Statute of Limitations on Debt in Tennessee
How long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt in Tennessee, and whether a payment restarts the clock.
Short answer: 6 years for actions on contracts not otherwise provided for. The same period applies to written and oral contracts. T.C.A. 28-3-109(a)(3)
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for actions on contracts not otherwise provided for. The same period applies to written and oral contracts. Tennessee's official code is published only through LexisNexis; text read on a public mirror (FindLaw). Source: T.C.A. 28-3-109(a)(3) |
|---|---|
| Time limit for credit cards and open accounts | 6 years, the same as written contracts. Public mirror (FindLaw); official code is LexisNexis-only. Source: T.C.A. 28-3-109(a)(3) |
Where to get help in Tennessee
- Tennessee Collection Service Board, Department of Commerce and Insurance (licenses collection services)
- File a complaint or claim
More Tennessee debt & collections
- Wage Garnishment in Tennessee
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Tennessee
- What Creditors Can't Take in Tennessee
- All Tennessee debt & collections rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Tennessee?
6 years for actions on contracts not otherwise provided for. The same period applies to written and oral contracts.
How long can a creditor sue on a credit card debt in Tennessee?
6 years, the same as written contracts.
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.