Iowa Statute of Limitations on Debt
Iowa uses a five-year statute of limitations for most consumer debt types, applied uniformly across written and oral contracts. This gives collectors a mid-range window that's longer than some states and shorter than others.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations | |---|---| | Credit card debt (open account) | 5 years | | Medical debt | 5 years | | Auto loans (written contract) | 5 years | | Personal loans (written contract) | 5 years | | Oral contracts | 5 years | | Promissory notes | 5 years |
The SOL begins from the date of default or last payment. Iowa courts have consistently held that partial payments restart the clock — a critical point for consumers receiving calls about old accounts. After five years from default, collectors cannot successfully sue you in Iowa court.
Iowa-Specific Consumer Protections
Iowa Consumer Fraud Act (Iowa Code § 714H) Iowa's Consumer Fraud Act prohibits deceptive acts and unfair practices in consumer transactions. It gives consumers a private right of action and allows recovery of actual damages plus attorney's fees. Courts can also award additional damages for intentional violations.
Iowa Debt Collection Act Iowa has supplemental state provisions governing debt collectors that overlap with federal FDCPA standards. The Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division actively investigates complaints about debt collector misconduct.
Iowa Debt Buyer Regulations Iowa has addressed debt buyer activity — companies that purchase old portfolios of delinquent debt and attempt to collect. Debt buyers in Iowa must be able to substantiate the debts they claim, and consumers have the right to demand verification.
Wage Garnishment Iowa limits garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 40 times the federal minimum wage per week, whichever is less — in line with federal standards. Iowa does offer additional protections for low-income earners in hardship hearings.
How to File a Complaint in Iowa
Iowa Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection Division
- Website: iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers
- Phone: (515) 281-5926 or 1-888-777-4590
- Online complaint form available
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Dispute any inaccurate or outdated item; bureaus must respond in 30 days.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Third-party collector conduct rules.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing error protections on revolving credit.
File complaints at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Pull all three credit reports at annualcreditreport.com and check the original delinquency date on every collection account. If any account is over five years past its original default date, it is time-barred from litigation in Iowa. Disputes should go to each bureau in writing by certified mail, referencing the specific item and providing any supporting documentation you have.