This is a direct result of Congressional action requiring the IRS to turn over to outside companies billions in uncollected taxes it is no longer pursuing. This will impact all of us. Here is what you need to know:
Turn up your scam alert. Tax-related identity theft is likely to increase, as scam artists will now try to impersonate collection agencies. Never pay a collection agency directly for any tax owed. If you recieve a notice but do not think you owe money to the IRS, call 805-496-2828 for help reviewing the information you’ve received.
Only four agencies have been authorized. Only four collection agencies have been authorized to collect unpaid taxes for the IRS. They are:
ConServe, of Fairport, New York
Pioneer, of Horseheads, New York
Performant, of Pleasanton, California
CBE Group, of Cedar Falls, Iowa
You will receive written notice... Twice. Before an outside agency calls you, the IRS will send two written notices regarding the transfer of the balance to an outside collection agency. Without these notices, assume any correspondence from debt collectors claiming to represent the IRS is a scam.
No payments to the agency. These collection agencies may not receive direct payment. You will be asked to use the IRS online payment system or to send your payment into the IRS. Payment is to be made to the U.S. Treasury and not to the collection agency.
The IRS has announced collection activity will now be starting, so be prepared if you owe any past due amounts. If you have already, or expect to receive a collection notice for your past due tax payment, call 805-496-2828 for assistance.
