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WG-005Mandatory

Employer's Return (Wage Garnishment)

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective July 1, 2026

This form is for an employer to report to a sheriff, marshal, or constable about the employment status of a person whose wages are being taken by the court. It asks the employer to provide details about the employee's job and earnings.

The court describes it as: The employer uses this form to tell the sheriff, marshal, or constable about the employment of the person whose wages are being garnished. The sheriff, marshal, or constable may prepare the top caption, or may ask you to prepare it for them.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

After judgment

Stage: After judgment

This form is used by an employer when a court has ordered that the wages of an employee must be taken (garnished). The employer must complete and mail this form to the levying officer within 15 days.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who must fill out this form?
The employer must complete this form and mail it to the levying officer. The form is titled 'Employer's Return (Wage Garnishment).'

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect July 1, 2026.

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