Wage Garnishment in Iowa
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Iowa and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: The federal limit applies, and Iowa adds yearly caps per creditor based on the worker's expected annual earnings: $250 if under $12,000; $400 for $12,000-$15,999; $800 for $16,000-$23,999; $1,500 for $24,000-$34,999; Iowa Code § 642.21
| Wage garnishment limit | The federal limit applies, and Iowa adds yearly caps per creditor based on the worker's expected annual earnings: $250 if under $12,000; $400 for $12,000-$15,999; $800 for $16,000-$23,999; $1,500 for $24,000-$34,999; $2,000 for $35,000-$49,999; and 10% of expected earnings for $50,000 or more. Support orders are treated differently. Source: Iowa Code § 642.21 |
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| Claiming an exemption | When a bank account or other non-wage property is garnished, the creditor must serve the debtor with a notice of garnishment and levy within 7 business days after the garnishee's answer. The notice explains the right to claim exemptions and to a prompt hearing before a judge. The debtor claims exemptions by filing a motion or other pleading with the court; otherwise the money may be applied to the judgment. Source: Iowa Code § 642.14A |
Where to get help in Iowa
- Iowa Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division (administers the Iowa Consumer Credit Code, including debt collector notification)
- File a complaint or claim
More Iowa debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Iowa
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Iowa
- What Creditors Can't Take in Iowa
- All Iowa debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Iowa?
The federal limit applies, and Iowa adds yearly caps per creditor based on the worker's expected annual earnings: $250 if under $12,000; $400 for $12,000-$15,999; $800 for $16,000-$23,999; $1,500 for $24,000-$34,999; $2,000 for $35,000-$49,999; and 10% of expected earnings for $50,000 or more. Support orders are treated differently.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Iowa?
When a bank account or other non-wage property is garnished, the creditor must serve the debtor with a notice of garnishment and levy within 7 business days after the garnishee's answer. The notice explains the right to claim exemptions and to a prompt hearing before a judge. The debtor claims exemptions by filing a motion or other pleading with the court; otherwise the money may be applied to the judgment.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.