The collectors selected are the CBE Group of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Conserve of Fairport, N.Y; Performant of Livermore, Calif., and Pioneer of Horseheads, N.Y. Collection agencies must by consumer protection provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

The IRS will provide taxpayres and their representatives with notices their account are being transferred to a private collection agency. The agency will then send separate letter confirming these transfers.

Private agencies will identify themselves as contractors of the IRS collecting taxes. The IRS will do everything it can to help taxpayers avoid confusion and understand their rights and tax responsibilities. Payments are not made to the collection agencies.

Taxpayers will be informed about electronic payment options for taxpayers on IRS.gov/Pay Your Tax Bill. Payments by checks are to be made directly to the IRS; not to the agencies.