Keystone Collections Group

Review: I received a bill of $1741.3 from keystone collections group for the [redacted] school district [redacted] about a deficiency of 2012 earned income tax. However, my family moved into [redacted] in 2013. In the whole year of 2012, none of my family lived or worked in [redacted] school district [redacted].Desired Settlement: Please delete the bill and correct my address history.

Business

Response:

Jennifer GasserRevdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.After receiving your letter my office researched this taxpayer’s account, including consulting the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. My office discovered that the taxpayer filed conflicting information on their 2012 PA State Return. Based upon that information my office reviewed their local tax filings and consequently sent the notice received by the taxpayer.Upon receiving your letter and additional information provided by the taxpayer, my office was able to resolve their account. My office then issued a letter to the taxpayer indicating that their 2012 local earned income tax balance was satisfied.I thank you for the opportunity to resolve this individual’s concerns. Currently their account has been reconciled, and accordingly my office considers this matter resolved.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPCody J. H[redacted], Esquire

Review: I have told these people that I don't work that I am disabled and collect SSDI. They still try to collect Earned Income off meDesired Settlement: I what these people to correct their records

Business

Response:

Review: For tax year 2014 my wife and I filed a joint EIT return. My wife owed taxes and I was due a refund of $150.00. I have never received my refund. I mailed them copies of the tax return and W2's for a SECOND time in November and have not heard a word yet. THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME FOR TAX YEAR 2013 AND Revdex.com HAD TO RESOLVE IT FOR ME. If the IRS owed me money for this long I would get interest.

They have 2 different addresses to send your tax return. One if you owe money and the other one if you are due a refund. When filing a joint return and one of you owes and the other is due a refund it only makes sense to mail it to the address for money owed. The problem apparently is that the receiving department never passes along the info to the refund department.Desired Settlement: I want my refund a.s.a.p.

Business

Response:

January 18, 2016[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE:Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear Ms. [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they had issues with their 2014 local earned income tax return and refund. Specifically, they stated that they did not receive their refund and this problem also occurred last year. I can confirm that this individual experienced issues with both their 2013 and 2014 tax refunds.In early 2015 I spoke with the taxpayer by phone to help resolve this issue. Previously, the taxpayer’s employer incorrectly withheld their 2013 local earned income taxes to [redacted] City and not [redacted] Borough. This created some confusion when the taxpayer filed their 2013 return. When they submitted their 2013 local earned income tax return, a refund was not issued because the information provided by their employer led Keystone to understand that the individual lived in [redacted] City and not [redacted] Borough, which have different tax rates.After receiving the previous Revdex.com complaint, I contacted the taxpayer to explain the confusion, how the employer’s info listed them in the wrong residence municipality and why they had not received a refund. At that time, I ensured that their 2013 refund was issued.When I received the most recent complaint, I reviewed the individual’s account. On their 2014 local earned income tax return the taxpayer provided the correct information. However, it appears their employer continues to submit their quarterly tax withholdings with incorrect information. Consequently, in 2014 the individual was recorded as living in [redacted] City, which has a higher tax rate.I have contacted the taxpayer to explain this issue and encourage them to correct their employer’s information. Until the employer begins providing the correct Political Subdivision Code (PSD) along with the taxpayer’s tax withholdings, this issue may arise in the future.I have ensured that the error is corrected, the individual’s return is now processed and a refund will be issued next week.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

Review: I received in the mail yesterday a collections notice about me not filing a [redacted] local tax return.

I never in my life ever had to do this in the 7 years I lived in this twp.

I was never told by the twp building I had to do this.

I emailed Deborah F at Keystone Collections Group and she said that it is a earned wage income tax and I did not file a local return and therefore they sent me one and waned 190.00. fat chance.

Her number is [redacted]. Her email address is [redacted]

No last name of course.

They need to back off or I will sue.

Never had to do this in the 7 years I have lived in [redacted] and never received a notice from them about any kind of tax return to file.

I received a collections after a year and 1/2 and no notice from the twp.Desired Settlement: they need to leave me alone and back off.

I will take them to court for harassment and sue.

Business

Response:

[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a notice from my office requiring that they file a local earned income tax return and requesting $190.00. In addition, the taxpayer contacted my office by email and has been corresponding with one of our customer service representatives about the notice they received.The taxpayer did receive a notice for failing to file a local earned income tax return. Under the Local Tax Enabling Act (LTEA), codified at 53 P.S.§6924.101, et seq., all Pennsylvania residents who earn income and reside within a taxing authority assessing a local earned income tax, must file an annual return. As the duly appointed local tax collector for the taxpayer’s municipality and school district, my office mailed these notices to inform residents of this obligation.In their complaint the taxpayer stating that my office was requesting $190.00. I have reviewed their account and consulted with the customer service representative that they contacted. I do not know how they arrived at this figure. There is a late filing fee assessed, but my office cannot know if the taxpayer has any outstanding tax liability until receiving their required form. The taxpayer may have completely satisfied their local tax liability throughout the year and the required return provides an opportunity to reconcile their tax obligation.Since receiving the taxpayer’s initial email, a customer service representative from my office has been working with the taxpayer to ensure that they understand their annual filing obligation, where to obtain the proper form, and answer additional questions. My office is currently awaiting receipt of their local earned income tax return. \Based upon the latest correspondence my office has exchanged with the taxpayer, they understand their annual obligation to file these returns and intend to submit one shortly. I appreciate the additional information provided by your letter and the opportunity to ensure that the taxpayer’s concerns are properly addressed.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

Review: I received a bill in the amount of $217.44 for a [redacted] Area School District 2015-2016 Per Person Per Capita and Occupation Tax Notice.

This is incorrect. I moved from [redacted] and from Pennsylvania in 2014 and have not moved back.Desired Settlement: I would like this to be corrected, and for the bill to be deleted immediately. I would also like my address to be corrected in their database so I don't receive another one of these next year.

Thank you.

Business

Response:

RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter reg[redacted] the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In the instant case, the individual stated that they received a 2015-2016 [redacted] Per Capita Tax Bill but no longer lived in [redacted] or Pennsylvania. They also raised concerns that Keystone required evidence that they had moved in order to resolve their account.After receiving the letter from the Revdex.com, I reviewed the individual’s account and confirmed that they had moved to Missiouri. Accordingly, their account was closed.I then personally contacted the individual to inform them. I explained that in 2014 Keystone received local earned income tax withholdings from their employer indicating that they were a resident of [redacted]. Accordingly, Keystone mailed them a 2015-2016 per capita tax bill. However, as stated, I ensured them that their per capita account was now resolved and closed.It is important to know that Keystone has expressed strong concern over the Revdex.com’s decision to publish these responses on the internet. Keystone is concerned about the confidential nature of taxpayer information, and our obligation to maintain a strict standard of confidentiality with regard to taxpayer detail. Due to the confidential nature of tax information, Keystone responds to the taxpayer directly, with detail information (generally confidential in status) and provides an overview of the response to the Revdex.com (with no confidential detail). We appreciate your offer to remove or redact confidential information from responses, but PA law binds a tax officer to safeguard taxpayer information, and Keystone must therefore take the prudent steps necessary to eliminate the possibility that the Revdex.com inadvertently releases confidential taxpayer information to the public on its internet publication.

Review: thy sent me a statement on 11/10/2015 claiming I was delinquent on my prior years tax way back to 2012. thy included a bill in the amount of 503.37$ plus a penalty / interest of 75.50 $ plus cost of 68.88 $ with a total of 647.75 $ when I called to ask what this was about the rep. that I talked to was very rude & nasty she hung up on me before I got her name this is as close to Hitler Germany as I have ever beenDesired Settlement: thy need to send a check .. and a big apology ....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .......

Business

Response:

March 31, 2016[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: RevDex.comComplaint ID# [redacted]Dear Ms. [redacted]Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a notice from my office regarding their 2012 local earned income tax. The notice that was sent informed the taxpayer of a discrepancy between income reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and income reported to the taxpayer’s resident municipality.After being contacted by the taxpayer, my office requested additional information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue provided updated information which due to Act 80 changed the taxing jurisdiction to [redacted] School District. This new information resolved the discrepancy. Accordingly, a notice was sent to the taxpayer showing that the issue has been resolved. Additionally, a letter has been sent explaining the same.Thank you for the opportunity to address the taxpayer’s concerns. My office considers this matter resolved.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPChristopher E. V[redacted], Esquire

Review: Hello. My name is [redacted] My wife and I filed taxes jointly back in February this year. Our federal taxes were processed promptly however there was a problem receiving locality tax refunds from the state of Pennsylvania. The thing is we moved from Pennsylvania to New Jersey at the beginning of 2012. My wife, [redacted]'s employer at her veterinary hospital forgot to change withholdings to the state of New Jersey. This year we have had to pay over a thousand dollars to the state of New Jersey for this error. Upon contacting the tax department of Pennsylvania we were informed to contact Keystone Collections Group in Pennsylvania to receive the locality tax refunds from them which were paid by [redacted]'s employer. Keystone Collections Group and the employees there have been asking us for letters from [redacted]'s employer stating that she and I had indeed moved to the state of New Jersey and taxes were paid in error to Pennsylvania. Her employer sent that letter to Keystone Collections Group faxed to a certain [redacted] a supervisor there. Their phone number is ###-###-####. Fax is ###-###-####. After that [redacted] and her boss [redacted] wanted us to send a second letter being more specific on the details of the withholding error or we would not receive our refund. The employer of my spouse drafted a second letter and again faxed it to Keystone's office. This was over the course of past three months. Every time my wife and I tried to get in touch with [redacted] or her boss [redacted] we would get the runaround by the employees there. [redacted] could never be reached, there was no progress being made even though one of the employees confirmed receiving the fax transmissions. It was clear they were just making us jump through hoops trying to hold onto our tax refunds. This is not right and should not be legal how they are handling our refund that we are entitled to. [redacted] and [redacted] at Keystone are just not doing something right here.Desired Settlement: We need this refund. It has been almost one year now since we filed taxes in February. We have had to pay out of pocket (no state refunds were given) and Keystone does not seem to want to give us our refunds. And there is pretty much no talking to them. I would appreciate some sort of mediary action from the Revdex.com. Thank you.

Business

Response:

Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number.Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve theconcerns of taxpayers. As you are aware, Keystone expressed strong concern over the Revdex.com’sdecision to publish Keystone responses on the internet despite the confidential nature of taxpayerinformation, and Keystone’s obligation to maintain strict standard of confidentiality with regardto taxpayer detaii: Due to the confidential nature of tax information, Keystone will both respondto the taxpayer directly, with detail information (generally confidential in status) and provide anoverview of the resj5oftse to the Revdex.com (with no confidential detail). We appreciate your offer torethove or redact donfidential information from responses, but PA law binds tax officer tosafeguard taxpayer infbrmation, and Keystone must therefore take the prudent steps necessary toeliminate the possibility that the Revdex.com inadvertently releases confidential taxpayer information tothe public on its internet publicationOn July 1, 2014, Mr. [redacted], president of the Revdex.com of Western Pennsylvania,informed Keystone that the Revdex.com will consider a response directly to the taxpayer “asunanswered which results in dropping your [Keystone’s] Revdex.com rating.” Despite Keystone’srequest ihat the Revdex.com not publish tax-related responses, the Revdex.com has placed Keystone in aposition where it is to be punished for meeting its statutorily obligated duties of protectingconfidential taxpayer information. Keystone must nonetheless focus its concern in protectingconfidential taxpayer information rather than with the Revdex.com ‘s rating. Such concern for theprotection of confidential taxpayer information should be applauded, not punished by the Revdex.comby threatening to reduce Keystone’s “rating”.While tax collection can be quite a challenging responsibility due to the enforcement ofits oftentimes unpopular monetary and regulatory impacts, Keystone takes great effort to satisfyconsumer fairness while sewing the needs of government.Historically, Keystone has responded to every issue raised by taxpayers in an attempt toresolve reasonable concerns put forward via the Revdex.com. In the fliture, despite not responding tothe Revdex.com with taxpayer details (due to the publication concerns), Keystone will continue toaddress all taxpayer concerns in a timely and professional manner and keep the Revdex.com apprised ofthat progress.In the instant case, as of the date of this letter, Keystone has contacted the taxpayer of theabove-referenced ID number directly in an attempt to resolve this matter. The taxpayer’semployer improperly withheld 2013 Easton City/Easton Area School District local earnedincome taxes. Even though the taxpayer moved to New Jersey, the employer continued towithhold and remit the tax to Easton City and Easton Area School District. When the taxpayerpreviously contacted my office they were notified that in order to receive a refund their employermust provide an explanation of the improper withholdings, including dates, amount(s), and thetaxpayer’s new address. The employer submitted two letters which did not provide any of thisinformation.Upon receipt of your letter, I contacted the taxpayer directly and further explained theinformation that their employer must submit. Their employer then submitted the necessarydocumentation. My office then adjusted their account and a refund will be issued to the taxpayer.Accordingly, my office considers this matter resolved.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP

Review: I filed my 2013 taxes before the 2014 deadline.I moved residences in June 2013 (from Monroeville to Coraopolis) and should have split my local taxes between two separate municipalities with different income percentages. However, I continued to submit my taxes to Monroeville after the move. This was a mistake and I noted it in the 2013 local tax paperwork filing. My accountant calculated that I was owed over $600 in local taxes. The appropriate refund paperwork was also filed.I first called Keystone Collections Group 7/2/2014 to try and find out the status of the refund process. They explained it may take two months to process.I called them again early August 2014 to try and find out status of the refund. They noted the process was not completed.I called again today 9/3/2014, and they noted my case had been escalated, a supervisor was made aware of my calls, and my refund was "in processing." They did not provide any information on when the paperwork would be processed and/or when I could expect to receive payment or notification the paperwork was incorrect.It has been over four months since I filed my 2013 tax forms with federal, state, and local entities. I am owed over $600 in refunds for the local tax mistake I made in 2013. I think it is a bit odd that Keystone Collections Group continues to delay processing my refund paperwork and will not provide a date when I can expect to receive payment or notice the paperwork is not correct. I have called Keystone Collections Group three times since early July 2014 and have not had the matter resolved to date.Desired Settlement: I want my local tax refund paperwork processed and I want to receive payment for the refund my accountant calculated. If my accountant calculated the refund incorrectly, I want to be notified of this information with instructions about what to do next.

Review: I filed my income tax return on 3/5/2014 for 2013 earned income tax in the Kennett Square School District, New Garden Township. My account number is: [redacted]. To date (8/27/14) I have not received any correspondence nor any communication that anything is wrong or missing that could cause a delay for my $502 refund. Since 5/2/14, I have called about 6 times asking for the status of my refund. I have received numerous reasons, mostly that there appear to be no problems and the refund should be sent "soon". In fact, the lady that answered my call on 6/3/14 said it would be put on an expedited basis, but so far no luck. My understanding is that refunds are to be completed no later than 4/15/14 plus 105 days. My calculation shows that the 105 day period expired on 7/29/14 or almost a month ago.Desired Settlement: I would like my refund of $502 as soon as possible.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I wish to thank the Revdex.com for assistance in this matter. The matter was resolved in about 3 weeks when I had tried for months and numerous phone calls with no resolution.

Review: I have received a letter entitled "FINAL NOTICE FROM THE [redacted] AND [redacted]" from Keystone Collections Group. This letter is claiming that I owe local taxes to [redacted] borough for the years of 2011 and 2012- it is 2015. They are requesting a check for $406.39 ($191 taxes, $215 interest penalties and fees) to be delivered to them within 10 days or I will be sued. This letter is a surprise as 1. I did not live in [redacted] in 2011 and 2. I lived in [redacted] for 0.5 of the year of 2012. I called to discuss this matter and was told that I need to submit proof of residency immediately. The example given was a lease or a bill. Oddly enough, I do not keep electric bills around for OVER 4 YEARS! Is this a scam? The bill (provided by Keystone) does not provide details as to the charges, the charges are falsified, and the tactic of intimidation by threatening to sue is unethical and unjust.Desired Settlement: I am submitting tax transcripts verifying proof of residency and I request the agency to provide a DETAILED bill consisting of PROPER charges to be paid- without threatening verbiage in the letter.

Business

Response:

May 22, 2015[redacted] Revdex.com of Western PA [redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. Keystone Collections Group appreciates the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers.In the instant case, the taxpayer raised issues regarding a tax due notice they received from Keystone and stated that they did not live in the relevant municipality during the time period in question. As of the date of this letter, Keystone has contacted the taxpayer directly in an attempt to resolve this matter. As requested, Keystone has further explained the notice, the statutory authority for sending such notice and provided a detailed statement. Furthermore, Keystone has permitted the taxpayer the opportunity to submit documentation to evidence their residence during the relevant years. If the taxpayer submits substantiating documentation, their account will be adjusted accordingly.It is important to know that Keystone has expressed strong concern over the Revdex.com’s decision to publish these responses on the internet. Keystone is concerned about the confidential nature of taxpayer information, and our obligation to maintain a strict standard of confidentiality with regard to taxpayer detail. Due to the confidential nature of tax information, Keystone responds to the taxpayer directly, with detail information (generally confidential in status) and provides an overview of the response to the Revdex.com (with no confidential detail). We appreciate your offer to remove or redact confidential information from responses, but PA law binds a tax officer to safeguard taxpayer information, and Keystone must therefore take the prudent steps necessary to eliminate the possibility that the Revdex.com inadvertently releases confidential taxpayer information to the public on its internet publication.While tax collection can be quite a challenging responsibility due to the enforcement of its oftentimes unpopular monetary and regulatory impacts, Keystone takes great effort to satisfy consumer fairness while serving the needs of government.Historically, Keystone has responded to every issue raised by taxpayers in an attempt to resolve reasonable concerns put forward via the Revdex.com. In the future, despite not responding to the Revdex.com with taxpayer details (due to the publication concerns), Keystone will continue to address all taxpayer concerns in a timely and professional manner and keep the Revdex.com apprised of that progress.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy: [redacted], Esquire[redacted]

Review: I am owed a tax refund for tax year 2012 from this group that manages tax collection for Warminster Township. I have contacted the company 7 times (monthly since April 2013) to inquire as to the status of my refund. The customer service representative, each time, informed me they will email their expedite group and get back to me with an answer. I have yet to receive a response. Twice I was asked to re-submit my W-2 forms. I have asked to speak to a manager or decision maker and have been told that's not permitted. I've contacted my township and state representative and still the company refuses to refund me the money owed to me. It is not a large sum but the lack of responsiveness and refusal to serve me is absolutely ridiculous. Short of a small claims suit, I have no idea where to turn to next. Waiting eight months for a timely filed refund is unacceptable.Desired Settlement: I would like to be issued the refund that I am lawfully owed. My taxes were filed on time and I have done everything in my power to get satisfaction to no avail.

Business

Response:

Thank you for your letter dated December 5, 2013 regarding the above-referenced

complaint ID number. In the complaint, customer alleges that Keystone Collections Group

failed to timely issue customer’s 2012 local earned income tax refund. Please note that

customer’s local earned income tax refund has been issued.

Upon receiving the final return, Keystone’s automated system could not process the

return as it was missing supporting tax documentation, namely relevant W2s. It is the policy of

Keystone Collections Group to process all fully completed final returns prior to addressing

incomplete and/or incorrect final returns. As no supporting documentation was included with the

customer’s final return, it was deemed incomplete requiring that the return be processed

manually.

Taxpayer then remitted his W2s. These documents were received without a copy of the

final return, and the automated system detected an incomplete return and flagged the W2s to be

manually reviewed. Prior to being contacted in October, Keystone Collections Group’s manual

review had not linked the incomplete final return to the W2s missing a final return. Upon being

notified by the taxpayer that Keystone Collections Group had received all the documents,

Keystone began processing the final return.

It is Keystone’s intent to provide the best service to taxpayers. Feedback such as

customers, allows Keystone to identi1~’ and improve our systems. As of today’s date, the

taxpayer’s 2012 local earned income tax refund has been issued to the taxpayer. As such, my

office considers this matter resolved.