What Creditors Can't Take in Ohio
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in Ohio.
Short answer: $625 in cash, money on deposit in a bank or credit union, tax refunds and money due within 90 days (other than wages), for April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. Exempt benefits deposited in an account keep their own protection. Ohio Rev. Code 2329.66(A)(3), (B); Ohio Judicial Conference adjustment table
| Money protected in a bank account | $625 in cash, money on deposit in a bank or credit union, tax refunds and money due within 90 days (other than wages), for April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. Exempt benefits deposited in an account keep their own protection. Inflation-adjusted every three years by the Ohio Judicial Conference; the statute text still shows the older base figure ($400). Prior amount (Apr. 2022–Mar. 2025) was $550. |
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| Homestead exemption | $182,625 in one parcel or item of real or personal property that the debtor or a dependent uses as a residence, for April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. Statute: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2329.66 (base figure $125,000 in the text). Prior amount (Apr. 2022–Mar. 2025) was $161,375. |
| Vehicle exemption | $5,025 in one motor vehicle, for April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. Prior amount (Apr. 2022–Mar. 2025) was $4,450. |
| Bankruptcy exemptions | Ohio has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions; Ohio residents use the Ohio exemptions (including a bankruptcy-only $1,675 wildcard for April 2025–March 2028). Wildcard amount from https://www.ohiojudges.org/cdn/Exemptions.pdf |
Where to get help in Ohio
More Ohio debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Ohio
- Wage Garnishment in Ohio
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Ohio
- All Ohio debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Ohio?
$625 in cash, money on deposit in a bank or credit union, tax refunds and money due within 90 days (other than wages), for April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. Exempt benefits deposited in an account keep their own protection.
What is the homestead exemption in Ohio?
$182,625 in one parcel or item of real or personal property that the debtor or a dependent uses as a residence, for April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028.
Can a creditor take my car in Ohio?
$5,025 in one motor vehicle, for April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028.
Which bankruptcy exemptions can I use in Ohio?
Ohio has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions; Ohio residents use the Ohio exemptions (including a bankruptcy-only $1,675 wildcard for April 2025–March 2028).
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.