What is wages garnished?

[niyati]

I keep hearing about wages being garnished when someone owes money or has unpaid taxes. What exactly does it mean when wages are garnished? How does the process work, and how much can be taken from someone’s paycheck?

 

[Jarwish]

Wage garnishment is a legal process where an employer withholds a portion of an employee’s earnings to pay off debts such as taxes, child support, or court-ordered judgments.

 

[Gsusangrey]

Employers are required by law to withhold a portion of their employees' wages and send them straight to a creditor, a process known as wage garnishment. This typically occurs when a court orders payment of a debt, like taxes, child support, or past-due loans.

 

[peterkavinsky]

Wages garnished means a portion of a person’s paycheck is legally withheld by an employer to pay off debts such as unpaid taxes, child support, or court judgments.