1. What is Garnishment Withholding?

Garnishment withholding is the amount an employer is legally required to withhold from an employee's wages to satisfy a court order. The amount withheld cannot exceed legal limits, even if the court order requests a higher amount.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses federal and state garnishment laws to determine the maximum allowable withholding:

Where:

• Maximum Allowed by Law depends on garnishment type and disposable income
• Disposable income is gross pay minus legally required deductions
• Different types of garnishments have different priority and limits

Explanation: Child support garnishments typically have higher priority and higher withholding limits than other types of garnishments.

3. Importance of Accurate Withholding

Details: Proper garnishment withholding ensures compliance with court orders while protecting employees from excessive wage deductions that would leave them without sufficient income for basic living expenses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter disposable income and court ordered amount in dollars. Select the type of garnishment. The calculator will determine the maximum legal withholding amount.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is disposable income for garnishment purposes?
A: Gross pay minus federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and state unemployment insurance. It does not include voluntary deductions.

Q2: Can multiple garnishments be in effect at once?
A: Yes, but child support has highest priority, followed by tax levies, then other garnishments. Total withholding cannot exceed legal limits.

Q3: Are garnishment limits different by state?
A: Some states have more restrictive limits than federal law. This calculator uses federal standards - check your state laws for specific requirements.

Q4: How often should withholding amounts be recalculated?
A: Whenever the employee's disposable income changes significantly or when a new garnishment order is received.

Q5: What if the employee claims exemption from garnishment?
A: Exemptions must be filed with the court - employers should follow court orders unless modified by the court.