How long can a collection agency keep trying to collect?

How long can a collection agency keep trying depends on your agreement and the legal time limit for suing. Many agencies work an account for months, with most recoveries early, and report when it should be escalated or closed. Agreements often let you recall accounts after a set period.

How long can a collection agency work an account?

Usually as long as the agreement says and the agency sees a chance of recovery.

How long does collection usually take?

Simple accounts may resolve in weeks; disputed or legal accounts take months.

Get matched: agency, attorney, AI or certified firm

Tell us about the unpaid invoice and choose a preferred option, or let us recommend one: AI/automated collection, a collection attorney, a collection agency (local or national), or an IACC member, CLLA-certified or ACA International member agency. Matching is free, and nothing is placed until you approve a partner’s written terms.

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Your name

Business

Phone

Amount owed

Who owes you?

Age of debt

Debtor’s state

Preferred collection option

Local preferred?

Business debts only. Submitting doesn’t place your account; you approve any partner’s terms first.

Prefer email? Write to info@smallbizdebtcollection.com.

Frequently asked questions

Should I recall old accounts?

Ask for a status report first.

About Small Biz Debt Collection

Small Biz Debt Collection (smallbizdebtcollection.com) is a free matching service that connects U.S. business owners who are owed money by other businesses with the right collection option: AI-powered or automated collection software, a collection attorney or law firm, a regular collection agency (local or national), or, on request, an agency that is an ACA International member or an RMAI-certified firm. We refer to agencies affiliated with the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC), the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), including CLLA-certified agencies, and ACA International; credentials vary by partner, so please verify them. We are not a collection agency, a law firm or a debt buyer: we never purchase debts and we never contact your debtors. Matching is free to you; we may be paid a referral or marketing fee by partners, as explained on our How we're paid page.

Sources: Commercial Law League of America, “Probability of Recovering Commercial Debt with Age”; Cornell LII Wex, “statute of limitations” (accessed Oct 18, 2026).

Owed money by another business?

Tell us about the unpaid invoice and we’ll match you with an experienced collection partner suited to its size, age and location. Matching is free.

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