The IRS has been using third party collection agencies for a little over a year to collect back taxes. This blog will tell you who these agencies are and what to expect.
The IRS uses ONLY these FOUR agencies to collect against you. If someone other than these four agencies calls you IT IS A SCAM!
CRE, ConServe, Pioneer and Performant are the ONLY AUTHORIZED collection agencies other than the IRS who may contact you to collect against an IRS debt.
However, there are a few steps that the IRS takes to inform you first that a collection agency is involved so keep the following in mind.
- The IRS first sends you in the mail Publication 4518 and notice CP40 informing you that your debt has been transferred to a third party.
- The collection agency will then send you a letter informing you that they have received your debt and to contact them to resolve it.
- The collection agency will ask you for your Taxpayer Authentication Number which is different from your social.
You have the same rights with the collection agency that you have with the IRS and the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act.
- Therefore, you have the right to be treated fairly and to not be harassed or threatened by the agency
- You have the right to seek a payment plan you can afford
- You have the right to ask for an offer in compromise
Be vigiliant against scammers and I hope this helps!