Ready to say goodbye to student loan debt for good? Learn More
X
Free Articles
Get Free Help
Filing Guide

Which states allow me to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions?

1 minute read • Upsolve is a nonprofit that helps you get out of debt with education and free debt relief tools, like our bankruptcy filing tool. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. Get free education, customer support, and community. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University so we'll never ask you for a credit card.  Explore our free tool

In a Nutshell

Find out which states allow filers to choose between their state's exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions.

Written by the Upsolve Team. Legally reviewed by Attorney Andrea Wimmer
Updated May 11, 2023

The following states allow filers to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions instead of their state exemptions. If you haven't lived in your current state for more than two years before filing, remember to make sure you know which exemptions you're eligible for.

  • Alaska

  • Arkansas

  • Connecticut

  • District of Columbia

  • Hawaii

  • Kentucky

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Minnesota

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • New Mexico

  • New York

  • Oregon

  • Pennsylvania

  • Rhode Island

  • Texas

  • Vermont

  • Washington

  • Wisconsin

All other states require you to use their state-specific exemptions.

↑ Back to top
Written By:

The Upsolve Team

Upsolve is fortunate to have a remarkable team of bankruptcy attorneys, as well as finance and consumer rights professionals, as contributing writers to help us keep our content up to date, informative, and helpful to everyone.

Attorney Andrea Wimmer

TwitterLinkedIn

Andrea practiced exclusively as a bankruptcy attorney in consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for more than 10 years before joining Upsolve, first as a contributing writer and editor and ultimately joining the team as Managing Editor. While in private practice, Andrea handled... read more about Attorney Andrea Wimmer

Read About the Upsolve Team

Continue reading and learning!

Should I File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
By the Upsolve Team
What Are the New Jersey Bankruptcy Exemptions?
By Attorney Eva Bacevice
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
By the Upsolve Team

It's easy to get debt help

Choose one of the options below to get assistance with your debt:

Considering Bankruptcy?

Our free tool has helped 15,168+ families file bankruptcy on their own. We're funded by Harvard University and will never ask you for a credit card or payment.

Explore Free Tool
☆ 15,168 families have filed with Upsolve! ☆
or

Private Attorney

Get a free evaluation from an independent law firm.

Find Attorney

Learning Center

Research and understand your options with our articles and guides.

Go to Learning Center →

Already an Upsolve user?

Read Support Articles →

Bankruptcy Basics ➜

+ Show Articles

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy ➜

+ Show Articles

Wage Garnishment ➜

+ Show Articles

Property & Exemptions ➜

+ Show Articles

Cars ➜

+ Show Articles

Debts ➜

+ Show Articles

Student Loans ➜

+ Show Articles

Debt Collectors and Consumer Rights ➜

+ Show Articles

Taxes and Bankruptcy ➜

+ Show Articles

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy ➜

+ Show Articles

Going to Court ➜

+ Show Articles

Divorce and Bankruptcy ➜

+ Show Articles

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy ➜

+ Show Articles

State Guides ➜

+ Show Articles
Y-Combinator

Upsolve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that started in 2016. Our mission is to help low-income families resolve their debt and fix their credit using free software tools. Our team includes debt experts and engineers who care deeply about making the financial system accessible to everyone. We have world-class funders that include the U.S. government, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and leading foundations.

To learn more, read why we started Upsolve in 2016, our reviews from past users, and our press coverage from places like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.