A statute of limitations is generally set by applicable state law and can vary by claim type, jurisdiction, contract terms, and other facts. Under Regulation F § 1006.26, a covered debt collector must not bring or threaten legal action to collect a time-barred consumer debt, subject to the listed bankruptcy proof-of-claim exception. The expiration of a limitations period does not automatically resolve every question about the underlying obligation, reporting, settlement, or non-litigation communications.
Collections Operations
Canonical Defined Term
Time-Barred Debt
IN PLAIN WORDS
Sources listed on this page
Time-barred debt is consumer debt for which the applicable statute of limitations for bringing a legal action has expired, as defined in CFPB Regulation F for that rule’s purpose.
HOW IT IS USED
How this term is used
What the law covers
This entry addresses the federal consumer-debt definition in Regulation F. It is not legal advice and should not be used to determine a limitations period, revival issue, litigation strategy, or state-law right in a particular matter.
This note is informational. It is not legal, credit, or tax advice. Check the cited source and its date before you rely on it.
Why this matters
Time-barred status affects consumer-debt collection controls, legal escalation, portfolio diligence, and the accuracy of communications about possible remedies.
FAQ
What does Time-Barred Debt mean?
Time-barred debt is consumer debt for which the applicable statute of limitations for bringing a legal action has expired, as defined in CFPB Regulation F for that rule’s purpose.
Which official source covers Time-Barred Debt?
The sources at the bottom of this page link the statute, rule, or agency document this entry relies on. Check the date on that source before you rely on it.
What else is Time-Barred Debt called?
Other names used for this term include Statute-barred debt, Statutory-barred debt, Expired limitations debt.
Sources
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