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Statute of Limitations- Debts, Judgments
and Taxes- All States
This page lists the actual statutes of limitations.
If you haven't already done so, you
should read our complete article on the SOL: The information
provided below is on a state by state basis and includes information
such as statute of limitations determinations (judgments v. open
accounts) as well as state garnishment information, bad check laws,
collection agency requirements and judgment SOL's. This list has
been updated as of Nov 2005 however statutes can change or be revised
over time so be sure to check your state and the creditors state
for current laws. Use this legal tool to go directly to your state's
statutes. Go>.
Remember, to learn more about your state codes-
visit our legal area and click on
your state.
You can compare SOL's from this page and our "second
opinion" SOL page.
What state should I use in figuring out the
Statute of Limitations? The SOL can be either where the debtor
resides or where the contract was signed. It has nothing to do with
where the creditor is now.
What allows a creditor to use either state?
Section 811 of the FDCPA. What about the SOL for Judgments? The
statute for judgments is the state the judgment was entered. SOL's
can be amended and change over time so to be sure your SOL below
is correct, check out our civil
codes for your state.
† - community property states |
STATE: ALABAMA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 20
-
Foreign Judgment: 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Greater of $10 or Actual Bank Charges
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% of wages are exempt from garnishment
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: ALASKA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Sale of Goods: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 10
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Damages in amount equal to $100 or triple the amount of the check
whichever is greater. But no more than $1000 over the amount of
the check.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% of employee's weekly net income or $402.50 whichever is more.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $5000 License: Yes
-
Fee:
-
$100 - Application
-
$200 - Agency Biennially
[TOP]
STATE: ARIZONA †
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Twice the amount of check, costs of suit, reasonable attorney fees.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: ARKANSAS
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
Written Contract: 5 (partial payment stops
the statute from running)
-
Sale of Goods: (UCC-2) - 4
-
Domestic Judgment: 10 - Renewable
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Twice amount of check - prior to double charge - can start out with
$15 charge per NSF check after 30 days.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
$500 head of family; $200 single. Includes personal property except
clothing.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: CALIFORNIA †
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: Reduced to writing-4
-
Open Acct.: No writing-2
-
Written Contract: 4
-
Domestic Judgment: 10 (renewable at 10)
-
Foreign Judgment: 10 (commencing with judgment
debtor's commencement of CA. residence.)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, Treble damages - minimum $100 maximum $1500 per check
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law. Exemptions for necessaries of life.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
No license or bond required.
[TOP]
STATE: COLORADO
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
Written Contract: 6 (signed promissory note)
-
Written Contract Goods Services: 3
-
Domestic Judgment
-
Foreign Judgment: 6 in CO.
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Treble Damages & Reasonable Fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $12,000 - 20,000
-
License: Yes
-
Fee: Determined by collection agency board
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Out
of state collectors are exempt if [1] collecting only by interstate
means (phone, fax, mail); [2] have no Colorado client; and [3]
are regulated an\d licensed in the state in which they reside.
[TOP]
STATE: CONNECTICUT
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Personal liability of signatory on corporate claims unless signed
in corporate capacity.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
25% you may garnish disposable earnings each week, or 40 x fed.
min. hourly wage, whichever is less.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond:$5000
-
License: Yes
-
Fee:
-
$200 Yearly
-
$50 Investigation
[TOP]
STATE: DELAWARE
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, cost of suit, protest fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
85% of disposable earnings or disposable earnings minus $150 weekly
according to schedule.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: Merc. License
-
Fee: $50 Yearly
[TOP]
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount Due - Protest Fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law. D.C. Government employees are not attachable.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: FLORIDA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
After 30 day demand-treble amount in addition to amount owed, bank
& court costs & reasonable attorney fees.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
-
See federal law except 100% head of household.
-
Liberal Homestead Exemption - 1st $1,000 of
automobile
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: Yes - $50,000 (Commercial)
-
License: Yes
-
Fee: Yes
-
$200 - Registration
-
$50 - Investigation
-
$200 - Renewal
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Registration
is required for out-of-state collectors if [1] soliciting accounts;
[2] if client (creditor, its affiliate or subsidiary) has an
office in Florida.
[TOP]
STATE: GEORGIA
INTEREST RATE
-
Legal: 7%
-
Judgment: 12%
-
Commercial Accounts: 18%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 7
-
Foreign Judgment: 5
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
After 10 day written demand double damages up to $500 and service
charge of $20 or 5%, whichever is greater,
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law. City, County & State employees may be garnished.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: HAWAII
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Damages equal to $1 00 or triple amount of check, not to exceed
$500.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
95% of 1st $100, 90% of 2nd $100, 80% net wages in excess of $200
per mo. or federal limits whichever is greater
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $25,000/$15,000 each branch
-
License: Registration with 'DCCA' required
for consumer, not commercial, collections
-
Fee:
-
$ 25 - Application
-
$ 80 - Registration
-
$ 50 - Compliance
-
$155 for 2 years
[TOP]
STATE: IDAHO †
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Triple amount of check up to $500 over the check amount
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $5,000 initial
-
License: Yes
-
Fee: $100 -permit fee $50 - renewal
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Out-of-state
collectors may qualify for a special license if [1] only collecting
for client; and [2] are licensed and bonded by any state.
[TOP]
STATE: ILLINOIS
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) Triple check amount
up to $500, attorney fees & court costs.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
15% of gross wages or disposable earnings for workweek up to 45
x fed. min. hourly wage, whichever is greater.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: INDIANA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 6
-
Written Contract for payment of money
-
Written Contract (other than payment of money):
10
-
Written Contract for sale of goods: 4
-
Domestic Judgment:
-
10 on real estate
-
20 against the person
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Triple check amount up to $500 over check amount, + attorney fees
& interest up to 18% per annum or triple check amount + attorney
fees and interest at 8% per annum.
GENERAL WAGE GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% of disposable earnings for work week or the amount of 30 x fed.
min. hourly wage, whichever is greater.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $5000 each office
-
License: Yes
-
Fee:
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Out-of-state
collectors are exempt from licensing if [1] collecting for a
non-resident creditor; and [2] collection activities limited
to interstate communications (phone, fax, mail).
[TOP]
STATE: IOWA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Triple check up to $500 over check amount
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: KANSAS
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Three times check amount not exceeding the check amount by $500
or $100 whichever is greater plus attorney fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: KENTUCKY
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 5
-
Written Contract: 15
-
Oral Contract: 5
-
Domestic Judgment: 15
-
Foreign Judgment: 15
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% of disposable income or 30 times the federal minimum hourly
wage (whichever is greater)
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: LOUISIANA †
INTEREST RATE
-
Legal: 9.75%
-
Judgment: 9.75%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
Written Contract: 10
-
Promissory Notes: 5
-
Domestic Judgment: 10
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
After 30 day written demand (certified or registered), twice check
amount. Attorney fees & court costs
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% disposable earnings per work week, but not less than 30 x fed.
min. hourly wage.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: Yes - $10,000
-
License: Yes
-
Fee:
-
$200 Initial
-
$200 Investigation
-
$200 Renewal
-
$100 Branch
-
$100 Branch Renewal
[TOP]
STATE: MAINE
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, court costs, service costs & collection costs
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
You may garnish 25% of disposable income or 40 times the federal
minimum wages per week (whichever is less) After judgment only.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: MARYLAND
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
After 30 day written notice, amount due, $25 fee, twice check amount
up to $1000. (At the discretion of the court.) Applies to COD sales
only.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
Greater of 75% or amount = to $145 x no. of wks. in which wages
due were earned; except in Caroline, Worchester, Kent & Queen
Anne's Counties, see federal law. Exemption is up to $3,000 in cash
and/or property for non-wage property exemption.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $5000
-
License: Yes
-
Fee: $200 each office
[TOP]
STATE: MASSACHUSETTS
INTEREST RATE
-
Legal: 6%
-
Judgment: 12%
-
Contract: 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
-
Amount due, costs of suit, protest fees
-
Additional damages $100 - $500 can be assessed.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS $125 week
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: MICHIGAN
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE (RETAIL ONLY)
[TOP]
STATE: MINNESOTA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
$100 or up to 100% of the value of the check, whichever is greater,
plus interest at the rate payable on judgments on the face amount
of check, plus reasonable attorney fees if aggregate amount of checks
within 6 month period is over $1250.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
Greater of 75% or amount = to 40 x fed. min. hourly wage
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $5,000 to $20,000
-
License: Yes
-
Fee:
-
$1,000 - Initial
-
$400 - Annual
-
$10 - Per Collector
[TOP]
STATE: MISSISSIPPI
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
On checks up to and including $25.00, additional damages would be
100% of check amount. On checks from $25.01 to $200.00, additional
damages would be 50% of check amount but not less than $25.00. On
checks over $200.00 additional damages would be 25% of check amount.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: City-Business
-
Fee: $15-$50
[TOP]
STATE: MISSOURI
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Sale of Goods: 4
-
Open Acct.: 5
-
Written Contract: 10
-
Money & Property:
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Three times face amount owed or $100 whichever is greater not to
exceed $500 (exclusive of attorney fees)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law; exempt 90% of week's net pay, head of household,
single person w/o depend. = 75%
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: MONTANA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
$100 minimum or 3 times face value up to $500
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
Caveats:
Foreign corporations should register with MT Sec. of State prior
to any suit in MT Courts or risk dismissal.
Attorney fees only if provided by a signed written agreement.
[TOP]
STATE: NEBRASKA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) Open Acct.:
4 Written Contract: 5 Domestic Judgment: 5 renewable every 5 Foreign
Judgment: 5 non-renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, costs, protest fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
Greater of 75% disposable earnings (85% if head of household), or
30 x fed. minimum hourly wage.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: Based on Lic. Solic. Less Than 5 = 5,000,
5-15=$10,000, 16-Up=$15,000
-
License: Yes
-
Fee: (not to exceed)
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Out-of-state
collectors are exempt if [1] communicating by interstate means
(phone, fax, mail); and [2] are "regulated" by the
laws of another state.
[TOP]
STATE: NEVADA †
INTEREST RATE
-
Legal: 2% Over Prime
-
Judgment: 2% Over Prime
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Lease: 4
-
Domestic Judgment: 6
-
Foreign Judgment: 6
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, protest fees three times check amount not more than
$500, or less than $100
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
Garnish only. 25% of Disposable earnings for each week or 30 times
federal minimum hourly wage (whichever is less)
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: NEW HAMPSHIRE
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
For Goods: 4
-
Written Contract: 3
-
For Goods: 4
-
Domestic Judgment: 20
-
Foreign Judgment: 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, interest, court costs, reasonable costs of collection
& $10 per day (max. $50)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
50 x fed. min. hourly wage - All future wages are exempt so that
the court cannot issue an ongoing order.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: NEW JERSEY
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 6
-
Sale of Goods: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 20
-
Foreign Judgment: 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
$142.50 wk. min. 10% of gross earnings $142.50 & Over
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $5000 Surety
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: NEW MEXICO †
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 14
-
Foreign Judgment: 14
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
Greater of 75% or amount each wk. = to 40 x fed. min. hourly wage
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $5,000 minimum - based on volume
-
License: Yes
-
Fee:
-
$500 - original collection agency or branch
-
$300 - renewal collection agency or branch
-
$100 - examination fee for manager's license
-
$50 - manager renewal
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Out-of-state
agency is exempt if [1] collecting by interstate means (phone,
fax, mail); and [2] debt was incurred outside the state of New
Mexico.
[TOP]
STATE: NEW YORK
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Face value of check plus two times check amount up to a maximum
of $400 on NSF or $750 on "no account" (Demand prescribed
by law). GEN.OB.1.1-104
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
90% of earnings, except 1st $127.50 wk. wholly exempt.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: NORTH CAROLINA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
Sale of Goods: 4
-
Written Contract: 3
-
Domestic Judgment: 10
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
30 day written demand lesser of $500 or 3x check amount, but not
less than $100.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
100% of last 60 days' earnings for family support. Garnishment only
by political subdivisions for taxes, ambulance fees, etc.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: NORTH DAKOTA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct. for services: 6
-
Sale of Goods: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 10 renewable
-
Foreign Judgment: 10 renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, collection fees of $20, and $100 or 3x check whichever
is less.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
Greater of 75% or amount each wk. = to 40 x fed. min. hourly wage.
Plus $20.00 each household dependent.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: OHIO
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 6
-
Sales Contract (UCC2-725)
-
Written Contract: 15
-
Domestic Judgment: 21 renew every 5
-
Foreign Judgment: 21 renew every 5
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
The greater of $200 or three times the amount of check and attorney
fees (no maximum)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law. Garnishment limited to once a month per employee.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: OKLAHOMA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
State law: 75% of earnings exempted, more if hardship established.
All federal exemptions apply.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: OREGON
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Can recover reasonable attorney fees & statutory damages of
three times the amount of the NSF check plus$500 if demand letter
is sent to debtor 30 days before suit is filed.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% of disposable earnings or 40 x fed. min. hourly wage.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: Registration only
-
Fee: Established by director
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Contact
state authorities. Out-of-state agencies may be exempt if [1]
collecting for out-of-state client; [2] the debt was incurred
by an Oregonian outside the state; and [3] the state where the
collection agency is headquartered has a registration program
comparable to Oregon's law.
[TOP]
STATE: PENNSYLVANIA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
After demand and judgment triple damages in amount equal to $1 00
or 3 times the check amount whichever is greater up to $500.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
100%of wages, certain pensions, retirement accounts & Keogh
plan under certain circumstances, and $300.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: RHODE ISLAND
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 10
-
Written Contract: 10
-
Domestic Judgment: 20
-
Foreign Judgment: 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount of check, $25 fee & treble damage up to $1000
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: SOUTH CAROLINA
INTEREST RATE
-
Legal: 8.75%
-
Judgment: 14%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
Written Contract: 3
-
Domestic Judgment: 10
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Reasonable court costs amount of check& damages up to $500 or
3x check amount whichever is smaller
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
100%
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: SOUTH DAKOTA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 6
-
Sale of Goods: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 20
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
20% of the individuals disposable earnings for a 60 day period
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: TENNESSEE
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 6
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 10
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Treble damages up to $500 + 10% interest & reasonable service
charges, atty's fees, & court costs.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law. Add $2.50 per wk. for dependent child under 16.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: TEXAS †
INTEREST RATE*
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
100% of Wages
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: Yes
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
Always consult counsel to charge interest - Texas
has very onerous usury laws & penalties.
[TOP]
STATE: UTAH
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 4
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 8
-
Foreign Judgment: 8
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Certified statutory bad check notice must be sent. Amount due, interest,
court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, plus $15 bad check fee.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
$142.50 of disposable earnings for wages paid weekly.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: VERMONT
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 6
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 8
-
Foreign Judgment: 8
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Court costs, amount of check, attorney's fees, damage of $50. (Notices
required)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% of earning above minimum wage or what is necessary to live.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: No
-
License: No
-
Fee: No
[TOP]
STATE: VIRGINIA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Lesser of $250 or three times check amount
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: WASHINGTON †
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 3
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 10
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Lesser of check amount or 12% interest, collection costs up to $40.
If taken to court, reasonable attorney's fees, 3 x value, or up
to $300. Now have 6 years to enforce a bad check.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
Greater of 75% or $64 wk. (40 x state min. hourly wage).
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond: $6000 general, $4000 specialty
-
License: Yes
-
Fee:
-
$100 - Investigation
-
$100 - Original
-
$100 - Renewable
-
$50 - Branch Office
-
Exemption for out-of-state collectors: Contact
state authorities. Out-of-state agencies may qualify for lesser
licensing fees. Out-of-state collectors are no longer required
to have resident office and in-state trust accounts if they
don't have in-state client. Bond is not required if held in
home state.
[TOP]
STATE: WEST VIRGINIA
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 5
-
Written Contract: 10
-
Domestic Judgment: 10
-
Foreign Judgment: 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount due, service charge up to $10. If check is under $500.00
= misdemeanor. Over $500.00 = felony.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See West Va code 38-5A-3-Employees withhold 20% of disposable income
or 30x the minimum hourly rate, whichever is less. Other exemptions
apply.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: WISCONSIN
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 6
-
Written Contract: 6
-
Domestic Judgment: 20
-
Foreign Judgment: 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Amount of check plus actual damages + exemplary damages up to three
times value of check. Limited to $300.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
80% of net pay.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
STATE: WYOMING
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
-
Open Acct.: 8
-
Written Contract: 10
-
Domestic Judgment: 5
-
Foreign Judgment: 5
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
Double the face amount plus damages equal to collection cost and
reasonable attorney fees.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law for consumer credit sale, lease or loan. Up to 65%
for child support arrearage.
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
[TOP]
PUERTO RICO
INTEREST RATE
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
BAD CHECK LAWS (MISDEMEANOR)
See articles 1851-1856 of the Puerto Rico Penal Code regarding bad
check laws.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
75% of last 30 days' earnings for family support
COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
-
Bond:$5000
-
License: Yes
-
License Fee:
-
$100 - Original
-
$100 - Branch Office
-
$100 - Renewable
-
$100 - Investigation
This information is thought to be current at
time of publication. Information may change over time. We do not
offer legal, tax or financial advice. See our disclaimer for details.
The number of years listed are subject to change so be sure to verify
the SOL by contacting your State
Attorney General's Office. Remember, SOL's can be amended and
change over time so to be sure your SOL below is correct, check
out our collection laws for
your state
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