I received a warning from the Enforcement and Collection Authority — how long do I have to respond?

A warning usually gives a set period to act (for example, payment, an arrangement, or filing an objection). The exact deadline appears in the document — it is important not to miss it in order to avoid collection measures such as garnishment.

What will happen if I ignore the letter?

Ignoring it may lead to collection measures: garnishment of a bank account, garnishment of salary or a vehicle, and restrictions. It is better to review the file and act within the deadline.

How much does it cost to review the file?

The preliminary check is free. If a concern arises that you were over-collected — an attorney's fee of 25% + VAT is charged only if and when a refund is actually received.

Guide · Garnishment and over-collection

I Received a Letter or Warning from the Enforcement and Collection Authority — What Do I Do?

A letter from the Enforcement and Collection Authority is frightening, but there is no need to panic — you have rights and clear deadlines to act. The most important thing: do not ignore it, and act within the time stated in the document.

In short: identify the type of document and the deadline to respond, check whether the amount demanded is correct (and whether you have already paid), and act within the deadline to avoid garnishment. If you were over-collected — you may be entitled to a refund.

What type of document did I receive?

Warning — the first notice in the file; it gives a period to pay, reach an arrangement, or file an objection/motions.
Payment demand — a demand to pay a debt, sometimes before a file is opened.
Notice of garnishment — notice that a garnishment has been or is about to be imposed (bank, salary, vehicle).
Decision/order — a decision of the Enforcement and Collection Authority registrar on a specific matter.

What are the deadlines — and why they are critical

Each document comes with a deadline to act (stated in the document itself). Missing the deadline may lead to automatic collection measures. In addition, there are limitation periods and deadlines for filing an objection — so it is important to review the file as early as possible.

What to do immediately — a checklist

Read the document and mark the type of proceeding and the deadline to respond.
Obtain a full file printout and check the debt balance against what was actually paid.
Check whether protected funds have been or are about to be garnished (salary up to a ceiling, allowances).
If you have paid or the debt is incorrect — consider a motion based on a claim of payment ("pareti") or an objection.
Act within the deadline — do not wait for collection measures.

Received a letter from the Enforcement and Collection Authority? Let us check — for free

Review of the file and eligibility for a refund at no cost. If you were over-collected — we handle it, and you pay a success fee of 25% + VAT only from the amount actually refunded. No win, no fee.

Start a free check

More guides:‹ General guide: over-collection and garnishment ‹ Double collection and collection after payoff ‹ Bank account garnishment — what is protected

Official sources

Enforcement and Collection Authority Enforcement and collection — Kol-Zchut Assets and funds that may not be garnished — Kol-Zchut

This guide is general information only, based on official public sources and databases, and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for individual consultation with an attorney. Deadlines and rules are updated from time to time and vary by type of proceeding. Use of the site does not create an attorney–client relationship.