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Garnishment: Filing Methods and Requirements Questions

Garnishment: Filing Methods and Requirements Questions

Filing Methods and Requirements

  • Will paper filings eventually be phased out?

    While paper filings are still accepted, Treasury strongly encourages electronic submissions via eService or FTS due to efficiency and accuracy.

  • Can we use both FTS and eService to submit garnishments?

    Yes. You may use both methods depending on the volume of garnishments being submitted. eService is best for submitting 50 or fewer garnishments. FTS is best for submitting 51 or more garnishments.

  • If we file more than 50 garnishments, can we still submit a single garnishment later if it comes in late?

    Yes. If you have additional garnishment submissions of 50 or less, please use eService.

  • If filing 50 or fewer garnishments, do we need to use the EDP layout or include a transmittal form?

    EDP layout is not required for eService. A transmittal is no longer required for eService.

  • If using the electronic filing for up to 50 garnishments, is it necessary to upload the PDFs individually or is there an option to upload them as a batch?

    You must upload the PDFs individually, but you can upload up to 50 individual PDFs per eService submission.

  • If using the eService filing for up to 50 garnishments, is there a data file submission requirement, as there is with the 50+ option?

    No. When using eService, you are only required to upload garnishments in PDF format.

  • Are format requirements, etc., which reference FTS and EDP only applicable to submissions of 51 or more garnishments?

    Yes. If you are using eService, and submitting 50 or less, you are only required to upload garnishments in PDF format.

  • Can I file 2 batches of 50 garnishments?

    Yes. If you use eService, you can submit 2 or more batches of 50 garnishments.

  • When multiple garnishments are submitted regarding one individual, how is it decided which of those garnishments will intercept the refund?

    When multiple garnishments are received for the same defendant on the same date, any intercepted funds are applied to those garnishments in a random order.

  • Do we need a new account for this year, or will we have the same account for last year’s work?

    No, if you have an existing FTS account, it continues to work unless inactive or locked. New users need to request access; returning users use the same login.

  • How do you handle multiple defendants on the same cases when it comes to the E-file under the 50?

    When using eService, upload each court ordered garnishment PDF individually. If you have multiple defendants under the same case number, the system may flag the submission as a duplicate and display “Case number exists.” In that situation, submit the garnishment separately from your batch of 50. If the system continues to flag it as a duplicate, add an “X” to the end of the case number. Note: eService garnishments are manually entered based on the information provided on the actual garnishment order, not on the data entered the eService platform.

  • Is there any update on the availability to release garnishments by email, instead of mail?

    Currently, garnishment releases must be submitted via mail only and cannot be emailed.

  • Has the EDP layout changed at all since last year?

    The EDP layout remains unchanged for 2026.

  • Will payment be accepted by credit card this year? Or is it still only by ACH?

    eService filing accepts electronic payments (eCheck) via checking or savings account. FTS submissions require a paper check to be mailed to Treasury. Credit card payments are not accepted.

  • If we have never done this, and don't have an account yet, how do we create one?

    FTS:

    1. Visit Treasury’s garnishment page
    2. “First Time FTS Filers”
    3. Complete online form
    4. Expect login in 5–7 business days.

    eService:

    For less than or equal to 50 garnishments, self-set up eService through their portal; no separate account needed beyond login.

  • I have under 50 garnishments to enter right now. Is there a way to save my progress as I’m entering them and then come back to continue later?

    Unfortunately, the eService portal does not support saving drafts. Garnishments must be uploaded as individual PDFs in a single continuous session. If your session ends or you exit before submission, you'll need to restart the batch.

  • Can I submit past garnishments that were not collected?

    No. We only accept current garnishments for active tax year refunds. Past garnishments should not be submitted, as they cannot be intercepted. No formal process exists for retroactive submissions.

  • Is there a more efficient method than the File Transfer Service method if we intend to file thousands of garnishments?

    For thousands of filings: Use FTS with .dat layout and zipped files, this is the most efficient. No higher-volume alternative exists; FTS is optimal.

  • Do FTS payments require overnight mailing?

    Regular mailing of checks is acceptable. Include your FTS username in the memo line and send payment together with the transmittal (Form 2142). Overnight delivery is not required unless you have timing concerns.

  • If we are going to make the payments by ACH [for eService Garnishments], we would need to add the state as a vendor. To do that, we would need the government/company ID to enter our Vendor Positive ID Pay set up for merchant ACH. Can we obtain the appropriate government/company ID# for the state so we can get the vendor set up?

    To set up State of Michigan as a vendor for ACH payments via Paymentus:

    • Company ID: 0000408976
    • Company name: STATE OF MI

    This is required for accounts with ACH debit blocks.

    For more information visit: EFT Debit Payments