What Creditors Can't Take in Alaska
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in Alaska.
Short answer: Earnings protected under the earnings exemption stay protected. A person who does not receive regular weekly, twice-monthly or monthly earnings may claim $1,890 per month in cash and other liquid assets, including bank deposits ($2,970 with an affidavit that their earnings alone support… AS 09.38.030(b), 09.38.050(b), 09.38.020; 8 AAC 95.030; Alaska Court System Judgment Debtor Booklet, CIV-511 (8/26)
| Money protected in a bank account | Earnings protected under the earnings exemption stay protected. A person who does not receive regular weekly, twice-monthly or monthly earnings may claim $1,890 per month in cash and other liquid assets, including bank deposits ($2,970 with an affidavit that their earnings alone support the household). Alaska Permanent Fund dividends are treated separately: 20% of the annual dividend is exempt. Inflation-adjusted amounts as printed in the August 2026 booklet. |
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| Homestead exemption | Up to $72,900 of equity in property used as the principal residence of the debtor or the debtor's dependents (the statute's base figure is $54,000, adjusted for inflation). Co-owners share a single cap for one living unit. If a homestead is sold on execution, the owner has 60 days before court confirmation to repurchase it. Adjusted figure from https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/forms/docs/civ-511.pdf Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Vehicle exemption | Up to $4,050 for one motor vehicle, but only if the vehicle's full value does not exceed $27,000. The amount is the value of the debtor's interest, not counting recorded liens. Inflation-adjusted amounts as printed in the August 2026 booklet. |
| Bankruptcy exemptions | Alaska has opted out of the federal exemptions. In bankruptcy, only the listed Alaska exemptions (homestead, personal property, earnings and other listed categories) apply. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 09.38.055 |
Where to get help in Alaska
- Alaska Department of Law, Consumer Protection Unit (collection agency licensing is handled by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development)
- File a complaint or claim
More Alaska debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Alaska
- Wage Garnishment in Alaska
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Alaska
- All Alaska debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Alaska?
Earnings protected under the earnings exemption stay protected. A person who does not receive regular weekly, twice-monthly or monthly earnings may claim $1,890 per month in cash and other liquid assets, including bank deposits ($2,970 with an affidavit that their earnings alone support the household). Alaska Permanent Fund dividends are treated separately: 20% of the annual dividend is exempt.
What is the homestead exemption in Alaska?
Up to $72,900 of equity in property used as the principal residence of the debtor or the debtor's dependents (the statute's base figure is $54,000, adjusted for inflation). Co-owners share a single cap for one living unit. If a homestead is sold on execution, the owner has 60 days before court confirmation to repurchase it.
Can a creditor take my car in Alaska?
Up to $4,050 for one motor vehicle, but only if the vehicle's full value does not exceed $27,000. The amount is the value of the debtor's interest, not counting recorded liens.
Which bankruptcy exemptions can I use in Alaska?
Alaska has opted out of the federal exemptions. In bankruptcy, only the listed Alaska exemptions (homestead, personal property, earnings and other listed categories) apply.
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.