Springboard Advises Consumers to Protect Yourself from Private Debt Collectors

Share Article

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 is allowing the IRS to outsource to private collection agencies, which may cause problems. Springboard advises consumers to protect yourself and be aware of what private collection agencies may and may not do.

Since President Bush signed into law the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, many have criticized the potentially dangerous contract between the IRS and private collection agencies. Under this new law, the IRS is now able to outsource to private collectors and enable them to collect consumer’s tax debt. Springboard Non-Profit Consumer Credit Management encourages taxpayers to be aware of what private collectors may and may not do in order to protect yourself.

Although IRS outsourcing will not happen overnight, many are afraid that this initiative will create its own set of problems. The trouble is that private debt collectors will be receiving a 25 percent profit off of what they are able to collect, and who knows what types of scandals may arise from this. Private debt collectors may be willing to risk the rights and privacy of consumers in order to get their end of the job done.

The IRS claims that a taxpayer’s privacy will be protected throughout this process, but Springboard advises consumers to watch out. This course of action is not a guaranteed win-win situation. Consumers must be aware that private debt collectors only need to know your amount that is due, your name, address, and phone number. They are not entitled to any other personal information and do not need to know your tax return or tax history.

To help you survive this tax season and avoid being misled by private debt collectors, contact Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management at 1-800-WISE PLAN (1-800-974-3752). Springboard is approved by the IRS and Franchise Tax Board to provide repayment plans for tax liens. Springboard offers the IRS Advocacy Program, which helps consumers repay their tax debts on an installment basis.

Since President Bush signed into law the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, many have criticized the potentially dangerous contract between the IRS and private collection agencies. Under this new law, the IRS is now able to outsource to private collectors and enable them to collect consumer’s tax debt. Springboard Non-Profit Consumer Credit Management encourages taxpayers to be aware of what private collectors may and may not do in order to protect yourself.

Although IRS outsourcing will not happen overnight, many are afraid that this initiative will create its own set of problems. The trouble is that private debt collectors will be receiving a 25 percent profit off of what they are able to collect, and who knows what types of scandals may arise from this. Private debt collectors may be willing to risk the rights and privacy of consumers in order to get their end of the job done.

The IRS claims that a taxpayer’s privacy will be protected throughout this process, but Springboard advises consumers to watch out. This course of action is not a guaranteed win-win situation. Consumers must be aware that private debt collectors only need to know your amount that is due, your name, address, and phone number. They are not entitled to any other personal information and do not need to know your tax return or tax history.

To help you survive this tax season and avoid being misled by private debt collectors, contact Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management at 1-800-WISE PLAN (1-800-974-3752). Springboard is approved by the IRS and Franchise Tax Board to provide repayment plans for tax liens. Springboard offers the IRS Advocacy Program, which helps consumers repay their tax debts on an installment basis.

About Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management. Springboard, a nonprofit credit counseling and education organization founded in 1974, offers assistance with money management and budgeting through confidential counseling, debt management and education programs for financially troubled consumers. Springboard is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, signifying high standards for agency governance, fiscal integrity, counselor certification and service delivery policies that ensure low-cost confidential services performed in an ethical manner. Springboard is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. Springboard has counseling locations throughout Southern California offering face-to-face, online and nationwide phone counseling services.

For more information on Springboard, call 1-800-947-3752 ext. 702 or visit their web site at http://www.credit.org.

# # #

Share article on social media or email:

View article via:

Pdf Print