---
title: How Much Can the IRS Garnish from a Paycheck? | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/answers/how-much-can-the-irs-garnish
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# How much can the IRS garnish from a paycheck?

Updated October 8, 20261 sourceTaxTruce team[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Everything above your exempt amount. The exempt amount is based on your standard deduction and dependents, using the table in IRS Publication 1494. Your employer figures it from the Statement of Dependents and Filing Status you return. Return it in 3 days, or you are treated as married filing separately with zero dependents.

## Sources

1. [IRS: Information about wage levies](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/information-about-wage-levies)

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.