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What are bankruptcy exemptions in Washington?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-02

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):

  • King County: ~$729,600.
  • Snohomish County: ~$601,700.
  • Pierce County: ~$535,000.
  • Spokane County: ~$390,000.
  • Smaller rural counties: $125,000+ minimum floor.
  • 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)

  • $3,000 in personal property of any kind, but only $1,500 may be cash, securities, or bank deposits.
  • 4. Motor Vehicle — RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(iii)

  • $3,250 equity in one vehicle (or 2 if married, total $6,500).
  • 5. Personal Property — RCW 6.15.010(1)(b)

  • Household goods, furniture, appliances, books, clothing: $6,500 aggregate ($13,000 joint).
  • Jewelry — § 6.15.010(1)(d): $3,500.
  • Family Bible, school books, family pictures: unlimited.
  • Burial plot: exempt.
  • Pets — including their food.
  • 6. Tools of Trade — RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(i)

  • $10,000.
  • 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

  • ERISA plans, IRAs, Roth IRAs, 529 plans: fully exempt.
  • 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)

  • $20,000 for personal bodily injury (excluding pain and suffering).
  • 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.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • 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
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • 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.