What Creditors Can't Take in New Hampshire
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in New Hampshire.
Short answer: No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the general exemption for any property: $1,000 plus up to $7,000 of unused amounts from certain other exemptions (furniture, provisions, books, tools, automobile, jewelry). RSA 511:2, XVIII; RSA 512:21, XI
| Money protected in a bank account | No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the general exemption for any property: $1,000 plus up to $7,000 of unused amounts from certain other exemptions (furniture, provisions, books, tools, automobile, jewelry). Money in an account designated as a payroll account is exempt from trustee process. RSA 511:2 was amended by 2026 ch. 215, effective Aug. 31, 2026; the current text was read. Source: RSA 511:2, XVIII; RSA 512:21, XI |
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| Homestead exemption | $400,000 in a homestead used as the primary residence for the previous 12 months; up to $550,000 total when claimed by more than one person (such as a married couple). It includes manufactured housing, cooperatives and condominiums used as a home. Recently changed: raised to $400,000 by 2025 ch. 282, effective January 1, 2026 (the prior amount, set in 2016, was not re-verified here). Source: RSA 480:1 |
| Vehicle exemption | One automobile up to $10,000 in value. Source: RSA 511:2, XVI |
More New Hampshire debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in New Hampshire
- Wage Garnishment in New Hampshire
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in New Hampshire
- All New Hampshire debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in New Hampshire?
No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the general exemption for any property: $1,000 plus up to $7,000 of unused amounts from certain other exemptions (furniture, provisions, books, tools, automobile, jewelry). Money in an account designated as a payroll account is exempt from trustee process.
What is the homestead exemption in New Hampshire?
$400,000 in a homestead used as the primary residence for the previous 12 months; up to $550,000 total when claimed by more than one person (such as a married couple). It includes manufactured housing, cooperatives and condominiums used as a home.
Can a creditor take my car in New Hampshire?
One automobile up to $10,000 in value.
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.