LifeCost

More in Legal & Catastrophe

What this calculator does

Debts fall off credit reports after 7 years and may be barred by the statute of limitations. This calculator checks the date.

The math

Years since delinquency = (today − date of last activity) ÷ 365.25. If 7 years or more, it is likely zombie debt.

Worked example

A debt last active in January 2018 is about 8 years old in 2026, likely zombie debt.

Why this matters

Legal and medical bills are stressful and opaque. This calculator gives you a starting number and a concrete next question to ask.

Methodology and transparency

This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.

Common questions

Does zombie debt mean I do not owe?

It may be uncollectible in court, but creditors may still ask. Do not promise to pay without legal advice.

Can the clock restart?

Yes, making a payment or acknowledging the debt can reset the statute in some states.

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