Filing Bankruptcy in Arizona: Means Test, Exemptions and Courts

Arizona is a single federal district: the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona (https://www.azb.uscourts.gov).

1 person: $73,935; 2 people: $89,027; 3 people: $104,965; 4 people: $121,174; add $11,100 for each additional person over 4. These figures apply to bankruptcy cases filed on or after July 15, 2026 (the Census median income data was last updated for cases filed on or after April 1, 2026).

Arizona filers must use Arizona's exemptions: "residents of this state are not entitled to the federal exemptions provided in 11 U.S.C. 522 (d)."

Up to $400,000 in equity in the filer's home (house and land in one compact body, a condominium or cooperative, or a mobile home or other shelter plus its land). One exemption per married couple or single person. The amount is adjusted every January 1 for inflation starting in 2024. In bankruptcy, the exemption is measured as of the filing date.

Equity in one motor vehicle up to $15,000, or $25,000 if the filer or a dependent has a physical disability; adjusted every January 1 for inflation starting in 2024.

None. Arizona's exemption statutes list specific property types; no general exemption for property of the filer's choosing was found in A.R.S. 33-1125 or 33-1126.

Money or other assets in, or payable from, retirement plans under Internal Revenue Code sections 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A or 409, and 457 deferred compensation plans, are exempt from all creditors, including inherited interests. Amounts contributed within 120 days before filing bankruptcy are not exempt.

For most debts, no more than the lesser of 10% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount above 60 times the applicable minimum hourly wage can be taken, so at least 90% is protected. These limits do not apply to support orders or to orders of a bankruptcy court in a wage-earner (Chapter 13) plan, or to state or federal tax debts.

The court has a "Filing Without an Attorney" page, a Self-Help Center, Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) petition software, and local court forms.

District of Arizona (the state's only bankruptcy district): under Local Rule 2084-3(b)(2), the maximum fees that may be approved as a chapter 13 flat fee are $4,500 for a non-business case and $5,500 for a case where the debtor indicates in the statement of financial affairs that they are self-employed or engaged in business and required to file monthly operating reports under Local Rule 2084-2(b). An attorney electing a flat fee must provide listed minimum services through confirmation of the plan and then assist the debtor in obtaining a discharge (including reviewing financial information, preparing the petition, schedules and plan and amendments, attending the section 341 meeting, resolving creditor objections, objecting to proofs of claim, and responding to motions to dismiss and for stay relief). The plan must state the flat fee election and amount; the flat fee is available only if no party objects and the court confirms the plan or approves the fees. The election is generally irrevocable. Alternatively, counsel may elect hourly compensation subject to a fee application.