How long can negative information appear on my credit report?

Time limits vary depending on the type of information:

• Most negative information (like a collections account, a lawsuit, or a tax lien) can only be reported up to 7 years.
• Bankruptcy information can only be reported for 10 years.

Texas and federal laws limit how long certain information can appear on a credit report.

• The Texas law is Section 20.05 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code. This law lists the information a credit reporting agency may not provide on a credit report.
• The federal law is Title 15, Chapter 41, Subchapter III of the U.S. Code. This law governs credit reporting agencies and limitations on what they can include on a credit report.

For more information, check out the library’s guide on Credit Reports.

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