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How much of my wages can be garnished in Indiana?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

Indiana applies the federal CCPA formula and adds modest non-wage exemptions.

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. Indiana Rule

Ind. Code § 24-4.5-5-105 adopts the federal CCPA cap for consumer debts. Ind. Code § 34-55-10-2 lists personal property exemptions including a $400 wildcard for non-real-estate tangible property.

3. Special Categories

  • Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b) and Ind. Code § 31-16-15 (Income Withholding).
  • IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.
  • Federal student loans: 15% under 20 U.S.C. § 1095a.
  • State tax: Ind. Code § 6-8.1-8-2 — Department of Revenue tax warrant and wage levy.

    • 4. Head-of-Household Exemption

    Indiana has no head-of-household exemption.

    5. Process

    Creditor obtains judgment, then files Verified Motion for Proceedings Supplemental under Trial Rule 69(E) with employer named as garnishee. Court holds a hearing; debtor may claim exemptions. Garnishment Order issues to employer requiring withholding each pay period.

    6. Multiple Garnishments

    Support orders have priority. Among ordinary creditors, only one continuing garnishment satisfies at a time under Ind. Code § 24-4.5-5-105(7); subsequent garnishments queue.

    7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

    15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment. Ind. Code § 24-4.5-5-106 echoes this for consumer garnishments.

    8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

    Bank account garnishment also proceeds under Trial Rule 69(E). Ind. Code § 34-55-10-2(c)(3) exempts $400 wildcard in intangible personal property including bank funds. Federal benefit protections under 31 C.F.R. Part 212 apply.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Proceedings supplemental hearing scheduled
    • Bank account frozen with exempt benefits
    • Multiple competing garnishments by different creditors
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Ind. Code § 24-4.5-5-105
    • Ind. Code § 34-55-10-2
    • Indiana Trial Rule 69(E)
    • 15 U.S.C. § 1673

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.