Best Ways to Settle Credit Card Debt FAST:

1. Hire The Best Debt Settlement Company
2. Do It Yourself Debt Negotiation Elimination

I made a negotiated payment of $4000 to a debt collector (the total had been over $9k) to end my obligations. How long will this tarnish my credit? This was not done through an intermediary.

Since you settled for less than was due, you are unlikely to get that removed from your report until 7 years from last payment. In order to get it removed, you would have had to get them agree to that in writing before you paid "the full amount" due (unlikely for reduced settlement).

You will also likely get a 1099 and have to pay income tax on the $5000+ (roughly $750-$1250+ depending upon other income) unless you can prove you were insolvent.