What are bankruptcy exemptions in Washington?
Washington's county-based homestead under RCW 6.13.030 (2021 amendment) is the most generous state homestead in the country for high-cost counties.
1. Choice Between State and Federal
Washington did not opt out. Debtors may choose state (RCW 6.13, 6.15) or federal exemptions.
2. Washington Homestead — RCW 6.13.030
2021 amendment (SB 5408) changed homestead from a fixed $125,000 to the median sale price for a single-family home in the county, calculated yearly.
Example county figures (2024):
This protects the average homeowner in expensive Seattle/King County markets — comparable to California's tier system.
3. Wildcard — RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(ii)
4. Motor Vehicle — RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(iii)
5. Personal Property — RCW 6.15.010(1)(b)
6. Tools of Trade — RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(i)
7. Wages — RCW 6.27.150
75% of disposable earnings OR 35x federal minimum wage exempt — slightly more protective than CCPA.
8. Retirement Accounts — RCW 6.15.020
9. Insurance — RCW 48.18.410, 48.18.420
Life insurance, annuities, disability — fully exempt.
10. Public Benefits — RCW 7.68.070, 50.40.020
Social Security, unemployment, workers' comp, veterans', public assistance, crime victim compensation — fully exempt.
11. Personal Injury Proceeds — RCW 6.15.010(1)(j)
12. Federal Exemption Comparison
Federal homestead $27,900 — far less than WA state homestead in most metro counties. State homestead almost always wins.
13. Domicile Requirement
730-day rule under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3).
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- You're in a high-cost county like King County and want to maximize the dynamic homestead
- Your home equity may exceed even the county median
- You moved to Washington recently and may not yet qualify for state exemptions
- RCW 6.13.030
- RCW 6.15.010
- RCW 6.15.020
- RCW 6.27.150
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.