California Wage Garnishment Calculator

California Wage Garnishment Formula:

\[ Garnishment = \min(25\% \times \text{Disposable Earnings}, 50\% \times (\text{Disposable Earnings} - 40 \times \text{State Minimum Wage / Week})) \]

Garnishment:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is California Wage Garnishment?

California wage garnishment is a legal procedure where a portion of an employee's earnings is withheld by an employer for the payment of a debt. California law provides specific protections for employees regarding the amount that can be garnished from their wages.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the California wage garnishment formula:

\[ Garnishment = \min(25\% \times \text{Disposable Earnings}, 50\% \times (\text{Disposable Earnings} - 40 \times \text{State Minimum Wage / Week})) \]

Where:

\( \text{Disposable Earnings} \) — Earnings after legally required deductions (USD/week)
\( \text{State Minimum Wage} \) — California minimum wage rate (USD/week)

Explanation: The formula calculates the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or 50% of the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 40 times the state minimum wage per week.

3. Importance of Wage Garnishment Calculation

Details: Accurate wage garnishment calculation ensures compliance with California labor laws, protects employees from excessive garnishment, and helps employers fulfill their legal obligations properly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter disposable earnings in USD/week and state minimum wage in USD/week. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are disposable earnings?
A: Disposable earnings are the portion of an employee's wages remaining after deducting amounts required by law (such as taxes and Social Security).

Q2: How often is wage garnishment calculated?
A: Wage garnishment is typically calculated per pay period. This calculator uses weekly amounts for consistency.

Q3: Are there different rules for different types of debt?
A: Yes, different types of debt (child support, tax debt, student loans) may have different garnishment rules and limits under California and federal law.

Q4: What is the current California minimum wage?
A: The California minimum wage changes periodically. Users should check the current rate from official sources before calculations.

Q5: Can garnishment amount be zero?
A: Yes, if disposable earnings are less than or equal to 40 times the state minimum wage per week, the garnishment amount will be zero.