Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Ohio (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Ohio · Last updated August 18, 2026
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is federal law, but the property you keep is set by Ohio. Ohio is an opt-out state: under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.662 you must use Ohio's exemptions and cannot choose the federal 522(d) list. Ohio uses a single mandatory exemption set in ORC 2329.66, adjusted for inflation every three years, so there is no election between competing state systems. This page explains Ohio's homestead exemption under ORC 2329.66(A)(1), the vehicle and wildcard figures effective April 1, 2025, the means-test median income, and the two federal bankruptcy courts where Ohioans file. Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debt but not most student loans, recent taxes, or child and spousal support.
Does Ohio use state or federal bankruptcy exemptions?
Ohio is an opt-out state. Under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.662, a debtor domiciled in Ohio cannot exempt property using the federal 11 U.S.C. 522(d) list and must use Ohio's own exemptions in ORC 2329.66. Ohio has one mandatory exemption set, so you do not choose between competing state systems.
Can I keep my house if I file Chapter 7 in Ohio?
Often yes. Under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.66(A)(1), Ohio's homestead exemption protects $182,625 of equity in your residence for cases filed April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. If your home equity fits within that amount, Chapter 7 generally lets you keep the house. The figure adjusts for inflation every three years.
Can I keep my car if I file Chapter 7 in Ohio?
Usually yes if your equity is modest. Ohio exempts $5,025 of equity in one motor vehicle under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.66(A)(2) for cases filed April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. If your car equity is at or below that figure, the vehicle is protected. Equity above it may be reachable by the trustee.
What is the income limit to file Chapter 7 in Ohio?
For cases filed on or after July 15, 2026, the U.S. Trustee median income figures for Ohio are $66,239 for one earner, $83,725 for two, $102,504 for three, and $123,702 for four, adding $11,100 per additional person. At or below your household figure, you pass the first part of the means test.
Ohio's Opt-Out Rule, the Single Exemption Set, and the ORC 2329.66(A)(1) Homestead
Ohio is a bankruptcy opt-out state. Under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.662, a debtor domiciled in Ohio is not authorized to use the federal 11 U.S.C. 522(d) exemptions and must instead use Ohio's exemptions in ORC 2329.66. Unlike a handful of states, Ohio does not let you elect between federal and state lists, and unlike California it does not offer two alternative state systems: there is one mandatory Ohio exemption set. Those figures are adjusted for inflation every three years by the Ohio Judicial Conference, and the current amounts apply to cases filed April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. The headline homestead exemption under ORC 2329.66(A)(1) protects $182,625 of equity in your residence per debtor. Ohio also exempts $5,025 of equity in one motor vehicle under 2329.66(A)(2) and provides a $1,675 wildcard under 2329.66(A)(18) that can be applied to any property. Ohioans file in one of two federal bankruptcy courts: the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio or the Southern District of Ohio, based on where they have lived for most of the prior 180 days.
Relevant Laws
Ohio Homestead and Property Exemptions (ORC 2329.66)
Ohio's master exemption statute. Section 2329.66(A)(1) sets the $182,625 homestead exemption, 2329.66(A)(2) the $5,025 motor vehicle exemption, and 2329.66(A)(18) the $1,675 wildcard, all effective for cases filed April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028 and adjusted for inflation every three years.
Ohio Opt-Out From Federal Exemptions (ORC 2329.662)
The statute by which Ohio opts out of the federal exemptions. It provides that a debtor domiciled in Ohio is not authorized under 11 U.S.C. 522(b) to exempt the property specified in the federal 11 U.S.C. 522(d) list, so Ohio filers must use the state exemptions in ORC 2329.66.
Ohio Wage and Retirement Exemptions (ORC 2329.66(A)(13), (A)(10))
Section 2329.66(A)(13) exempts personal earnings to the extent they are protected from garnishment, generally the greater of 75 percent of disposable weekly earnings or 40 times the federal minimum wage. Section 2329.66(A)(10) exempts pensions, retirement allowances, and qualifying IRA and annuity interests.
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 Ohio has done, and section 707(b) sets the means test measured against state median income.
Regional Variances
Ohio Chapter 7 Exemption Table
Homestead
ORC 2329.66(A)(1): $182,625 of equity in your residence per debtor, effective for cases filed April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. The amount is adjusted for inflation every three years. There is no acreage cap; the exemption is a fixed dollar figure applied to your interest in the home.
Motor vehicle
ORC 2329.66(A)(2): $5,025 of equity in one motor vehicle, effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. Equity above the figure may be reachable by the trustee, though you can stack the $1,675 wildcard on top to protect additional vehicle equity.
Wildcard
ORC 2329.66(A)(18): $1,675 in any single item of property, effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. This portable amount can be applied to cash, a bank balance, or equity that exceeds another exemption category. Ohio has one mandatory exemption set, so the wildcard is available to every filer, not tied to a system election.
Personal property
ORC 2329.66(A)(4): household goods, furnishings, appliances, and similar items are exempt up to $800 per item and $16,850 in aggregate. Jewelry is exempt up to $2,125, and cash or funds on deposit up to $625, all effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028.
Wages
ORC 2329.66(A)(13): personal earnings are exempt to the extent they are protected from garnishment, generally the greater of 75 percent of disposable weekly earnings or an amount equal to 40 times the federal minimum wage. This tracks the federal 25 percent garnishment cap so at least 75 percent of disposable earnings is protected.
Retirement and tools
ORC 2329.66(A)(10) exempts pensions, retirement allowances, and qualifying IRA and annuity interests; ERISA-qualified plans are also excluded from the estate under federal law. ORC 2329.66(A)(5) exempts up to $3,200 in implements, tools, or professional books used in your trade or business.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Confirm the current Ohio means-test median income
Before you file days after startingCheck your household size against the U.S. Trustee Ohio 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 $66,239 for one, $83,725 for two, $102,504 for three, and $123,702 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 your Ohio district and keep the certificate. You must file it with your petition. Skipping this can get your case dismissed before your debts are addressed.
Value your assets against Ohio's exemptions
Before preparing your schedules days after startingValue your home, vehicle, and personal property and match them to the single Ohio exemption set: the $182,625 homestead under 2329.66(A)(1), the $5,025 vehicle exemption under 2329.66(A)(2), and the $1,675 wildcard under 2329.66(A)(18). Ohio is opt-out, so the federal 522(d) list is unavailable.
Prepare and file your petition and schedules
Filing day days after startingFile your petition, schedules, and exemption claims in the correct court: the Northern District of Ohio or the Southern District of Ohio, 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 Ohio means-test median income | Check your household size against the U.S. Trustee Ohio 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 $66,239 for one, $83,725 for two, $102,504 for three, and $123,702 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 your Ohio district 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 |
| Value your assets against Ohio's exemptions | Value your home, vehicle, and personal property and match them to the single Ohio exemption set: the $182,625 homestead under 2329.66(A)(1), the $5,025 vehicle exemption under 2329.66(A)(2), and the $1,675 wildcard under 2329.66(A)(18). Ohio is opt-out, so the federal 522(d) list is unavailable. | - | Before preparing your schedules |
| Prepare and file your petition and schedules | File your petition, schedules, and exemption claims in the correct court: the Northern District of Ohio or the Southern District of Ohio, 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
Yes. Under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.662, a debtor domiciled in Ohio is not authorized to use the federal 11 U.S.C. 522(d) exemptions and must use Ohio's exemptions in ORC 2329.66. Ohio provides a single mandatory exemption set, so unlike a choice state you cannot pick the federal list, and unlike California there is no second state system to elect.
Under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.66(A)(1), Ohio's homestead exemption protects $182,625 of equity in your residence per debtor for cases filed April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. The amount is adjusted for inflation every three years. If your equity is within that figure, Chapter 7 generally lets you keep the home.
Under Ohio Revised Code section 2329.66(A)(18), Ohio's wildcard exemption lets you protect $1,675 of any property for cases filed April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028. You can apply it to cash, a bank balance, or equity that exceeds another exemption category, such as extra vehicle equity above the $5,025 motor vehicle exemption.
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.
You file in the federal bankruptcy court for your area: the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, which covers cities such as Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, and Youngstown, or the Southern District of Ohio, which covers Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton. You file where you have lived for most of the prior 180 days.
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