Updated October 24, 2016

Like all states, Wisconsin has its own set of exemptions that you may use when filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Exemptions determine what property (such as a home, car, instrument, retirement account, etc.) you may keep in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and how much you must pay to certain creditors in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

In Wisconsin, you may use either the Wisconsin state exemptions (listed below), or the federal bankruptcy exemptions (you can find these in Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions). You cannot mix and match from each list. If you choose to use the Wisconsin state exemptions, you may also use any applicable amounts in the  federal nonbankruptcy exemptions.

Unless noted otherwise, if a couple is married and filing jointly in Wisconsin, each spouse may claim the full amount of each exemption. This is informally called “doubling.”

To learn more about bankruptcy exemptions, including how they work, which state exemption system you should use, and special rules for the homestead exemption, see  Bankruptcy Exemptions – What Can I Keep When I File for Bankruptcy?  

Wisconsin Bankruptcy Exemptions

Unless otherwise noted, all law references are to the  Wisconsin Statutes Annotated.

Homestead

815.20 - Property you occupy or intend to occupy to $75,000; $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. Sale proceeds exempt for 2 years after sale provided you intend to acquire another home (this represents the doubled amount available to spouses.

Wages

303.065 - Wages of inmates who are under a work-release plan.

303.08 - County jail prisoners' wages.

303.10 - County work camp prisoners' wages.

815.18(3)(h) - 75% of net wages or 30 times the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is greater. Judge may approve more for low-income debtors.

Pensions

11 U.S.C. § 522 -  Tax exempt retirement accounts (including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, profit sharing and money purchase plans, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, and defined benefit plans).  

11 U.S.C.   §  522(b)(3)(C)(n) - IRAS and Roth IRAs to $1,283,025.

40.08 - Public employees.

62.63 - Certain municipal employees.

815.18(3)(ef) - Police officers and firefighters who work in a city greater than 100,000 people; military pensions; and public and private retirement benefits.

Public Benefits

815(3)(n) - Veterans' benefits.

108.13 - Unemployment compensation.

49.46 - Social service payments.

949.07 - Crime victims' compensation.

102.27 - Workers' compensation.

Tools of Trade

815.18(3)(b) - Equipment, inventory, farm products, books, and tools of trade up to $15,000, or like amount in a closely-held business.

Alimony and Child Support

815.18(3)(c) - Alimony and child support needed for support.

Insurance

614.96 - Fraternal benefit society benefits.

632.42 - Life insurance proceeds if policy prohibits use to pay creditors.

815.18(3)(f) - Unmatured life insurance contracts up to $4,000 in value in accrued dividends, interest or loan value (except for credit life contracts) if owned by debtor and insuring debtor, dependent, or person debtor is dependent upon; federal disability benefits; life insurance proceeds if debtor was dependent upon insured, to extent necessary to support debtor or family.

Personal Property

815.18(3)(o), (p) - College savings account or tuition trust fund.

20.921(1)(e) - Wages used to purchase savings bonds.

182.004(6) - Tenant's stock or lease interest in co-op housing up to homestead amount.

815.18(3)(g) - Automobile up to $4,000 (plus any of the $12,000 personal property exemption that is unused).

815.18(3)(d) - Household goods and furnishings; wearing apparel, keepsakes, jewelry, appliances, books, musical instruments, firearms, sporting goods, animals or other items for family use up to $5,000 total.

815.18(3)(k) - Bank deposits up to $5,000.

815.18(3)(i)(1)(b) - Wrongful death proceeds needed for support.

815.18(3)(i)(1)(c) - Personal injuries recoveries up to $50,000.

815.18(e) - Fire and casualty proceeds for destroyed property that is exempt for 2 years of receipt.

815.18(3)(i)(d) Lost future earnings recoveries needed for support.

815.18(3)(a) - Burial plot, tombstone, coffin.

Other  

Add any applicable Federal Nonbankruptcy Exemptions.

Confirming Exemptions

This list includes the majority of bankruptcy exemptions available in Wisconsin. However, it may not include all exemptions, and states often create exceptions to specific exemptions. In addition, Wisconsin may have changed the amounts since this list was last updated. Consider checking with your local bankruptcy court or bankruptcy attorney.

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