Can I use the federal bankruptcy exemptions in Arizona?

No. Arizona has "opted out" of the federal bankruptcy exemption scheme under A.R.S. § 33-1133(B). If Arizona law controls your case, you must use Arizona's state exemptions — you cannot elect the federal exemptions in 11 U.S.C. § 522(d), and claiming them is one of the most common exemption errors trustees flag.

The good news is that Arizona's exemptions are among the strongest in the country after Proposition 209 — an approximately $437,600 homestead (2026), roughly $16,500 for a vehicle, fully exempt retirement accounts, and strict limits on wage garnishment. You may also use federal non-bankruptcy exemptions, such as those protecting certain federal benefits.

Which state's law controls depends on where you lived during the 730 days before filing — if you recently moved to Arizona, a different state's exemptions (or the federal set) may apply. An attorney can run that analysis for you.