Templates Bankruptcy Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet — Georgia
Georgia Bankruptcy
Blank Document PRO
From Template
Upload Document Word (.docx) & Markdown files
PRO

Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet — Georgia

Ready to Edit

BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTION WORKSHEET — GEORGIA

Table of Contents

  1. Threshold Eligibility & Opt-Out Notice
  2. Domicile & Residency Determination
  3. Homestead Exemption — § 44-13-100(a)(1)
  4. Public Benefits & Support — § 44-13-100(a)(2)
  5. Retirement & Pension — § 44-13-100(a)(2.1)
  6. Motor Vehicle — § 44-13-100(a)(3)
  7. Household Goods — § 44-13-100(a)(4)
  8. Jewelry — § 44-13-100(a)(5)
  9. Wildcard Exemption — § 44-13-100(a)(6)
  10. Tools of the Trade — § 44-13-100(a)(7)
  11. Life Insurance — § 44-13-100(a)(8)–(9)
  12. Health Aids — § 44-13-100(a)(10)
  13. Personal Injury / Wrongful Death / Future Earnings — § 44-13-100(a)(11)
  14. Aggregate Worksheet & Reconciliation
  15. Schedule C Summary
  16. Sources & References

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

☐ NORTHERN ☐ MIDDLE ☐ SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORGIA

Case Information Detail
In re: [DEBTOR NAME]
Joint Debtor (if any): [JOINT DEBTOR NAME]
Case No.: [____________________]
Division: [____________________]
Chapter: ☐ 7 ☐ 11 ☐ 12 ☐ 13
Petition Date: [__/__/____]
Trustee: [____________________]

PART 1: THRESHOLD ELIGIBILITY & OPT-OUT NOTICE

Section 1.1 — Georgia Opt-Out (Mandatory)

Georgia has expressly opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemption schedule. Under O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(b), "Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section 522(b)(2), an individual debtor whose domicile is in Georgia is not authorized to use the federal exemptions provided in 11 U.S.C. Section 522(d)." A debtor who qualifies under the BAPCPA domicile test for Georgia exemptions must use the schedule in O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a) and may NOT cherry-pick from 11 U.S.C. § 522(d).

☐ Debtor confirms Georgia is the applicable exemption jurisdiction (see Part 2).
☐ Debtor will NOT claim federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(d).
☐ Debtor may stack supplemental nonbankruptcy federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3)(B) (e.g., ERISA-qualified retirement, Social Security under 42 U.S.C. § 407, military survivor benefits).

Section 1.2 — Chapter Election Cross-Check

Chapter Effect on Exemptions
Chapter 7 Nonexempt equity surrendered to trustee; exempt property retained subject to consensual liens
Chapter 13 Exemptions establish "best interests" floor under 11 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(4)
Chapter 11 (Subchapter V) Same disposable income / best interests test as Ch. 13
Chapter 12 Family farmer / fisherman; same exemption schedule

PART 2: DOMICILE & RESIDENCY DETERMINATION

Section 2.1 — BAPCPA 730-Day / 180-Day Test (11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3)(A))

Question Response
Has the debtor been domiciled in Georgia for the 730 days immediately preceding the petition? ☐ Yes ☐ No
If "No": For the 180 days preceding the 730-day period, in which state was the debtor domiciled the greater portion of those 180 days? [____________________]
If a different state's exemptions apply but that state restricts its exemptions to its own residents, does the debtor default to 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A

Section 2.2 — 1,215-Day Homestead Cap (11 U.S.C. § 522(p))

The federal cap for homestead equity acquired during the 1,215 days before filing is $214,000 (adjusted April 1, 2025 cycle). This federal cap applies in addition to Georgia's $21,500 / $43,000 statutory ceiling.

Question Response
Did the debtor acquire any portion of the residence equity within 1,215 days before petition? ☐ Yes ☐ No
If "Yes," equity acquired in that window: $[____________]
Equity rolled over from a prior Georgia residence (excluded from cap): $[____________]
Final homestead amount allowable after § 522(p) cap: $[____________]

PART 3: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION — § 44-13-100(a)(1)

Section 3.1 — Statutory Cap

Factor Amount
Single debtor — primary residence (real or personal property used as residence, including burial plot) $21,500.00
Married couple, BOTH joint debtors with equity in residence $43,000.00 (each spouse claims $21,500)
Married couple where ONLY ONE spouse holds title and the other is also a debtor $43,000.00 may be claimed where qualifying (the title-holding spouse and dependent spouse may stack)
Burial plot (alternative use of homestead) Counted within the $21,500 / $43,000 cap

Section 3.2 — Property Description

Item Detail
Street address: [____________________]
County: [____________________]
Parcel ID / Tax ID: [____________________]
Title vesting: ☐ Sole ☐ Joint Tenants WROS ☐ Tenants in Common ☐ Other: [______]
Type: ☐ Single-family home ☐ Condominium ☐ Manufactured home ☐ Cooperative ☐ Burial plot

Section 3.3 — Equity Calculation

Line Amount
Fair market value of residence $[____________]
(Less) First mortgage payoff ($[____________])
(Less) Second mortgage / HELOC payoff ($[____________])
(Less) Tax liens / judgment liens / mechanics' liens ($[____________])
(Less) Costs of sale (typically 6–8% if liquidation analysis required) ($[____________])
Net Equity Available for Exemption $[____________]
Homestead exemption claimed under § 44-13-100(a)(1) $[____________]
Unused homestead (transferable to wildcard up to $10,000 per (a)(6)) $[____________]

PART 4: PUBLIC BENEFITS & SUPPORT — § 44-13-100(a)(2)

Section 4.1 — Income / Benefit Streams

Subsection (a)(2) provides exemption for the debtor's right to receive: (A) Social Security benefit, unemployment compensation, or local public assistance; (B) veteran's benefit; (C) disability, illness, or unemployment benefit; (D) alimony, support, or separate maintenance, to the extent reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent; and (E) payment under a stock bonus, pension, profit-sharing, annuity, or similar plan, on account of illness, disability, death, age, or length of service, to the extent reasonably necessary.

Stream Monthly Amount Source / Account Exempt?
Social Security retirement / disability $[________] [______] ☐ Yes (full)
Unemployment compensation $[________] [______] ☐ Yes (full)
TANF / SNAP / public assistance $[________] [______] ☐ Yes (full)
Veteran's benefit (VA) $[________] [______] ☐ Yes (full)
Disability insurance $[________] [______] ☐ Reasonably necessary
Alimony / separate maintenance $[________] [______] ☐ Reasonably necessary
Child support received $[________] [______] ☐ Reasonably necessary
Workers' compensation (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-84) $[________] [______] ☐ Yes (full, by separate statute)
Crime victim's compensation $[________] [______] ☐ Yes under (a)(11)(A)

PART 5: RETIREMENT & PENSION — § 44-13-100(a)(2.1)

Section 5.1 — Tax-Qualified Plans

Subsection (a)(2.1) provides full exemption (no dollar cap) for the debtor's interest in (A) certain governmental and tax-qualified retirement plans; (B) IRAs and Roth IRAs to the extent excluded from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code; and (C) related rollovers. ERISA-qualified plans are also excluded from the estate altogether under Patterson v. Shumate, 504 U.S. 753 (1992) (federal nonbankruptcy law).

Account Type Custodian Balance Exempt Authority
401(k) / 403(b) [______] $[______] (a)(2.1); ERISA / Patterson v. Shumate
Traditional IRA [______] $[______] (a)(2.1); 11 U.S.C. § 522(n) cap = $1,711,975 (2025 adjustment)
Roth IRA [______] $[______] (a)(2.1); 11 U.S.C. § 522(n) cap
Pension (defined benefit) [______] $[______] (a)(2.1)
Government / TRS / ERSGA [______] $[______] (a)(2.1); O.C.G.A. § 47-3-28 (TRS); § 47-2-332 (ERSGA)
Inherited IRA [______] $[______] NOT exempt under (a)(2.1) per Clark v. Rameker, 573 U.S. 122 (2014)
529 college savings [______] $[______] Limited (recent contributions clawed back under § 541(b)(6) federal)

PART 6: MOTOR VEHICLE — § 44-13-100(a)(3)

Section 6.1 — $5,000 Cap on All Motor Vehicles

Subsection (a)(3) exempts the debtor's interest, not to exceed $5,000.00 in value, in all motor vehicles.

Vehicle Year/Make/Model VIN NADA / KBB Value Loan Balance Equity Exempted
1 [____________] [______] $[______] $[______] $[______] $[______]
2 [____________] [______] $[______] $[______] $[______] $[______]
3 [____________] [______] $[______] $[______] $[______] $[______]
Total Equity $[______]
Cap $5,000
Excess (becomes nonexempt OR consumes wildcard) $[______]

PART 7: HOUSEHOLD GOODS — § 44-13-100(a)(4)

Section 7.1 — $300 Per Item / $5,000 Aggregate

Subsection (a)(4) exempts the debtor's interest, not to exceed $300.00 in value in any particular item, with a total aggregate not to exceed $5,000.00 in total value, in household furnishings, household goods, wearing apparel, appliances, books, animals, crops, or musical instruments held primarily for personal, family, or household use.

Category Description Per-Item Value Quantity Total
Furniture [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Appliances (major) [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Electronics (TV, computer) [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Wearing apparel [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Books & media [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Musical instruments [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Animals (household pets) [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Crops (personal use) [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Linens / kitchenware [______] $[___] [___] $[______]
Aggregate Total $[______]
Cap $5,000

PART 8: JEWELRY — § 44-13-100(a)(5)

Section 8.1 — $500 Cap

Subsection (a)(5) exempts the debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed $500.00 in value, in jewelry held primarily for the personal, family, or household use of the debtor or a dependent.

Item Description Appraised Value
Wedding band / engagement ring [______] $[______]
Watches [______] $[______]
Other jewelry [______] $[______]
Total $[______]
Cap $500
Excess (becomes nonexempt OR consumes wildcard) $[______]

PART 9: WILDCARD EXEMPTION — § 44-13-100(a)(6)

Section 9.1 — $1,200 Base + Up to $10,000 Unused Homestead

Subsection (a)(6) exempts the debtor's aggregate interest in any property, not to exceed $1,200.00 in value, plus up to $10,000.00 of any unused amount of the homestead exemption provided under (a)(1).

Component Amount
Base wildcard (always available) $1,200
Unused homestead exemption from (a)(1) (calculate Part 3, Line 7) $[______] (capped at $10,000)
Total Wildcard Available $[______]

Section 9.2 — Wildcard Application

Asset Receiving Wildcard Allocation Amount Applied
Cash / checking / savings (excess over $0) $[______]
Tax refund (estimated) $[______]
Vehicle equity overage from (a)(3) $[______]
Jewelry overage from (a)(5) $[______]
Household goods overage from (a)(4) $[______]
Stock / investment account / brokerage $[______]
Cryptocurrency $[______]
Other: [____________] $[______]
Total Allocated $[______]

PART 10: TOOLS OF THE TRADE — § 44-13-100(a)(7)

Section 10.1 — $1,500 Cap

Subsection (a)(7) exempts the debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed $1,500.00 in value, in any implements, professional books, or tools of the trade of the debtor or the trade of a dependent of the debtor.

Trade / Profession Item Value Necessary to Trade?
[______] [______] $[______] ☐ Yes ☐ No
[______] [______] $[______] ☐ Yes ☐ No
[______] [______] $[______] ☐ Yes ☐ No
Total $[______]
Cap $1,500

PART 11: LIFE INSURANCE — § 44-13-100(a)(8)–(9)

Section 11.1 — Unmatured Contracts (Subsection (a)(8))

Subsection (a)(8) exempts any unmatured life insurance contract owned by the debtor, other than a credit life insurance contract.

Policy Insurer Face Amount Status Exempt?
[______] [______] $[______] ☐ Unmatured ☐ Matured ☐ Yes (a)(8)

Section 11.2 — Cash Surrender / Loan Value (Subsection (a)(9))

Subsection (a)(9) exempts the debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed $2,000.00 in value, in any accrued dividend, interest, or loan value of any unmatured life insurance contract owned by the debtor under which the insured is the debtor or an individual of whom the debtor is a dependent.

Policy Cash Surrender Value Loan Value Total Exempt up to $2,000
[______] $[______] $[______] $[______] $[______]
Cap $2,000
Excess (nonexempt OR wildcard) $[______]

PART 12: HEALTH AIDS — § 44-13-100(a)(10)

Section 12.1 — Unlimited Exemption for Prescribed Aids

Subsection (a)(10) exempts professionally prescribed health aids for the debtor or a dependent of the debtor — no dollar cap.

Health Aid Prescribing Provider Replacement Value
Wheelchair / mobility scooter [______] $[______]
Hearing aids [______] $[______]
CPAP / BiPAP [______] $[______]
Prosthetics [______] $[______]
Orthotic devices [______] $[______]
Diabetes monitoring equipment [______] $[______]
Other: [____________] [______] $[______]

PART 13: PERSONAL INJURY / WRONGFUL DEATH / FUTURE EARNINGS — § 44-13-100(a)(11)

Section 13.1 — Subsections (A)–(E)

Subsection (a)(11) exempts the debtor's right to receive, or property traceable to: (A) crime victim's reparations award; (B) wrongful death award (full, to the extent reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent); (C) proceeds of life insurance on the life of an individual of whom the debtor was a dependent (to the extent reasonably necessary); (D) personal bodily injury payment, not to exceed $10,000.00, NOT INCLUDING pain and suffering or compensation for actual pecuniary loss; and (E) future earnings payment of the debtor or an individual of whom the debtor is or was a dependent (to the extent reasonably necessary).

Award Type Source Gross Amount Reasonably Necessary Exempt Cap Exempted Amount
(A) Crime victim's reparation [______] $[______] ☐ Full $[______]
(B) Wrongful death [______] $[______] ☐ Yes (necessary support) Full (RN) $[______]
(C) Life insurance proceeds (dependent of decedent) [______] $[______] ☐ Yes Full (RN) $[______]
(D) Personal bodily injury (excluding pain/suffering & pecuniary loss) [______] $[______] — $10,000 $[______]
(E) Loss of future earnings [______] $[______] ☐ Yes Full (RN) $[______]

Section 13.2 — Alimony / Child Support Receivable (Cross-reference (a)(2)(D))

Alimony, support, or separate maintenance is exempt to the extent reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent.

Stream Monthly Amount Reasonably Necessary Exempted
Alimony / spousal support $[______] ☐ $[______]
Child support $[______] ☐ $[______]

PART 14: AGGREGATE WORKSHEET & RECONCILIATION

Section 14.1 — Schedule A/B Cross-Tie

Asset Class (Schedule A/B Line) Scheduled Value Total Exempted Nonexempt Equity
Real property — residence $[______] $[______] $[______]
Motor vehicles $[______] $[______] $[______]
Cash / deposits $[______] $[______] $[______]
Household goods $[______] $[______] $[______]
Wearing apparel $[______] $[______] $[______]
Jewelry $[______] $[______] $[______]
Tools of trade $[______] $[______] $[______]
Retirement / pension $[______] $[______] $[______]
Life insurance — cash value $[______] $[______] $[______]
Health aids $[______] $[______] $[______]
Pending lawsuit / claims $[______] $[______] $[______]
Public benefits / support $[______] $[______] $[______]
Other $[______] $[______] $[______]
TOTAL $[______] $[______] $[______]

Section 14.2 — Best-Interests Test (Chapter 13 Only)

Line Amount
Total nonexempt equity (Section 14.1) $[______]
(Less) Hypothetical Chapter 7 admin expenses (typically 25–35%) ($[______])
Liquidation Value (Best-Interests Floor for Ch. 13 Plan) $[______]

PART 15: SCHEDULE C SUMMARY

Section 15.1 — Official Form 106C Lines

Reproduce these entries on Schedule C. Cite EACH exemption by O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(_) — never cite federal § 522(d).

Asset Schedule A/B Ref Current Value Exemption Cited Amount Exempted
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(1) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(2)(__) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(2.1) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(3) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(4) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(5) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(6) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(7) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(8) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(9) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(10) $[______]
[______] A/B Ln [___] $[______] O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a)(11)(__) $[______]

Section 15.2 — Election Box on Form 106C

Schedule C asks whether the debtor claims state and federal nonbankruptcy exemptions, OR federal exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(2). Georgia debtors MUST select the FIRST option.

☐ I claim exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(2) — state and federal nonbankruptcy exemptions (CORRECT for Georgia)
☐ ~~I claim exemptions under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3) — federal § 522(d)~~ (NOT AVAILABLE in Georgia under O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(b))

Section 15.3 — Schwab v. Reilly Compliance Notice

Under Schwab v. Reilly, 560 U.S. 770 (2010), claiming a specific dollar amount within the statutory cap (rather than "100% FMV") avoids opening the door to value-based objections after the 30-day window of Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4003(b). Where the debtor wishes to insulate post-petition appreciation, however, claiming "100% of FMV" up to the cap is preferred — but exposes the debtor to value-litigation if appreciation is anticipated.

☐ Debtor claims a fixed dollar amount within the cap.
☐ Debtor claims "100% of fair market value" up to the statutory cap.

ATTORNEY / DEBTOR CERTIFICATION

I certify that the exemptions claimed above are based on a good-faith review of the debtor's assets, that Georgia is the applicable state under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3)(A), and that all exemptions are claimed under O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100(a) consistent with Georgia's opt-out at § 44-13-100(b).

Signatory Signature Date
Debtor: [DEBTOR NAME] _______________________ [__/__/____]
Joint Debtor: [JOINT DEBTOR NAME] _______________________ [__/__/____]
Attorney for Debtor: [ATTORNEY NAME], Ga. Bar No. [______] _______________________ [__/__/____]

SOURCES & REFERENCES

Primary Authority

  • O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100 (Exemptions for purposes of bankruptcy and intestate insolvent estates), https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-44/chapter-13/article-2/section-44-13-100/
  • O.C.G.A. § 44-13-1 (Persons entitled to exemption; how exemption set apart)
  • O.C.G.A. § 18-4-5 (Garnishment; restrictions on amount)
  • O.C.G.A. § 47-2-332; § 47-3-28 (State retirement plans)
  • 11 U.S.C. § 522 (Exemptions, including (b)(2), (b)(3)(A), (d), (n), (p))
  • 11 U.S.C. § 541(b)(6) (529 plan exclusion)
  • 42 U.S.C. § 407 (Social Security antialienation)

Case Law

  • Schwab v. Reilly, 560 U.S. 770 (2010) — exemption claim format and objection waiver
  • Patterson v. Shumate, 504 U.S. 753 (1992) — ERISA antialienation
  • Clark v. Rameker, 573 U.S. 122 (2014) — inherited IRAs not exempt
  • Law v. Siegel, 571 U.S. 415 (2014) — equitable surcharge limits
  • In re McFarland, 790 F.3d 1182 (11th Cir. 2015) — Georgia exemption interpretation

Court Resources

  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia, https://www.ganb.uscourts.gov
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia, https://www.gamb.uscourts.gov
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Georgia, https://www.gasb.uscourts.gov

Procedural Rules

  • Fed. R. Bankr. P. 1007 (Schedules and Statements)
  • Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4003 (Exemptions; objections — 30 days from § 341 conclusion)
  • Official Form 106C (Schedule C — Property Claimed as Exempt)

DISCLAIMER: This worksheet is a general guide for Georgia bankruptcy exemption planning under O.C.G.A. § 44-13-100. Statutory amounts may be amended; verify current figures and any 2025–2026 legislative changes against the official Georgia Code at https://www.legis.ga.gov before filing. Bankruptcy is a complex federal proceeding with serious consequences. This worksheet is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a bankruptcy attorney admitted in the relevant Georgia bankruptcy district.

Ezel AI
Hi! Need help customizing this document? I can tailor every section to your specific case in minutes.
AI Legal Assistant
Ezel AI
Hi! Need help customizing this document? I can tailor every section to your specific case in minutes.

Insert Image

Insert Table

Watch Ezel in action (sample case)

All changes saved
Save
Export
Export as DOCX
Export as PDF
Generating PDF...
bankruptcy_exemption_worksheet_ga.pdf
Ready to export as PDF or Word
AI is editing...
Chat
Review

Customize this document with Ezel

  • Deep Legal Knowledge
    Understands case law, statutes, and legal doctrine specific to Georgia.
  • Court-Ready Formatting
    Proper captions, certificates of service, and local rule compliance.
  • AI-Powered Editing on Your Timeline
    Edit as many times as you need. Tailor every section to your specific case.
  • Export as PDF & Word
    Download your finished document in professional PDF or DOCX format, ready to file or send.
Secure checkout via Stripe
Need to customize this document?

Related Legal Templates

Available in Other Jurisdictions

Alabama Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet AL Alaska Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet AK Arizona Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet AZ Arkansas Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet (State vs. Federal Election) AR Colorado Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet CO Connecticut Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet (State vs. Federal Election) CT Delaware Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet DE Bankruptcy Exemption Worksheet — District of Columbia DC View all 46 states

More Bankruptcy Templates

Declaration of Homestead — Georgia GA Adversary Complaint to Determine Nondischargeability (11 U.S.C. § 523) Adversary Proceeding Complaint Chapter 11 Disclosure Statement Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization Chapter 13 Plan Modification Browse all

About This Template

Bankruptcy is a federal legal process for people and businesses who cannot pay their debts. The right chapter depends on your income, what you own, and whether you want to keep assets like a home or car. The paperwork is extensive and the deadlines are strict, so using the right template for your situation is the first step toward getting your filing accepted and your case moving.

Important Notice

This template is provided for informational purposes. It is not legal advice. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.

Last updated: May 2026