New Jersey Bankruptcy Exemption Calculator 2026
New Jersey's bankruptcy exemptions define which assets are protected from creditors and the bankruptcy trustee when you file. Understanding your exemptions is critical before filing Chapter 7, because the trustee can only liquidate assets that exceed exemption limits. In Chapter 13, exemptions still matter — they set the floor for how much creditors must receive in your repayment plan.
New Jersey's homestead exemption protects $0 in home equity (No homestead exemption). Vehicle equity up to $0 is protected. All qualified retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension) are fully protected in every state. New Jersey's wildcard exemption of $1,000 can be applied to any asset not covered by a specific exemption.
New Jersey 2026 Bankruptcy Exemption Limits
| Asset Type | Protected Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead / Home Equity | $0 | No homestead exemption |
| Motor Vehicle | None | No vehicle exemption |
| Retirement Accounts | 100% | 401(k), IRA, pension, 403(b) fully protected |
| Wildcard | $1,000 | Applies to any asset |
| Personal Property | $1,000 | Household goods, furniture, clothing, electronics |
| Wages / Earnings | 90% if earning less than 250% poverty level | Applies to wages earned but not yet paid |
New Jersey Chapter 7 Median Income (Reference)
To use the New Jersey exemptions in Chapter 7, you must also pass the means test. The 2026 income thresholds for New Jersey are: 1 person $82,632/year; 2 people $103,608/year; 3 people $120,120/year; 4 people $137,232/year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey allow filers to choose federal bankruptcy exemptions instead?
New Jersey is an "opt-in" state that allows filers to choose either state exemptions or federal bankruptcy exemptions. Consult an attorney to determine which set of exemptions protects more of your assets.
What happens to assets that exceed New Jersey's exemption limits?
In Chapter 7, if your equity in an asset exceeds New Jersey's exemption limit, the trustee may liquidate that asset, return the exempt amount to you, and distribute the remainder to creditors. You can sometimes avoid this by paying the non-exempt amount to the trustee (a "buyout") or by converting to Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, non-exempt asset equity affects the minimum payment to unsecured creditors but does not result in asset sales.
Are retirement accounts really fully protected in New Jersey bankruptcy?
Yes. ERISA-qualified retirement accounts (401k, 403b, pension, profit-sharing plans) are protected by federal law regardless of state. Traditional and Roth IRAs are protected up to $1,512,350 per debtor under federal bankruptcy law. Most states, including New Jersey, also protect state-specific retirement vehicles. This protection applies in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.