The impact of bankruptcy on your credit report is a significant concern for many individuals considering this debt relief option. In Ontario, the duration of bankruptcy’s presence on your credit report can vary. This article offers an in-depth examination of this topic, providing clarity and essential information to those facing financial difficulties.
The Concept of Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to assist individuals or businesses that cannot repay their outstanding debts. The process commences when the debtor files a petition or when the petition is filed by creditors. This process is not without consequences, and one of the most significant is the effect on your credit report.
Credit Reports: A Brief Overview
A credit report is a detailed summary of an individual’s credit history maintained by credit bureaus. Two of the most prominent credit bureaus in Canada are Equifax and Trans Union. They collect information from various sources and provide comprehensive credit information to potential lenders, employers, landlords, and other businesses.
The Impact of Bankruptcy on Your Credit Report
When you file for bankruptcy in Ontario, the information gets included in two areas of your credit report: the public records section and the individual account section.
Public Records Section
This section includes all public record information related to your credit activities. When you declare bankruptcy, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy sends this information to the credit bureaus. They then record a note, stating the bankruptcy filing and the date it was filed.
Individual Account Section
This section includes a list of your debts. When you declare bankruptcy, your creditors will note that the debt was included in the bankruptcy.
Once you are discharged from bankruptcy, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy notifies the credit bureaus, and this discharge date is added to your credit report’s public records section.
Duration of Bankruptcy on Credit Report
The duration of a bankruptcy note on your credit report can depend on several factors, including the credit bureau and whether it was your first bankruptcy.
Equifax
According to Equifax’s policies, a first bankruptcy stays on your Equifax credit report for 6 years after the discharge date, or 7 years after the date filed without a discharge date. If a second bankruptcy is filed, then the first re-appears on your Equifax credit report, and both bankruptcies remain for 14 years after the discharge dates.
TransUnion
TransUnion’s policies state that they maintain bankruptcy information on your file for the maximum length of time permitted by provincial credit reporting legislation.
In Ontario, the Consumer Reporting Act governs credit reporting. It states that a consumer reporting agency shall not include bankruptcy information in a consumer report after seven years from the date of the discharge. However, if the consumer has been bankrupt more than once, TransUnion maintains this information for 14 years from the date of discharge of each bankruptcy.
Consumer Proposal Reporting
A consumer proposal is a legal agreement set up by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. The debtor agrees to pay a percentage of what is owed to the creditors, extend the time to pay off the debt, or a combination of both.
Both Equifax and TransUnion updated their consumer proposal reporting in 2019. They both added a maximum time period of 6 years after the date of filing or default.
Path to Credit Recovery
While the impact of bankruptcy on your credit report is undeniable, it’s essential to understand that you can start rebuilding your credit even before the bankruptcy note is removed from your report.
An essential step in this process is eliminating troublesome debt. This action can significantly improve your ability to borrow at favorable terms over time as you work to rebuild your credit.
In Conclusion
Bankruptcy is a significant decision with far-reaching implications, particularly concerning your credit report. However, with careful planning and disciplined financial management, it is possible to recover from bankruptcy and rebuild your credit score over time.
Remember, it’s always wise to seek advice from financial experts or Licensed Insolvency Trustees to understand all your options and make an informed decision. If debt is holding you back from rebuilding your credit, consider reaching out to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to discuss your options and plan your path to a stronger financial future.