Expert: Terry Leeders - 12/2/2007

Question
I'm working on my annual credit report. In November 2001 I filed for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy which was discharged on May 11, 2004. On my credit report are accounts that were discharged in the bankruptcy. The credit report says they were included in the bankruptcy but a few still show current balances. Is that what happens when the bankruptcy remains on your credit report for the ten years? I would think since the debt was discharged the company could not still report an account active and make it seem as if I am delinquent today when the account was closed as of the discharged bankruptcy. Should I report this as an error on my credit report, or is this how it will continue to be recorded on my credit report? Also, even though a couple of credit cards were included in the bankruptcy it says "NOT FILED", what does that mean?  Thanks so much


Answer
If debts that were discharged still show a balance, you should definitely let the credit bureau know.  They will correct errors in about 30 days and get you a 'clean' report.  As to "not filed" it sounds like you are looking at your trustee report.  If they do not file, and they are a dischargeable debt (credit cards are) then they are discharged without getting any funds from the case.