Wage Garnishment Calculator

Our Wage Garnishment Calculator helps you understand the maximum amount that can be legally withheld from your paycheck in 2026 for various obligations like child support, creditor debts, student loans, or IRS levies. Knowing this limit is crucial for budgeting and understanding your take-home pay, preventing financial surprises and helping you plan accordingly. This tool empowers you to verify the legality of garnishment amounts and advocate for your rights.

The calculator determines the maximum garnishment based on your disposable earnings, which are your earnings remaining after legally required deductions (e.g., federal, state, local taxes, Social Security). For most creditors and student loans, the garnishment limit is the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour x 30 = $217.50 per week in 2026). Child support garnishments can be up to 50% or 60% of disposable income, depending on arrears and other support obligations, while IRS levies have specific tables and exemptions that vary based on filing status and dependents.

A common mistake is forgetting to account for all legally required deductions when calculating disposable earnings, leading to an overestimation of the garnishment amount. Be aware that state laws can sometimes offer greater protection than federal limits, so always check your local regulations. Also, remember that multiple garnishments can occur simultaneously, but the total amount withheld cannot exceed the highest applicable federal or state limit.