IRS Readies to Start Private Debt Collection Next Week

by Mike Bevel, CollectionIndustry.com

Ready or not, the IRS moves forward with its plans to privatize debt collection next week.

While it may come as a shock and surprise ? turns out, the plan hasn?t necessarily been a popular one. Arguments ranging from ?breach of privacy? to ?harming the IRS?s public image? ? (yeah, let the irony of that one sink in like butter on corn) ? have made nearly daily appearances in newspapers and websites.

Recent statements from the IRS have put a positive face on the effort. “We’re going to implement this program very carefully so we have a good program on sound footing,” said IRS Commissioner Mark Everson. “We are working hard to protect taxpayer privacy and taxpayer rights.”

The companies selected were: CBE Group Inc., based in Iowa; Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP, based out of Texas; and Arcade, N.Y.-based Pioneer Credit Recovery Inc.