How much of my wages can be garnished in Tennessee?

Tennessee applies the federal CCPA formula with a small dependent-child credit.

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. Tennessee Rule

Tenn. Code § 26-2-106 adopts the federal CCPA formula. § 26-2-107 adds an extra exemption of $2.50 per week for each dependent child under age 16, increasing the protected floor for working parents.

3. Special Categories

Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b) and Tenn. Code § 36-5-501 (Income Assignment for Support).

IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.

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

State tax: Tennessee has no general income tax; Department of Revenue may pursue franchise/excise or sales-tax debts under § 67-1-1431.

4. Head-of-Household Exemption

No separate head-of-household exemption, but the $2.50-per-child credit and the federal floor protect low-income families.

5. Process

Creditor obtains judgment, then files an Affidavit of Garnishment under Tenn. Code § 26-2-203. Court issues garnishment to employer. Garnishment runs continuously until satisfied or for 6 months per writ under § 26-2-214 — creditor must renew. Debtor receives notice and may file slow-pay petition under § 26-2-216 to suspend garnishment in favor of installments.

6. Multiple Garnishments

Support orders have priority. Among ordinary creditors, first writ served collects; later ones queue.

7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment. Tenn. Code § 26-2-411 echoes this with statutory penalties.

8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

Bank garnishments use the same writ process. Tenn. Code § 26-2-103 (personal property exemption) protects up to $10,000 in personal property, including bank funds, when properly claimed. Federal benefits remain protected under 31 C.F.R. Part 212.

This is legal information, not legal advice.