08/24/2026
Ask 10 people how far back a background check goes and you'll hear "seven years" 10 times.
Seven years is real, but it only covers certain records: non-conviction arrests, civil judgments, tax liens, collections. Criminal convictions have no federal cutoff. Bankruptcies run 10 years. And once a role pays $75,000 or more, the usual limits stop applying.
Our new guide sorts out which clock applies to which record, plus the dozen or so states that set stricter rules than federal law.
Worth a read before your next hire: https://www.justifacts.com/resources/how-far-back-does-a-background-check-go
How far back does a background check go? Usually seven years, but convictions, bankruptcies, and state laws move the window. What employers need to know.