How long can a credit reporting company continue to report negative information?
Negative information about late payments, collection accounts, judgments, unpaid child support, and paid tax liens can remain on a credit file for up to seven years. Unpaid tax liens can remain indefinitely (depending on the state) and negative information about government insured or guaranteed student loans may remain on a credit report for more than seven years. A Chapter 7 or 11, or an undischarged or dismissed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, will typically remain on a credit record for up to 10 years from the date filed. A discharged Chapter 13 bankruptcy, however, will generally stay on a credit file for seven years from the date filed. Inquiries for approving requests for credit remain on a credit record for up to two years.
