1. What is Tennessee Wage Garnishment?

Tennessee 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. Tennessee follows federal guidelines but has specific calculations for determining garnishment amounts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Tennessee garnishment formula:

Where:

• \( Earnings \) — Employee's total earnings
• \( Minimum\ Wage \) — Current hourly minimum wage rate

Explanation: The garnishment amount is the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage.

3. Importance of Garnishment Calculation

Details: Accurate garnishment calculation ensures compliance with Tennessee state laws, protects employee rights, and helps employers avoid legal penalties for improper withholding.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total earnings in dollars and current minimum wage rate in dollars per hour. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of debts can lead to wage garnishment in Tennessee?
A: Common reasons include child support, tax debts, student loans, and court judgments for unpaid debts.

Q2: Are there any earnings exempt from garnishment?
A: Yes, certain types of income such as Social Security, disability benefits, and retirement benefits may be exempt from garnishment.

Q3: What is the maximum percentage that can be garnished?
A: Generally, the maximum is 25% of disposable earnings, but this can vary depending on the type of debt and specific circumstances.

Q4: How often can garnishment occur?
A: Garnishment typically occurs each pay period until the debt is satisfied or the garnishment order is lifted.

Q5: Can employees challenge a garnishment order?
A: Yes, employees have the right to challenge garnishment orders if they believe the amount is incorrect or if they qualify for exemptions.