Consumer complaint received 2025-07-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: WA

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Equifax, XXXX, XXXX Re : Formal Dispute of Charge-Off Status Potential XXXX Cancellation of Debt Reporting Violation Account Name : XXXX Account Number : XXXX To Whom It May Concern, This is a formal dispute under my rights granted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S. Code 1681i and 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2, demanding an immediate investigation and removal of the charge-off status currently being reported on my credit profile for the above-referenced account. 

ISSUE : Illegal Continuation of Reporting a Charged-Off Account Potentially Forgiven via XXXX It has come to my attention that this creditor may have filed an IRS Form XXXX ( XXXX of Debt ) for this alleged debt. Under IRS regulations ( IRS Pub. 4681 ), a 1099-C filing signifies that the creditor has legally canceled the debt, which classifies it as forgiven income for the borrower and effectively terminates the creditors ability to pursue collection or continue to report the debt as active or delinquent. 
If this is the case, continued reporting of the account as a charge-off or open collection is inaccurate and misleading, and violates both IRS regulations and the FCRA 's requirement for accurate, complete, and verifiable reporting.

RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 15 USC 1681i Credit reporting agencies must reinvestigate and correct a
ny information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable.

15 USC 1681s-2 ( a ) Furnishers are required to provide accurate data and must not report information that is known to be incorrect.

IRS Pub. 4681 Once a creditor files a 1099-C, the debt is considered discharged and is no longer legally collectible.

Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) & IRS Both agencies have clarified that post-1099-C collection attempts or negative credit reporting can amount to deceptive and unlawful practices. 

DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION Pursuant to the above, I demand the following : Full reinvestigation of the charge-off account listed above.

Immediate removal of the charge-off status and any related derogatory remarks if a 1099-C was filed.

Written confirmation of whether the creditor has filed a Form 1099-C with the IRS.

If no 1099-C has been filed, I demand certified documentation verifying the current collectible status and balance, including : A full accounting ledger showing the charge-off and post-charge-off activity. 
Written confirmation of the creditor 's intent regarding tax reporting or abandonment of collection. 
Chain of title and proof of continued right to report and collect.

ADDITIONAL POINTS If a 1099-C was issued, the creditor has voluntarily canceled the debt and reported it as such to the IRS. Therefore, continuing to list this account as an unpaid charge-off or delinquent balance is double-dippingattempting to benefit from both a tax deduction and continued reporting/collection. 
This practice is not only misleading but may expose the data furnisher and the credit bureau to regulatory penalties and civil liability under 15 USC 1681n and 1681o.

FAILURE TO ACT Should you fail to correct or delete this inaccurate reporting within the legally mandated timeframe, I will not hesitate to : File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Notify the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) File a formal complaint with the IRS regarding unlawful dual reporting/collection on canceled debt Seek legal counsel for damages under the FCRA for negligent or willful noncompliance CONCLUSION This is a serious matter that must be resolved in compliance with both federal tax law and consumer credit law. I expect to receive written confirmation of the outcome of this reinvestigation, including a clear explanation of whether or not a 1099-C was filed and the legal status of the alleged debt. 
Thank you for your prompt attention. Please consider this letter a formal dispute under my rights afforded by the FCRA and IRS guidelines. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation