Can you garnish wages from a 1099?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 16, 2026
If you are an independent contractor or freelancer, a judgment creditor cannot garnish your wages. But it may be able to get some of your income through a non-earnings garnishment.
Can wages be garnished from a bank account?
When a court determines that you owe a creditor money and then authorizes the creditor to take money directly from your paycheck or bank accounts, that’s called a garnishment. Creditors can use the judgement to garnish your wages, take money from your bank accounts, and put a lien on assets you own, like your house.
How much can be garnished from your bank account?
If your take-home pay is between $217.50 and $290 a week, then only the amount over $217.50 can be garnished. If your take-home pay is more than $290 a week, then 25% of your wages can be garnished.
Can a 1099 subcontractor have wages garnished?
Employees who don’t pay their debts are in danger of having their wages garnished. As they don’t have employee status, independent contractors and self-employed individuals normally aren’t subject to wage garnishment.
Do you have to pay Social Security taxes on 1099 income?
Self-employment Tax and Employment Taxes Yes, if you have 1099 income you are considered to be self-employed, and you will need to pay self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare taxes) on this income.
What happens when you work as a 1099 employee?
As it says on the information above, when you work as a 1099 employee, you’re not an employee. Instead, you’re considered an independent contractor. As an independent 1099 worker, you can enjoy the advantages of setting your own price, working around your own schedule and controlling how you meet your obligations to your clients.
Do you need a 1099 for a job under$ 600?
Any jobs under $600 don’t require a 1099, but the income must be accounted for. As far as taxes are concerned, independent contractors have to pay their taxes in full. Unlike with a regular job, taxes in independent contracting jobs are not deducted from the amount paid.
