Why garnishment happens
Wage garnishment (a wage levy) is a late-stage collection tool — it means earlier notices went unanswered. The IRS and California's FTB can both order your employer to withhold from each paycheck, and the employer must comply.
It can often be reduced or released
Garnishments are typically released or adjusted when a resolution is put in place: an installment agreement, proof of financial hardship, or another arrangement fitting your facts. The agencies don't actually want your paycheck — they want the account resolved; showing them a credible path does more than pleading.
California is its own animal
FTB wage garnishments (Earnings Withholding Orders for Taxes) follow state rules and can reach a significant share of your pay. Resolving state and federal debts takes coordinating two agencies with different procedures — something we do every week from right here in the Central Valley.
What we do
Free, confidential review: we identify who's garnishing, for what years and amounts, and which release paths fit your situation — then, if you engage us, we work the case directly with the agency while you keep your paycheck as whole as the law allows. Hablamos español.
Common questions
How fast can a garnishment be stopped?
It depends on your facts and how quickly financial information can be assembled — sometimes days, sometimes longer. No one can honestly promise same-day releases without knowing your case; what speeds it up most is bringing your paystubs, the notices, and your bills to the first meeting.
Can I be fired for being garnished?
Federal law protects employees from being fired over a single garnishment. It's still an uncomfortable conversation with payroll — one more reason to resolve the debt underneath it.
Will the garnishment take my whole check?
No — an exempt amount is protected, based on your filing status and dependents (IRS) or state rules (FTB). But the take is usually painful enough that resolving the underlying account is worth doing quickly.
This page is general information, not tax advice for your specific situation — that’s what the free review is for. We never promise specific outcomes; options depend on your facts.