Michigan Treasury outsourcing collection of past-due taxes

  • November 18, 2019
  • Maria Montie, CPA, MST, CVA, MAFF

Michiganders with past-due tax debts or other state debts may receive a call this fall from one of two contractors operating on behalf of the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Beginning on Nov. 15, taxpayers who have been referred to collections due to outstanding state debts may receive a call from either GC Services or Harris and Harris to inquire about payment options.

“Working together with taxpayers is our first and foremost objective,” said Deputy State Treasurer Ann Good, who oversees Treasury’s Financial and Administrative Services programs. “If you have an outstanding state tax debt or other state debt, please contact the state Treasury Department immediately so we can walk through your options.”

The state Treasury Department corresponds with taxpayers through official letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service, providing options to resolve an outstanding debt and information outlining taxpayer rights. Unresolved state debts may be referred to a collection contractor to assist the state Treasury Department’s collection efforts.

Taxpayers who have questions about their state debts should call state Treasury Department’s Collection Service Center at 517-636-5265. A customer service representative can verify outstanding state debts and provide flexible payment options.

Previously, individuals who were referred to collections received calls from the Michigan Accounts Receivable Collections System, simply known as “MARCS.” Under the new system with two contractors, Harris and Harris or GC Services will be contacting individuals with past-due state debts directly.

To learn more about Michigan’s taxes and the collection process, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.