What are bankruptcy exemptions in Ohio?

Ohio's bankruptcy exemptions are moderate to generous with a strong homestead amount.

1. Opt-Out State — R.C. § 2329.662

Ohio opted out of federal bankruptcy exemptions. Debtors must use Ohio exemptions only.

2. Homestead — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(1)(b)

$182,625 per debtor (effective April 1, 2025; adjusted every 3 years for CPI).

$365,250 for married couples both on title and both filing.

This is among the higher state homestead exemptions in the country.

3. Motor Vehicle — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(2)

$4,800 equity in one motor vehicle.

4. Wildcard — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(18)

$1,475 in any property — applied to bank accounts, jewelry, or vehicles beyond the standard exemption.

5. Personal Property — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(3)-(4)

Household goods, furniture, appliances: $700 per item, $14,875 aggregate.

Jewelry: $1,875.

Cash on hand: $550.

6. Tools of Trade — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(5)

$2,825.

7. Wages — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(13)

75% of disposable wages exempt from garnishment.

8. Retirement Accounts — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(10)

401(k), 403(b), pensions: fully exempt under ERISA + state law.

IRAs and Roth IRAs: fully exempt under R.C. § 2329.66(A)(10)(c).

9. Insurance

Life insurance — R.C. § 3911.10: cash value generally exempt.

Disability benefits — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(6): exempt.

10. Public Benefits — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(9)

Social Security, unemployment, workers' comp, veterans', public assistance — fully exempt.

11. Personal Injury Proceeds — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(12)

$27,900 for personal bodily injury.

Wrongful death proceeds: amount reasonably necessary for support.

12. Spousal Support / Child Support — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(11)

Necessary for support — fully exempt.

13. Burial Plot — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(8)

Fully exempt.

14. College Savings Plans — R.C. § 2329.66(A)(11)(c)

529 plans exempt for contributions made more than 720 days before filing.

15. Domicile Requirement

730-day rule under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3) applies.

16. Doubling

Married couples filing jointly may double most exemptions — particularly important for the homestead, where joint exemption exceeds $365,000.

This is legal information, not legal advice.