Idaho Bankruptcy Guide

Idaho Bankruptcy Overview

Idaho offers generous bankruptcy protections including a $175,000 homestead exemption and a substantial $10,000 vehicle exemption. Understanding Idaho's specific exemptions and requirements is essential for protecting your assets during bankruptcy proceedings.

Idaho law requires that you use Idaho state exemptions rather than federal exemptions if you've lived in Idaho for at least 730 days (two years) before filing. Idaho's exemptions are significantly more protective than federal exemptions in most categories, making this requirement beneficial for most Idaho residents. This guide covers everything you need to know about filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Idaho.

2026 Idaho Median Income for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Idaho, your household income must generally be at or below the state median income for your household size. If your income exceeds these thresholds, you may still qualify through the means test or may need to file Chapter 13 instead.

Idaho Bankruptcy Exemptions

Exemptions determine what property you can keep when filing bankruptcy. Idaho has its own set of exemptions, and you must use Idaho state exemptions if you've lived in Idaho for at least two years before filing. Idaho does not allow you to choose federal exemptions. Below are the most important exemptions for Idaho filers.

Idaho Homestead Exemption

Up to $175,000.

Idaho's homestead exemption is one of the highest specific-dollar exemptions in the United States at $175,000 of equity in your primary residence. This exemption was significantly increased in recent years to reflect Idaho's rising home values, particularly in the Boise metropolitan area and other growing regions.

To claim the homestead exemption:

• The property must be your primary residence
• You can protect up to $175,000 in equity (market value minus mortgages and liens)
• The exemption applies to houses, condominiums, mobile homes, and any dwelling you use as your principal residence
• There are no acreage limitations—the exemption is based solely on dollar value

Idaho Vehicle Exemption

Up to $10,000 in value.

Idaho offers a very generous vehicle exemption of $10,000 of equity in one motor vehicle. This is equity—meaning the vehicle's fair market value minus what you owe on any car loans. For example, if your car is worth $18,000 and you owe $10,000, your equity is $8,000, which is fully protected.

Idaho's $10,000 vehicle exemption is one of the highest in the nation and allows Idaho residents to protect newer, more valuable vehicles during bankruptcy.

Idaho Personal Property Exemptions

Idaho provides specific exemptions for various types of personal property:

• Household Goods and Furnishings: Up to $7,500 total for appliances, furnishings, books, clothing, pets, musical instruments, family portraits, and sentimental heirlooms
• Jewelry: Up to $1,000 total
• Firearms: Up to $1,500 for firearms (including rifles, pistols, and shotguns)
• Health Aids: Unlimited protection for prescribed health aids
• Tax-Exempt Retirement Accounts: Unlimited protection for IRAs (subject to federal limits around $1.5 million), 401(k)s, pensions, and other qualified retirement plans
• Life Insurance: Up to $5,000 cash value; unlimited proceeds if beneficiary is spouse or dependent
• Tools of Trade: Up to $10,000 for tools, equipment, and professional books used in your occupation or business
• Crops: Farming and grazing lands (up to 160 acres) and crops for one year
• Building Materials: Up to $2,500 for building materials

Idaho Wage and Income Exemptions

• Wages: 75% of disposable weekly earnings or 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (whichever is greater) is protected from garnishment
• Social Security Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Veterans Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Unemployment Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Workers' Compensation: Unlimited protection
• Disability Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Public Assistance: Unlimited protection for general assistance and other public benefits

Idaho vs. Federal Exemptions

Unlike some states that allow bankruptcy filers to choose between state and federal exemptions, Idaho requires that you use Idaho state exemptions if you meet the residency requirements (730 days living in Idaho before filing).

The federal exemption system is not available to Idaho residents. This is actually beneficial for Idaho filers because:

• Idaho's $175,000 homestead exemption vastly exceeds the federal homestead exemption (currently $27,900, or $55,800 for married couples)
• Idaho's $10,000 vehicle exemption is more than double the federal $4,450 vehicle exemption
• Idaho's $10,000 tools of trade exemption is significantly higher than the federal $2,800 exemption

Idaho Bankruptcy Court

Idaho has a single federal bankruptcy court district that covers the entire state. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho has courthouses in multiple cities to serve residents throughout the state.

District of Idaho Court Locations

The District of Idaho has four courthouse locations:

• Boise: 550 West Fort Street, Boise, ID 83724 (Main Courthouse)
• Coeur d'Alene: 204 North Third Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
• Pocatello: 250 South Fourth Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201
• Moscow: 220 East Fifth Street, Moscow, ID 83843 (Limited hearings)

Cost of Filing Bankruptcy in Idaho

The total cost of filing bankruptcy in Idaho includes both court filing fees and attorney fees. Here's what to expect:

Court Filing Fees (2026)

• Chapter 7: $338
• Chapter 13: $313

These fees are set by federal law and are the same nationwide. In Chapter 7, you may be able to request a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line, or you may request to pay the filing fee in installments over 120 days.

Attorney Fees in Idaho

Attorney fees for bankruptcy in Idaho vary by location, case complexity, and the attorney's experience. Here are typical ranges by city:

• Boise: $1,000 - $1,700 for Chapter 7; $2,700 - $4,000 for Chapter 13
• Meridian: $1,000 - $1,700 for Chapter 7; $2,700 - $4,000 for Chapter 13
• Nampa: $950 - $1,600 for Chapter 7; $2,600 - $3,900 for Chapter 13
• Idaho Falls: $900 - $1,500 for Chapter 7; $2,500 - $3,700 for Chapter 13
• Pocatello: $900 - $1,500 for Chapter 7; $2,500 - $3,700 for Chapter 13
• Coeur d'Alene: $950 - $1,600 for Chapter 7; $2,600 - $3,900 for Chapter 13

Chapter 13 attorney fees are typically paid through your repayment plan over 3-5 years, making bankruptcy more accessible even if you cannot afford the full fee upfront. Many Chapter 7 attorneys also offer payment plans for their fees.

Idaho-Specific Bankruptcy Considerations

Agricultural Property and Farming Operations

Idaho's exemptions include special protection for farming and grazing lands (up to 160 acres) and crops for one year. This makes Idaho particularly protective of family farming operations. If you operate a farm, Idaho's exemptions can protect your homestead, farmland (up to 160 acres), agricultural equipment (under tools of trade), and one year's worth of crops.

Community Property State

Idaho is a community property state, meaning most property and debts acquired during marriage are owned equally by both spouses. This affects bankruptcy in important ways:

• If one spouse files bankruptcy, community property may be used to pay community debts even if only one spouse filed
• Community debts (those incurred during marriage for the benefit of the community) can be discharged even if only one spouse files, protecting the non-filing spouse from collection
• Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) remains separate and is generally not available to pay the other spouse's separate debts

Rapid Population Growth and Rising Home Values

Idaho has experienced rapid population growth and rising home values in recent years, particularly in the Boise metropolitan area. Idaho's $175,000 homestead exemption was designed to address these increasing property values. Even homes that were modestly valued a few years ago may now have substantial equity due to Idaho's real estate market appreciation.

Mobile Homes and Manufactured Housing

Mobile homes and manufactured housing can qualify for Idaho's $175,000 homestead exemption if they are your primary residence, whether they're on land you own or in a mobile home park. The homestead protection extends to the mobile home structure itself.

Idaho Bankruptcy FAQs

How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Idaho?

A typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in Idaho takes about 4-6 months from filing to discharge. The 341 Meeting of Creditors usually occurs 30-45 days after filing, and the discharge is typically granted 60-90 days after the meeting, assuming no complications or objections arise.

Can I keep my home in Idaho bankruptcy with a $175,000 homestead exemption?

Yes, if your home equity doesn't exceed $175,000 and you've owned the property for at least 1,215 days. You must continue making mortgage payments if you have a home loan. If you're behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 may be a better option to catch up while keeping your home.

Can I protect a $9,000 car in Idaho bankruptcy?

Yes, absolutely. Idaho's vehicle exemption is $10,000 in equity, so a vehicle with $9,000 in equity (or $9,000 in value if owned free and clear) is fully protected. This is one of the highest vehicle exemptions in the nation and allows Idaho residents to protect newer, more valuable vehicles during bankruptcy.

Do I have to use Idaho exemptions or can I use federal exemptions?

If you've lived in Idaho for at least 730 days (two years) before filing bankruptcy, you must use Idaho state exemptions. Idaho does not allow filers to choose federal exemptions. This is beneficial because Idaho exemptions ($175,000 homestead, $10,000 vehicle) are generally much more protective than federal exemptions.

How does Idaho's community property law affect bankruptcy?

In Idaho, most property and debts acquired during marriage are community property owned equally by both spouses. If one spouse files bankruptcy, community property may be used to pay community debts. However, community debts can often be discharged even if only one spouse files, protecting the non-filing spouse. Community property issues can be complex, so consult with an Idaho bankruptcy attorney about how this affects your situation.

Can Idaho farmers protect their land and crops in bankruptcy?

Yes, Idaho offers excellent protection for farmers. You can protect farming and grazing lands (up to 160 acres), crops for one year, and agricultural equipment (under the $10,000 tools of trade exemption). Combined with the homestead exemption, this provides comprehensive protection for family farming operations in Idaho.

What happens if I moved to Idaho recently?

If you haven't lived in Idaho for at least 730 days (two years) before filing bankruptcy, you'll use the exemptions from the state where you lived for the better part of the 180 days before the two-year period. Additionally, even if you use Idaho exemptions, your homestead exemption may be capped at $189,050 if you haven't owned your Idaho property for at least 1,215 days. If you recently moved to Idaho, consult with an attorney to determine which exemptions apply.

Can I file bankruptcy on my own in Idaho without an attorney?

While it's legally possible to file bankruptcy without an attorney (called filing "pro se"), it's generally not recommended. Bankruptcy law is complex, and Idaho-specific issues like community property make professional guidance valuable. Mistakes can result in losing property you could have protected or having your case dismissed. Most Idaho attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations.

How does bankruptcy affect my credit score in Idaho?

Bankruptcy will negatively impact your credit score initially, typically dropping it by 130-200 points for those with previously good credit. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 remains for 7 years. Many Idaho filers find they can qualify for new credit within 2-3 years after discharge, especially if they practice good credit habits post-bankruptcy.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Idaho?

The court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees in Idaho typically range from $900-$1,700 for Chapter 7 and $2,500-$4,000 for Chapter 13, depending on your location and case complexity. Many attorneys offer payment plans, and Chapter 13 attorney fees are usually paid through your repayment plan over time.

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