California Earnings Withholding Order Calculator 2026 — Free, Instant, Accurate

California EWO Calculator — Instant Examples

See exactly how the California Earnings Withholding Order calculation works with these real-world examples based on 2026 minimum wage rates. The garnishment cap is 20% of disposable earnings or 40% of the amount your earnings exceed the threshold (48 × minimum wage), whichever is less — per CCP § 706.050. Results show your estimated garnishment, net pay, and whether you're protected.

* Examples are estimates based on 2026 California statewide minimum wage ($16.90/hr) and standard tax assumptions. The threshold equals 48 × minimum wage per weekly pay period (96 × for biweekly). Actual results depend on your specific earnings, deductions, city minimum wage, court orders, and employer policies. Use the calculator above for your personalized estimate.

What Is a California Earnings Withholding Order (EWO)?

A California Earnings Withholding Order (EWO) is a court order requiring an employer to withhold a portion of an employee's wages to satisfy a judgment debt. When a creditor obtains a money judgment against you, they can ask the court to issue an EWO. The order is served on your employer, who must then calculate how much to deduct from each paycheck and send that amount to the court or the judgment creditor.

EWOs are governed by California Code of Civil Procedure sections 706.050 through 706.154. These laws set strict limits on how much can be withheld and protect a portion of your income for basic living expenses. Under the current statute (CCP § 706.050, operative September 1, 2023), the maximum amount that can be garnished is the lesser of: (A) 20% of your disposable earnings, or (B) 40% of the amount by which your disposable earnings exceed 48 times the applicable minimum wage for that pay period.

This calculator follows the exact formulas from California law to give you a precise estimate of how much your employer will withhold. If your disposable earnings are less than or equal to the threshold (48 × minimum wage × pay-period hours), you are fully protected from garnishment under CCP § 706.050 and nothing can be taken from your paycheck. For a detailed walkthrough of the disposable earnings formula, see the California Wage Garnishment Laws — Step-by-Step Guide.

How Much Can Be Garnished From Your Paycheck in California?

California law (CCP § 706.050, operative September 1, 2023) limits wage garnishment for consumer debts to the lesser of two amounts:

• 20% of your disposable earnings — or —
• 40% of the amount by which your disposable earnings exceed 48 times the applicable minimum wage for the pay period (the statutory threshold).

For example, if you are paid weekly and the applicable minimum wage is $16.90/hour (2026 statewide rate), the threshold is $811.20 (48 × $16.90). If your disposable earnings are $1,000.00, the excess over the threshold is $188.80 ($1,000.00 − $811.20). The law can take the lesser of 20% of $1,000.00 ($200.00) or 40% of $188.80 ($75.52). So your garnishment would be $75.52.

If your disposable earnings are $811.20 or below (at or under the threshold), you are fully protected and no garnishment can occur.

For child support orders, different rules apply. Up to 50% of your disposable earnings can be withheld if you have a second family to support, 60% if you do not, and 65% if you are 12 or more weeks in arrears.

For state tax levies (FTB — EWOT) and federal tax levies (IRS), the rules differ again. This calculator handles multiple order types so you can see the impact of each.

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Your California EWO Garnishment

Understanding the math behind your garnishment helps you verify that your employer is calculating correctly — and gives you confidence in your numbers. Here's how the formula works, step by step.

Step 1: Determine Your Gross Pay

This is your total earnings before any deductions. Include regular wages, overtime, bonuses, and commissions. Do not include employer reimbursements or non-wage income.

Step 2: Calculate Mandatory Deductions

Subtract legally required deductions from your gross pay. These include:

• Federal income tax withholding
• Social Security (6.2%, up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500)
• Medicare (1.45%, no cap)
• California state income tax withholding
• California SDI (1.3%, no wage cap since January 1, 2024)

The result is your disposable earnings.

Step 3: Determine the Statutory Threshold

Multiply the applicable minimum wage by the number of hours in your pay period per CCP § 706.050(b):

• Weekly: 48 × minimum wage
• Biweekly: 96 × minimum wage
• Semimonthly: 104 × minimum wage
• Monthly: 208 × minimum wage

The applicable minimum wage is the higher of the state minimum wage ($16.90/hour in 2026) or any local minimum wage (e.g., Los Angeles $17.87, San Francisco $19.61). This calculator automatically applies your city's minimum wage.

Step 4: Calculate the Excess Over Threshold

Subtract the threshold from your disposable earnings. If the result is zero or negative, you are fully protected and your garnishment is $0. If positive, 40% of this excess is one of the two caps.

Step 5: Apply the Garnishment Formula (CCP § 706.050)

Your garnishment is the lesser of:

• 20% of your disposable earnings (for consumer debt EWOs), or
• 40% of the excess (disposable earnings minus the 48 × minimum wage threshold).

For flat dollar orders, your garnishment is the lesser of the order amount or 40% of the excess (also capped at 20% of disposable earnings). For child support, the percentage is higher (50–65% of disposable earnings).

Step 6: Your Net Pay

Your final take-home pay = Gross Pay − Mandatory Deductions − Garnishment Amount.

This calculator does all six steps instantly — just enter your numbers above and see the result.

2026 California Minimum Wage by City

The threshold in your EWO calculation depends on the minimum wage that applies to your work location. California has a statewide minimum wage of $16.90/hour (effective January 1, 2026), but many cities have higher local minimum wages. Several Bay Area cities updated their rates on July 1, 2026. This table shows the current 2026 minimum wage for major California cities.

* The threshold equals minimum wage × statutory hours (48 weekly, 96 biweekly, 104 semimonthly, 208 monthly) per CCP § 706.050(b). If your city is not listed, the statewide rate of $16.90 applies. Local rates may change annually — confirm with your city's official website. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Berkeley, and Emeryville rates shown reflect July 1, 2026 updates.

Real Examples: See Exactly How Much Gets Taken

These examples show how the California EWO calculation works in different income situations. All examples use 2026 minimum wage rates and assume single filing status with 0 allowances. Results are estimates — use the calculator above for your personalized number.

Example 1: Low-Income Worker — Fully Protected

Scenario: Maria works in San Francisco earning $900/week. She has a 20% EWO from a credit card judgment.

• Gross Pay: $900 (weekly)
• Mandatory Deductions: ~$130 (taxes, FICA, SDI)
• Disposable Earnings: ~$770
• San Francisco Minimum Wage: $19.61/hour (July 1, 2026)
• Threshold: 48 × $19.61 = $941.28
• Since disposable earnings ($770) are less than the threshold ($941.28), Maria is fully protected from garnishment under CCP § 706.050 — no garnishment can occur.
• Result: $0 garnishment.

Example 2: Moderate-Income Worker — Partial Garnishment

Scenario: David works in Los Angeles earning $1,200/week. He has a 20% EWO from a personal loan.

• Gross Pay: $1,200 (weekly)
• Mandatory Deductions: ~$185
• Disposable Earnings: ~$1,015
• Los Angeles Minimum Wage: $17.87/hour
• Threshold: 48 × $17.87 = $857.76
• Excess over threshold: $1,015 − $857.76 = $157.24
• Cap A — 20% of disposable earnings: $1,015 × 20% = $203.00
• Cap B — 40% of excess: $157.24 × 40% = $62.90
• Garnishment = lesser of $203.00 or $62.90 = ~$62.90
• Result: ~$63 garnishment per week.

Example 3: High-Income Worker — Cap A Applies

Scenario: Jennifer works statewide earning $3,000/week. She has a 20% EWO.

• Gross Pay: $3,000 (weekly)
• Mandatory Deductions: ~$560
• Disposable Earnings: ~$2,440
• Statewide Minimum Wage: $16.90/hour
• Threshold: 48 × $16.90 = $811.20
• Excess over threshold: $2,440 − $811.20 = $1,628.80
• Cap A — 20% of disposable earnings: $2,440 × 20% = $488.00
• Cap B — 40% of excess: $1,628.80 × 40% = $651.52
• Garnishment = lesser of $488.00 or $651.52 = ~$488
• Result: ~$488 garnishment per week.

Consumer Debt vs. Tax Debt vs. Child Support: What's the Difference?

Not all garnishments are the same. The type of debt determines the percentage that can be withheld and the priority order if you have multiple garnishments.

Priority rules: If you have multiple garnishments, the highest priority order is satisfied first. Child support (Priority 1) always takes precedence over tax levies (Priority 2–3) and consumer debt (Priority 4). If total garnishments would exceed legal limits, lower priority orders receive nothing.

Are You Exempt From Garnishment? Take the Quick Check

Under California law (CCP § 706.050), you are fully protected from garnishment if your disposable earnings do not exceed the threshold (48 times the applicable minimum wage for your weekly pay period — or 96×, 104×, or 208× for biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly). In simple terms:

If this applies to you, your employer cannot garnish any of your wages. The law protects your entire paycheck for basic living expenses.

Use this quick checklist to see if you qualify:

• ☐ Your gross pay is low — You earn near minimum wage or slightly above.
• ☐ You work in a high minimum wage city — Cities like San Francisco ($19.61), West Hollywood ($20.25), or Emeryville ($20.34) have higher thresholds.
• ☐ Your mandatory deductions are high — Taxes, FICA, and SDI reduce your disposable earnings, making you more likely to be protected.
• ☐ You have dependents — While California doesn't have a direct dependent exemption for EWOs, having dependents may affect your filing status (Head of Household) which lowers your tax withholding.

If you checked any of the first three bullets, you may be fully or partially protected. Use the calculator above to see your exact status.

Employer's Guide: What to Do When You Receive a California EWO

If you are an employer and receive an Earnings Withholding Order, you have specific legal obligations. Failure to comply can result in civil liability for the amount that should have been withheld. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Verify the Order

Ensure the EWO is properly completed and signed by a court officer. Look for:

• The name and address of the employee (judgment debtor)
• The name and address of the judgment creditor
• The court case number
• The signature of the levying officer

Step 2: Calculate the Withholding Amount

Use the formula from CCP § 706.050 (operative September 1, 2023):

• Calculate the employee's disposable earnings (gross pay minus mandatory deductions)
• Calculate the threshold: applicable minimum wage × statutory hours (48 for weekly, 96 biweekly, 104 semimonthly, 208 monthly)
• If disposable earnings do not exceed the threshold, no withholding is permitted
• If disposable earnings exceed the threshold, calculate the excess and apply 40% to that excess
• Withhold the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings or 40% of the excess over the threshold

Use our calculator above to instantly compute the correct withholding amount for each pay period.

Step 3: Complete Form WG-002 (Employer's Return)

Within 15 days of receiving the EWO, you must complete and return Form WG-002 to the levying officer. This form confirms:

• Whether the employee works for you
• The employee's pay period
• When the first withholding will occur
• The amount withheld (if any)

Step 4: Begin Withholding

Start withholding from the first pay period that begins at least 10 days after the EWO was served. Continue withholding each pay period until:

• The total judgment is paid in full
• The employee is no longer employed by you
• You receive a court order stopping the EWO
• The EWO expires (generally after 120 days if the employee changes jobs)

Step 5: Remit Withheld Amounts

Send the withheld amounts to the levying officer (court) on a regular basis — typically monthly or as specified in the EWO. Include:

• The employee's name and case number
• The pay period dates
• The total amount withheld
• Any supporting documentation requested

How to Stop or Reduce a Garnishment in California

If a garnishment is causing financial hardship, you have options. Here's what you can do:

1. File a Claim of Exemption (Form WG-006)

This is the most common way to stop or reduce a garnishment. You file the claim with the court and state that all or part of your earnings are exempt. Common grounds include:

• Low income: Your disposable earnings are at or below the threshold (48 × minimum wage)
• Dependents: You are supporting a family and the garnishment leaves you unable to meet basic needs (CCP § 706.051 hardship exemption)
• Disability or illness: You have medical expenses that consume your income

2. Negotiate with the Creditor

Contact the judgment creditor (or their attorney) and try to settle the debt for less than the full amount. Many creditors will accept a lump-sum payment or a payment plan that stops the garnishment.

3. File for Bankruptcy

Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy immediately stops all wage garnishments through the automatic stay. This is a powerful option but has long-term consequences for your credit.

4. Vacate the Judgment

If you were never properly served with the lawsuit or if the judgment was obtained fraudulently, you can ask the court to vacate (void) the judgment. If successful, the EWO is terminated.

5. Modify a Child Support Order

If the garnishment is for child support, you can request a modification of the support order if your income has decreased significantly or your expenses have increased.

Frequently Asked Questions About California EWO

Here are answers to the most common questions about California Earnings Withholding Orders. Click any question to expand the answer.

California EWO Laws & Legal References

This page is based on the following California laws and official sources. All data is current for 2026.

California Code of Civil Procedure

• CCP § 706.050 — Maximum amount subject to levy; garnishment caps (20% / 40% formula, 48× threshold); operative September 1, 2023
• CCP § 706.051 — Hardship/support exemption: portion of earnings necessary for support of debtor or debtor's family
• CCP § 706.052 — Earnings withholding order: child support provisions
• CCP § 706.101 — Application for earnings withholding order
• CCP § 706.121 — Service of earnings withholding order

Official California Government Sources

• California Courts — Official Self-Help Guide
• EDD — California Employment Development Department
• FTB — California Franchise Tax Board
• SCO — California State Controller's Office
• DIR — California Department of Industrial Relations (minimum wage)

Key Forms

• Form WG-001 — Earnings Withholding Order (court-issued)
• Form WG-002 — Employer's Return (completed by employer)
• Form WG-005 — Notice of Termination (employer notifies court when employee leaves)
• Form WG-006 — Claim of Exemption (employee files to stop or reduce garnishment)

Why This California EWO Calculator Is Different

Most California EWO resources online use outdated formulas or incorrect minimum wage rates. This calculator is built on the current statute — CCP § 706.050 as amended, operative September 1, 2023 — and 2026 official data.

This page is built differently. It is the only California EWO calculator that combines:

Built for 2026 — Updated With Current Data

This calculator uses 2026 California minimum wage data ($16.90 statewide, with city-specific rates up to $20.34 in Emeryville). All tax brackets use IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 figures, CA SDI is correctly set at 1.3% with no wage cap, and the Social Security wage base reflects the 2026 limit of $184,500.

Built for Real People, Not Just Search Engines

This page was designed with a single goal: help you understand exactly how much of your paycheck will be taken — and whether you're protected. No legal jargon. No PDFs to download. No sign-ups. Just instant, accurate calculations with clear explanations.

Methodology: How This California EWO Calculator Works

This calculator implements the exact formula from California Code of Civil Procedure § 706.050 (operative September 1, 2023), using current 2026 tax rates and minimum wage data. Here's how the calculations are performed:

Data Sources

• California Minimum Wage: Statewide rate of $16.90/hour (effective January 1, 2026, per CA DIR) and city-specific rates from official municipal ordinances.
• Federal Tax Brackets: 2026 IRS tax tables per Rev. Proc. 2025-32 for single, married filing jointly, and head of household filing statuses.
• Federal Standard Deductions: $16,100 (single/MFS), $32,200 (MFJ), $24,150 (HOH) per IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
• California State Tax Brackets: 2026 FTB withholding schedules.
• California Standard Deductions: $5,706 (single/MFS), $11,412 (MFJ/HOH) per 2026 FTB figures.
• FICA Rates: Social Security 6.2% (up to 2026 wage base of $184,500), Medicare 1.45% (no cap), CA SDI 1.3% (no wage cap, per CA EDD effective January 1, 2026).
• Threshold Amount: Calculated as applicable minimum wage × statutory hours per CCP § 706.050(b): 48× weekly, 96× biweekly, 104× semimonthly, 208× monthly.
• Garnishment Formula: Lesser of (A) 20% of disposable earnings or (B) 40% of the excess of disposable earnings over the threshold, per CCP § 706.050(a).

Calculation Steps

1. Gross Pay — user enters total earnings before deductions.
2. Mandatory Deductions — federal and state income tax, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), Medicare (1.45%), and CA SDI (1.3%, no cap) are calculated based on filing status and allowances.
3. Disposable Earnings — gross pay minus mandatory deductions.
4. Threshold Amount — minimum wage × statutory hours per period (48 weekly, 96 biweekly, 104 semimonthly, 208 monthly) per CCP § 706.050(b).
5. Excess Over Threshold — disposable earnings minus threshold (zero if negative).
6. Garnishment Amount — lesser of (A) 20% of disposable earnings or (B) 40% of excess, with child support using 50–65% caps; flat dollar orders capped at the lesser of the ordered amount or the CCP § 706.050 limit.
7. Net Pay — gross pay minus mandatory deductions minus garnishment amount.
8. Employer Remittance — the exact amount the employer must send to the court.

Update Frequency

This calculator is updated whenever California law changes, minimum wage rates change, or tax brackets are revised. The current version uses 2026 data and is verified against official sources. Last update: July 2026.

This calculator is part of the California Garnishment Calculators hub, which includes tools for child support, FTB tax debt, disposable earnings, and other wage garnishment scenarios.

Limitations

• This calculator provides estimates only. Actual garnishment may differ due to specific court orders, employer policies, or other factors.
• It does not account for all possible deductions (e.g., health insurance, retirement contributions, union dues) that may reduce disposable earnings.
• It does not provide legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.

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