Montana is a dual-choice state, allowing filers to use either the **Montana** exemptions or **federal** exemptions in bankruptcy. Below is a list of common **Montana** exemptions with references to the **Montana Code Annotated**. Always consult a licensed Montana bankruptcy attorney or the official statutes for current amounts and interpretations.
| Asset / Type of Property | Exemption Description | Statute / Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Up to **\$100,000 / \$200,000** in equity (some references differ), limited to 320 acres if farm,1 acre outside a municipality,1/4 acre in a municipality. Must record homestead declaration before filing. | Mont. Code §§ 70-32-104, 70-32-201, 70-32-216; 70-32-105 (declaration) | Confirm the precise dollar limit; some sources mention \$100k or \$200k depending on law updates. |
| Annuity Contract Proceeds | Up to \$350/month. | Mont. Code § 33-15-514 | |
| Disability / Illness Proceeds or Benefits | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code §§ 25-13-608(1)(d), 33-15-513 | |
| Fraternal Benefit Society Benefits | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 33-7-522 | |
| Group Life Insurance / Proceeds | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 33-15-512 | |
| Hail Insurance Benefits | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 80-2-245 | |
| Life Insurance Proceeds (Anti-Creditor Clause) | Exempt if policy prohibits proceeds from paying beneficiary’s creditors. | Mont. Code § 33-20-120 | |
| Medical, Surgical, Hospital Care Benefits | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 25-13-608(1)(e) | |
| Unmatured Life Insurance Contracts to \$4,000 | Dividends, interest, or loan value up to \$4k if the debtor or dependent is the insured. | Mont. Code § 25-13-609(4) | |
| Alimony / Child Support | Exempt to extent needed for support. | Mont. Code § 25-13-608(1)(f) | |
| Property of Business Partnership | Exempt from partner’s individual creditors. | Mont. Code § 35-10-502 | |
| ERISA-Qualified Benefits (1+ year before filing) Over 15% of Debtor’s Annual Income | Exempt if contributed at least 1 year prior, subject to certain conditions. | Mont. Code § 31-2-106 | |
| Firefighters, Game Wardens, Highway Patrol, Judges, Police, Public Employees, Sheriffs, Teachers, University Employees | Various state-run retirement systems generally exempt. (Only benefits building up or needed for support in some cases). | Mont. Code §§ 19-11-612(1), 19-13-1004, 19-8-805(2), 19-6-705(2), 19-5-704, 19-9-1006, 19-10-504(1), 19-3-105(1), 19-7-502(2), 19-4-706(2), 19-21-212 | |
| Appliances, Household Furnishings, Goods, Animals w/ Feed, Crops, Musical Instruments, Books, Firearms, Sporting Goods, Clothing & Jewelry | Up to \$600 per item, **\$4,500 total**. | Mont. Code § 25-13-609(1) | |
| Burial Plot | Fully exempt. | -- (Not explicitly cited, but likely under general property exemptions) | |
| Cooperative Association Shares up to \$500 | Exempt interest in a cooperative up to \$500. | Mont. Code § 25-13-608(1)(g), 35-15-404 | |
| Health Aids (Professionally Prescribed) | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 25-13-608(1)(a) | |
| Motor Vehicle to \$2,500 | Equity limit in one vehicle. | Mont. Code § 25-13-609(2) | |
| Proceeds for Damaged/Lost Exempt Property (6 months) | Remain exempt for 6 months after receipt. | Mont. Code § 25-13-610 | |
| Aid to Aged, Disabled, AFDC | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code §§ 53-2-606, 53-2-607 | |
| Crime Victims’ Compensation | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 53-9-129 | |
| Local Public Assistance | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 25-13-608(1)(b) | |
| Silicosis Benefits | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 39-73-110 | |
| Social Security | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 25-13-608(1)(b) | |
| Subsidized Adoption Benefits | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 53-2-607 | |
| Unemployment Compensation | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code §§ 31-2-106(2), 39-51-3105 | |
| Veterans’ Benefits | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 25-13-608(1)(1) | (Possibly a minor numbering error in the text) |
| Vocational Rehabilitation to the Blind | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 53-2-607 | |
| Workers’ Compensation | Fully exempt. | Mont. Code § 39-71-743 | |
| Implements, Books & Tools of Trade | Up to \$3,000 total. | Mont. Code § 25-13-609(3) | |
| Uniforms, Arms, Accoutrements for Government Functions | Fully exempt if required for official use. | Mont. Code § 25-13-613(b) | |
| Wages | Minimum **75%** of earned but unpaid wages exempt. Court may allow more if low income. | Mont. Code § 25-13-614 | |
| Wildcard | None specified in Montana law. | -- |
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Montana’s exemption statutes may be updated or interpreted differently by courts. Always consult a licensed Montana bankruptcy attorney or the official Montana Code Annotated for the most accurate, up-to-date amounts and eligibility requirements.