If you file for bankruptcy in Washington , you can choose **Washington state exemptions** plus any federal nonbankruptcy exemptions , or you can use the federal bankruptcy exemptions . You cannot mix from both. Married couples often double an exemption for jointly owned property, except where limited. Always confirm with a local bankruptcy attorney for the latest amounts and rules.
| Exemption Type | Amount | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead | The greater of $125,000 or prior year's median property value in your county (recent amounts range from about 200k to 900k+). | Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 6.13.030 | No doubling for spouses. Significantly reduced for personal property (like a mobile home). Value adjusts yearly. |
| Motor Vehicle | $15,000 equity in one vehicle (each spouse may exempt a car) | RCW § 6.15.010(1)(d)(iii) | Protects one car, truck, or motorcycle for each filer if co-owned. |
| Wildcard | Up to $10,000 in personal property, with some exceptions; $2,000 to $2,500 limit for cash/bank accounts (depending on whether you have consumer or student loan debt) | RCW § 6.15.010(1)(d)(ii) | Filers can protect personal property not covered by other exemptions, subject to sub-limits for cash. |
| Tools of the Trade | $15,000 | RCW § 6.15.010(1)(e) | Instruments and materials used in your profession. Additional specifics for farmers, physicians, attorneys, and clergy. |
| Pensions & Retirement | Police, firefighter, teacher, city employee retirement generally exempt; most tax-exempt accounts under federal law also protected. | RCW §§ 41.26.053, 41.20.180, 41.24.240, 43.43.310, 41.32.590, etc. | 401(k), 403(b), IRAs up to $1,711,975 (2025). Check 11 U.S.C. §§ 522(b)(3)(C),(n). |
| Personal Property | Clothing (including furs/jewelry to $3,500 per person), family pictures, books/electronic media to $3,500, household goods/furniture to $6,500 per person ($13,000 married), each item max $750, etc. | RCW §§ 6.15.010(1)(a)-(d), see sub-items | Also child support, medical aids, personal injury recovery to $20,000, tuition units purchased 2+ years prior, etc. |
| Misc. Exemptions | Fire insurance proceeds on exempt property, wages/salaries, trust income, crime victim comp, some partnership property, uniforms/firearms for military, burial lots sold by nonprofit, public assistance, etc. | RCW §§ 6.15.030, 6.27.150, 6.32.250, etc. | Verify each reference for specifics (e.g., wages, uniform allowances, burial or trust property). |
Instead of Washington’s state exemptions, you may choose the federal bankruptcy exemptions found in 11 U.S.C. § 522(d) . These amounts adjust every three years. Below are some key 522(d) categories (2022–2025 figures shown as examples; confirm updates):
| Exemption Type | Federal Amount (Approx.) | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead | ~$27,900 equity in real property | 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(1) | Doubled if married & co-own. Federal amounts often less than WA homestead. |
| Motor Vehicle | ~$4,450 equity | § 522(d)(2) | Check latest adjusted amounts. |
| Wildcard | ~$1,475 plus any unused homestead up to ~$13,950 | § 522(d)(5) | Generally used to protect miscellaneous assets/cash. |
| Tools of Trade | ~$2,800 | § 522(d)(6) | Covers implements, books, or professional instruments. |
| Personal Property | Clothing, household items ~$700/item, $14,875 total; jewelry ~$1,875; personal injury ~$27,900, etc. | § 522(d)(3)-(5), (9)-(11) | Each category has sub-limits. Confirm new amounts if updated. |
| Retirement | IRAs & Roth IRAs up to $1,512,350 (2025 figure), plus 401(k), 403(b), etc. fully exempt | § 522(d)(12); 11 U.S.C. §§ 522(b)(3)(C),(n) | Federal law also excludes certain contributions made near filing. Check specifics. |
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: In Chapter 7, the trustee may sell any nonexempt assets to pay creditors. In Chapter 13, you keep your property but must pay unsecured creditors the nonexempt asset value over 3-5 years.
You must live in Washington for 730 days (2 years) before filing to use Washington’s exemptions. Otherwise, you may need your prior state’s laws. A federal “cap” can limit a recently purchased homestead if owned fewer than 40 months. Confirm details locally.
Important: Exemptions change periodically. Always check if statutes and amounts are current. Verify with a bankruptcy attorney to confirm that these exemptions still apply.