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Bankruptcy in Kentucky (2026): Exemptions & Means Test

Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 16, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 16, 2026. · 6 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content

Bankruptcy in Kentucky (2026): Exemptions & Means Test

Updates

Clarified that income at or below the state median means the presumption of abuse does not arise under the Chapter 7 means test, not that a filer qualifies for Chapter 7.

Clarified Kentucky's state exemption list: the $3,000 cap on farm tools, equipment, and livestock is separate from the $3,000 household-goods cap, and the state list does include a $1,000 general exemption under KRS 427.160 that applies to any property in bankruptcy.

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Reviewed and approved by an editor

Sources and References

  1. KRS 427.170 (federal bankruptcy code exemptions applicable in Kentucky; authorizes electing 11 U.S.C. 522(d)), Kentucky Legislative Research Commission(legislature.ky.gov).gov
  2. KRS 427.060 (homestead and burial plot exemption: $5,000), Kentucky Legislative Research Commission(legislature.ky.gov).gov
  3. KRS 427.010 (exempt personal property: $2,500 motor vehicle, $3,000 household furnishings/jewelry/clothing, farming tools; 75% disposable earnings), Kentucky Legislative Research Commission(legislature.ky.gov).gov
  4. Census Bureau Median Family Income by Family Size, cases filed on or after April 1, 2026 (Kentucky: 1=$61,652; 2=$73,892; 3=$85,212; 4=$109,443), U.S. Trustee Program(justice.gov).gov
  5. 11 U.S.C. 522 (exemptions; federal exemption list under (d), including $31,575 homestead under (d)(1) and wildcard under (d)(5)), Cornell Legal Information Institute(law.cornell.edu)
  6. 11 U.S.C. 362 (the automatic stay), Cornell Legal Information Institute(law.cornell.edu)
  7. U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky(kyeb.uscourts.gov).gov
  8. U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Kentucky(kywb.uscourts.gov).gov
  9. KRS 427.160 (additional general exemption: $1,000 applicable to any property, solely for purposes of 11 U.S.C. 522(b)(3)(A)), Kentucky Legislative Research Commission(legislature.ky.gov)
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