Man reviewing debt relief paperwork and credit information on a laptop

How Debt Relief Affects Your Credit Score

Debt relief can help or hurt your credit depending on the option used and the condition of the accounts before relief begins. A hardship plan or debt management plan may limit damage if payments continue as agreed. Debt consolidation may […]

Woman reviewing debt relief paperwork while comparing debt settlement and a debt management plan

Debt Settlement vs. Debt Management Plan

A debt management plan usually helps repay unsecured debt in full through a nonprofit credit counseling agency, often with one monthly payment and possible creditor concessions such as lower interest or waived fees. Debt settlement tries to resolve debt for

Woman reviewing tax paperwork after a debt settlement

Debt Settlement Taxes and Form 1099-C

Debt settlement can create a tax issue when a creditor forgives or cancels part of the balance. In general, canceled debt may be treated as taxable income unless an exception or exclusion applies. If an applicable financial entity cancels $600

Credit Counseling

Credit Counseling: How It Works and How to Choose Help

Credit counseling is a budget and debt review with a trained counselor, usually through a nonprofit organization. A counselor can explain repayment options and may recommend a debt management plan (DMP) when one payment and creditor concessions could make full

Debt Settlement

Debt Settlement: Risks, Credit Impact and Taxes

Debt settlement tries to resolve an unsecured debt for less than the full amount owed. It can reduce a payoff if a creditor agrees, but it is not guaranteed and can involve serious tradeoffs: missed payments, charge-off, collections, lawsuits, company

Debt Management Plans

Debt Management Plans: Pros, Cons and Costs

A debt management plan (DMP) is a structured repayment arrangement typically administered by a nonprofit credit counseling organization. You make one payment to the agency, which pays participating creditors under agreed terms. DMPs usually focus on unsecured debts and aim