Texas Debt Statute of Limitations Calculator
Use this tool to calculate the statute of limitations for debt in Texas. Find exactly when an old debt becomes time-barred and review Texas's specific revival rules.
⚠ Revival Rule Warning
Under Tex. Fin. Code § 392.307 (2019), no payment, reaffirmation, written acknowledgment, or any other activity can restart the clock for debt buyers pursuing consumer debts. However, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.065 may still allow a signed written acknowledgment to revive limitations when the original creditor (not a debt buyer) is pursuing the debt. The applicable rule depends on who is collecting.
About Time-Barred Debt
Once the statute of limitations expires, the debt becomes time-barred — creditors cannot sue to collect it. However, they may still contact you requesting payment. Making any payment or signed acknowledgment on a time-barred debt may revive the creditor's right to sue in many states.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from suing or threatening to sue on time-barred debt.
For personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, breach of contract, and other civil claim types, use our Statute of Limitations Calculator for Texas.
⚖️ Texas Specific Notes
Texas's debt statute of limitations is a uniform 4 years across all debt types. In Texas, making a partial payment does not restart the limitations clock, though the effect of written acknowledgment requires legal verification. Credit card debt in Texas is generally treated as an open-ended account for SOL purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all types of consumer debt subject to the same time limit in Texas?
Yes, Texas applies a uniform limitations period across all major consumer debt categories. Whether a creditor is pursuing an oral agreement, a formal written contract, a promissory note, or revolving credit card debt, the statutory timeframe remains identical. This consistency simplifies the legal landscape for borrowers defending against outdated claims.
Will a creditor charging off my account start the limitations period in Texas?
A charge-off is merely an internal accounting procedure used by lenders for tax purposes and does not trigger the statute of limitations. The legal clock is tied to the date of the consumer's final payment or the first uncured missed payment, ensuring creditors cannot manipulate the timeline by delaying their internal charge-off processes.
What actions can inadvertently restart the debt clock in Texas?
Following the enactment of Texas Finance Code § 392.307 in 2019, making a partial payment on a time-barred debt no longer restarts the statute of limitations. However, consumers must still exercise extreme caution, as signing a new written acknowledgment of the debt may potentially be used by aggressive creditors attempting to revive the legal obligation.
Can debt collectors still contact me after the Texas statute of limitations expires?
Yes, because the expiration of the timeline only bars creditors from winning a lawsuit against you, not from asking for voluntary repayment. However, under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), it is illegal for them to threaten litigation on time-barred debt, and you retain the right to send a formal cease-and-desist letter.
How are credit card debts legally classified under Texas law?
Credit card balances are generally treated as open-ended accounts rather than traditional written contracts, which heavily influences which statutory timeline applies. Because these accounts have a revolving balance that fluctuates with new purchases and payments, they are subjected to specific limitations rules designed for open credit lines.
TEXAS RELATED CALCULATORS
This calculator provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Debt collection laws vary by state and may have changed since this data was compiled. formulanode is not a law firm and this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney or contact your state attorney general's office for advice specific to your situation.