Debt Management and Settlement Providers include 2 sets of activities:
- Consumer credit counseling services
- Debt negotiators
Applications
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Changes- Current Licensed Location
Make changes online with ALECS
If instructed by OCCC staff to do so, mail in Amendment or Change to License.
Reporting
Annual Report Submission are filed through ALECS.
Individual Forms
Disclosure of Owners and Principal Parties
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Advisory Bulletins
Fee Limitations for Debt Management Services (Nov. 4, 2021)
Statutes & Rules
These are the primary statutes and rules that apply to debt management and settlement providers. This is not a complete list of laws that debt management and settlement providers are required to comply with.
Primary State Statute
Chapter 394, Texas Finance Code: Debtor Assistance
OCCC’s Rules
Title 7, Chapter 88, Texas Administrative Code
Other State Statutes
Texas Constitution and Statutes
Federal Statutes & Rules
U.S. Government Publishing Office
Adjustments to Maximum Fee Amounts
Section 394.210 of the Texas Finance Code lists maximum fee amounts for debt management and debt settlement providers. Under Section 394.2101, the OCCC publishes adjustments to these amounts based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (1982-84).
Effective Maximum Fee Amounts: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026
| Description | Citation | Adjusted Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Debt management setup fee | 394.210(f)(1) | $140.00 |
| Debt management monthly service fee | 394.210(f)(2) | Lesser of $14.00 per account or $70.00 |
| Debt settlement setup fee | 394.210(g)(1) | $559.00 |
| Debt settlement monthly service fee | 394.210(g)(2) | Lesser of $14.00 per account or $70.00 |
| Counseling or education if no debt management or settlement service provided | 394.210(1) | $140.00 |
| Fee for dishonored payment | 394.210(n) | $30.00[1] |
Note: These calculations are based on comparing the reference base index for December 2011 (225.672) to the index for December 2024 (315.605). The percentage change is a 35.8512% increase, rounded to the nearest dollar. The fee descriptions above are just a summary. Providers should carefully review Section 394.210 and other applicable law to ensure that their fees are authorized.
Effective Maximum Fee Amounts: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025
| Description | Citation | Adjusted Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Debt management setup fee | 394.210(f)(1) | $136.00 |
| Debt management monthly service fee | 394.210(f)(2) | Lesser of $14.00 per account or $68.00 |
| Debt settlement setup fee | 394.210(g)(1) | $544.00 |
| Debt settlement monthly service fee | 394.210(g)(2) | Lesser of $14.00 per account or $68.00 |
| Counseling or education if no debt management or settlement service provided | 394.210(1) | $136.00 |
| Fee for dishonored payment | 394.210(n) | $30.00[1] |
Note: These calculations are based on comparing the reference base index for December 2011 (225.672) to the index for December 2023 (306.764). The percentage change is a 35.9336% increase, rounded to the nearest dollar. The fee descriptions above are just a summary. Providers should carefully review Section 394.210 and other applicable law to ensure that their fees are authorized.
[1]The adjustment would exceed the $30 authorized by Texas Business and Commerce Code §3.506
Renewal Dates
January 1-Renewal Period Opens
January 31- Renewal Closes****
****Registrations not renewed by midnight will Cancel-Non Renewable and you will need to reapply.***
Annual Reports
Due February 1st
Submit your annual report using ALECS.
Instructions – How do I file a report on ALECS?