IRS Says New Private Debt Collection Program to Begin Next Spring

IRS to Contract with Four Agencies, Focus on Keeping Taxpayer Rights Protected

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced plans to begin private collection of certain overdue federal tax debts next spring and has named four contractors to implement the new program. They are:

• CBE Group, 1309 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls, IA
• Conserve, 200 CrossKeys Office Park, Fairport, NY
• Performant, 333 N Canyons Parkway, Livermore, CA
• Pioneer, 325 Daniel Zenker Drive, Horseheads, NY

The program, authorized under a federal law enacted by Congress last December, enables the contractors to collect outstanding inactive tax receivables. The agencies must respect taxpayers’ rights, including abiding by the consumer protection provision of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

The IRS will give each taxpayer and their representative written notice that their account is being transferred to a private collection agency. The agency then will send a second, separate letter to the taxpayer and their representative confirming this transfer. Private collection agencies will be able to identify themselves as contractors of the IRS collecting taxes.

Private collection agencies will not request payment on a prepaid debit card. Taxpayers can learn about electronic payment options at https://www.irs.gov/. Payment by check should be made out to the U.S. Treasury and sent directly to the IRS, not the private collection agency.

For more information, visit the IRS’ Private Debt Collection web page.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Peter Hamm, 410-260-7060 (office), 443-414-3083 (cell) Alan Brody, 410-260-6346 (office), 443-924-1473 (cell)