# Ohio statute of limitations on debt

> In Ohio, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.07(C). Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

- Source: https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/ohio/
- Publisher: Otto — https://ottoforfirms.com
- Updated: 2026-07-26

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In Ohio, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.07(C).

**Rule.** A written contract claim in Ohio must be brought within 6 years.

**Authority.** [Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.07(C)](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2305.07)

| Contract type | Limitations period |
| --- | --- |
| Written contract | 6 yr |
| Oral contract | 4 yr |
| Open account | 6 yr |
| Promissory note | 6 yr |

## When does the clock start?

For consumer transactions, R.C. § 2305.07(C) fixes accrual by statute: "a cause of action accrues thirty calendar days after the date of the last charge or payment by, or on behalf of, the consumer, whichever is later." For non-consumer claims, on breach; under R.C. § 2305.08 a payment or a signed written acknowledgment or promise starts a new period.

## What pauses it?

R.C. § 2305.15(A)(1) (defendant out of state, absconded, or concealed — the period does not begin to run until the person comes into the state, and post-accrual absence or concealment is not counted; amended eff. Oct. 24, 2024 by H.B. 179 to exclude statutes of repose); R.C. § 2305.16 (plaintiff within the age of minority or of unsound mind at accrual; and post-accrual adjudicated unsoundness of mind or confinement). NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED — I did not fetch 2305.15 or 2305.16, including the claimed H.B. 179 amendment.

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

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This is an informational reference, not legal advice, and using it creates no attorney-client relationship. Limitations periods turn on facts this page cannot know — which state's law governs, the contract type, when the claim accrued, and whether anything tolled or revived it. Confirm against the primary source and your own counsel before acting.