How Long Can Liens Stay on a Credit Report?

Time Frames

There are different time frames that liens stay on a credit report. The time frame depends on the type of lien that is owed. The Fair Credit Reporting Act dictates the length of time that a lien can stay on your credit report.

Bankruptcy and Tax Liens

If you file bankruptcy, the bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years. The 10-year time frame starts on the date of the entry of the final order in your bankruptcy case. A lien caused by a civil suit and/or judgment stays on your credit report for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever period is longer. Paid tax liens remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of the payment of the tax lien.

Collections

Collection accounts and accounts charged off as a loss are also recorded on your credit report. These liens stay on the credit report for seven years. There may also be other adverse information on your credit report. Any other adverse information not outlined above, with the exception of student loans, stays on your credit report for seven years.

Student Loans

Student loans remain on your credit report for seven years. The "from" date varies: it may be from the date that the Secretary or agency puts a claim out, from the date the Secretary or agency reports to the credit reporting agency, or, if a borrower defaults then starts payments and defaults again, seven years from the second default.

Time, in General

The seven-year period for liens starts 180 days after the account is placed for collection or charged off, or on the expiration of a 180-day period that begins the first time collection action is taken against you.