Important Disclosures

Last Updated: September 1, 2026

Company Identification

Real Debt Help is a private company that provides debt relief services and/or referrals to third-party debt relief providers. We are:

• Not a government agency — We are not affiliated with any federal, state, or local government.
• Not a law firm — We do not provide legal advice or legal representation. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
• Not a nonprofit credit counseling agency — We are a for-profit company.
• Not a lender — We do not make loans or extend credit.

Our company information, physical address, and state licensing details are available on our State Licenses page.

Debt Settlement Program Disclosures

The following disclosures apply if you enroll in a debt settlement program through Real Debt Help or a partner company:

Credit Score Impact

Enrolling in a debt settlement program will likely have a significant negative impact on your credit score and creditworthiness. You will be instructed to stop making minimum payments to your creditors. This will result in late payment reporting, delinquency marks, potential charge-offs, and other negative entries on your credit report. These negative marks may remain on your credit report for up to seven (7) years.

Collection Activity & Lawsuits

Because you will stop making payments to creditors, you may be subject to continued and increased collection activity, including phone calls, letters, and lawsuits filed by creditors or debt collectors. We cannot guarantee that a creditor will not file a lawsuit against you. If a lawsuit is filed, you should consult with a licensed attorney. We are not a law firm and cannot represent you in legal proceedings.

Debt May Increase

While enrolled in a settlement program, your creditors may continue to charge late fees, penalties, and accruing interest on your accounts. As a result, your total outstanding debt balance may increase during the program — potentially significantly — before any settlement is reached.

Savings Requirement

You will be required to make regular monthly deposits into a dedicated, FDIC-insured savings account (sometimes called an escrow or trust account). Settlement offers will be made to creditors only after sufficient funds have accumulated. The specific amount you must save before a settlement offer is made will be disclosed in your enrollment agreement. You own and control the funds in this account at all times.

Program Duration

Most debt settlement programs are designed to be completed in 24 to 48 months. However, actual program duration depends on the total amount of enrolled debt, the number of creditors, creditor cooperation, and your ability to maintain consistent monthly deposits. Some programs may take longer. A good-faith estimate of your specific timeline will be provided before enrollment.

Fees

Settlement program fees are performance-based and are typically calculated as a percentage of the enrolled debt amount (or, in some states, as a percentage of the savings achieved). The specific fee percentage will be disclosed in your enrollment agreement. No fees are charged until (a) a settlement has been successfully negotiated, (b) you have reviewed and approved the settlement terms, and (c) at least one payment has been made to the creditor pursuant to the settlement agreement. This fee structure complies with the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule.

Tax Implications

Forgiven debt of $600 or more is generally considered taxable income by the IRS and will be reported on Form 1099-C. You may owe federal and/or state income taxes on the forgiven amount. Some individuals may qualify for the IRS "Insolvency Exclusion" (IRS Form 982), which may reduce or eliminate this tax liability. We are not tax advisors. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

No Guarantee of Results

We cannot and do not guarantee that any creditor will agree to negotiate or settle your debt, or that you will achieve any specific level of debt reduction. Settlement outcomes depend entirely on creditor discretion, account status, and numerous other factors. The savings estimates and projections on our website are based on historical averages and are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a promise, guarantee, or prediction of your individual results.

Debt Consolidation Disclosures

If you are referred to or enroll in a debt consolidation loan program:

• A consolidation loan combines multiple debts into a single loan. You still repay the full principal balance of your debts.
• Loan approval, interest rates, and terms depend on your creditworthiness, income, and the lender's criteria. We cannot guarantee approval.
• Consolidation loans may include origination fees, closing costs, or other charges disclosed by the lender.
• If the consolidation loan has a longer term than your current debts, you may pay more in total interest over the life of the loan even if the interest rate is lower.
• Failure to make timely payments on a consolidation loan will negatively affect your credit and may result in default.
• Real Debt Help is not a lender. If we refer you to a third-party lender, that lender's own terms, rates, and disclosures apply.

Debt Management Plan Disclosures

If you are referred to or enroll in a debt management plan (DMP):

• A DMP restructures your repayment terms (lower interest rates, waived fees) but you repay the full principal balance owed to creditors.
• DMPs typically take 36 to 60 months to complete.
• Monthly administrative or maintenance fees may apply and will be disclosed before enrollment.
• Not all creditors are obligated to participate in a DMP. Some may decline to lower your interest rate or waive fees.
• Your credit report may include a notation that you are enrolled in a DMP, which some future lenders may view unfavorably.
• You may be required to close enrolled credit card accounts, which could affect your credit utilization ratio and credit score.
• Missing payments during a DMP may result in loss of negotiated concessions from creditors.

Right to Cancel

You have the right to cancel or withdraw from any program at any time without penalty. If you cancel a settlement program, the funds in your dedicated savings account remain yours and will be returned to you, minus any fees already earned for completed settlements. Your specific cancellation rights will be detailed in your enrollment agreement.

Advertising Disclosures

• All savings estimates, projections, and calculator results on this website are for informational purposes only and are based on historical averages. They do not constitute a guarantee of future results.
• Client testimonials on this website reflect individual experiences. Results are not typical. Outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
• Statistics referenced on the website (e.g., clients served, debt enrolled) are approximate figures and may include data from affiliated companies or partners.
• Trust badges, accreditations, and ratings displayed on this website are accurate as of the date shown and are subject to change. Verify current status directly with the issuing organization.

Alternative Options

Debt relief programs are not the only option available. Before enrolling, consider the following alternatives:

• Nonprofit credit counseling: Free or low-cost counseling is available through agencies accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Visit nfcc.org.
• Self-negotiation: You may contact your creditors directly to request hardship programs, lower interest rates, or settlement offers.
• Bankruptcy: For some individuals, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may provide better protection and faster resolution. Consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney.
• FTC resources: The Federal Trade Commission provides consumer guidance on debt relief at consumer.ftc.gov.

Contact Us

If you have questions about these disclosures, contact us:

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