Oregon Exemptions: What Is Exempt Property?
Certain property cannot be taken from you by a judgment creditor or by a bankruptcy trustee. The property that is protected is known as "exempt" property. Exemptions vary from state to state. The following is a list of the Oregon exemptions (current as of January 1, 2012). This list is not all inclusive but lists the most commonly claimed exemptions:
(*NOTE! The amounts marked with an * are doubled for married debtors or joint debtors in the same household.)
PROPERTY EXEMPTIONS | STATUTES | LIMIT ON THE AMOUNT OF THE EXEMPTION |
Books, pictures, musical instruments, art objects, collections | 18.345(1)(a) | $ 600.00* |
Wearing apparel, jewelry | 18.345(1)(b) | $1,800.00* |
Tools of the trade | 18.345(1)(c) | $3,000.00* |
Vehicle | 18.345(1)(d) | $1,700.00*($2,150 as of Jan. 1, 2006) |
Domestic animals | 18.345(1)(e) | $1,000.00 |
Household goods, furnishings, and provisions (Food & Fuel for 60 days) | 18.345(1)(f) | $3,000.00 |
Spousal support, child support | 18.345(1)(i) | 100% |
Bodily Injury Claims | 18.345(1)(k) | $ 10,000.00* |
Earned Income Credit | 18.345(1)(n) | 100% |
Any personal property (the "general" exemption) | 18.345(1)(o) | $ 400.00* |
Homestead - Personal residence: Single Debtor Joint (Married Debtors) | 18.395 | $25,000.00 ($30,000 as of Jan 1, 2006) $33,000.00 ($39,600 as of Jan 1, 2006) |
Homestead - Mobile Home (own land) Single Debtor Joint (Married Debtors) | 18.428(1) | $23,000.00 $30,000.00 |
Homestead - Mobile Home (don't own land) Single Debtor Joint (Married Debtors) | 18.428(5) | $20,000.00 $27,000.00 |
Wages | 18.385 | 75% |
One rifle or shotgun, one pistol combined value | 18.362 | $ 1,000.00 |
Pension plans | 18.358 | 100% |
Social Security Benefits | 23.166 42 U.S.C. §407 | $7,500.00 |
Aid to Disabled Persons | 412.610 | 100% |
Certain Annuity Policy Benefits | 743.049 | Partial |
Burial Lots sold by a non-profit corporation | 65.870 | 100% |
Fraternal Benefit/Society Benefits | 748.207 | 100% |
Health and Disability Benefits | 743.050 | 100% |
Life Insurance Proceeds | 743.046 | 100% |
Life Insurance Proceeds - Group | 743.047 | 100% |
Unemployment Compensation Benefits | 657.855 | 100%, (75% if judgment is for a support obligation) |
Veterans Benefits & Loans | 18.345(1)(m) | 100% |
Veterans State Loan Funds | 407.595 | 100% |
Vocational Rehabilitation Payments | 344.580 | 100% |
Workmens Compensation Benefits | 656.234 | 100%, (75% if judgment is for a support obligation) |
Wages on deposit in Bank (75%) | 18.385 | $7,500.00 |
College Savings Accounts | ORS 348.863(2) | 100% |
