If you owe money to a third party, the tax office, or another authority, a garnishment may be issued.
But what exactly does “garnishment” mean?
A garnishment (also referred to as a seizure or attachment order) occurs when the state intervenes through a bailiff or court and freezes the available funds in your account.
The purpose is to ensure that you cannot spend the money elsewhere and that your debts can be paid to the creditor.
What happens during a garnishment?
Kontist will inform you via email if a garnishment has been received.
The email will include the following information:
Name of the creditor
IBAN of the creditor
Amount owed
Reference number (Aktenzeichen)
As soon as the garnishment is registered, your account will be blocked for outgoing payments, and your cards will also be blocked.
How can I lift the garnishment?
If you have sufficient funds in your Kontist account, log in to the mobile app.
You will see the option on the home screen to transfer the amount to the creditor.
Please make sure the signature on the payment authorization matches the signature on the ID you used when opening your account.
Your account will remain blocked for outgoing payments until the debt has been settled.
Once the garnishment is lifted, we will notify you by email.
If you have any further questions about the garnishment, please contact your creditor or the local enforcement court (Vollstreckungsgericht) responsible for your case.