Statute of Limitations for Debts on a Phone Bill

The statute of limitations for debts on a delinquent phone bill refers to the time limit that a creditor may file a lawsuit. Each state has its own time frame, ranging from 3 to 10 years for open account debt.

Legal Judgments

Damages may include extra charges for late fees, interest and collection costs.

If a legal judgment is awarded against you for the nonpayment of your phone bill, the total damages, depending upon the state of your residency, may include interest, penalties and legal fees. The judgment usually allows the creditor, in lieu of nonpayment, the right to seize a portion of your wages or bank accounts and place liens against your personal property.

Statutory Defense

Lawsuits against you must be filed within the statutory time limit.

If the creditor does not initiate legal proceedings within the time allowed under the statute of limitations in your state, you may claim the statute of limitations defense and file for dismissal.

Credit Reports

Delinquent phone bills may be shown on your credit reports for up to seven years.

Even if your phone bill is older than the statute of limitations for the filing of a lawsuit, the phone bill debt may still be reported to all major credit bureaus for up to seven years from the date of delinquency, as per the time limits specified within the Fair Credit Reporting Act.