What Creditors Can't Take in Utah
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in Utah.
Short answer: The Utah Exemptions Act has no general exemption for cash or bank deposits. Exempt sources (such as disability or unemployment benefits, child support, retirement accounts, and federal income tax refunds) are protected. Utah Code 78B-5-505 (as amended 2026)
| Money protected in a bank account | The Utah Exemptions Act has no general exemption for cash or bank deposits. Exempt sources (such as disability or unemployment benefits, child support, retirement accounts, and federal income tax refunds) are protected. |
|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | For 2026: up to $53,700 in a primary personal residence (dwelling or mobile home with up to 1 acre), or $6,400 for other real property; jointly owned property is capped at $107,500 per household for a primary residence ($12,800 otherwise). Amounts are inflation-adjusted every January by the State Auditor. Statute: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter5/C78B-5-S503_2019051420190514.html (base $42,000 / $84,000). 2025 figures were $52,400 / $104,700 (https://auditor.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Homestead-Exemption-Value-2025Final.pdf). |
| Vehicle exemption | One motor vehicle up to $3,000 in value (not recreational vehicles); vehicles used in the debtor's trade may also fall within the $5,000 tools-of-trade exemption. Source: Utah Code 78B-5-506(2)-(3) |
| Bankruptcy exemptions | Utah has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions; Utah residents use Utah exemptions (the federal list is available only to someone who has been a nonresident for the 180 days before filing). Source: Utah Code 78B-5-513 |
Where to get help in Utah
More Utah debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Utah
- Wage Garnishment in Utah
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah
- All Utah debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Utah?
The Utah Exemptions Act has no general exemption for cash or bank deposits. Exempt sources (such as disability or unemployment benefits, child support, retirement accounts, and federal income tax refunds) are protected.
What is the homestead exemption in Utah?
For 2026: up to $53,700 in a primary personal residence (dwelling or mobile home with up to 1 acre), or $6,400 for other real property; jointly owned property is capped at $107,500 per household for a primary residence ($12,800 otherwise). Amounts are inflation-adjusted every January by the State Auditor.
Can a creditor take my car in Utah?
One motor vehicle up to $3,000 in value (not recreational vehicles); vehicles used in the debtor's trade may also fall within the $5,000 tools-of-trade exemption.
Which bankruptcy exemptions can I use in Utah?
Utah has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemptions; Utah residents use Utah exemptions (the federal list is available only to someone who has been a nonresident for the 180 days before filing).
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.