Hi! I got a bill from a debt collector for my 2021 tax returns, owing $21 (+ now $236.48 for interest). Please fix this ASAP! I did my taxes through you and paid all due.

[DoninGA]

This could be a scam.  Contact the IRS and speak to an agent.

Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info). Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
Then press 3 "for all other questions."
Then press 2 "for all other questions."
- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don't enter anything.
- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 3 for all other inquiries
It should then transfer you to an agent.

[Mike9241]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses private debt collection agencies to collect certain outstanding, inactive tax debts. This practice began on September 23, 2021. When the IRS assigns your account to a private collection agency, one of these three agencies will contact you on the government’s behalf:

1. CBE Group Inc. (P.O. Box 2217, Waterloo, IA 50704) - Contact number: 800-910-5837
2. Coast Professional, Inc. (P.O. Box 425, Geneseo, NY 14454) - Contact number: 888-928-0510
3. ConServe (P.O. Box 307, Fairport, NY 14450) - Contact number: 844-853-4875

Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Letters: Before you are contacted by a private collection agency, the IRS will send you two letters. The first is Notice CP40, and the second is Publication 4518. These letters inform you that your overdue tax account has been assigned to a private collection agency. The private collection agency then sends their initial contact letter, which provides information on how to resolve your overdue taxes. Both letters contain a Taxpayer Authentication Number that you should keep in a safe place. This number is used to confirm your identity and verify the legitimacy of the caller.