 TITLE: Can You Go to Jail for Debt? CONTENT: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt?\n-------------------------------------------\nThe statute of limitations on debt collection is the limited period of time debt collectors and creditors are given to sue you over past-due debt.\nThe federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act governs the statute of limitations for debt; state laws also may affect this. Therefore, the statute of limitations on collecting a debt varies depending on where you live. Generally, the statute of limitations for debt runs three to six years.\nIn terms of your credit scores, the statute of limitations expiring on debt doesn't mean the unpaid amount won't show up on your credit report. That's because the debt itself hasn't expired and its presence on your credit report can continue to affect your credit score. Negative information like an unpaid debt can remain on your credit report for up to seven years, regardless of the debt's statute of limitations. END