Credit score information on Illinois website supported by taxpayers

What a CPA believes about credit bureaus, credit ratings and credit scores

Today, the Herald & Review of Decatur reports, "One late or missed payment can cause a credit score to drop 60-70 points and will be reflected on the score for seven years, he [a representative of the Illinois state Comptroller] said."

However, the state of Illinois' website also states: "Avoid closing old accounts quickly. Having an account opened[SIC] will help to lengthen your credit history."