Arkansas is a “dual-choice” state, meaning you can use Arkansas exemptions and also **some** federal exemptions. Below is a comprehensive list of commonly claimed state-specific exemptions, along with references. Always verify the current amounts and rules with an attorney, as laws and interpretations may change.
| Asset / Type of Property | Exemption Description | Statute / Law Section | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead – Option 1 (Rural / Urban) | Rural: Up to 160 acres not exceeding \$2,500 value; or at least 80 acres without regard to value. Urban: Up to 1 acre not exceeding \$2,500 value; or 1/4 acre without regard to value. | Ark. Const. art. 9, §§ 3, 4, 5; A.C.A. §§ 16-66-210; 16-66-218(b)(3), (4) | Cannot be doubled by spouses (see In re Stevens, 829 F.2d 693). |
| Homestead – Option 2 | Real or personal property used as a residence, up to **\$800 (single)**; **\$1,250 (married)**. | A.C.A. § 16-66-218(a)(1) | Must choose either Option 1 or Option 2, not both. |
| Annuity Contract | Exempt annuity proceeds. | A.C.A. § 23-79-134 | |
| Disability Benefits | Exempt disability benefits. | A.C.A. § 23-79-133 | |
| Fraternal Benefit Society Benefits | Fully exempt from claims. | A.C.A. § 23-74-403 | |
| Group Life Insurance | Policy or proceeds are exempt. | A.C.A. § 23-79-132 | |
| Life, Health, Accident or Disability Cash Value | Paid or due (limited to \$500 under Arkansas Constitution, see In re Holt, 97 B.R. 997). | A.C.A. § 16-66-209 | The Arkansas Constitution art. 9, §§ 1 & 2 limit to \$500. |
| Life Insurance Proceeds (Anti-Creditor Clause) | Exempt if the policy specifically prevents proceeds from being used to pay beneficiary’s creditors. | A.C.A. § 23-79-131 | |
| Life Insurance Proceeds / Avails if Beneficiary Not the Insured | Exempt from claims. | A.C.A. § 23-79-131 | |
| Mutual Assessment Life / Disability | Up to **\$1,000** exempt. | A.C.A. § 23-79-114 | |
| Stipulated Insurance Premiums | Generally exempt from creditors. | A.C.A. § 23-71-112 | |
| Property of Business Partnership | Exempt from individual partner’s creditors. | A.C.A. § 4-42-502 | |
| Disabled Firefighters | Exempt pension benefits. | A.C.A. § 24-11-814 | |
| Disabled Police Officers | Exempt pension benefits. | A.C.A. § 24-11-417 | |
| Firefighters | General firefighter pensions exempt. | A.C.A. § 24-10-616 | |
| IRA Deposits | Up to **\$20,000** if deposited at least 1 year before filing. | A.C.A. § 16-66-218(b)(16) | |
| Police Officers | Police retirement exempt. | A.C.A. § 24-10-616 | |
| School Employees | Exempt pension/retirement benefits. | A.C.A. § 24-7-715 | |
| State Police Officers | Exempt benefits (retirement, etc.). | A.C.A. §§ 24-6-202, 24-6-205, 24-6-223 | |
| Burial Plot (Up to 5 acres) | May be taken in lieu of homestead Option 2. | A.C.A. §§ 16-66-207, 16-66-218(a)(1) | |
| Clothing | Protected by Arkansas Constitution art. 9, §§ 1 & 2. | Ark. Const. 9-1, 9-2 | |
| Motor Vehicle | Equity up to **\$1,200**. | A.C.A. § 16-66-218(a)(2) | |
| Wedding Bands | Any diamond cannot exceed 1/2 carat. | A.C.A. § 16-66-218(a)(3) | |
| Aid to Blind, Aged, Disabled, AFDC | Fully exempt. | A.C.A. § 20-76-430 | |
| Crime Victim’s Compensation | Exempt unless discharging debt for injury from the crime. | A.C.A. § 16-90-716(e) | |
| Unemployment Compensation | Exempt from claims. | A.C.A. § 11-10-109 | |
| Workers’ Compensation | Exempt from creditors. | A.C.A. § 11-9-110 | |
| Implements, Books, Tools of Trade | Up to **\$750** total value. | A.C.A. § 16-66-218(a)(4) | |
| Wages | Earned but unpaid wages for 60 days; at least \$25/week. | A.C.A. §§ 16-66-208, 16-66-218(b)(6) | |
| “Wild Card” | Up to **\$500** of any personal property if married or head of family; else **\$200**. | Ark. Const. 9-1, 9-2; A.C.A. §§ 16-66-218(b)(1), (2) |
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and may not reflect the most recent legal developments. Exemption laws can change or be interpreted differently by courts. Always consult a licensed Arkansas bankruptcy attorney for advice specific to your situation.