Statute of Limitations on Debt in Mississippi
How long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt in Mississippi, and whether a payment restarts the clock.
Short answer: 3 years. Mississippi's general catch-all period of 3 years applies to written contracts, and unwritten contracts are expressly 3 years. Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1); § 15-1-29
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 3 years. Mississippi's general catch-all period of 3 years applies to written contracts, and unwritten contracts are expressly 3 years. The official code is published only through LexisNexis, so text was verified on a public mirror (FindLaw, current as of January 1, 2025). |
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| Time limit for credit cards and open accounts | 3 years for an open account or account stated not acknowledged in a signed writing, and for any unwritten contract (except where the Uniform Commercial Code provides otherwise). Verified on public mirror (FindLaw); official code is LexisNexis-only. Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-29 |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | For contract debts, an acknowledgment or promise extends the time to sue only if it is in a writing signed by the person who owes the debt. One co-obligor's acknowledgment does not bind the others. Verified on public mirror (FindLaw). Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-73 |
More Mississippi debt & collections
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FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Mississippi?
3 years. Mississippi's general catch-all period of 3 years applies to written contracts, and unwritten contracts are expressly 3 years.
How long can a creditor sue on a credit card debt in Mississippi?
3 years for an open account or account stated not acknowledged in a signed writing, and for any unwritten contract (except where the Uniform Commercial Code provides otherwise).
Does making a payment restart the statute of limitations in Mississippi?
For contract debts, an acknowledgment or promise extends the time to sue only if it is in a writing signed by the person who owes the debt. One co-obligor's acknowledgment does not bind the others.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.