How long do negative items stay on my credit report?

Accurate negative information generally can be reported for seven years, but there are exceptions:

- Bankruptcy information can be reported for 10 years;
- Information reported because of an application for a job with a salary of more than $20,000 has no time limitation;
- Information reported because of an application for more than $50,000 worth of credit or life insurance has no time limitation;
- Information concerning a lawsuit or a judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer; and
- Default information concerning U.S. Government insured or guaranteed student loans can be reported for seven years after certain guarantor actions.
- Tax liens stay on 7 years from the date PAID.