Wage Garnishment Calculator 2022 Massachusetts

Massachusetts Garnishment Formula:

\[ Garnishment = \min(25\% \text{ Disposable}, \text{Disposable} - \text{Exemption MA}) \]

Maximum Garnishment:

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1. What is Wage Garnishment in Massachusetts?

Wage garnishment in Massachusetts is a legal process where a portion of an employee's earnings is withheld by an employer for the payment of a debt. Massachusetts law provides specific protections for debtors regarding how much can be garnished.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Massachusetts garnishment formula:

\[ Garnishment = \min(25\% \text{ Disposable Earnings}, \text{Disposable Earnings} - \text{Exemption Amount}) \]

Where:

Disposable Earnings — Earnings after legally required deductions
Exemption Amount — Protected amount under Massachusetts law (varies based on circumstances)

Explanation: The garnishment is the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR the amount by which disposable earnings exceed the exemption amount.

3. Importance of Garnishment Calculation

Details: Accurate garnishment calculation ensures compliance with Massachusetts law, protects debtors from excessive withholding, and helps creditors understand maximum allowable garnishment amounts.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter disposable earnings (after taxes and other required deductions) and the applicable exemption amount. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered disposable earnings?
A: Disposable earnings are what remain after legally required deductions (federal/state taxes, Social Security, etc.), but not voluntary deductions.

Q2: How is the exemption amount determined?
A: Massachusetts provides different exemption amounts based on filing status, dependents, and other factors. Consult Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 246, Section 28 for details.

Q3: Are there different rules for child support garnishment?
A: Yes, child support garnishments follow different rules and can take up to 50-65% of disposable earnings depending on circumstances.

Q4: Can my employer fire me for wage garnishment?
A: Massachusetts law prohibits employers from terminating employees due to a single garnishment order.

Q5: What if multiple garnishment orders exist?
A: Massachusetts law prioritizes certain garnishments (like child support) and limits total garnishment amounts.