Wage Garnishment in Idaho

Idaho: Federal Baseline in the Mountain West

Idaho follows the federal baseline CCPA limits under Idaho Code § 11-207, providing no additional state-level protections for wage garnishment. Creditors can take up to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount above 30× the federal minimum wage ($217.50/week).

Minimum Wage and Garnishment

Idaho’s $7.25 minimum wage (tied to the federal rate) provides the lowest possible earnings floor. A full-time minimum-wage worker earns $290/week, with $217.50 protected from garnishment — leaving just $72.50 in garnishable wages. At maximum garnishment, the worker loses approximately $18/week. However, for workers earning above the minimum wage, the 25% cap can represent a substantial loss without any state-level softening.

Mountain West Comparison

Idaho’s protections are among the weakest in the Mountain West. Colorado offers a 20% cap and 40× multiplier. Arizona provides 90% HOH protection and earned a ‘B’ from the NCLC. Nevada uses a 50× multiplier. Even Montana — which also follows the federal baseline — has a higher minimum wage ($10.55) that provides a better earnings cushion. Only Utah and Wyoming offer comparable federal-default protection with $7.25 minimum wages.

Practical Context

For an Idaho worker earning $700/week in disposable earnings, the maximum garnishment under the federal formula is $175/week (25%). Compare this to the same worker in Colorado, where the maximum would be $140/week (20% cap), or in Washington, where recent reforms may provide additional tier-based protections. The difference of $35/week adds up to $1,820/year — meaningful money for a moderate-income household.

What Idaho Workers Should Know

Idaho offers limited asset exemptions alongside its federal-default wage rules. The homestead exemption of $100,000 is reasonable, but other personal property exemptions are modest. Workers facing garnishment in Idaho should consult the federal CCPA protections as their primary shield.

Statute: Idaho Code § 11-207; 15 U.S.C. § 1673 — Official source

This calculator is for consumer debt garnishment only. Not legal advice. Rules vary by debt type (student loans, child support, taxes). Verify with official sources before making any financial or legal decisions.