Got an ATO garnishee notice? Here is what to do now
A garnishee notice lets the tax office collect a tax debt directly from someone who holds or owes you money – usually your bank, your employer or a customer. It is serious, but there are steps that can help.
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Money already being taken? Don't ignore it and don't move money around to avoid it. Call us today on 0466 268 405 so we can look at your options before more is collected.
What is a garnishee notice?
It is a legal notice sent to a third party, such as your bank, employer or a business that owes you money. It tells them to pay money they hold or owe you straight to the tax office until the debt (or the amount in the notice) is paid. You are usually sent a copy.
🏦 Bank account
Your bank may have to pay funds in your account to the tax office, sometimes as a lump sum and sometimes over time.
💼 Wages
Your employer may have to deduct an amount from each pay and send it to the tax office.
🧾 Customers
A business that owes you money may be told to pay the tax office instead of you.
🏠 Property sale
Money from a sale can be targeted before it reaches you.
Why did I get one?
- A tax debt was overdue and earlier letters or calls were not answered
- A payment plan was missed or cancelled
- Returns or BAS were not lodged, so the debt could not be sorted out
- The tax office believes there is a risk the debt will not be paid
What to do now
- Read the notice. Check the amount, who received it and the dates.
- Don't ignore it. The third party has to follow it, and ignoring it does not stop it.
- Get your lodgements up to date. Missing returns and BAS often make the debt look bigger than it really is.
- Ask about a payment plan. If an affordable plan is agreed, the tax office may agree to change or withdraw the notice. This is not guaranteed.
- Tell us about hardship. If the notice leaves you unable to pay rent, food or wages, this should be raised straight away.
How UV TAX can help
- Explain the notice in plain English
- Lodge overdue tax returns and BAS quickly
- Check the debt is correct and look for errors, penalties or interest that may be reduced
- Prepare a realistic payment plan proposal and deal with the tax office for you
- Help you plan so it does not happen again
⚠️ General information only – not tax or legal advice. UV TAX is a registered tax agent, not a law firm, and cannot give legal advice. Where legal advice is needed we will tell you so you can speak with a lawyer. A garnishee notice is a legal notice. Whether it is varied or withdrawn is up to the tax office. This page is a simple overview as at November 2026 and does not consider your personal circumstances. Laws, rates and thresholds change, and outcomes are decided by the tax office or the courts – UV TAX cannot guarantee any result. Please get advice for your situation before acting.
Garnishee notice? Talk to us today
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0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
Can the tax office take money from my bank account?
Yes. A garnishee notice can require your bank to pay money in your account to the tax office to cover a tax debt.
Can a garnishee notice be stopped?
Sometimes. If the debt is paid or an acceptable payment plan is agreed, the tax office may vary or withdraw the notice. This is their decision.
Will my employer know?
Yes. If the notice is sent to your employer, they must deduct the amount from your pay and send it to the tax office.
Should I close my bank account?
No. Trying to avoid a garnishee notice can make things worse. Get help to deal with the debt instead.
Can UV TAX talk to the tax office for me?
Yes. As a registered tax agent we can contact the tax office on your behalf, lodge overdue returns and help arrange a payment plan.
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General information current as at November 2026.