Bankruptcy Exemptions in Indiana
What property you can keep in bankruptcy in Indiana: homestead, vehicle, wildcard and retirement exemptions, and whether you can choose the federal exemptions.
Short answer: $22,750 for real estate or personal property that is the debtor's (or a dependent's) personal or family residence. Property held as tenants by the entirety may be exempt against debts owed by only one spouse. IC 34-55-10-2(c)(1), (c)(5); 750 IAC 1-1-1(c); Indiana Small Claims Manual (updated 12/23/2025), Notice of Exemptions
| Homestead exemption | $22,750 for real estate or personal property that is the debtor's (or a dependent's) personal or family residence. Property held as tenants by the entirety may be exempt against debts owed by only one spouse. Dollar figure from the Department of Financial Institutions rule 750 IAC 1-1-1(c), effective March 1, 2022 and "next subject to adjustment no later than March 1, 2028". Tenancy-by-the-entirety note from the Small Claims Manual: https://www.in.gov/courts/files/small-claims-manual.pdf |
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| Wildcard exemption | Indiana's exemption amounts include $12,100 for "Other real estate or tangible property" and $450 for "Intangible personal property" (the Small Claims Manual describes these as tangible personal property up to $12,100 and intangible personal property up to $450). Dollar figure from the Department of Financial Institutions rule 750 IAC 1-1-1(c), effective March 1, 2022 and "next subject to adjustment no later than March 1, 2028". |
| Retirement accounts | Certain retirement benefits are exempt; the Indiana courts' exemption notice cites IC 34-55-10-2(c)(6), Indiana public pension statutes (IC 36-8, 5-10.3-8-9, 5-10.4-5-14) and federal law. The notice does not describe which accounts (e.g., IRAs) are covered; IC 34-55-10-2(c)(6) was not read directly. |
| Wages | Garnishment is limited to the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 per week at $7.25). This is the garnishment limit, not a separate bankruptcy wage exemption. |
More Indiana bankruptcy
FAQ
How much home equity is protected in bankruptcy in Indiana?
$22,750 for real estate or personal property that is the debtor's (or a dependent's) personal or family residence. Property held as tenants by the entirety may be exempt against debts owed by only one spouse.
Does Indiana have a wildcard exemption?
Indiana's exemption amounts include $12,100 for "Other real estate or tangible property" and $450 for "Intangible personal property" (the Small Claims Manual describes these as tangible personal property up to $12,100 and intangible personal property up to $450).
Are retirement accounts protected in bankruptcy in Indiana?
Certain retirement benefits are exempt; the Indiana courts' exemption notice cites IC 34-55-10-2(c)(6), Indiana public pension statutes (IC 36-8, 5-10.3-8-9, 5-10.4-5-14) and federal law.
Are wages protected in bankruptcy in Indiana?
Garnishment is limited to the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 per week at $7.25).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.