Idaho § 11-605 - Exemptions of personal property AND DISPOSABLE EARNINGS subject to value limitations

Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 11-605 — Exemptions of personal property AND DISPOSABLE EARNINGS subject to value limitations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11-605. Exemptions of personal property AND DISPOSABLE EARNINGS subject to value limitations

(1) An individual is entitled to exemption of the following property to the extent of a value not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) on any one (1) item of property and not to exceed a total value of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) for all items exempted under this subsection:

(a) Household furnishings, household goods, and appliances held primarily for the personal, family, or household use of the individual or a dependent of the individual;

(b) If reasonably held for the personal use of the individual or a dependent, wearing apparel, animals, books, and musical instruments; and

(c) Family portraits and heirlooms of particular sentimental value to the individual.

(2) An individual is entitled to exemption of jewelry, not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) in aggregate value, if held for the personal use of the individual.

(3) An individual is entitled to exemption, not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in aggregate value, of implements, professional books, business equipment and tools of the trade; and to an exemption of one (1) motor vehicle to the extent of a value not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

(4) An individual is entitled to an exemption of provisions of food or water, together with storage containers and shelving, sufficient for twelve (12) months for use of the individual or a dependent or dependents of the individual.

(5) All courthouses, jails, public offices and buildings, schoolhouses, lots, grounds and personal property appertaining thereto, the fixtures, furniture, books, papers and appurtenances belonging and pertaining to the courthouse, jail and public offices belonging to any county of this state, or for the use of schools, and all cemeteries, public squares, parks and places, public buildings, town halls, markets, buildings for the use of fire departments and military organizations, and the lots and grounds thereto belonging and appertaining, owned or held by any town or incorporated city, or dedicated by such town or city to health, ornament or public use, or for the use of any fire or military company organized under the laws of this state. No article or species of property mentioned in this section is exempt from execution issued upon a judgment recovered for its price or upon a mortgage thereon.

(6) An individual is entitled to an exemption of all arms, uniforms and accoutrements required for the use of an individual as a peace officer, a member of the national guard or military service.

(7) An individual is entitled to an exemption of a water right not to exceed one hundred sixty (160) inches of water used for the irrigation of lands actually cultivated by the individual, and the crop or crops growing or grown on fifty (50) acres of land, leased, owned or possessed by an individual cultivating the same, provided, that the amount of the crops so exempted shall not exceed the value of five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(8) An individual is entitled to exemption of one (1) firearm valued at one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), or less.

(9) An individual is entitled to an exemption of any life insurance contract owned by an individual, other than a credit life insurance contract, including, but not limited to, any accrued dividend or interest under, loan value of, or cash surrender value of, such life insurance contract owned by the individual, excluding accrued dividends, interest, loan value, and/or cash surrender value resulting from premiums paid into the life insurance contract within six (6) months prior to the filing of a bankruptcy petition, as defined in 11 U.S.C. 101, or the date of attachment or levy on execution, as defined in section 11-201 , Idaho Code, whichever is applicable.

(10) An individual is entitled to an exemption of the individual’s aggregate interest in any tangible personal property, not to exceed the value of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).

(11) An individual is entitled to an exemption for his disposable earnings as defined in subsection 2. of section 11-206 , Idaho Code, wages, salaries, and compensation for personal services rendered, to the extent such earnings, wages, salaries, and compensation have been earned but have not been paid to the individual, not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in a calendar year. This exemption shall not affect the application or operation of the garnishment restrictions set forth in section 11-207 , Idaho Code.

[11-605, added 1978, ch. 348, sec. 1, p. 910; am. 1983, ch. 16, sec. 1, p. 50; am. 1985, ch. 175, sec. 1, p. 457; am. 1990, ch. 275, sec. 1, p. 776; am. 1999, ch. 307, sec. 1, p. 764; am. 2000, ch. 231, sec. 2, p. 649; am. 2008, ch. 57, sec. 1, p. 147; am. 2010, ch. 223, sec. 1, p. 498; am. 2015, ch. 112, sec. 1, p. 279; am. 2020, ch. 232, sec. 1, p. 684.]

Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 11-605

What does Idaho Statutes § 11-605 cover?

Section 11-605 ("Exemptions of personal property AND DISPOSABLE EARNINGS subject to value limitations") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Idaho § 11-605?

A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 11-605" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Idaho law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.

How does Idaho § 11-605 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.