How to Stop Wage Garnishment by the Maryland Comptroller

If you’ve received a notice that the Maryland Comptroller intends to garnish your wages, you’re not alone, and you still have options. Wage garnishment is one of the most aggressive collection tools used by the state to recover unpaid taxes. Once it begins, a percentage of your paycheck is withheld and sent directly to the state, potentially creating serious financial hardship.

At Tax Relief Counsel, a Maryland-based tax law firm representing clients nationwide and internationally, we help individuals and business owners stop wage garnishments, resolve their tax debt, and regain control of their finances. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why wage garnishments happen, how the process works, and most importantly, how to stop it before or after it begins.

What Is Wage Garnishment by the Maryland Comptroller?

Wage garnishment is a legal process in which the Maryland Comptroller directs your employer to withhold a portion of your wages to satisfy outstanding tax debt. This action is authorized under Maryland law when taxpayers have ignored notices or failed to resolve their tax balances.

Key facts about Maryland tax wage garnishments:

• The Comptroller does not need a court order to garnish wages.
• Up to 25% of your disposable earnings may be withheld.
• Garnishment continues until the tax debt (plus penalties and interest) is fully paid.

Wage garnishment can quickly escalate if ignored — impacting your income, job security, and credit.

Why Is the Maryland Comptroller Garnishing Your Wages?

The Maryland Comptroller may initiate a garnishment if:

• You owe unpaid individual or business income taxes.
• You failed to pay sales and use taxes or withholding taxes.
• You ignored multiple tax collection notices.
• You defaulted on an existing payment arrangement.
• You did not respond to a Notice of Intent to Garnish or Notice of Lien.

Once your account is flagged for enforced collection, garnishment is often one of the first actions the state takes.

The Wage Garnishment Process in Maryland

Here’s what typically happens:

• Tax Assessment Issued – The Comptroller determines that you owe taxes based on a filed or unfiled return.
• Notices Sent – The Comptroller sends multiple notices demanding payment (including a Final Notice and Intent to Garnish).
• Employer Contacted – If unresolved, the state contacts your employer and instructs them to begin withholding.
• Garnishment Begins – Your employer must legally comply and begin withholding a portion of your paycheck.

Unlike private creditors, the Maryland Comptroller does not need to sue you in court to start garnishment. This makes acting quickly even more critical.

How to Stop Wage Garnishment Before It Starts

1. Pay the Tax Debt in Full

The fastest way to stop garnishment is to pay the full amount owed, including interest and penalties. If this is not feasible, other legal options exist.

2. Request a Payment Plan (Installment Agreement)

You may be eligible for a monthly payment arrangement that allows you to resolve your balance over time. The Comptroller may hold off on garnishment while reviewing your application.

3. File Missing Returns

If you have unfiled tax returns, the state may have assessed your liability based on estimated income. Filing accurate returns can reduce your liability and open the door to resolution options.

4. Submit an Offer in Compromise

If you can’t pay the full amount due and meet specific hardship criteria, you may be eligible for a Maryland Offer in Compromise — settling the debt for less than owed.

5. Show Financial Hardship

In some cases, demonstrating that garnishment would create undue financial hardship may convince the Comptroller to halt the action while you pursue another resolution.

6. Contact a Tax Attorney Immediately

Engaging a tax attorney early allows time to negotiate with the state before garnishment begins. At Tax Relief Counsel, we contact the Comptroller directly to explore resolution options and delay collection.

How to Stop Wage Garnishment After It Has Started

Even if garnishment has already begun, it is not too late to act.

1. Negotiate a Payment Agreement

The Comptroller may stop wage garnishment if you agree to a reasonable installment plan. A tax attorney can negotiate terms based on your income and expenses.

2. Submit a Maryland Offer in Compromise

If you qualify, you can submit an Offer in Compromise to settle the debt. The Comptroller may suspend garnishment while reviewing your offer.

3. Demonstrate Economic Hardship

If garnishment is leaving you unable to meet basic living expenses, your attorney can submit documentation to request temporary relief.

4. Challenge the Underlying Debt

If the garnishment is based on an incorrect or inflated tax assessment, you may be able to dispute the liability or request a review.

5. Request a Release of Garnishment

Once a resolution is in place, your attorney can request a formal release of the garnishment from the Comptroller’s Office.

Why You Should Work With a Tax Attorney

Stopping wage garnishment by the Maryland Comptroller requires fast, strategic action, and experienced legal support. At Tax Relief Counsel, we:

• Communicate directly with the Comptroller’s Office on your behalf
• Negotiate payment plans, offers in compromise, and garnishment releases
• File missing or amended returns to reduce the debt
• Protect your income and financial rights
• Defend against liens, levies, and license holds

Unlike tax relief companies or general accountants, we are licensed Maryland tax attorneys who can represent you in hearings, appeals, and litigation if needed.

Attorney-Client Privilege Provides Added Protection

All conversations with our legal team are protected under attorney-client privilege. This means you can share sensitive information, including past mistakes or financial hardships, without fear of it being disclosed to the state.

This legal confidentiality does not apply if you’re working with a tax relief company or non-lawyer.

How Long Does Wage Garnishment Last?

Unless resolved, garnishment continues until:

• The tax debt is paid in full
• A formal resolution is reached (installment plan or compromise)
• The Comptroller releases the garnishment order

Interest and penalties continue to accrue during garnishment, which means acting sooner can help limit the total cost.

Don’t Wait — Call Tax Relief Counsel Today

If you’ve received a Notice of Intent to Garnish or already have money being withheld from your paycheck, time is critical. The longer you wait, the more damage is done to your finances.

At Tax Relief Counsel, we help clients across Maryland and beyond stop wage garnishments, resolve their tax debts, and move forward with confidence. Call us today at (202) 630-4095 for a confidential consultation with an experienced Maryland tax attorney.