Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Idaho (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Idaho · Last updated August 18, 2026
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is federal law, but the property you keep is set by Idaho. Idaho is an opt-out state: under Idaho Code section 11-609 you must use Idaho's exemptions and cannot choose the federal 522(d) list. This page explains Idaho's $175,000 homestead exemption under Idaho Code section 55-1003, the $10,000 vehicle exemption, the household goods and wildcard figures, the means-test median income, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho where Idahoans file. Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debt but not most student loans, recent taxes, or child and spousal support.
Does Idaho use state or federal bankruptcy exemptions?
Idaho is an opt-out state. Under Idaho Code section 11-609, a debtor filing bankruptcy in Idaho may exempt only the property allowed by Idaho law and cannot elect the federal 11 U.S.C. 522(d) exemption set. You use the Idaho exemptions in full; there is no choice between a state and a federal list.
Can I keep my house if I file Chapter 7 in Idaho?
Often yes. Under Idaho Code section 55-1003, Idaho's homestead exemption protects up to $175,000 of equity in your home, and the figure is adjusted periodically. If your home equity fits within that amount, Chapter 7 generally lets you keep the house. Equity above the cap may be reachable by the trustee.
Can I keep my car if I file Chapter 7 in Idaho?
Usually yes if your equity is modest. Under Idaho Code section 11-605(3), Idaho exempts up to $10,000 of equity in one motor vehicle. If your car equity is at or below that figure, the vehicle is protected. Higher equity may be partly reachable by the bankruptcy trustee to pay creditors.
What is the income limit to file Chapter 7 in Idaho?
For cases filed on or after July 15, 2026, the U.S. Trustee median income figures for Idaho are $73,413 for one earner, $86,160 for two, $98,381 for three, and $119,662 for four, adding $11,100 per additional person. At or below your household figure, you pass the first part of the means test.
Idaho's Opt-Out Rule, the $175,000 Homestead, and the District of Idaho
Idaho is a bankruptcy opt-out state. Under Idaho Code section 11-609, a debtor filing in Idaho may exempt only such property as is specified under Idaho law and cannot choose the federal 11 U.S.C. 522(d) exemptions. Idaho's headline protection is its homestead exemption under Idaho Code section 55-1003, which shields up to $175,000 of equity in a home or manufactured house occupied as a residence, a figure adjusted periodically for inflation. Idaho protects up to $10,000 of equity in one motor vehicle under Idaho Code section 11-605(3), and offers a wildcard of up to $1,500 in any tangible personal property under Idaho Code section 11-605(11). Household furnishings, clothing, books, pets, and family heirlooms are exempt up to $1,000 per item within a $7,500 aggregate cap under Idaho Code section 11-605(1). Idaho has a single federal judicial district, so Idahoans file in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho, which holds hearings in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Moscow, Pocatello, and Twin Falls based on where the debtor has lived for most of the prior 180 days.
Relevant Laws
Idaho Homestead Exemption (Idaho Code 55-1003)
Limits Idaho's homestead exemption to $175,000 of equity in a home, mobile home, or manufactured house occupied as a residence, adjusted periodically. This is the exemption that lets many Idaho homeowners keep their house in Chapter 7.
Idaho Opt-Out From Federal Exemptions (Idaho Code 11-609)
Idaho's opt-out statute. It provides that in any federal bankruptcy proceeding an individual debtor may exempt only such property as is specified under Idaho law, barring use of the federal 11 U.S.C. 522(d) exemption list.
Idaho Personal Property and Wildcard Exemptions (Idaho Code 11-605)
Sets Idaho's personal property exemptions, including up to $10,000 of equity in one motor vehicle under subsection (3), household goods up to $1,000 per item within a $7,500 cap under subsection (1), and a $1,500 wildcard in any tangible personal property under subsection (11).
Federal Bankruptcy Code Exemptions and Means Test (11 U.S.C. 522, 707)
The federal law behind Chapter 7. Section 522(b)(2) lets a state opt out of the federal 522(d) exemptions, which Idaho has done, and section 707(b) sets the means test measured against state median income.
Regional Variances
Idaho Chapter 7 Exemption Table
Homestead
Idaho Code 55-1003: up to $175,000 of equity in a home, mobile home, or manufactured house occupied as a residence, adjusted periodically for inflation. Idaho is an opt-out state, so this figure applies and the federal homestead is not available. Equity above the cap may be reachable.
Motor vehicle
Idaho Code 11-605(3): up to $10,000 of equity in one motor vehicle. Equity above the figure may be reachable by the trustee, though a car loan balance reduces the equity that must be exempted.
Wildcard
Idaho Code 11-605(11): up to $1,500 in any tangible personal property of the debtor's choosing. This can be applied to assets that do not fall within another Idaho exemption category.
Personal property
Idaho Code 11-605(1): household furnishings, clothing, books, pets, musical instruments, family portraits, and heirlooms are exempt up to $1,000 per item within a $7,500 aggregate cap. One firearm valued at $1,500 or less is also exempt.
Wages
Idaho Code 11-207: disposable earnings are exempt to the extent of 75 percent, or 30 times the federal minimum wage if greater, tracking the federal garnishment limit. Earnings already exempt remain protected when paid, and the automatic stay halts most garnishment on filing.
Retirement
Idaho Code 11-604A: government and private pensions, retirement plans, IRAs, and Keogh plans are exempt. ERISA-qualified plans are separately excluded from the bankruptcy estate under federal law, so most tax-qualified retirement savings are protected in an Idaho Chapter 7.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Confirm the current Idaho means-test median income
Before you file days after startingCheck your household size against the U.S. Trustee Idaho median income figures in effect on your filing date, since these update periodically. For cases filed on or after July 15, 2026 the figures are $73,413 for one, $86,160 for two, $98,381 for three, and $119,662 for four, adding $11,100 per additional person.
Complete the pre-filing credit counseling course
Within 180 days before filing days after startingTake an approved credit counseling course from a provider authorized for the District of Idaho and keep the certificate. You must file it with your petition. Skipping this can get your case dismissed before your debts are addressed.
Apply the Idaho exemptions and value your assets
Before preparing your schedules days after startingIdaho is an opt-out state, so match your property to the Idaho exemptions: the $175,000 homestead under Idaho Code 55-1003, the $10,000 vehicle exemption under 11-605(3), and the household goods and $1,500 wildcard under 11-605. Value your home, vehicle, and personal property so you can match assets to exemptions.
Prepare and file your petition and schedules
Filing day days after startingFile your petition, schedules, and exemption claims in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho, based on where you have lived for most of the prior 180 days. Filing triggers the automatic stay that pauses collection and garnishment.
Attend the 341 meeting and finish the debtor education course
Before discharge days after startingAttend the 341 meeting of creditors and answer the trustee's questions under oath, then complete the required post-filing financial management course and file the certificate. Both are required before the court will grant your discharge. An attorney can help with contested exemptions.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm the current Idaho means-test median income | Check your household size against the U.S. Trustee Idaho median income figures in effect on your filing date, since these update periodically. For cases filed on or after July 15, 2026 the figures are $73,413 for one, $86,160 for two, $98,381 for three, and $119,662 for four, adding $11,100 per additional person. | - | Before you file |
| Complete the pre-filing credit counseling course | Take an approved credit counseling course from a provider authorized for the District of Idaho and keep the certificate. You must file it with your petition. Skipping this can get your case dismissed before your debts are addressed. | - | Within 180 days before filing |
| Apply the Idaho exemptions and value your assets | Idaho is an opt-out state, so match your property to the Idaho exemptions: the $175,000 homestead under Idaho Code 55-1003, the $10,000 vehicle exemption under 11-605(3), and the household goods and $1,500 wildcard under 11-605. Value your home, vehicle, and personal property so you can match assets to exemptions. | - | Before preparing your schedules |
| Prepare and file your petition and schedules | File your petition, schedules, and exemption claims in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho, based on where you have lived for most of the prior 180 days. Filing triggers the automatic stay that pauses collection and garnishment. | - | Filing day |
| Attend the 341 meeting and finish the debtor education course | Attend the 341 meeting of creditors and answer the trustee's questions under oath, then complete the required post-filing financial management course and file the certificate. Both are required before the court will grant your discharge. An attorney can help with contested exemptions. | - | Before discharge |
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Idaho Code section 55-1003, Idaho's homestead exemption protects up to $175,000 of equity in a home, mobile home, or manufactured house occupied as a residence, and the figure is adjusted periodically for inflation. If your equity fits within that amount, Chapter 7 generally lets you keep the home. Equity above the cap may be reachable by the trustee.
Under Idaho Code section 11-605(3), Idaho exempts up to $10,000 of equity in one motor vehicle. If your car equity is at or below that figure, the vehicle is protected in Chapter 7. Equity above $10,000 may be partly reachable by the trustee, though a car loan balance reduces your equity.
Under Idaho Code section 11-605(11), Idaho allows a wildcard exemption of up to $1,500 in any tangible personal property of your choosing. This can be applied to assets that do not fit another exemption category. Separately, household furnishings, clothing, and heirlooms are exempt up to $1,000 per item within a $7,500 aggregate cap under Idaho Code section 11-605(1).
No. Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debt like credit cards and medical bills, but it does not erase most student loans, recent income taxes, child support, or spousal support, and it will not discharge debts from fraud. Secured debts like a car loan remain unless you surrender the collateral or reaffirm the loan.
Under Idaho Code section 11-207, Idaho follows the federal garnishment cap: the exempt amount is 75 percent of your disposable earnings, or 30 times the federal minimum wage if that is greater. Filing Chapter 7 also triggers the automatic stay, which halts most wage garnishment while your case proceeds. Retirement accounts are separately protected under Idaho Code section 11-604A.
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