GAO-06-1065 Tax Debt Collection: IRS Needs to Complete Steps to Help Ensure Contracting Out Achieves Desired Results and Best Use of Federal Reserves

In September 2006, the IRS started the private debt collection (PDC) program for using private collection agencies (PCA) to help collect some unpaid tax debts. Aware of concerns that PCAs might cost more than using IRS staff, IRS began studying the collection costs and performance of PCAs and IRS. In March 2009, IRS announced that it would not renew its PCA contracts based on the study and announced plans for increasing collection staffing. This report examined whether: (1) the study was sound as primary support for IRS's PDC decision; and (2) IRS has planned or made changes to its collection approach based on its PCA experience and the PDC study. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables. A print on demand publications.