IRS To Use Private Collectors
On Tuesday, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) announced that they are going to use private debt collecting companies to collect old tax debts. A new law that Congress put into effect in December 2015 allows these collectors to try to claim unpaid tax debts that are not presently being worked on by the IRS, and were assessed in years prior.
According to KARE TV and the IRS, here is what you need to know so that you can tell the difference between a real collection attempt and a scam.
Private collectors can't take enforcement action against you. Only IRS employees can issue a tax lien or levy. The contractors will never:a. Call to demand payment using a specific method.
b. Threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement to have you arrested
c. Demand the tax amount be paid without giving you a chance to appeal or question the amount.
d. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
You can check if you have unpaid taxes at irs.gov/balancedue.