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Bankruptcy in District of Columbia: Exemptions and Filing Guide

State-specific bankruptcy exemptions and filing information for District of Columbia. These exemptions determine what property you can keep when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Homestead exemption: Unlimited equity in cooperative housing; otherwise per federal exemptions.
  • Vehicle exemption: $2,575 (if using DC exemptions).
  • Federal exemptions available — you can choose state or federal.
  • Attorney fees: $1,500–$2,500 (Ch. 7) / $3,500–$5,000 (Ch. 13) typical.
Unlimited equity in cooperative housing; otherwise per federal exemptions Homestead exemption
$2,575 (if using DC exemptions) Vehicle exemption
Yes Federal option
$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13) Filing fee

District of Columbia Bankruptcy Exemptions

  • HomesteadUnlimited equity in cooperative housing; otherwise per federal exemptions
  • Vehicle$2,575 (if using DC exemptions)
  • Personal property$8,625 in household goods
  • Wildcard$1,150 plus $10,825 of unused homestead
  • Federal exemptionsAvailable (can choose)

Means Test: District of Columbia Median Income

To qualify for Chapter 7 in District of Columbia, your income must be below the state median or you must pass the means test showing no disposable income for creditors.

  • 1 person$85,340
  • 2 people$101,540
  • 3 people$112,800
  • 4 people$135,200

Filing Costs

  • Court filing fee$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13)
  • Typical attorney fee$1,500–$2,500 (Ch. 7) / $3,500–$5,000 (Ch. 13)
  • Court districtsDistrict of Columbia

District of Columbia bankruptcy court

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can DC residents choose federal bankruptcy exemptions?

    Yes. DC allows debtors to elect either DC exemptions or the federal bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d).

  • What is the DC homestead exemption?

    DC provides an unlimited exemption for equity in cooperative housing. Otherwise, the federal homestead exemption of approximately $27,900 applies if federal exemptions are chosen.

  • Is the means test different in DC?

    DC has the highest median income in the nation, meaning more residents qualify for Chapter 7 based on income alone.

  • Can I file bankruptcy in DC if I work there but live in Maryland or Virginia?

    Bankruptcy is typically filed where you have resided for the greater part of the last 180 days. If you live in MD or VA, you would generally file there.

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