After a debt judgment in Texas: garnishment, bank levy, exemptions

What can be taken from your pay and bank account, and how to claim exempt money.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

After a judgment, the creditor can ask the court to take part of your pay or freeze your bank account, but some money is exempt (protected by law). Within 3 business days after it learns your property was frozen or seized, the creditor must serve you the Notice of Protected Property Rights and a Protected Property Claim Form. If you file the claim form (a sworn statement), the court must hold a hearing and decide your claim within 10 days (the judge can extend this for good cause), and nothing can be sold or paid out until then; exempt property must be released within 3 business days.

How long it lasts
10 years
Interest after the judgment
18%
Exemption form
Official exemption form

Protecting exempt money in Texas

Within 3 business days after it learns your property was frozen or seized, the creditor must serve you the Notice of Protected Property Rights and a Protected Property Claim Form. If you file the claim form (a sworn statement), the court must hold a hearing and decide your claim within 10 days (the judge can extend this for good cause), and nothing can be sold or paid out until then; exempt property must be released within 3 business days. Property cannot be sold for 14 days after you are served (17 if by mail). You can also file a motion to dissolve or modify the writ, or post a replevy bond.

Law: Tex. R. Civ. P. 663a; 679b

Official exemption form

Count your deadline to claim an exemption

The date is counted in your browser.

Read the notice you got from the court, your bank or your employer.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

Exemption claim cover letter

When a creditor freezes your account in Texas

The creditor can get a writ of garnishment that freezes your bank account. You must be served a copy of the writ, which tells you in English and Spanish that your money may be exempt. Texas has no fixed dollar amount protected in a bank account, but exempt money (such as current wages and federal benefits) can be protected. Personal property is protected up to $100,000 for a family or $50,000 for a single adult.

Law: Tex. Prop. Code § 42.001(a)

Your bank must protect up to two months of Social Security, SSI, VA and some other federal benefits that were paid into your account by direct deposit. You don't have to ask.

Law: 31 CFR 212.5, 212.6

How long a judgment lasts in Texas

Interest after the judgment

If the contract provides for interest, the lesser of the contract rate or 18% a year. Otherwise, the prime rate set monthly by the Consumer Credit Commissioner, but no lower than 5% and no higher than 15% a year.

How long it lasts

If no writ of execution is issued within 10 years after the judgment (or within 10 years after the last writ), the judgment becomes dormant. A dormant judgment can be revived within 2 years after it becomes dormant.

Law: Tex. Fin. Code §§ 304.002, 304.003; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 34.001, 31.006

Judgment interest and how long a judgment lasts, by state

How much of your pay can be taken in Texas

Current wages cannot be garnished for ordinary consumer debts such as credit cards or medical bills. The Texas Constitution allows wage garnishment only for court-ordered child support and spousal maintenance; federal debts can still be taken under federal law.

Law: Tex. Const. art. XVI, § 28; Tex. Prop. Code § 42.001(b)(1)

These garnishment limits are from our sister site, which checks them against official sources: Debt Collector Map: Texas

For an ordinary debt, a creditor can take at most 25% of your take-home pay, or the part above 30 times the federal minimum wage if that is less. Many states protect more.

Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(a)

Protecting your pay and bank in Texas

  1. Open every letter

    Deadlines to claim exemptions can be days, not weeks. Read each notice the day it comes.

  2. Gather proof

    Benefit letters and bank statements show which money is exempt.

  3. Claim your exemptions

    In Texas: Within 3 business days after it learns your property was frozen or seized, the creditor must serve you the Notice of Protected Property Rights and a Protected Property Claim Form. If you file the claim form (a sworn statement), the court must hold a hearing and decide your claim within 10 days (the judge can extend this for good cause), and nothing can be sold or paid out until then; exempt property must be released within 3 business days.

  4. Attend the hearing

    A judge decides disputed claims; bring every paper.

Where to get free help in Texas

Questions about collection after a judgment in Texas

How much interest does a judgment add in Texas?

If the contract provides for interest, the lesser of the contract rate or 18% a year. Otherwise, the prime rate set monthly by the Consumer Credit Commissioner, but no lower than 5% and no higher than 15% a year.

When does a judgment expire in Texas?

If no writ of execution is issued within 10 years after the judgment (or within 10 years after the last writ), the judgment becomes dormant. A dormant judgment can be revived within 2 years after it becomes dormant.

Can my wages be garnished in Texas?

Current wages cannot be garnished for ordinary consumer debts such as credit cards or medical bills. The Texas Constitution allows wage garnishment only for court-ordered child support and spousal maintenance; federal debts can still be taken under federal law.

Can a creditor take money from my bank account in Texas?

The creditor can get a writ of garnishment that freezes your bank account. You must be served a copy of the writ, which tells you in English and Spanish that your money may be exempt. Texas has no fixed dollar amount protected in a bank account, but exempt money (such as current wages and federal benefits) can be protected. Personal property is protected up to $100,000 for a family or $50,000 for a single adult.

What is the deadline to claim an exemption in Texas?

Within 3 business days after it learns your property was frozen or seized, the creditor must serve you the Notice of Protected Property Rights and a Protected Property Claim Form. If you file the claim form (a sworn statement), the court must hold a hearing and decide your claim within 10 days (the judge can extend this for good cause), and nothing can be sold or paid out until then; exempt property must be released within 3 business days. Property cannot be sold for 14 days after you are served (17 if by mail). You can also file a motion to dissolve or modify the writ, or post a replevy bond.

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Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources