An individual has a right under the Act to provide a written explanation or additional information of 100 words or less to elaborate on any piece of information within his or her file. This written explanation, once added to the file, must be sent along with any credit report that is given to a third party. This explanation will remain on the file for up to six years, but can be removed earlier at the request of the individual to whom the report pertains.  Last reviewed: October 2014