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Bankruptcy in Minnesota: Exemptions and Filing Guide

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

Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Homestead exemption: $450,000 (up to 1/2 acre in city, 160 acres elsewhere).
  • Vehicle exemption: $5,000 ($50,000 if modified for disability).
  • Federal exemptions available — you can choose state or federal.
  • Attorney fees: $1,200–$2,000 (Ch. 7) / $3,000–$4,500 (Ch. 13) typical.
$450,000 (up to 1/2 acre in city, 160 acres elsewhere) Homestead exemption
$5,000 ($50,000 if modified for disability) Vehicle exemption
Yes Federal option
$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13) Filing fee

Minnesota Bankruptcy Exemptions

  • Homestead$450,000 (up to 1/2 acre in city, 160 acres elsewhere)
  • Vehicle$5,000 ($50,000 if modified for disability)
  • Personal property$11,250 in household goods; $3,251 jewelry
  • WildcardNone
  • Federal exemptionsAvailable (can choose)

Means Test: Minnesota Median Income

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

  • 1 person$65,200
  • 2 people$82,400
  • 3 people$96,000
  • 4 people$111,600

Filing Costs

  • Court filing fee$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13)
  • Typical attorney fee$1,200–$2,000 (Ch. 7) / $3,000–$4,500 (Ch. 13)
  • Court districtsDistrict of Minnesota

Minnesota bankruptcy court

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Minnesota homestead exemption?

    Minnesota provides a generous homestead exemption of up to $450,000, covering up to 1/2 acre in a city or 160 acres in rural areas.

  • Can I choose federal exemptions in Minnesota?

    Yes. Minnesota allows debtors to choose between state and federal exemption systems.

  • Is the vehicle exemption sufficient in Minnesota?

    The standard $5,000 exemption covers many used vehicles. If your vehicle is modified for a disability, the exemption increases to $50,000.

  • Are my Social Security benefits protected in Minnesota?

    Yes. Social Security benefits are fully exempt from the bankruptcy estate under both state and federal law.

Legal Disclaimer: FreeNetLaw provides general legal information, not legal advice. The information on this site is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify information with official sources and consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.

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