal Property | Cash, money due within 90 days, bank & security deposits, tax refund — To $500 total | 2329.66(A)(3) |
| Personal Property | Medically necessary health aids | 2329.66(A)(7) |
| Personal Property | Jewelry — To $1,700 (no per-item limit) | 2329.66(A)(4)(b) |
| Personal Property | Lost future earnings needed for support (received within 12 months before filing) | 2329.66(A)(12)(d) |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicle — To $5,025 (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $4,000) | 2329.66(A)(2)(b) |
| Personal Property | Personal injury recoveries (not incl. pain & suffering), received within 12 months before filing — To $25,175 | 2329.66(A)(12)(c) |
| Personal Property | Wrongful death recoveries needed for support, received within 12 months before filing | 2329.66(A)(12)(b) |
| Public Benefits | Crime victim’s compensation, received within 12 months before filing | 2329.66(A)(12)(a) |
| Public Benefits | Public disability payments | 2329.66(A)(9)(f) |
| Public Benefits | Tuition credit and tuition credit contracts | 2329.66(A)(16) |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 2329.66(A)(9)(c) |
| Public Benefits | Vocational rehabilitation benefits | 2329.66(A)(9)(a); 3304.19 |
| Public Benefits | Prevention, retention & contingency program benefits (Ohio Job & Family Services) | 2329.66(A)(9)(e); 5108.08 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 2329.66(A)(9)(b); 4123.67 |
| Public Benefits | Cash payments under Ohio’s Works First Program | 2329.66(A)(9)(d) |
| Tools of Trade | Implements, professional books, tools of profession/trade/business, including agriculture — Confirm current figure (adjusted April 1, 2025); previously $2,500 | 2329.66(A)(5) |
| Wages | Minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages, or 30x minimum wage/week, whichever greater | 2329.66(A)(13) |
| Wild Card | Any property — To $1,675 (current 2025–2028 figure; previously $1,250) | 2329.66(A)(18) |
Oklahoma Bankruptcy Exemptions
Oklahoma has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Oklahoma’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Oklahoma Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | Unlimited value, limited by size (typically not exceeding 1 acre in an urban area or 160 acres elsewhere). |
| Motor Vehicle | $7,500 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | No general wildcard exemption identified. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against Okla. Stat. tit. 31. |
| Tools of Trade | $10,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Oklahoma and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Oregon Bankruptcy Exemptions
Debtors filing in Oregon may elect either the federal exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) or Oregon’s state exemptions — not both. Joint debtors must agree on one system; if they cannot agree, federal exemptions apply by default.
To claim Oregon exemptions, the debtor must have been domiciled in Oregon for the 730 days immediately preceding filing (otherwise the exemptions of the prior state of domicile apply). Exemptions are listed on Schedule C; if unopposed within 30 days of the creditors’ meeting, the assets are protected. Federal figures below reflect the current amounts effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028 — see the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for the full federal list.
| Common Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | $158,300 in equity for individual debtor; $316,700 for joint debtors (current figures for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027; previously a flat $40,000/$50,000 before 2024 legislation raised the base to $150,000/$300,000 and tied it to annual CPI adjustment each July 1). Applies to sale proceeds for one year if held to procure another homestead; a separate, lower $40,000/$50,000 cap (not inflation-adjusted) applies specifically to child support, spousal support, or restitution debts. (Federal: $31,575 real/personal property or burial plot; $15,800 unused portion usable elsewhere — current 2025–2028 amount) | ORS 18.395 / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(1) |
| Motor Vehicle | $3,000 in equity per vehicle; joint debtors may exempt $3,000 each individually or $6,000 collectively in a jointly owned vehicle. (Federal: $5,025 per debtor — current 2025–2028 amount) | ORS 18.345(1)(d) / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(2) |
| Household Goods | Up to $3,000 in furniture, radios, a television and utensils; provisions and fuel for 60 days. (Federal: $16,850 total, $800 per item — current 2025–2028 amount) | ORS 18.345(1)(f) / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(3) |
| Wearing Apparel, Jewelry, Personal Items | $1,800 individual / $3,600 joint debtors. (Federal: $2,125 in jewelry — current 2025–2028 amount) | ORS 18.345(1)(b) / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(4) |
| Wild Card | $400 (personal property only; cannot enlarge another exemption); doubled to $800 for joint debtors in jointly owned property. (Federal: $1,675, plus up to $15,800 unused homestead — current 2025–2028 amount) | ORS 18.345(1)(p) / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(5) |
| Tools of the Trade | $5,000 individual / $10,000 joint debtors, includes occupational library. (Federal: $3,175 — current 2025–2028 amount) | ORS 18.345(1)(c) / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(6) |
| Insurance | Group life (743.047), individual life cash surrender value (743.046), health insurance proceeds (743.050). (Federal: unmatured life insurance contract; loan value up to $16,850 — current 2025–2028 amount) | ORS 743.046, .047, .050 / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(7)-(8) |
| Health Aids | Professionally prescribed health aids of debtor or dependent | ORS 18.345(1)(h) / 11 U.S.C. 522(d)(9) |
| Social Security, Disability, Retirement Benefits | State-administered public assistance, medical assistance, unemployment, vocational rehab, workers’ comp, pensions, PERS | ORS 411.760, 414.095, 657.855, 344.580, 656.234, 18.358, 238.445 |
| Right to Compensation for Injury / Lost Earnings | Crime victim’s award unlimited; personal bodily injury up to $10,000 (doubled for joint debtors with interest in same right); loss of future earnings to extent reasonably necessary for support | ORS 18.345(1)(j),(k),(l) |
| Retirement Funds | Qualified retirement plans, IRAs, annuities; Oregon public employee pension benefits; annuity payments | ORS 18.358, 238.445, 743.049 |
| Books, Pictures, Musical Instruments | Exempt to $600, may be doubled for joint debtors | ORS 18.345(1)(a) |
| Domestic Animals and Poultry | Exempt to $1,000 plus food for up to 60 days, must be kept for family use | ORS 18.345(1)(e) |
| Earned Income Credit | Federal earned income tax credit and traceable proceeds | ORS 18.345(1)(n) |
| Spousal Support / Child Support | To extent reasonably necessary for support of debtor and dependents | ORS 18.345(1)(i) |
| Veterans’ Benefits | Veterans’ benefits and loans | ORS 18.345(1)(m) |
| Wages | Disposable net earnings exempt up to $218/week, $435/biweekly, $468/semimonthly, or $936/monthly; excess subject to lesser of overage or 25% of disposable earnings | ORS 18.385 |
| Firearms | $1,000 total value in one pistol and one rifle or shotgun, for citizens 16+ | ORS 18.362 |
Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Exemptions
Pennsylvania allows debtors to choose between the (limited) state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. Because Pennsylvania’s own state list is minimal, most Pennsylvania filers use the federal exemptions. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | Pennsylvania does not have a general homestead exemption for bankruptcy purposes; property held as tenancy by the entirety may offer some protection against one spouse’s individual creditors. |
| Motor Vehicle | No separate motor vehicle exemption — use the general personal property exemption below. |
| Wildcard | $300, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Covered by the $300 figure above and by the federal exemptions if elected. |
| Tools of Trade | No separate tools-of-trade exemption identified under Pennsylvania’s state list. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Pennsylvania and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Rhode Island Bankruptcy Exemptions
Rhode Island allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Rhode Island Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $500,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $12,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $6,500, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4. |
| Tools of Trade | $2,300 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Rhode Island and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
South Carolina Bankruptcy Exemptions
South Carolina has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use South Carolina’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| South Carolina Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $71,175 of equity in a primary residence; $142,350 for jointly owned property. |
| Motor Vehicle | $7,125 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $7,125, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against S.C. Code Ann. § 15-41-30. |
| Tools of Trade | $1,775 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under South Carolina and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
South Dakota Bankruptcy Exemptions
South Dakota has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use South Dakota’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| South Dakota Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | Unlimited value, limited by size (typically not exceeding 1 acre in a town/city or 160 acres elsewhere). |
| Motor Vehicle | $7,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $6,000, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against S.D. Codified Laws § 43-45. |
| Tools of Trade | $300 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under South Dakota and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Tennessee Bankruptcy Exemptions
Tennessee has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Tennessee’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Tennessee Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $5,000 of equity in a primary residence; $7,500 for jointly owned property. |
| Motor Vehicle | No separate motor vehicle exemption — use the personal property exemption below. |
| Wildcard | $10,000 applicable to any personal property. |
| Personal Property | Covered by the $10,000 figure above. |
| Tools of Trade | $1,900 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Tennessee and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions
Texas allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. Given Texas’s unlimited homestead, most Texas homeowners use the state exemptions; renters without much home equity may prefer the federal wildcard. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | Unlimited value, limited by size (typically not exceeding 10 acres in an urban area or 100 acres — 200 acres for a family — elsewhere). One of the most generous homestead exemptions in the country. |
| Motor Vehicle | Covered within Texas’s overall personal property exemption cap (see below); Texas allows one vehicle per licensed household member. |
| Wildcard | No separate wildcard — personal property is covered by a broad list of protected categories (vehicles, furnishings, tools of trade, firearms, livestock, and more) subject to an overall cap. |
| Personal Property | $50,000 for a single adult, or $100,000 for a family, covering the listed categories of personal property in aggregate (Tex. Prop. Code § 42.001–.002). |
| Tools of Trade | Included within the overall personal property cap above. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Texas and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Utah Bankruptcy Exemptions
Utah has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use Utah’s state exemptions.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Utah Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $48,600 of equity in a primary residence; $97,200 for jointly owned property. |
| Motor Vehicle | $5,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $1,000, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against Utah Code Ann. § 78B-5-505. |
| Tools of Trade | $5,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Utah and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Vermont Bankruptcy Exemptions
Vermont allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Vermont Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $125,000 of equity in a primary residence. |
| Motor Vehicle | $2,500 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $7,000, plus an additional $400 in any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against 12 V.S.A. § 2740. |
| Tools of Trade | $5,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Vermont and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Virginia Bankruptcy Exemptions
Virginia has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
Several personal property and tools-of-trade exemptions require the debtor to qualify as a “householder” to claim them. Virginia’s homestead exemption increased substantially (to $50,000) effective July 1, 2025; Virginia is expected to begin adjusting its exemptions on a regular 3-year schedule starting April 1, 2027.
| Virginia Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | May also claim rents & profits; sale proceeds exempt (husband and wife may double); unused portion may be applied to any personal property; may include mobile home; must file homestead declaration before filing; tenancy by entirety property may be exempt against debts of one spouse — $50,000 (current figure, increased effective July 1, 2025; previously $5,000 plus $500 per dependent) | 34-4, 34-18, 34-20, 34-6 |
| Insurance | Accident or sickness benefits | 38.2-3549 |
| Insurance | Burial society benefits | 38.2-4021 |
| Insurance | Cooperative life insurance benefits | 38.2-3811 |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits | 38.2-4118 |
| Insurance | Group life or accident insurance for government employees | 51.1-510 |
| Insurance | Group life insurance policy or proceeds | 38.2-3339 |
| Insurance | Industrial sick benefits | 38.2-3549 |
| Misc. | Property of business partnership | 50-25 |
| Pensions | City, town & county employees | 51.1-802 |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits — To $17,500/year | 34-34 |
| Pensions | Judges | 51.1-102 |
| Pensions | State employees | 51.1-102 |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Bible | 34-26(1) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Burial plot | 34-26(3) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Clothing — To $1,000 | 34-26(4) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Family portraits and heirlooms — To $5,000 total | 34-26(2) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Health aids | 34-26(6) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Household furnishings — To $5,000 | 34-26(4)(a) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Motor vehicle — To $6,000 | 34-26(8) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Personal injury causes of action and recoveries | 34-28.1 |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Pets | 34-26(5) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Wedding and engagement rings | 34-26(1)(a) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Prepaid tuition contracts | 23.1-707 |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Firearms — Not to exceed $3,000 | 34.26(b) |
| Personal Property (must be a householder) | Unpaid child & spousal support | 34.26(10) |
| Public Benefits | Aid to blind, aged, disabled, AFDC, general relief | 63.1-88 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation (unless discharging debt for injury treatment) | 19.2-368.12 |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 60.2-600 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 65.2-531 |
| Tools of Trade (must be a householder) | Farmer’s horses/mules with gear, wagon/cart, tractor to $3,000, plows, harvest tools, fertilizer to $1,000 — Exempt (per terms) | 34-27 |
| Tools of Trade (must be a householder) | Tools, books, instruments of trade including motor vehicles needed for occupation/education — To $10,000 | 34-26 |
| Tools of Trade (must be a householder) | Uniforms, arms, equipment of military member | 44-96 |
| Wages | Minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages, pension payments; judge may authorize more for low-income debtors — Exempt (per terms) | 34-29 |
| Wild Card | Unused portion of homestead, applied to any personal property — Exempt (per terms) | 34-13 |
| Wild Card | Any property, for disabled veterans (must be a householder) — $2,000 | 34-4.1 |
Washington Bankruptcy Exemptions
Washington allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Washington Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | Equity up to the county’s median home sale price for the prior year, with a floor of $125,000. |
| Motor Vehicle | $15,000 in equity in one motor vehicle. |
| Wildcard | $10,000, applicable to any property. |
| Personal Property | Household goods, furnishings, and other personal property protections apply; confirm current dollar limits against Wash. Rev. Code § 6.15. |
| Tools of Trade | $15,000 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Washington and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
West Virginia Bankruptcy Exemptions
Federal bankruptcy exemptions are also available in West Virginia (since July 1, 2021) — debtors may use either the federal or state exemptions, but not both.
West Virginia raised several of its state exemption dollar amounts in recent legislation (homestead, personal property, jewelry, motor vehicle, and tools of trade all increased from their prior levels, reflected below); confirm any figure marked “confirm current figure” and the wage/wildcard figures against W. Va. Code § 38-10-4 before filing.
| West Virginia Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real or personal property used as residence — To $35,000 (current figure; previously $25,000); doubles to $70,000 for a married couple who co-own the property and file jointly; unused portion may be applied to any property | 38-10-4(a) |
| Personal Property | Animals, crops, clothing, appliances, books, household goods, furnishings, musical instruments — To $800 per item, $16,000 total (current figures; previously $400/$8,000) | 38-10-4(c) |
| Personal Property | Burial plot in lieu of homestead — To $35,000 (current figure; previously $25,000) | 38-10-4(a) |
| Personal Property | Health aids | 38-10-4(I) |
| Personal Property | Jewelry — To $2,000 (current figure; previously $1,000) | 38-10-4(d) |
| Personal Property | Lost earnings payments needed for support | 38-10-4(k)(5) |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicle — To $7,500 (current figure; previously $2,400) | 38-10-4(b) |
| Personal Property | Personal injury recoveries (not incl. pain & suffering) — Confirm current figure (likely increased); previously $15,000 | 38-10-4(k)(4) |
| Personal Property | Wrongful death recoveries needed for support, for person you depended on | 38-10-4(k)(2) |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits | 33-23-21 |
| Insurance | Group life insurance policy or proceeds | 33-6-28 |
| Insurance | Health or disability benefits | 38-10-4(j)(3) |
| Insurance | Life insurance payments for person you depended on, needed for support | 38-10-4(k)(3) |
| Insurance | Unmatured life insurance contract, except credit insurance | 38-10-4(g) |
| Insurance | Unmatured life insurance contract’s accrued dividend, interest, or loan value — To $8,000, if debtor owns contract & insured is debtor or dependent | 38-10-4(h) |
| Misc. | Alimony, child support needed for support | 38-10-4(j)(4) |
| Misc. | Property of business partnership | 47-8A-25 |
| Pensions | ERISA-qualified benefits needed for support | 38-10-4(j)(5) |
| Pensions | Public employees | 5-10-46 |
| Pensions | Teachers | 18-7A-30 |
| Public Benefits | Aid to blind, aged, disabled, general assistance | 9-5-1 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation | 14-2A-24, 38-10-4(k)(1) |
| Public Benefits | Social security | 38-10-4(j)(1) |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 38-10-4(j)(1) |
| Public Benefits | Veterans’ benefits | 38-10-4(j)(2) |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 23-4-18 |
| Tools of Trade | Implements, books & tools of trade — To $3,000 (current figure; previously $1,500) | 38-10-4(f) |
| Wages | 80% of earned but unpaid wages; judge may authorize more for low-income debtors | 38-5A-3 |
| Wild Card | Any property, plus unused portion of homestead/burial exemption — $800 | 38-10-4(e) |
Wisconsin Bankruptcy Exemptions
Wisconsin allows debtors to choose between the state exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)) — not both. See the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions guide for current federal figures.
Core figures on this page are drawn from a compiled 2026 multi-state exemption comparison, cross-checked against the current federal exemption figures (effective April 1, 2025) and general exemption-doubling and residency rules. Unlike the pages built from full state statutory PDFs, this page was not verified line-by-line against the primary state statute — confirm the current figures and any sub-category detail (insurance, specific public benefits, wage garnishment percentages) against the state code before relying on this for a filing.
| Wisconsin Bankruptcy Exemptions — Core Categories | |
| Category | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $75,000 of equity in a primary residence; $150,000 for jointly owned property. |
| Motor Vehicle | $4,000 in equity in one motor vehicle, plus any unused personal property exemption. |
| Wildcard | $12,000 general personal property exemption, applicable broadly. |
| Personal Property | Covered by the $12,000 figure above. |
| Tools of Trade | $7,500 in tools of the trade. |
| Retirement Accounts | Retirement accounts are generally exempt under Wisconsin and federal law. |
This page covers the core exemption categories (homestead, vehicle, wildcard,
personal property, tools of trade, retirement). It does not itemize every sub-category (insurance proceeds, specific
public benefits, wage garnishment limits, etc.) the way the state guides built from full statutory PDFs do. Confirm
current figures and full statutory detail before relying on this for a filing, as some states adjust these numbers
periodically and legislative changes are not always reflected immediately in secondary sources.
Wyoming Bankruptcy Exemptions
Wyoming has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions — debtors must use the state exemptions listed below.
Wyoming’s homestead exemption rose substantially to $100,000 effective January 1, 2023 (updated above). Several other Wyoming figures below (vehicle, jewelry, tools of trade) may also have increased since this page’s original source was compiled — Wyoming has no automatic inflation-adjustment schedule, so changes only happen via new legislation; confirm current amounts against Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-20-106 before filing.
| Wyoming Exemptions | ||
| Asset | Exemption | Law Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Real property you occupy, or house trailer you occupy; joint owners may double; spouse or child of deceased owner may claim; tenancy by entirety may be exempt against debts of one spouse — $100,000 (current figure, effective since January 1, 2023; previously $10,000 real property / $6,000 house trailer) | 1-20-101, 1-20-102, 1-20-104, 1-20-103 |
| Insurance | Annuity contract proceeds — To $350/month | 26-15-132 |
| Insurance | Disability benefits if clause prohibits payment to creditors | 26-15-130 |
| Insurance | Fraternal benefit society benefits | 26-29-218 |
| Insurance | Group life or disability policy or proceeds | 26-15-131 |
| Insurance | Life insurance proceeds held by insurer, if clause prohibits payment to beneficiary’s creditors | 26-15-133 |
| Misc. | Liquor licenses & malt beverage permits | 12-4-604 |
| Pensions | Criminal investigators, highway officers, game & fish wardens | 9-3-620 |
| Pensions | Firefighters, police officers (only payments being received) | 15-5-209 |
| Pensions | Private or public retirement funds and accounts | 1-20-110 |
| Pensions | Public employees | 9-3-426 |
| Personal Property | Bedding, furniture, household articles & food, per person in the home — To $2,000/person | 1-20-106(a)(iii) |
| Personal Property | Bible, schoolbooks & pictures | 1-20-106(a)(I) |
| Personal Property | Burial plot | 1-20-106(a)(ii); 35-8-104 |
| Personal Property | Clothing & wedding rings needed — To $1,000 | 1-20-105 |
| Personal Property | Funeral contracts, pre-paid | 26-32-102 |
| Personal Property | Motor vehicle — To $2,000 | 1-20-106(a)(iv) |
| Public Benefits | General assistance | 42-2-113 |
| Public Benefits | Crime victims’ compensation | 1-40-113 |
| Public Benefits | Unemployment compensation | 27-3-319 |
| Public Benefits | Workers’ compensation | 27-14-702 |
| Tools of Trade | Library & implements of professional, or tools/motor vehicle/implements/team & stock in trade — To $2,000 | 1-20-106(b) |
| Wages | Earnings of National Guard members exempt; minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages; wages of inmates on work release exempt — Exempt (per terms) | 19-2-501; 1-15-511; 7-16-308 |
| Wild Card | None | — |