Can I go to jail for not paying a debt?

The answer is almost always NO.

A judge will not put you in jail for not paying most debts. You can go to jail for not paying child support and for money owed to the IRS if there is criminal fraud involved.

Usually, if you owe money, a creditor can take you to court and ask the judge to issue a judgment against you. This includes unpaid debt on credit cards, medical bills, student loans, car loans, and home loans.

After a judgment is issued, the creditor can request that your assets be garnished or seized. Certain assets are protected from seizure.