Compliance Tools/Garnishment Calculator

Wage Garnishment Calculator

Calculate the maximum legal wage garnishment based on federal CCPA limits and state-specific protections. Get it right to stay compliant.

Employee Pay Information

Gross Pay (per period)

Pay Frequency

Required Deductions

Taxes, Social Security, Medicare, required insurance

Work State

Garnishment Type

Garnishment Calculation

Gross Pay$2000.00

Required Deductions-$400.00

Disposable Earnings$1600.00

30x Minimum Wage$435.00

Max Garnishment$400.00

25% limit

25% of disposable earnings ($400.00) is less than excess over 30x minimum wage ($1165.00).

Net After Garnishment$1200.00

Annual Garnishment$10400.00

Federal Limits

25%Consumer debts (or excess over 30x min wage)
50%Child support (supporting another family)
60%Child support (not supporting another family)
15%Federal student loans

Understanding Wage Garnishment

What is Disposable Earnings?

Disposable earnings are what remains after legally required deductions: federal, state, and local taxes; Social Security and Medicare (FICA); state unemployment; and mandatory retirement contributions. Voluntary deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums are NOT subtracted.

Multiple Garnishments

Child support/alimony orders have first priority. If the total exceeds limits, you may need to prioritize or notify the courts. Tax levies may supersede other garnishments. Always follow the order of priority specified by law.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must: (1) Withhold the correct amount, (2) Send payments on time, (3) Not retaliate against employees, and (4) Notify creditors if the employee leaves. Failure to comply can make the employer liable for the debt.

Anti-Retaliation

Federal law prohibits firing an employee for a single garnishment. Some states extend protection to multiple garnishments. Violating these protections can result in reinstatement, back pay, and fines.