Arizona's wage garnishment rules are standard, but the state's relatively high minimum wage ($14.70/hr in 2026) means the 30x minimum wage threshold provides more protection than in states with lower minimums. Filing bankruptcy in Phoenix stops garnishment immediately and can eliminate the underlying debt.
Arizona allows creditors to garnish the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr). Arizona minimum wage is $14.70/hr (2026), so the 30x calculation uses the higher state minimum wage for some protections. Bank accounts can also be garnished, though $300 in a single account is exempt.
Filing bankruptcy in the D. Ariz. triggers the automatic stay which immediately stops all wage garnishment.
If wages were garnished within 90 days before filing, those funds may be recoverable as a preference payment under 11 U.S.C. section 547. File bankruptcy as soon as possible after garnishment begins to preserve this option.
| Debt Type | Can Garnish Wages? | How Much? |
|---|---|---|
| Credit cards / Medical bills | Yes (with judgment) | Up to 25% of disposable earnings |
| Child support | Yes | Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings |
| Federal student loans | Yes | Up to 15% of disposable earnings |
| Federal tax debt (IRS) | Yes | Varies based on exemptions claimed |
| State tax debt | Yes | Varies |
Arizona allows creditors to garnish the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr). Arizona minimum wage is $14.70/hr (2026), so the 30x calculation uses the higher state minimum wage for some protections. Bank accounts can also be garnished, though $300 in a single account is exempt.
Yes. Filing bankruptcy in the D. Ariz. triggers the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. section 362, which immediately stops all wage garnishment.
If wages were garnished within 90 days before filing, they may be recoverable as a preference payment under 11 U.S.C. section 547.
In Arizona, most judgment creditors can garnish wages. Common triggers include credit card judgments, medical debt judgments, and auto deficiency balances.
Arizona allows creditors to garnish the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings or the amount by which your weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr). Arizona minimum wage is $14.70/hr (2026), so the 30x calculation uses the higher state minimum wage for some protections. Bank accounts can also be garnished, though $300 in a single account is exempt.
Arizona exempts $300 in a single bank account from garnishment.
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