The means test in Tennessee: median income

Check your income against the Tennessee median, and see what the second step and Chapter 13 involve.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

These are the official U.S. Trustee Program medians for Tennessee. If your household's yearly income is below the median for its size, you pass the first step.

1 person
$63,979
2 people
$82,846
3 people
$97,511
4 people
$109,585
Each extra person
+$11,100
Medians apply to cases filed on or after
April 1, 2026

Check the first step in Tennessee

Official Form 122A-1 compares your household's yearly income with the median income in Tennessee. Here are the official medians:

  • 1 person$63,979
  • 2 people$82,846
  • 3 people$97,511
  • 4 people$109,585
  • Each extra person+$11,100

Applies to cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. 1 = one earner; 2, 3, 4 = people in the household; add = amount added for each person over 4

The numbers are worked out in your browser. Nothing you enter here is saved or sent.

Before taxes. Add up all income for the last 6 months and divide by 6.

Enter your household size and income

Tennessee bankruptcy courts and divisions

You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. Each court lists which counties go to which office: Eastern District https://www.tneb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations, Middle District https://www.tnmb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations, Western District https://www.tnwb.uscourts.gov/TNW/Locations.aspx.

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee

Divisions: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Greeneville, Winchester

Clerk's phone: (423) 752-5163

Court's self-help page

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Divisions: Nashville (court locations also list Cookeville and Columbia)

Clerk's phone: (615) 736-5584

Court's self-help page

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee

Divisions: Western Division (Memphis), Eastern Division (Jackson)

Clerk's phone: 901-328-3500 (Memphis); 731-421-9300 (Jackson)

Court's self-help page

What you can keep in Tennessee

In Tennessee you use state exemptions only (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).

Home (homestead): $35,000 in real property you own and that you, your spouse or a dependent use as your principal residence.

Wildcard (any property): $10,000 of your equity in personal property you choose, such as a car, furniture, household goods, bank accounts or cash. Outside bankruptcy you claim it by filing a sworn list with the court clerk.

Exemptions in Tennessee

In nearby states

  • Kentucky: 1 person $61,652 · 2 people $73,892 · 3 people $85,212 · 4 people $109,443
  • Alabama: 1 person $64,321 · 2 people $77,451 · 3 people $92,698 · 4 people $106,740
  • Georgia: 1 person $68,478 · 2 people $84,965 · 3 people $101,479 · 4 people $123,481
  • Indiana: 1 person $64,461 · 2 people $81,986 · 3 people $95,627 · 4 people $115,656
  • Mississippi: 1 person $53,978 · 2 people $70,328 · 3 people $82,846 · 4 people $97,464
  • Illinois: 1 person $73,180 · 2 people $93,934 · 3 people $113,625 · 4 people $137,902

Your next steps in Tennessee

  1. Gather your income

    Collect proof of all income for the last 6 months.

  2. Start with Form 122A-1

    Your income is figured on Official Form 122A-1.

  3. When income is higher

    The second step subtracts allowed expenses on Official Form 122A-2.

  4. File in your court

    The forms are filed with Eastern District, Middle District and Western District.

Free help in Tennessee

Questions about the means test in Tennessee

What is the homestead exemption in Tennessee?

$35,000 in real property you own and that you, your spouse or a dependent use as your principal residence. $52,500 if two or more people jointly own and live in the home.

Where do I file bankruptcy in Tennessee?

You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. Each court lists which counties go to which office: Eastern District https://www.tneb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations, Middle District https://www.tnmb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations, Western District https://www.tnwb.uscourts.gov/TNW/Locations.aspx.

What is the median income for the means test in Tennessee?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $63,979; 2 people: $82,846; 3 people: $97,511; 4 people: $109,585; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Who helps with bankruptcy for free in Tennessee?

HELP4TN (Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services): free legal help finder and helpline, Knoxville Bar Association (listed by the Eastern District court) and Chattanooga Bar Association (listed by the Eastern District court).

Keep reading about Tennessee