Ohio Bankruptcy Exemptions
What property can you keep when filing Chapter 7 in Ohio?
Ohio Homestead Protection
$145,425
Ohio protects up to $145,425 of equity in your primary residence from creditors.
Ohio Exemption Table
2025/2026 figures — Chapter 7 bankruptcy
How to Claim Exemptions in Ohio
To claim your Ohio bankruptcy exemptions, you must list each exempt asset on Schedule C of your bankruptcy petition. Ohio has opted out of the federal exemption system, so debtors must use Ohio state exemptions only. A bankruptcy preparer can help you list your property correctly — all claims are subject to court approval.
How does Ohio compare to other states?
Use the side-by-side comparison tool to see which state offers more protection for your assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much home equity can I protect in Ohio bankruptcy?
Ohio's homestead exemption protects up to $145,425 of your home's equity. If your equity exceeds this amount, the Chapter 7 trustee may sell your home — though in practice, most filers don't exceed this limit.
Can I keep my car when filing bankruptcy in Ohio?
Ohio's vehicle exemption protects up to $4,450 in car equity. If your car is worth less than this (or your equity after the loan balance is within this limit), you can typically keep it. If you're financing the car, you may also reaffirm the debt to keep it regardless of equity.
Are retirement accounts protected in Ohio bankruptcy?
Yes — Ohio protects Unlimited in qualified retirement accounts. This includes 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and pension accounts. Retirement assets are among the strongest-protected assets in bankruptcy across all 50 states.
Ready to take the next step?
Check If You Qualify for Chapter 7 in Ohio
Run the free qualification check to see if your income is below the Ohio median threshold. Takes under 5 minutes.
Check My EligibilityFree · No attorney required · Results in minutes
Non-Attorney Notice: JustiPal™ is a document preparation service — not a law firm. Exemption amounts shown are for educational purposes and reflect general 2025/2026 figures. Individual results depend on your specific assets, equity calculations, and applicable state law. Consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.