Debt Relief: Options for Managing and Reducing Debt Burdens

Forgiven debt can lead to a surprise tax bill. Learn how the IRS treats canceled debt, when you owe taxes on it and how to claim exclusions like insolvency.

A debt repayment plan turns multiple bills into one clear strategy. Learn how DIY methods, debt management plans and lender programs work.

Learn how to spot debt relief scams, the red flags to watch for and how to protect yourself from fraud while finding legitimate help with your debt.

Debt relief timelines range from a few months to several years depending on the method. Here's how long each option takes and what affects your timeline.