How to Remove Debt Legally

Legally removing debt from your credit report -- especially delinquent debt -- can improve your credit score and make it easier for you to qualify for automobile loans, mortgages and other forms of credit. However, there are few options for legally removing the debt information. The Federal Trade Commission reports that information on your credit report can only be removed if it is wrong or outdated. It is impossible to simply erase scores of negative credit items from your report, states the FTC.

Instructions

1

Get a copy of your credit report from Annual Credit Report -- a website authorized by the United States Government to offer free credit reports under the terms of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visit the website to view and print your report.

2

Review the report to find delinquent debt information that can be challenged because it is outdated or wrong. Most negative credit information, such as late payments, can be reported for seven years. Bankruptcy information can be reported for 10 years.

3

Write a letter to the credit bureau listing the incorrect information on your credit report -- Equifax, Experian or TransUnion -- challenging any information that is wrong. Explain why the information is wrong and insist that it be deleted or corrected as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If the information is outdated, state that as the reason why it should be removed.

4

Mail your letter to the credit bureau at its address listed on the credit report. Allow about 30 days for a response while the credit bureau investigates your claim.