Here is some credit repair help – a checklist to help you dispute negative entries on your credit report. Print and save a copy to track your progress.

Access a free copy of your credit report from each of the three reporting agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com. You’ll need to supply 2 years of prior addresses and verify items that may or may not appear on your report to identify yourself. From that main website you’ll be directed to each of the reporting agencies individually. Be sure and keep track of all your logins and passwords. You have 30 days to log back in for free so print out copies you can write on.

On your copy, mark any negative entries that should be removed. Every creditor is different and may not report to all three agencies. Look at each report for differences. If you do have items removed, the agency is required to notify the others so they can remove it too.

Write a letter explaining why each of those negative items should not be on your report. Additionally, if you have an account that’s in good standing that’s not listed, you can have them add that. You’ll need verification and it might be easier to ask your creditor to report it directly.

When you list negative items, include all the names, addresses, account numbers, dates, amounts, etc so there’s no question which items you’re disputing. Have a good reason for disputing each item as well. Saying you never had that account works if it’s true. Saying you don’t want it on your report doesn’t. If you’re not sure, you can validly claim that you don’t recall having that account. Don’t dispute something and just hope it will fall off because most major creditors have a staff dedicated to verifying accounts.

The items you must include are your full name with middle name and suffix, current and past mailing addresses for the past two years, social security number, and date of birth.

You must include a copy of a government issued ID AND a copy of a utility bill, insurance or bank statement. NOT valid: credit card statements, voided checks, lease agreements, magazine subscriptions, or post office forwarding orders. You have to include these items exactly or the reporting agencies will reply they don’t have enough information to identify you and tell you to do it again.

Send your letter USPS certified mail. If you don’t, you run the risk of them “losing” your letter and you having no way to verify you sent it.

You can track the letter on the USPS website to find out when it was delivered. They are required to investigate and verify within 30 days or they have to take the items off your report and let you know.

That’s all there is to it. Next, you can start building better credit.