As the IRS prepares for the release of its new private debt collection program, concerns have begun to surface regarding the program’s effectiveness. Due to the recent rise in phone scams from callers claiming to be from the IRS, the IRS wonders if taxpayers will be able to distinguish between a scam and an actual approved collection agency. The IRS fears that taxpayers will not even bother to answer their phones or, in the chance they do answer, will be skeptical as to the authenticity of the collection call.

While it is good for taxpayers to remain cautious while dealing with collection calls, those with outstanding balances with the IRS should be aware that there will be four separate companies –  CBE Group, ConServe Accounts Receivable Management, Performant Financial Corp., and Pioneer Credit Recovery Inc. – that will have the authority from the government to pursue their collection matter.