# Garnish my wages?? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 9, 2002, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094 "2002-05-09T15:27:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gingersnap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f04885/32.png) [@gingersnap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gingersnap)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/1 "2002-05-09T15:27:27Z")
I am in a dispute with my county tax board. Recently they threatened to “garnish” my wages. Garnish? What are they going to do, staple a sprig of parsley to my paycheck? ---
**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/2 "2002-05-09T15:31:40Z")
First of all, they’re going to _garnishee_ your wages. Although, believe it or not, it has the same root (embellishment) as _garnish_, garnishment is “the stoppage of a specified sum from wages to satisfy a creditor.” ---
**Author:** ![gingersnap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f04885/32.png) [@gingersnap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gingersnap)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/3 "2002-05-09T15:40:12Z")
The letter says garnish. Not “garnishee”. Anyway, it’s a moot point, I’m self-employed and don’t get a paycheck. ---
**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/4 "2002-05-09T16:02:02Z")
Well, then, they can’t spell garnishee. Bad news is, paycheck or no paycheck, you’re still liable. Depending on the law in your state, creditors (possibly including the tax board) can go after the clients and banks of self-employed debtors using a writ of garnishment. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/5 "2002-05-09T16:05:15Z")
Hmm…my dictionary says “garnish” is an acceptable spelling for that word. I have never heard it referred to as anything but “garnishing one’s wages,” but I suppose in technical legal speak, it is garnishee. Carry on… ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Slant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c57346/32.png) [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/6 "2002-05-09T16:08:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gingersnap \* > \*\*The letter says garnish. Not “garnishee”. Anyway, it’s a moot point, I’m self-employed and don’t get a paycheck. \*\* In your case, they’re more likely to attempt to collect from you by either seizing capital equipment associated with your business or simply getting an order for all or part of the contents of your bank account(s). The government has its ways, whether we like them or not. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/7 "2002-05-09T16:11:18Z")
Black’s Law Dictionary has “garnish” as the verb and “garnishee” as the person whose pay is being garnished. However, Merriam-Webster’s Third Unabridged does have “garnishee” as a verb. Huh – I’ve never heard it used that way. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/8 "2002-05-09T16:45:26Z")
What **JW** said. Garnishing your wages is just one method of collection the court can impose to collect on debts. In your case, since you have no offical wages, they will go after other means of collecting their money (generally seizing assets). You may wish they garnished your wages as I believe there is a maximum amount they are allowed to take by law (20%?) from each paycheck. If they go after your assets they’ll just keep taking thill the debt and penalties are paid. ---
**Author:** ![gingersnap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f04885/32.png) [@gingersnap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gingersnap)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/9 "2002-05-09T19:40:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Whack-a-Mole \* > You may wish they garnished your wages as I believe there is a maximum amount they are allowed to take by law (20%?) from each paycheck. If they go after your assets they’ll just keep taking thill the debt and penalties are paid. \*\* I only owe them $89 dollars. 😉 I am objecting to the tax on principle. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/10 "2002-05-09T20:07:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gingersnap \* > \*\* I only owe them $89 dollars. 😉 I am objecting to the tax on principle. \*\* I’m sorry to say the government doesn’t give a rat’s ass for your principles. If they allow one ‘conscientious objector’ to a tax slip through everyone will be clamoring for the same treatment and the government will go bust. Your only hope is to take the county to court to show the tax is somehow unlawful. If it isn’t, no matter how much you don’t like or agree to it, you are obligated to pay it. Worse, they won’t likely stop at the $89. They’ll probbaly try to slap you with fines and the like for daring to contest their authority. Unless you’re willing to go to court (assuming their is a basis to challenge the tax) you are best off just paying your $89. Not fair you say? Maybe not but all isn’t lost. If enough people feel as you do you can vote out the SOBs who voted in the tax and replace them with people who will repeal it. It’s the American way! ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/11 "2002-05-09T21:27:20Z")
Dear **gingersnap** : All companies hate it when they have to deal with an employee that has their wages garnished. Hence they have a very simple solution: fire the employee. If they contact your employer to set up the garnishment, you will probably be fired asap. Have a nice day. ---
**Author:** ![robcaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/df705f/32.png) [@robcaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robcaro)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2002, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/12 "2002-05-09T21:58:11Z")
American Heritage Dictionary defines Garnish and Garnishee: Quote: > [@](#): > > **gar·nish** tr.v. gar·nished, gar·nish·ing, gar·nish·es. 1.a. To enhance in appearance by adding decorative touches; embellish. b. To decorate (prepared food or drink) with small colorful or savory items, such as parsley or lemon slices. 2. Law. To garnishee. --gar·nish n. 1.a. Ornamentation; embellishment. b. An embellishment added to a prepared food or drink for decoration or added flavor. 2. Slang. An unwarranted fee, such as one extorted from a new prisoner by a jailer. > > **gar·nish·ee** Law. n. 1. A third party who has been notified that money or property in his or her hands but belonging to a defendant has been attached. --gar·nish·ee tr.v. gar·nish·eed, gar·nish·ee·ing, gar·nish·ees. 1. To attach by garnishment: garnishee a debtor’s wages. 2. To serve with a garnishment: garnishee an employer. ---
**Author:** ![occ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8c91f0/32.png) [@occ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/occ)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2002, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/13 "2002-05-10T02:12:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ftg \* > \*\*Dear **gingersnap** : > > All companies hate it when they have to deal with an employee that has their wages garnished. Hence they have a very simple solution: fire the employee. If they contact your employer to set up the garnishment, you will probably be fired asap. > > Have a nice day. \*\* I’m sure that **gingersnap** would be shaking in his/her boots, except for the fact that as stated, they’re self employed. 😃 Oh, and re: “you can’t fight city hall” – sure you can, and many do. If you know you’re right, don’t be afraid to fight for it, and don’t let anyone tell you its not worth it for $89.00. ---
**Author:** ![billy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billy)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2002, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/14 "2002-05-10T02:32:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Whack-a-Mole \* > **What JW said. > You may wish they garnished your wages as I believe there is a maximum amount they are allowed to take by law (20%?) from each paycheck** I can tell you first hand that the IRS can garnish 100% of your paycheck. Luckly for me, I only owed them one paychecks worth of money. Oh well, I did owe them the money… ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2002, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/15 "2002-05-10T02:57:07Z")
> [@](#): > > I’m sure that **gingersnap** would be shaking in his/her boots, except for the fact that as stated, they’re self employed. Oh, they can find another way to lien on him or her … ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2002, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garnish-my-wages/108094/16 "2002-05-10T03:46:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ftg \* > \*\*Dear **gingersnap** : > > All companies hate it when they have to deal with an employee that has their wages garnished. Hence they have a very simple solution: fire the employee. If they contact your employer to set up the garnishment, you will probably be fired asap. > > Have a nice day. \*\* Notwithstanding the issue involves a _self-employed_ individual in this thread … Under what legal grounds can an employer fire an employee as a result of a garnishment action, assuming the employee has no bad employer-employee issues?