is there a time limit that an old credit debt and be collected on?

Answer 1

Yes
There are State statutes of limitations (SoL) on collecting debt
http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/SOL-by-State.html

In many states if you acknowledge the debt or if you make a partial payment it resets the SoL.
Many times debt collectors will buy debt contracts that are near expiration or that have already expired to get a partial payment and then your SoL resets and then they can legally harass you then.

Most items will come off your credit reports after seven years. But many time collectors will refresh the date (illegally) and you may have to dispute this with the credit bureaus and/or collectors. Many times the only way to get them to act is to file a lawsuit. Then usually the collectors are willing to cooperate and remove the items. But get everything in writing before dropping your lawsuit; do not take their word for it.

Answer 2

The reporting period is 7 years and 180 days from the delinquency. After that, it falls off your credit report and can not be re-aged.

There's also a Statute of Limitations (SOL) which varies state by state. This is the time period the creditor has to sue. You can use the SOL as an affirmative defense in court. Check here for your state: http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/SOL-by-State.html

However, even is the debt is beyond the reporting period and SOL, collectors can still try to collect the debt. They can, and some certainly will, follow you right to the grave.

Answer 3

The time frame for collecting debts varies state by state and depends on what kind of debt it is.

Student loans have no statute of limitations, as well as child support and tax liens.

Locate your states limitations at this web site
http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/SOL-by-State.html

Here is another link on how to fight time barred debts.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/timebaralrt.pdf
Information on time barred debts.

Hope this is of help to you.

Answer 4

It is 7 years after it was reported which is additional 180 days. So it may drop off your credit report after 7 years and three months.

Answer 5

i thought i was 7 years...then you can start over.