Consumer complaint received 2025-02-16 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: Nelnet, Inc.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX [ non-domestic ] XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Washington, XXXX XXXX Subject : Complaint Against Nelnet, XXXX, and XXXX for Incorrect Reporting of Canceled Debt To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this formal complaint against Nelnet, XXXX, and XXXX regarding their improper reporting of a student loan balance that has been legally canceled, in violation of federal laws and IRS regulations. 
I have a Form 1099-C on file with the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) , which lists Nelnet as the debtor. According to IRS Publication 4681 and relevant tax laws, a debt reported on a 1099-C is considered canceled and should no longer be subject to collection or reported as an outstanding balance. This debt has been canceled as of XX/XX/year>. 
Pursuant to 26 U.S. Code 6105 ( e ) ( 5 ), once a creditor issues a Form 1099-C for cancellation of debt, the debt is legally discharged, and the lender forfeits the right to collect or report the debt as owed. Furthermore, the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) prohibit the inaccurate reporting of debts on a consumers credit report. 
Additionally, this reporting violates my rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ), which protects the confidentiality of my educational records, including financial aid information. Under 20 U.S. Code 1232g ( b ) ( 1 ), " No funds shall be made available under any applicable program to any educational agency or institution which has a policy or practice of permitting the release of education records ( or personally identifiable information contained therein ) '' without proper authorization. The continued reporting of this canceled debt constitutes an unauthorized disclosure of my educational financial records in violation of FERPA regulations. 
Despite this, Nelnet continues to report a student loan balance of {$13000.00} to XXXX and XXXX. This action is misleading, unfair, and a direct violation of my rights under : 1. 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) - " A person shall not furnish information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. '' 2. 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( b ) - Credit reporting agencies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information.

3. 26 U.S. Code 6105 ( e ) ( 5 ) - Cancellation of a debt by the lender results in a forfeiture of the right to collect.

4. IRS Publication 4681- Clearly states that a creditor who issues a 1099-C is acknowledging the debt as canceled for tax purposes.

5. 20 U.S. Code 1232g ( b ) ( 1 ) - FERPA protections against unauthorized disclosure of student financial aid information. 
Given the clear evidence that my debt has been canceled, I demand the following corrective actions : 1. Immediate discharge and adjustment of my Nelnet student loan balance from {$13000.00} to {$0.00}.

2. Immediate removal of all inaccurate loan balance information from my credit reports with XXXX and XXXX. 
3. Immediate correction of my credit score to reflect the proper score it should be without the presence of this inaccurate reporting.

4. Written confirmation from Nelnet, XXXX, and XXXX that the balance has been updated to reflect a XXXX balance and will not be reinstated. 
5. A formal investigation into the improper reporting and failure to comply with federal regulations.

This improper reporting has negatively impacted my financial standing and credit score, despite the fact that my debt has been legally discharged. If this issue is not resolved within 30 days, I will escalate my complaint by filing additional grievances with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and legal action against all responsible parties. 
Please provide a written response detailing the steps being taken to resolve this matter immediately. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation