Free guide · Deadlines
Deadlines and time limitsWaiting can cost you rights.
General information only, not legal advice. Deadlines vary by statute, state and the facts, and can be shorter or longer than shown. Talk to an attorney as early as you can.
Common time limits
False Claims Act lawsuit
Generally 6 years from the violation, or 3 years from when a responsible U.S. official knew or should have known the facts, but never more than 10 years from the violation.
6 years (up to 10)
FCA retaliation claim
A claim for being fired, demoted or harassed for reporting FCA violations generally must be filed within 3 years of the retaliation.
3 years
Sarbanes-Oxley retaliation (public companies)
A complaint to OSHA is generally due within 180 days of the retaliatory act. This is one of the shortest deadlines.
180 days
Dodd-Frank (SEC) retaliation
A lawsuit is generally due within 6 years of the retaliation, or 3 years from when you learned the facts, up to 10. You must have reported to the SEC to qualify for these protections.
6 years (up to 10)
SEC / CFTC award claim
After the agency posts a Notice of Covered Action, you generally have 90 days to apply for an award. Missing it can forfeit the award.
90 days
PPP loan fraud (criminal)
Congress extended the time limit for many PPP-related fraud offenses to 10 years.
Up to 10 years
Customs fraud (civil penalties)
The general window for penalty actions for fraudulent customs violations is 5 years from discovery, though the False Claims Act may apply a longer period.
5 years
Preserve records now
Company retention periods are short. Do not delete anything, and write down dates, names and what happened while you remember clearly.
Immediately