Thursday, 28 March 2024

The Truth About Debt Forgiveness

The Truth About Debt Forgiveness
15 Nov
3:38

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Despite your best efforts, you sometimes fall behind on debt payments. While you work to steady your finances, there may be options available to forgive, reorganize or reduce your debt load.

Some creditors, such as a mortgage lender or student loan servicer, might work with you to revamp your loan or repayment schedule, or you could qualify for federal relief programs. But, in most cases, it may be difficult to have your entire outstanding debt forgiven, even if you file for bankruptcy.

Since each type of loan or debt has its own circumstances and prospects for debt relief, it is advisable to contact your creditor or lender as soon as possible to discuss options.
In this article, we will discuss the most common types of debt, as well as the possibilities for debt forgiveness.

Credit card debt forgiveness

If you find yourself with a growing credit card balance and interest charges, the stress can be overwhelming. Sometimes making the minimum payments is difficult or impossible. While credit card debt forgiveness can be rare, there are some options to manage or reduce your debt.

If you’ve fallen behind on your credit card payments, a good first step is to seek the advice of a reputable credit counselor. They can help you organize all your outstanding bills and finances. They can also help craft a manageable payment plan. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has tips to find a reputable credit counselor.

When your account is more than six months past due, a credit card company may refer the case to a collections agency. Collectors will make repeated attempts to obtain all, or some, repayment from cardholders. If that’s unsuccessful, they may file a lawsuit against the customer and could garnish wages to recoup some funds.

But you have some options if you discover you cannot repay your credit card debt.

Bankruptcy

A potential — but drastic — option to resolve credit card debt is to file for bankruptcy protection. Under federal law, there are two types of bankruptcy for individuals: Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. An individual could discharge some types of outstanding debt, including credit card balances, with either option, subject to court approval. Consumers considering this option should consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to review options and eligibility.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a court-approved plan to repay outstanding debt. If you complete a repayment program, which runs three to five years, some or all of your remaining debt can be discharged. To qualify, a debtor must follow an established process that includes petitioning the court and developing a plan with a court-appointed trustee and creditors. All debts are paid monthly by a trustee, who distributes funds to creditors.

One of the main benefits of Chapter 13 is that, once a petition is filed, it freezes all collections and foreclosure proceedings, allowing a debtor to retain their home and stop any other debt collections so long as they are included in the plan.

Alternatively, Chapter 7 involves liquidating an individual’s assets, often including a home, and using the proceeds to pay off creditors. Your outstanding debts are either settled by this liquidation or discharged. But since you are not paying your outstanding balances, your ability to secure future loans and re-establish your credit can be damaged, making this a less attractive option for individuals seeking future lending options.

Repayment plan

You may be able to arrange a payment plan with your credit card companies, which would avoid sending your account into collections. Some credit card companies suggest that consumers contact them, outline their difficulties and suggest a plan for repayment.

If you fail to pay your debt for 180 days, a creditor may write that off as a loss. That action could damage your credit score, and you’ll still owe the debt. But debtors may still be willing to negotiate with you, the FTC states on its website.

Using a debt settlement company

Another option is working with a debt settlement company — typically a for-profit firm — that negotiates with the lender and agrees on a lump-sum payment. These services typically come with a fee and may require an individual to deposit a monthly amount into a special account that will be used to pay off debts. The FTC cautions that consumers make careful consideration before contracting a resettlement company. The agency advises that homeowners should make sure they can afford the monthly savings payments. If you fall behind, you’ll be further from your goal of repayment and may accumulate more late fees and interest, along with added damage to your credit. It also advises homeowners to research the settlement company by searching online for complaints or with your state attorney general’s office.

If you work with a debt settlement company, the FTC notes that money that is transferred into a savings or escrow account is your money, should be in your name and is to be used at your discretion, including any interest that accumulates. Also, the FTC says that settlement companies should only collect fees after the repayments are complete.

Pros and cons of credit card debt forgiveness

Pros

You could reduce outstanding debt, negotiate a more manageable repayment plan or agree on debt settlement. By mitigating your outstanding debt, you can decrease the outstanding balance and avoid incurring additional interest. Also, by keeping your accounts from going to collections proceedings, your credit score may take a lighter hit and you can avoid an escalation of collections proceedings.

Cons

In some cases, the collections agency and credit card company may agree to seek a settlement with the debtor and accept a portion of the debt, but there could be ramifications. If the rest of the debt is discharged, the IRS may consider the forgiven amount a gift and require you to pay income taxes on that amount. With both Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the filing will appear on your credit report, which could impact the terms and rates for future loans and credit.

Also, costs associated with discharging or settling debt can add up. Bankruptcy involves court and attorney’s fees. Settling debt will require you to pay a potentially large chunk of money. There are typically fees associated with using a settlement agency, too.

Student loan debt forgiveness

Depending on your circumstances and the loan you have, it may be possible to earn forgiveness or discharge on your student loans, but it is difficult. Student loans are typically subject to strict repayment terms, even if you don’t graduate or can’t find a job.

Student loans are available through the federal government and private financial institutions, including banks and credit unions. If you’re having difficulty making payments and are seeking some relief — whether you have public or private loans — you should start by contacting your loan servicer to discuss your circumstances and options.

Even if you file for bankruptcy, it is not guaranteed that your student debt will be discharged.

If you have federal student loans, some circumstances could entitle you to forgiveness or discharge, but the requirements are usually stringent. These situations or programs, subject to eligibility, could include the following.

Death

If a borrower dies or the student who the loan was taken out for dies, a federal student loan will be discharged.

Total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge

This must be documented by a physician, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Social Security Administration. It must establish that you are “unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment,” according to Federal Student Aid’s website. To qualify, individuals must submit a TPD application, which is subject to review and approval.

Bankruptcy

If an individual files for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy and proves to the court that repayment would be an undue hardship on themselves and their family, they may be eligible to discharge the entire remaining loan balance, a portion or negotiate to a lower interest rate or revised repayment schedule.

School closure

If the school you attend or recently attended (usually within 120 days) closes, you may be able to discharge some or all of your federal student loans. In this instance, contact your loan servicer for help.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

This highly anticipated federal loan relief program is tied to employment, but it has gotten off to a rocky start. The Department of Education set aside $350 million to provide tax-free debt relief to graduates who work in government or public service jobs, but the program has detailed eligibility requirements.

While the program holds promise, the review process has been slow. Only a handful of claims have been paid out. Since fall 2017, nearly 30,000 applications for forgiveness have been processed, but only 96 borrowers have had debt discharged. The program is so mired in problems that the federal government put in place a temporary initiative to try to correct it.

Loan modification

Another option for borrowers with outstanding federal or private loans could be modified repayment plans, which may allow for fixed or graduated payments over a period. Contact your loan servicer to discuss potential options.

Pros and cons of student loan forgiveness

Pros

If you qualify for some federal programs, including public service work, you could reduce or discharge your remaining student loans. If you face hardships, such as disability or bankruptcy, you may also be able to obtain forgiveness on some or all of your loans.

Cons

Similar to debt forgiveness on credit cards, some types of student loan discharge could impact your ability to obtain future loans. If you’ve missed payments and if your loan has gone into collections, that will impact your credit score. If you do have an outstanding balance discharged, you may have to pay income tax on the forgiven amount. There are a few exceptions to the canceled debt being taxable, including insolvency or bankruptcy. If debt is forgiven, some types of student loan discharges could be subject to taxation.

Mortgage forgiveness

To keep your home and avoid foreclosure, you need to pay your mortgage on schedule. But personal hardships, such as job loss, illness or divorce, can sometimes make it difficult for a homeowner to make payments. If you get behind, it may be possible to negotiate a repayment plan with your lender or obtain some form of federal or state mortgage assistance.

Here’s a look at different ways to manage mortgage debt.

Bankruptcy

In some cases, it may be advisable for a homeowner to file for bankruptcy protection, either by declaring Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy. When you file for either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7, the petition halts collections against most of a debtor’s property, including foreclosure proceedings.

But there are important differences: Under a court-approved Chapter 13 plan, the homeowner is approved to pay back an agreed-upon amount of outstanding mortgage payments and resume a normal schedule. Under Chapter 7, the bank may still opt to foreclose on a home as a way to liquidate assets and repay creditors, including the mortgage lender.

One advantage of Chapter 13 is it gives homeowners an opportunity to avoid foreclosure by catching up on overdue payments with a payment plan, the U.S. Courts website notes.

Mortgage relief programs

Depending on where you live, state or federal programs may exist to provide mortgage assistance and relief. To assess the programs, homeowners should contact a Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved agency in your area. It can help you determine your eligibility for any programs that match your location and circumstances, as well as other foreclosure avoidance options. To assist homeowners, HUD provides a searchable database on its website to refer homeowners to nonprofit agencies by region qualified to provide services.

Some federal programs and options for homeowners include:

Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)

This program, set to expire at the end of 2018, allows qualified candidates to refinance with lower rates or more favorable terms. Homeowners must be up to date on their mortgages, have little or no equity in their property and have a loan from Freddie Mae or Fannie Mae that originated on or before May 31, 2009.

Hardest Hit Fund

In 2010, the federal government created the Hardest Hit Fund and allocated money to 18 states and the District of Columbia. The federal government has allocated billions to the program, which is set to expire at the end of 2020. Funds can be used for mortgage repayment assistance, to pay down second mortgages, relocation assistance or to reduce your mortgage balance.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Under this law, the federal government offers some protections and programs for active-duty service members, as well as their dependents, who may experience difficulty paying their mortgages.

Mortgage modification

Homeowners with regular income to consistently service their loan may be able to work with their lenders to revise the terms of their loan. That could result in a modified payment schedule or new terms.

Forbearance

If you don’t qualify for a mortgage assistance program and you’re unable to negotiate a modification with your lender, you may be able to propose a forbearance period, which allows you to take a break from making your regular payments, such as a six-month respite. The difficulty with forbearance can be a homeowner’s ability to catch back up because, when the break is over, they’ll need to repay the outstanding mortgage payments and resume a normal payment schedule.

Pros and cons of mortgage debt forgiveness

Pros

If you modify your mortgage debt, you’ll likely be able to remain in your home. Also, if you qualify for a federal mortgage assistance program, you may receive funds to help pay your mortgage. If you negotiate a modification with your lender or even a reprieve in payments, you may be able to reorganize your finances and get back on solid footing.

Cons

To avoid foreclosure proceedings, you’ll need to stick to whatever terms of your federal relief plan or modification schedule you negotiate with your lender. If you fail to comply, including late or missed payments, you could be subject to foreclosure or financial penalties from your lender.

Tax debt forgiveness

If you owe more in taxes to the IRS than you can afford to pay, you may be eligible for some debt forgiveness or relief.

Individuals should contact the IRS or discuss their situation with a tax professional. They can also contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent service that works with the IRS to help taxpayers resolve problems. Another option is to contact a low-income taxpayer clinic in your area or consider the IRS’ Fresh Start Program.

Here are some things to consider for your tax debt.

Offer in compromise

The IRS has something called offer in compromise, which is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle outstanding taxes for less than the full amount owed. To be considered, you need to submit an offer that the IRS finds realistic given your income and assets. Once you submit your offer, the IRS investigates and determines if it will accept it. Typically, individuals who qualify have very low or no income.

To be considered, taxpayers must have filed all their required tax returns. If you’re in bankruptcy proceedings, you can’t take part in the program. The program requires a $186 application fee.

As part of your offer, you need to propose a repayment schedule, which can be a lump sum or monthly installments. If you don’t have enough cash to make the payments, you’re still required to stick to the plan, and you may have to borrow money or sell assets to stay on schedule. The IRS’ website offers more details on the program and the application process.

Installation agreements

For taxpayers who owe up to $50,000, the IRS offers monthly direct debit payments for up to six years to resolve outstanding debt. To qualify, the IRS will ask for some financial information, and taxpayers must sign up through the IRS’ online payment tool. If you need a longer period to pay off the debt, the IRS will likely ask for more detailed financial information.

If you owe less than $100,000, it may also be possible to arrange a short-term repayment plan. For both options, the IRS offers more information. The application is on its website.

Pros and cons of tax debt forgiveness

Pros

A revised tax payment plan can take pressure off you and help you stay current on your debts. If the IRS accepts your offer in compromise, you may be able to lower your outstanding tax debt. If you have a federal tax lien on your property, you may be able to have the lien discharged or withdrawn once you repay your debts. After the repayment is complete, the IRS removes all liens against you, which can improve your credit score.

Cons

An offer in compromise sounds like a great option, but there is a lot of fine print. The program has stringent eligibility standards, and investigators dig into your finances.

Also, the IRS can only collect taxes for the past 10 years. But if you start an offer in compromise application, the clock stops, possibly dragging out debt that might expire. Also, any collections that started before the application, such as wage garnishment, can continue. The process of investigation and approval can take a year or more. Finally, if you are approved, you must be compliant with all taxes and payments for five years.

Conclusion

If you’re facing mounting debt from any of these loans, it is important to get organized and understand your debts and evaluate your ability to make payments. You should also contact your lender or creditor and alert it to any change in circumstances or hardships. You should inquire about options to modify, reorganize or forgive your outstanding debts.

Financial counselors, including credit counselors, tax advisers and housing counselors, can often offer assistance at no or low costs to help manage debt and come up with management plans. If you’re able to hire a professional, a tax adviser, bankruptcy attorney or tax attorney may also be able to help you sort out your circumstances and options.

The bottom line is that while debt forgiveness may be rare, there are many resources available to consumers looking to manage and restructure their debts.

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Alli Romano

Alli Romano |

Alli Romano is a writer at MagnifyMoney. You can email Alli here

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