Gorski Law
Pennylvania & New Jersey Consumer Rights Law Firm
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Vacated or Expunged Tax Liens

Credit reporting agencies sometimes struggle to update judgements and tax liens when they have been vacated or expunged. The problem is typically caused by the fact that credit reports because their procedures for acquiring the initial public record are different from acquiring updates to public records and possess a number of shortcomings depending on the jurisdiction where the tax lien or judgment is filed.

PUBLIC RECORD ERRORS - VACATED OR EXPUNGED JUDGMENTS & TAX LEINS

One of the main items on a credit report is public record information. For credit reports, this means any bankruptcy that you filed or any civil judgments or tax liens that have been filed against you.  A public record on your credit file can be one of the most damaging items affecting your credit score.

Credit reporting agencies sometimes struggle to update judgements and tax liens when they have been vacated or expunged. The problem is typically caused because credit reporting agencies procedures for acquiring the initial public record are different from acquiring updates to public records. These procedures for updating public records possess a number of shortcomings depending on the jurisdiction where the tax lien or judgment is filed. The difference an unpaid public record has on your credit score compared to its removal is substantial. Unpaid public records can have the effect of disqualifying you for various loans or employment opportunities. For example, an unpaid civil judgment often will disqualify you from obtaining a mortgage.

Public Record Errors Are A Serious Problem You Should Not Ignore

If your credit report contains a vacated or expunged judgment or tax lien, you should not ignore this problem. Minimally, you need to contact the credit reporting agency to dispute the erroneous items on the report. You also may want to consider speaking to a lawyer.  Public record errors can cause numerous harms including:

  • Denials of credit including mortgages, auto loans and credit cards;
     
  • Delays or denial of your employment application if your credit is checked;
     
  • Denied an apartment or other rental property;
     
  • Denied utility services such a cable tv or a cell phone;
     
  • Denied insurance;

In addition to these harms, an erronenous public record appearing on your credit report can adversely impact your reputation and cause substantial emotional stress.  All of these harms are compensable under the law, but you are unlikely to receive any compensation without help from a lawyer. 

Do You Need Help?

If you think you have a vacated or expunged public record appearing on your credit report, Gorski Law may be able to help resolve the problem and obtain compensation for you.  Initial consultations are always free. Call 215-330-2100 or email the firm to schedule a consultation.