How much of my wages can be garnished in Arizona?

Arizona dramatically tightened wage protections in 2022 via Proposition 209 (Predatory Debt Collection Act).

1. Federal Floor

15 U.S.C. § 1673(a) caps garnishment at the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or amount above 30× federal minimum wage ($217.50/week).

2. Arizona Rule

A.R.S. § 33-1131(B) (as amended by Prop 209) caps garnishment of disposable earnings at the lesser of:

10% of disposable earnings for the week; or

60× the highest applicable minimum wage (federal, state, or local) — protected floor.

For non-consumer debts and certain pre-Prop-209 judgments, the prior 25% / 30× FMW cap may still apply. Arizona's 2026 state minimum wage is $14.70/hr, giving a $882/week protected floor under the 60x formula.

3. Special Categories

Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b) and A.R.S. § 25-505.01 (income withholding).

IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.

Federal student loans: 15% under 20 U.S.C. § 1095a.

State tax: A.R.S. § 42-1204 — Department of Revenue wage levy.

4. Head-of-Household Exemption

No separate head-of-household exemption — the 10% cap effectively functions as a broad protection for all debtors.

5. Process

Creditor obtains judgment, applies for Writ of Garnishment of Earnings under A.R.S. § 12-1598.04, and serves it on the employer. Employer files answer within 10 business days. Debtor receives Notice to Judgment Debtor (Form 8) and may request a hearing within 10 days to claim a higher exemption based on hardship.

6. Multiple Garnishments

Support orders have priority. Among ordinary creditors, only one continuing writ at a time; subsequent writs queue under § 12-1598.10.

7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment. A.R.S. § 12-1598.13 echoes this with statutory penalties and private right of action.

8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

Bank garnishments use a writ of garnishment of non-earnings under A.R.S. § 12-1570. A.R.S. § 33-1126(A)(8) protects $300 in a single bank account ($600 if married filing jointly) plus federal benefit protections under 31 C.F.R. Part 212.

This is legal information, not legal advice.