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How Long Does Adverse Information Remain On A Credit Report?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most types of adverse information must be removed from a credit report after seven years. The seven-year period starts from the date of the first delinquency. However, if the account was charged off, or placed for collection, the seven-year period does not start until 180 days after the date of first delinquency. If the account was charged off or placed for collection within 180 days from the first delinquency, then the seven-year period starts from that date.

At The Law Office of Andrew M. Doktofsky, P.C., I understand the laws associated with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and help my clients understand their rights.

Certain Types Of Adverse Information May Be Reported Beyond Seven Years As Follows:

Bankruptcies 10 years
The 10 years start from the filing date of the bankruptcy. However, if the bankruptcy case was dismissed prior to a discharge being entered, the 10 years starts from the date of entry of the order of dismissal.
Judgments Seven years, or until the expiration of the state statute of limitations, whichever is longer
In New York, the statute of limitations for judgments is 20 years. Judgments that have been satisfied may be reported for seven years.
Tax liens Seven years for paid tax liens
Unpaid tax liens may be reported for as long as they remain effective.
Federal tax liens expire after 10 years, so they should not be reported beyond that date.
Criminal convictions May be reported indefinitely
A few states have laws that limit the time period for reporting criminal convictions. New York does not have such a law.
Student loans Seven years for Stafford Loans, SLS loans, PLUS loans and direct student loans
The seven years begins on the latest of any of the  following dates:
  • The Secretary of Education or the guaranty agency pays the loan holder under the guaranty
  • The loan is first reported to the consumer reporting agency
  • If the borrower reenters repayment after defaulting on a loan and then goes into default again, from the date of the subsequent default

Perkins Loans may be reported until paid in full, regardless of how much time has elapsed since the default.

Credit transaction involving principal amount of $150,000 or more No time limitation

Reach Out Today For Knowledgeable Answers And Experienced Guidance

Contact my law office, The Law Office of Andrew M. Doktofsky, P.C., at 631-812-7712 for a free consultation about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You can also reach out to me online.

This is a debt relief agency. I help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.