As a business owner, property manager, or financial professional in Indiana, you know that unpaid accounts can be more than just a line item on a spreadsheet. They represent your hard work, your time, and your bottom line. But did you know there’s a legal time limit for pursuing that debt?
This critical deadline is called the statute of limitations. Understanding it is the difference between recovering what you’re owed and losing it forever.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
Think of the statute of limitations as a legal countdown timer. Once a debt is incurred, the clock starts ticking. If you, the creditor, do not initiate legal action to collect the debt within a specific timeframe, you may lose your right to sue the debtor. The debt doesn’t magically disappear, but your most powerful tool for recovering it—a lawsuit—is taken off the table.
For Indiana businesses, knowing these deadlines isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for a healthy accounts receivable strategy.
Key Deadlines for Debt in Indiana
Indiana Code sets different time limits for different types of debt. While every case has unique details, here are the most common statutes of limitations creditors need to know:
- Written Contracts: 6 Years. This is one of the most common categories for businesses. It applies to formal written agreements like service contracts, leases, and most loans, where the terms are laid out in writing and signed.
- Promissory Notes: 6 Years. For debts based on a signed promissory note (a formal promise to pay a specific sum), the statute of limitations is also six years from the date of the last payment or when the note was due.
- Oral Contracts & Open Accounts: 6 Years. This category can cover verbal agreements or “open accounts” like a running tab or line of credit. Proving the terms of an oral contract can be challenging, which is why acting quickly is even more important.
The High Cost of Waiting
Why is this timeline so important? Because as time passes, collecting a debt becomes significantly harder, even before the statute of limitations expires.
- Evidence gets lost: Invoices, contracts, and contact information can be misplaced.
- Debtors disappear: People move, change jobs, and become harder to locate.
- Memories fade: Key details of a verbal agreement can be forgotten or disputed.
- Assets are hidden: The longer you wait, the more opportunity a debtor has to move or conceal assets.
When you wait too long, you are not just fighting the clock; you are fighting against the increasing difficulty of building a strong case.
Don’t Let the Clock Run Out on What You’re Owed
Navigating the complexities of Indiana’s collection laws requires expertise and persistence. Simply knowing the rules is only half the battle. Executing a professional and effective collection strategy is how you get results.
That’s where we come in.
Our Indianapolis-based agency specializes in helping businesses like yours recover outstanding debts ethically and efficiently. We understand the urgency and the legal framework, and we have the tools and experience to act decisively on your behalf.
Don’t wonder if you’ve waited too long. Find out for sure.
Take Control of Your Accounts Receivable Today
Let us help you turn your aged invoices back into revenue. We invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. We will review your accounts, provide a clear assessment of your options, and explain how our proven strategies can work for you.
At New World Collections, we are experts in all aspects of bad debt recovery. We have the answers! Contact Us
