Wage Garnishment Calculator
Estimate the amount that can be garnished from wages based on federal and state laws. Enter your disposable income, pay frequency, and state to see the maximum garnishment amount and net pay.
Published by:
isCalculator Editorial Team
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How to use this tool?
How to Use the Wage Garnishment Calculator
- Enter Disposable Income: Input your net pay (after taxes and deductions) for a single pay period. Use a positive number (e.g., 2000).
- Select Pay Frequency: Choose how often you get paid: Weekly, Biweekly, Semi-monthly, or Monthly. This adjusts the calculation to a weekly basis.
- Choose a State: Pick your state from the dropdown. Selecting "Federal" applies the standard federal limit. Some states (like California or Illinois) have specific rules that modify the garnishment cap.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Garnishment" button. The calculator will show:
- Maximum Garnishment: The highest amount that can be legally withheld per pay period.
- Net Pay After Garnishment: What you’ll take home after the garnishment.
- Protected Amount: The portion of your income that cannot be garnished (same as net pay in this tool).
- Review Details: Below the results, you’ll see a breakdown of the calculation, including the federal minimum wage and weekly disposable income used.
Note: All amounts are in US dollars. The calculator follows the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) and simplified state rules. For complex cases, consult a legal professional.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wage garnishment is a legal process where a creditor can collect a debt by taking money directly from your paycheck, as ordered by a court.
Under federal law (Title III of the Consumer Credit Protection Act), the maximum garnishment is the lesser of 25% of your disposable income or the amount by which your disposable income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage per week. Some states have lower limits.
Yes, the calculator includes simplified state adjustments for selected states. For accurate legal advice, consult an attorney.