New Hampshire Bankruptcy Guide

New Hampshire Bankruptcy Overview

New Hampshire offers strong bankruptcy protections including a $120,000 homestead exemption and the ability to choose between state and federal exemptions. Understanding New Hampshire's specific exemption options and requirements is essential for protecting your assets during bankruptcy proceedings.

One significant advantage New Hampshire offers is the choice between state exemptions and federal bankruptcy exemptions—you can select whichever set of exemptions better protects your property. Additionally, New Hampshire is one of the few states with no state income tax or sales tax, which creates unique considerations for bankruptcy filers. This guide covers everything you need to know about filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in New Hampshire.

2026 New Hampshire Median Income for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Hampshire, your household income must generally be at or below the state median income for your household size. If your income exceeds these thresholds, you may still qualify through the means test or may need to file Chapter 13 instead.

New Hampshire Bankruptcy Exemptions: State vs. Federal

New Hampshire is one of the states that allows you to choose between New Hampshire state exemptions or federal bankruptcy exemptions. You cannot mix and match—you must choose one system or the other.

New Hampshire State Exemptions

New Hampshire state exemptions provide very generous protection, particularly for homeowners.

New Hampshire Homestead Exemption (State)

Up to $120,000.

New Hampshire's homestead exemption is one of the highest in the nation at $120,000 of equity in your primary residence. This exemption applies to houses, condominiums, mobile homes, and any dwelling you use as your principal residence. Unlike some states, New Hampshire does not have acreage limitations—the exemption is based solely on the dollar value of your equity.

New Hampshire's homestead exemption is more than four times higher than the federal homestead exemption ($27,900 for single filers, $55,800 for married couples), making New Hampshire state exemptions very attractive for homeowners with significant equity.

New Hampshire Vehicle Exemption (State)

Up to $4,000 in value.

New Hampshire allows you to protect up to $4,000 of equity in one motor vehicle. This is equity—meaning the vehicle's fair market value minus what you owe on any car loans. This exemption is comparable to the federal vehicle exemption of $4,450.

New Hampshire Personal Property Exemptions (State)

New Hampshire provides specific exemptions for various types of personal property:

• Household Goods and Furnishings: Up to $3,500 total for furniture, appliances, books, and other household goods
• Clothing: Up to $800 total for necessary wearing apparel (up to $400 per person)
• Jewelry: Up to $500 total for jewelry (up to $250 per person)
• Bibles and School Books: Unlimited protection for Bibles and school books
• Sewing Machine: Up to $800 for one sewing machine
• Cooking Stove: Up to $800 for one cooking stove
• Tax-Exempt Retirement Accounts: Unlimited protection for IRAs (subject to federal limits), 401(k)s, pensions, and other qualified retirement plans
• Life Insurance: Unlimited proceeds if clause prohibits proceeds from being used to pay creditors
• Tools of Trade: Up to $5,000 for tools, library, and stock used in your occupation
• Automobile: If you're a doctor, up to $4,000 for your professional automobile (in addition to the regular vehicle exemption)
• Wildcard Exemption: Up to $1,000 for any personal property, plus up to $7,000 of unused homestead exemption

New Hampshire Wage and Income Exemptions (State)

• Wages: Earned but unpaid wages, salaries, and compensation are protected to the extent necessary for support of debtor and dependents
• Social Security Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Veterans Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Unemployment Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Workers' Compensation: Unlimited protection
• Disability Benefits: Unlimited protection
• Public Assistance: Unlimited protection for aid to needy families with children and other public assistance

Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions (Alternative)

Instead of using New Hampshire state exemptions, you can elect to use the federal bankruptcy exemptions.

Federal Homestead Exemption

Up to $27,900 ($55,800 for married couples filing jointly).

The federal homestead exemption is significantly lower than New Hampshire's $120,000 state exemption. If you own a home with equity exceeding $27,900 (or $55,800 for married couples), New Hampshire state exemptions are much better.

Federal Vehicle Exemption

Up to $4,450 in value.

The federal vehicle exemption ($4,450) is slightly higher than New Hampshire's $4,000 state exemption, though the difference is minimal.

Federal Wildcard Exemption

Up to $1,475, plus up to $13,950 of any unused homestead exemption.

The federal wildcard can be powerful for renters or those with minimal home equity. If you don't use the full federal homestead exemption, you can apply up to $13,950 of the unused portion to any property. Combined with the base $1,475 wildcard, you could protect up to $15,425 in personal property.

Other Federal Exemptions

• Household Goods: Up to $700 per item, $14,875 total (much higher than New Hampshire's $3,500 total)
• Jewelry: Up to $1,875 (higher than New Hampshire's $500)
• Tools of Trade: Up to $2,800 (lower than New Hampshire's $5,000)
• Retirement Accounts: Unlimited for most qualified plans

New Hampshire Bankruptcy Court

New Hampshire has a single federal bankruptcy court district that covers the entire state. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire has courthouses in multiple cities to serve residents throughout the state.

District of New Hampshire Court Locations

The District of New Hampshire has two courthouse locations:

• Manchester: 1000 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (Main Courthouse)
• Concord: 55 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301

Cost of Filing Bankruptcy in New Hampshire

The total cost of filing bankruptcy in New Hampshire includes both court filing fees and attorney fees. Here's what to expect:

Court Filing Fees (2026)

• Chapter 7: $338
• Chapter 13: $313

These fees are set by federal law and are the same nationwide. In Chapter 7, you may be able to request a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line, or you may request to pay the filing fee in installments over 120 days.

Attorney Fees in New Hampshire

Attorney fees for bankruptcy in New Hampshire vary by location, case complexity, and the attorney's experience. Here are typical ranges by city:

• Manchester: $1,200 - $1,900 for Chapter 7; $3,000 - $4,300 for Chapter 13
• Nashua: $1,200 - $1,900 for Chapter 7; $3,000 - $4,300 for Chapter 13
• Concord: $1,100 - $1,800 for Chapter 7; $2,800 - $4,100 for Chapter 13
• Portsmouth: $1,200 - $1,900 for Chapter 7; $3,000 - $4,300 for Chapter 13
• Dover: $1,100 - $1,800 for Chapter 7; $2,800 - $4,100 for Chapter 13
• Rochester: $1,100 - $1,700 for Chapter 7; $2,700 - $4,000 for Chapter 13

Chapter 13 attorney fees are typically paid through your repayment plan over 3-5 years, making bankruptcy more accessible even if you cannot afford the full fee upfront. Many Chapter 7 attorneys also offer payment plans for their fees.

New Hampshire-Specific Bankruptcy Considerations

No State Income Tax or Sales Tax

New Hampshire is one of the few states with no broad-based state income tax or sales tax. This affects bankruptcy in several ways:

• You won't have state income tax debts to discharge in bankruptcy, simplifying your case
• When completing the means test, you won't have state income tax deductions
• New Hampshire does have local property taxes, which are relatively high and non-dischargeable in bankruptcy

Proximity to Massachusetts

Many New Hampshire residents work in Massachusetts (particularly in the greater Boston area) while living in New Hampshire to avoid Massachusetts income tax. If you work in Massachusetts but live in New Hampshire:

• You must use New Hampshire exemptions if you've lived in New Hampshire for at least 730 days before filing
• Massachusetts wages are still protected under New Hampshire's wage exemptions
• If you have creditors in both states, you'll still file in New Hampshire based on your residence

Seasonal Tourism Economy

New Hampshire has a significant seasonal tourism economy, particularly in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, and seacoast areas. If you work in tourism or hospitality:

• Seasonal income fluctuations are accounted for in the means test (using a 6-month average)
• Chapter 13 repayment plans can be structured to account for seasonal income variations
• Off-season filing may be strategically advantageous if your income is lower in certain months

Mobile Homes and Manufactured Housing

Mobile homes and manufactured housing are common in New Hampshire, particularly in rural areas. These can qualify for the $120,000 homestead exemption if they are your primary residence, whether they're on land you own or in a mobile home park. The homestead protection extends to the mobile home structure itself.

New Hampshire Bankruptcy FAQs

Should I use New Hampshire state exemptions or federal exemptions?

The choice depends on your specific assets. Use New Hampshire state exemptions if: you own a home with equity between $27,900 and $120,000, or you can benefit from the $7,000 unused homestead wildcard. Use federal exemptions if: you're a renter with significant personal property, you need broader household goods protection, or you want larger jewelry protection. For most homeowners with significant equity, New Hampshire state exemptions are the better choice.

How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in New Hampshire?

A typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in New Hampshire takes about 4-6 months from filing to discharge. The 341 Meeting of Creditors usually occurs 30-45 days after filing, and the discharge is typically granted 60-90 days after the meeting, assuming no complications or objections arise.

Can I keep my home in New Hampshire bankruptcy?

Yes, if your home equity doesn't exceed $120,000 (using state exemptions) or $27,900/$55,800 (using federal exemptions). You must continue making mortgage payments if you have a home loan. If you're behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 may be a better option to catch up while keeping your home.

How does New Hampshire's lack of income tax affect bankruptcy?

New Hampshire has no broad-based state income tax, which means you won't have state income tax debts to discharge in bankruptcy. This simplifies your case. However, when completing the means test for Chapter 7 qualification, you won't have state income tax deductions, which could slightly affect your disposable income calculation.

I work in Massachusetts but live in New Hampshire. Which state's exemptions do I use?

You use the exemptions based on where you live, not where you work. If you've lived in New Hampshire for at least 730 days before filing bankruptcy, you use New Hampshire exemptions (or federal exemptions, since New Hampshire allows the choice). Your Massachusetts wages are still protected under New Hampshire's wage exemption laws.

What is the wildcard exemption in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire offers a wildcard exemption of $1,000 for any personal property, plus you can apply up to $7,000 of any unused homestead exemption to any property. For example, if you have $110,000 in home equity (leaving $10,000 of unused homestead), you can use $7,000 of that to protect other assets like a vehicle, bank account, or personal property, plus the base $1,000 wildcard.

Can I file bankruptcy on my own in New Hampshire without an attorney?

While it's legally possible to file bankruptcy without an attorney (called filing "pro se"), it's generally not recommended. Bankruptcy law is complex, and New Hampshire's choice between state and federal exemptions makes professional guidance valuable. Mistakes can result in losing property you could have protected. Most New Hampshire attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations.

How does bankruptcy affect my credit score in New Hampshire?

Bankruptcy will negatively impact your credit score initially, typically dropping it by 130-200 points for those with previously good credit. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 remains for 7 years. Many New Hampshire filers find they can qualify for new credit within 2-3 years after discharge.

Do I lose my property tax exemptions if I file bankruptcy in New Hampshire?

No, filing bankruptcy does not affect your eligibility for property tax exemptions (such as elderly or disabled exemptions). You can continue to receive property tax benefits during and after your bankruptcy case. However, property taxes themselves are generally non-dischargeable in bankruptcy.

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in New Hampshire?

The court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Attorney fees in New Hampshire typically range from $1,100-$1,900 for Chapter 7 and $2,700-$4,300 for Chapter 13, depending on your location and case complexity. Many attorneys offer payment plans, and Chapter 13 attorney fees are usually paid through your repayment plan over time.

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