Employee Wage Garnishment: 15 Notification Letter Samples

Understanding Wage Garnishment Notifications

Wage garnishment is a legal process where a creditor obtains a court order to deduct money from an employee’s wages to satisfy a debt. Employers are legally obligated to comply with valid garnishment orders. Proper notification to the employee is crucial, providing transparency and allowing them to understand the situation. Failing to comply can result in legal penalties for the employer. This article will provide sample letters which are for educational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney or HR professional to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

Key Elements of a Garnishment Notification Letter

An effective notification letter should clearly explain the garnishment order, including the creditor’s name, the amount to be garnished, the frequency of deductions, and the total debt owed. It should also inform the employee of their rights, such as the ability to challenge the garnishment order in court. The letter should be written in clear, understandable language, avoiding legal jargon. It’s also important to maintain a professional and empathetic tone, recognizing the sensitive nature of the situation. Ensure you comply with all applicable privacy regulations when handling sensitive employee information.

Sample Employee Notification Letters

Below are 15 sample letters covering various scenarios. Remember to adapt these templates to fit your specific situation and consult with legal counsel as needed.

Sample Letter 1: Initial Garnishment Notification

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name] to deduct funds from your wages. This order is based on a judgment entered against you on [Date of Judgment] in the amount of [Total Amount Owed].
 

 We are legally obligated to comply with this order.  Deductions will begin on [Start Date] and will continue until the debt is satisfied or we receive further instructions from the court or [Creditor Name]. The amount to be deducted each pay period will be [Amount per Pay Period].
 

 You have the right to contest this garnishment order. If you believe the order is invalid or incorrect, you should immediately contact [Creditor Name] or seek legal counsel.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding this matter.
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 2: Garnishment for Child Support

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order for Child Support
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Child Support Agency] to deduct funds from your wages for child support obligations.
 

 We are legally obligated to comply with this order. Deductions will begin on [Start Date] and will continue until the obligation is satisfied or we receive further instructions from [Child Support Agency]. The amount to be deducted each pay period will be [Amount per Pay Period], as directed by the order.
 

 Please contact [Child Support Agency] directly at [Phone Number] if you have any questions regarding the details of this order.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 3: Garnishment for Federal Student Loan

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order for Federal Student Loan
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from the U.S. Department of Education to deduct funds from your wages for a defaulted federal student loan.
 

 We are legally obligated to comply with this order. Deductions will begin on [Start Date] and will continue until the loan is satisfied or we receive further instructions from the U.S. Department of Education. The amount to be deducted each pay period will be [Amount per Pay Period].
 

 You have certain rights regarding this garnishment, including the right to request a hearing to object to the garnishment. Contact the U.S. Department of Education at [Phone Number] for more information.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 4: Notification of Amended Garnishment Order

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Amended Wage Garnishment Order
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received an amended wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name]. This amends the previous order we received on [Date of Original Order].
 

 The amendment changes the [Specific Change, e.g., amount to be deducted, frequency of deductions]. The new amount to be deducted each pay period will be [New Amount per Pay Period], effective [Effective Date].
 

 All other terms and conditions of the original garnishment order remain in effect.
 

 If you have any questions regarding this amendment, please contact [Creditor Name] or seek legal counsel.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 5: Notice of Termination of Garnishment

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Termination of Wage Garnishment Order
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received notification from [Creditor Name] to terminate the wage garnishment order that began on [Start Date].
 

 Deductions from your wages will cease effective [Stop Date].
 

 If you have any questions regarding the termination of this garnishment, please contact [Creditor Name] directly.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions.
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 6: Garnishment for Back Taxes (IRS)

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order for Back Taxes (IRS)
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deduct funds from your wages for unpaid back taxes.
 

 We are legally obligated to comply with this order. Deductions will begin on [Start Date] and will continue until the tax liability is satisfied or we receive further instructions from the IRS.  The amount to be deducted each pay period will be [Amount per Pay Period].
 

 You have the right to contact the IRS to discuss your tax liability and payment options.  Their contact information is [IRS Phone Number] and [IRS Website].
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 7: Garnishment with Priority Over Another Garnishment

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order - Priority Status
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name 2]. We already have a garnishment order in place from [Creditor Name 1].
 

 Please be advised that the garnishment order from [Creditor Name 2] has priority over the existing order from [Creditor Name 1], based on [Reason for Priority, e.g., Federal Law, type of debt].
 

 This means that the deductions for [Creditor Name 1] may be reduced or temporarily suspended to comply with the priority of the new order. The amount to be deducted for [Creditor Name 2] will be [Amount per Pay Period], effective [Start Date].
 

  It is your responsibility to contact both [Creditor Name 1] and [Creditor Name 2] if you have concerns about the order of garnishments.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 8: Employee Working in Multiple States

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order - Multi-State Employment
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name]. As you work in both [State 1] and [State 2], the garnishment will be processed in accordance with the laws of [State Where Garnishment is Being Applied - usually the state where the employee primarily works or where the company's payroll is located, depending on the specific garnishment order requirements.  *This is a crucial detail and requires legal verification*].
 

 The amount to be deducted each pay period will be [Amount per Pay Period], beginning [Start Date]. This amount is determined by the laws of [State Where Garnishment is Being Applied] and the terms of the garnishment order.
 

 You may wish to consult with an attorney familiar with the garnishment laws of both [State 1] and [State 2] to understand your rights and obligations.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 9: Employee on Leave of Absence

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order - Employee on Leave of Absence
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name].  We understand that you are currently on a [Type of Leave, e.g., medical leave, family leave] leave of absence.
 

 While you are on leave and not receiving wages, we are unable to implement the garnishment order. Deductions will begin once you return to work and are receiving wages again.
 

 The amount to be deducted each pay period will be [Amount per Pay Period], once deductions commence.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department upon your return to work to confirm the garnishment process.  You should also contact [Creditor Name] to inform them of your leave status.
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 10: Garnishment and Bankruptcy

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order - Possible Bankruptcy Stay
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name].
 

 If you have filed for bankruptcy, an "automatic stay" may be in effect that prevents us from implementing the garnishment order.  *It is your responsibility to inform us immediately if you have filed for bankruptcy*.
 

 If a bankruptcy stay is in effect, please provide us with the bankruptcy case number and documentation from the bankruptcy court confirming the stay.  We will then suspend the garnishment until we receive further instructions from the court or the creditor.
 

 If no bankruptcy stay is in effect, we will begin deductions on [Start Date] in the amount of [Amount per Pay Period].
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department immediately if you have filed for bankruptcy.
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 11: Garnishment for Spousal Support

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order for Spousal Support
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Court Name] to deduct funds from your wages for spousal support obligations.
 

 We are legally obligated to comply with this order. Deductions will begin on [Start Date] and will continue until the obligation is satisfied or we receive further instructions from the court. The amount to be deducted each pay period will be [Amount per Pay Period], as directed by the order.
 

 Please contact [Court Name] directly at [Phone Number] if you have any questions regarding the details of this order.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 12: Garnishment Calculation Error Correction

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Correction to Wage Garnishment Deduction
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you of an error in the calculation of your wage garnishment deduction for the pay period ending [Date of Pay Period].  The incorrect amount deducted was [Incorrect Amount], and the correct amount should have been [Correct Amount].
 

 We have corrected the error and will [Explain Correction - e.g., issue a supplemental payment for the difference, adjust future deductions].
 

 We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
 

 If you have any questions, please contact the Payroll Department at [Payroll Department Phone Number] or [Payroll Department Email Address].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 13: Garnishment and Change of Address

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order - Please Confirm Address
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name].
 

 It is important that the creditor has your correct address. Please confirm that the address we have on file for you, [Employee Address], is correct. If it is not, please provide us with your updated address immediately so that we can inform [Creditor Name].
 

 We will begin deductions on [Start Date] in the amount of [Amount per Pay Period].
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if your address is incorrect or if you have any questions.
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 14: Garnishment Where Employee Disputes the Debt

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order - Employee Dispute
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name].
 

 We understand you may dispute this debt.  While we are legally obligated to comply with the garnishment order, we encourage you to contact [Creditor Name] or seek legal counsel to resolve the dispute.
 

 Deductions will begin on [Start Date] in the amount of [Amount per Pay Period].
 

 We are required to process the garnishment unless we receive a court order or communication from [Creditor Name] instructing us to cease deductions.
 

 Please contact the Human Resources Department if you have any questions regarding the implementation of this garnishment at [Your Company].
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]
 

Sample Letter 15: Garnishment and Final Paycheck

 [Your Company Letterhead]
 

 [Date]
 

 [Employee Name]
 [Employee Address]
 

 Subject: Notification of Wage Garnishment Order - Final Paycheck
 

 Dear [Employee Name],
 

 This letter is to inform you that we have received a wage garnishment order from [Creditor Name].
 

 This garnishment will be applied to your final paycheck. The amount to be deducted will be calculated according to the garnishment order and applicable state and federal laws.
 

 After the deduction is made, your final paycheck will be [Amount].
 

 Please contact the Payroll Department if you have any questions regarding your final paycheck or the garnishment deduction.
 

 Sincerely,
 

 [Your Name]
 [Your Title]