Bankruptcy Exemptions in California
Federal Exemption Option
California does not allow use of the federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d). Debtors must use state exemptions. The federal exemption amounts are shown below for reference only.
State Exemptions: California
California has opted out of the federal exemptions but offers two state systems (System 1 and System 2). System 2 includes a large wildcard in lieu of homestead.
| Category | State Amount (CA) |
|---|---|
| Homestead | $300,000–$600,000 (varies by county median home price) |
| Motor Vehicle | $7,500 |
| Wildcard | $1,600 + unused homestead (System 1) or $33,050 (System 2) |
| Tools of Trade | $9,700 |
Verify Before Relying
State exemption amounts change periodically. The amounts above are approximate and may not reflect the most recent legislative changes. Consult a licensed California bankruptcy attorney for current exemption amounts and applicability to your situation.
Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions Reference
The federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d) are adjusted every three years. The amounts below are effective April 1, 2025. These amounts are shown for reference only — debtors in California must use state exemptions.
| Category | Federal Amount | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead | $27,900 | § 522(d)(1) | $27,900 per debtor ($55,800 for married couple filing jointly) |
| Motor Vehicle | $4,450 | § 522(d)(2) | $4,450 in equity per debtor |
| Household Goods | $14,875 | § 522(d)(3) | $700 per item, $14,875 aggregate |
| Jewelry | $2,075 | § 522(d)(4) | $2,075 total |
| Wildcard | $1,475 + $13,950 unused homestead | § 522(d)(5) | $1,475 plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead exemption |
| Tools of Trade | $2,800 | § 522(d)(6) | $2,800 in implements, tools, or professional books |
| Retirement Accounts | Unlimited (ERISA-qualified) | § 522(b)(3)(C) / ERISA | IRAs up to $1,512,350; 401(k), 403(b), pensions generally unlimited |
| Life Insurance | $14,875 | § 522(d)(8) | $14,875 in unmatured life insurance policy loan value |
| Personal Injury | $27,900 | § 522(d)(11)(D) | $27,900 for personal injury (not pain and suffering) |
| Public Benefits | Unlimited | § 522(d)(10) | Social Security, unemployment, disability, alimony, public assistance |
Key Concepts
Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption protects equity in your primary residence from liquidation in bankruptcy. Some states impose both a dollar limit and an acreage limit. The federal homestead exemption is $27,900 per debtor. States like Texas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota offer unlimited-value homestead exemptions (with acreage limits).
Wildcard Exemption
The wildcard exemption can be applied to any property of your choosing. Under the federal system, you can exempt $1,475 in any property plus up to $13,950 of unused homestead exemption — making the wildcard particularly valuable for renters who do not use the homestead exemption.
Retirement Accounts
ERISA-qualified retirement accounts (401(k), 403(b), defined-benefit pensions) are protected from creditors under federal law regardless of which exemption system a debtor chooses. Traditional and Roth IRAs are exempt up to $1,512,350 (adjusted periodically). SEP-IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs receive the same unlimited protection as employer-sponsored plans.
Choosing Between Federal and State Exemptions
California has opted out of the federal exemption system under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(2). Debtors filing in California must use the state exemption amounts. The federal amounts shown above are for reference and comparison only.
Domicile Requirements
Under the 2005 BAPCPA amendments, you must have been domiciled in a state for at least 730 days (2 years) before filing to use that state's exemptions. If you moved states within the last 2 years, you may be required to use the exemptions of your prior state of residence. If that would render you ineligible for any state's exemptions, you may use the federal exemptions regardless of whether the filing state has opted out.
Not Legal Advice
This page provides general information about bankruptcy exemptions for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Exemption amounts are subject to change through legislation and periodic adjustments. The applicability of specific exemptions depends on your individual circumstances, including property type, equity amounts, filing status, and domicile history. Consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney in California before making decisions about your case.