I have an unpaid credit card debt that was opened in 1999, and reported in 2003. I just got a letter from a lawyer about paying it, and have started making payments on the $3000 debt. In Oregon, how long does this get to stay on my credit report? I thought an unpaid debt must be removed from my credit report seven years and 180 days from the time the account first went delinquent. And if so, how do I get it off my credit report? Thank you.

Since you are paying on the account its active. So its unlikley to be removed. You should have the attorney change the status.

Since you are paying on the account its active. So its unlikley to be removed. You should have the attorney change the status.

To change the delinquent status?

Yep

Since you are paying on the account its active. So its unlikley to be removed. You should have the attorney change the status.

Federal reporting period is very clearly spelled out in the FCRA. The state you live in determines the Statute of Limitations for legal action and has nothing to do with reporting time limits. A derogatory account may only remain on your report for 7.5 years from the Date of First Default. That is the date that you missed the first payment and the account was never again brought to a current status. If this has been sold to a Junk Debt Buyer, the DOFD still cannot change. If that time has elapsed, then dispute the tradeline as Obsolete with all reporting agencies.