National Divorce & Bankruptcy Center

Texas Bankruptcy Exemptions

Exemptions apply only to a debtor's equity interest in property. Double exemptions for
spouses filing jointly (unless otherwise noted). See the

TEXAS State Exemptions (bankruptcy)

Federal Bankruptcy exemptions are available (exemptions from TX Civil statutes)

Homestead Unlimited; property cannot exceed 1 acre in town, village, city of 100 acres (200
          for families) elsewhere; sale proceeds exempt for 6 months after sale (need not
          occupy when file for bankruptcy if not acquire another home, May file a
          homestead declaration.

Insurance Fraternal benefit society benefits
          Life, health, accident or annuity benefits or monies, including policy proceeds
               and cash values to be paid or rendered to beneficiary or insured.
          Life insurance present value if beneficiary is debtor or debtor's dependent (see
               personal property note)
          Retired public school employees group insurance
          Texas employee uniform group insurance
          Texas state college or university employee benefits

Miscellaneous Property of business partnership

Pensions  ERISA qualified government or church benefits, including Keoghs and IRA's
          County and district employees
          Firefighters
          IRA's to extent tax-deferred
          Judges
          Keoghs to extent tax deferred
          Law enforcement officers' survivors
          Municipal employees
          Police officers
          Retirement benefits to extent tax deferred
          State employees
          Teachers

Personal  Athletic and sporting equipment, including bicyclers; 2 firearms; home 
Property  furnishings, including family heirlooms; food; clothing; jewelry (not to exceed 25%
          of total exemptions; 1 two, three or four wheeled motor vehicle per member of
          family or single adult who holds a driver's license (or who operates vehicle for
          someone else who does not have a license); 2 horses, mules or donkeys and a
          saddle, blanket and bridle for each; 12 head of cattle, 60 head of other types of
          livestock; 120 fowl; and pets to $30,000 total ($60,000 for head of family).
          Note: total includes tools of trade, unpaid commissions, life insurance cash value.

          Burial plots
          Health Aids

Public    AFDC
benefits  Crime victims' compensation 
          Unemployment compensation

          Workers' compensation
          Medical assistance

Tools          Farming or ranching vehicles and implements; tools, equipment (includes boat and
               motor vehicles and books

Wages     Earned but unpaid wages
          Unpaid commissions to 75% (see personal property note)

Wild card NONE