how long before debts are written off by companies?

Answer 1

I do not recall seeing it worded as a write off on a credit report...it's usually called a charge-off.
This will severely have an impact on your FICO score.
Try to avoid this if possible. One way to do it is try to settle the amount for 50% of the remaining balance. I believe it will say something like settled or settled not for full balance.
You can also try to make payment arrangements which will then show on your report making payments as agreed....which will help your scores.
Depending on the amount, they can take it to court which then will show a judgment on your report which also has a severe impact on your report.
Your best bet is to try to make payments if you can't settle for the balance.
Credit Counseling sometimes isn't always a good thing as they will only save you a few dollars every month. When applying for a mortgage, credit counseling is considered a Bankruptcy.
Bad debts are usually written off in 7 years. However, if it is still there after the 7th year, you can write to all 3 credit agencies and dispute it to have it removed with some luck.

Answer 2

It really depends on how big the debt was. If we're talking a few £s then it's not gonna be long before it is written off, but if we're talking thousands then it will be there forever.

Companies don't just "forget" about debts, what's worse is, they can actually add interest. What could have started off as £50 could be around £200 after 2 years or so.

Pay up is your best option.

:-)

Answer 3

A debt is to be written off as a bad debt expense when it has fulfilled the following criteria:
It is not economical to pursue the debt further;
The debt cannot be proved;
The debtor cannot be located;
The debt is overdue greater than "one year"; and
Upon advice from a solicitor and/ or collection agent.

Answer 4

Not all companies write off debts. If they do not write it off, it remains a blot on your credit report forever.

If they are large enough, or the company is in a litigation mood, they can sue you. They can also place a lien on your property or bank account. In some jurisdictions, they can sell the debt to a third party (a collection agency), and the debt will keep growing, because collection agencies do not write off debts.

Answer 5

If you are diagnosed as mental and commited for at least 6 months your debt will be cleared, other than that the companies will keep your debt for 6 years.

Answer 6

different companies have their own rules, most expect payment within 30 days, get heavy by sixty and make a decision on Court proceedings by 3 months. The decision is - is the cost of taking this person to Court worth it as compared to what we will get back

Answer 7

Good question. It's pretty difficult to find out this sort of information and it seems quite shrouded in myth. In the UK accounts are kept on your credit report for six years from the date of settlement or default.

Answer 8

umm they can write it off anytime they want. Usually after 30 days. It will take at least 7 years for it to get off your credit report though. It depends on the laws inyur state, they WILL try to contnue to put it on your credit report over and over even after it's expired.

Answer 9

My uncle's credit report has stuff from 20 years ago on it. It effects his credit just like it was something that happened now.

Answer 10

Lots of info here.