Keystone Collections Group

December 8, 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 their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they received a notice from my office requiring that they file a local earned income tax return and imposing a $25 late filing. In addition, the taxpayer contacted my office by phone in an effort to resolve this matter but was not satisfied with the response they received.After receiving your letter, I personally investigated the taxpayer’s complaint and contacted them by phone to discuss the matter.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 stated that they previously moved and should no longer be responsible for submitting local earned income tax returns to Keystone. After discussion with the taxpayer, I was able to confirm this information. However, it appears that their employer mistakenly submitted local earned income tax payments to my office indicating that the individual resided within a jurisdiction administered by Keystone.I discussed this with the taxpayer and explained how they should resolve this matter with their employer. I also worked to resolve any outstanding balance remaining in Keystone’s records.I appreciate your letter and the opportunity to ensure that the taxpayer’s concerns are properly addressed. Accordingly my office considers this matter resolved.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:

I am sending you a 6 pg letter with 20 plus attachments explaining why. Keystone lied to you when they responded with "a detailed response to the taxpayer addressing their concerns". Their letter to me was ONE short paragraph and not signed by anyone at KCG. The response they sent to you had FOUR paragraphs and was signed "Very truly yours, KCG, Christopher E V[redacted], Exquire", I should have been afforded that same courtesy. In their letter to you they said they were limited by the information of the taxpayer and the local tax office and the State of PA's return, they needed further documentation. Based on that paragraph, Keystone has misrepresented their intentions in the being a genuine audit. On my PA40-2013, the very first page to the right of our address on the return, the last line of info is "School district name: [redacted]". The PA info worksheet under School code "As of 12/31/2013, enter where taxpayer lived: School District: [redacted] Area, school code 21650". Same page at the bottom "ParkII-Resident status, there is an "X" in the box for Form PA40 "Full year resident".  On the PA School District Code selection worksheet, I completed [redacted] Area, School District code selected 21650". They had all of the info they needed from that return. None of the info was "changed". All of it confirmed we did not work or live in [redacted] Twsp and that should have been the end of it. I am highly and extremely upset with this company, their "style" and their demeanor and their actions. The [redacted] School District has a problem too. They have sent a truant officer out to my home on at least three occasions to tell us they had reports that children live in my home. Excuse me, my children were born and raised in [redacted]  attended school there and their ages as of this date are: 50, 49 and 47. I have paid my taxes all of my working life since the age of 14, on time in full. I am a Vietnam Vet, I served your country. I am retired now and want to be left alone. Your company that you are protecting needs to be talked to. I sent one cert mail, two faxes, made two phone calls and then the complaint to you.  I never incurred this "debt", so I was guilty until I had to prove my innocence. THEY made the "mistake" by stamping that cert mail receipt card with they date:  July 29, 2016. What is the date today? July 26, 2016. You can close your case but I am still offended. They better never contact me again. My wife and I were born and raised in [redacted] County and "came back" to PA to live in peaceful retirement, maybe it's time to go back to NJ. PA isn't a senior friendly state, the state I was born in! Shame on you, shame on Keystone, shame on PA.

[redacted] Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted]Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your additional 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.Previously, Keystone received this complaint and contacted the taxpayer. After ensuring that the taxpayer submitted all their required documents and an amended local tax return, my office was able to issue a refund. That refund was issued to the taxpayer on July 22, 2015. Accordingly, my office considers this matter resolved.Currently, Keystone is awaiting receipt of the taxpayer’s amended 2014 local earned income tax return. Keystone will continue to work with this taxpayer to ensure that their amended local earned income tax return is timely processed and any refund is issued promptly.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:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire[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.  ...

  Unfortunately, Keystone is required to follow the Local Tax Enabling Act which clearly provides that there is a three (3) year statute of limitations for refunding an overpayment.  See, 53 Pa. C.S. §8425(a).  The incorrect withholdings should have been reported on your pay stubs provided by your employer.  These documents would have given the taxpayer notice of a potential withholding error.  Furthermore, under the Act, the taxpayer was required to file a local earned income tax final return.  This return, if completed properly, would have provided the taxpayer with notice of the employer error and if filed timely would act as a request for a refund if due.    Additionally, the taxpayer noted discrepancies between the refund showed by the employer and the refund received from Keystone for tax years 2012 through 2014.  This discrepancy resulted from the use of incorrect wages for calculating the refund.  Essentially, the taxpayer used Box 18 of his W-2s, when Box 16 should have been used.  Using the correct reported wages, Keystone’s refunds are correct.    Concurrently, upon receipt of this Complaint, I received correspondence from the taxpayer requesting a written explanation concerning the above-referenced issues.  I have prepared a detailed letter to the taxpayer as of the date of this response outlining the specifics of how his total tax liability and refunds were determined as well as citations to the statute, which bar refund requests older than three years.  Very truly yours,                                     ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                     �...⇄ By:                                      �...⇄             Christopher E. V[redacted], Esquire Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Dear Ms. [redacted]:      Thank you for your letter regarding complaint ID#[redacted].  In their complaint, the taxpayer stated that they received a delinquent tax notice for [redacted] Area School District for he 2013 tax year.  The taxpayer...

alleges that they did not live in [redacted] Township in 2013.  Please know that I have sent the taxpayer an explanation regarding Keystone's audit process.  This explanation further explains that this audit process provides multiple opportunities for the taxpayer to work with Keystone to resolve apparent discrepancies.  Finally, the letter provides statutory authority granting Keystone certain audit powers resolve disputed delinquent tax accounts.       I am hopeful that the taxpayer, upon receiving my letter, will provide the necessary documentation to fully resolve this account.       Thank you for providing my office with the opportunity to address the taxpayer's concerns.                Very truly yours,                KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                By:                     Christopher E. V[redacted], Esquire

Dear Ms. [redacted]: Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number.   In their complaint the taxpayer stated that they received a delinquent tax notice for Phoenixville, Pennsylvania taxes when they have not lived in Pennsylvania for over two (2) years.  ...

Please know that after receiving the taxpayer’s complaint I personally reviewed their account. Know that the taxpayer received the delinquent notice for taxes local earned income taxes owed to Phoenixville Borough and the Phoenixville Area School District for the 2013 tax year. The taxpayer reported taxable income to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for the 2013 tax year. Accordingly, the taxpayer was in Pennsylvania in 2013. As such, they are responsible for satisfying any local earned income tax obligation.   In the event the taxpayer already paid the local earned income tax liability, my office has requested documentation evidencing proof of payment or local earned income tax withholding. Once proof is provided my office will adjust the account accordingly. I appreciate the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers and improve our processes.   Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                           ...⇄ Very truly yours,                                           ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                             ...⇄ By:                                         ...⇄ Christopher *. V[redacted], Esquire

March 11,2016[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]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 but that their return was properly filed. In their complaint the taxpayer also identified issues regarding taxes withheld by their employer and forwarded to Keystone. The taxpayer also referenced difficulties in coordinating between their employer and Keystone representatives during attempts to resolve this issue.After receiving the Revdex.com complaint, I researched this account and identified outstanding issues regarding the taxpayer’s employer and missing tax payments. However, relying on the information provided by the taxpayer, Keystone was able to process their 2014 return. A refund will be issued to the taxpayer on March 11, 2016. My office will now work to locate the missing tax payment(s) and ensure that their employer properly complies with tax withholding requirements.Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention and providing the opportunity to address this taxpayer’s concerns.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPCody J. H[redacted], Esquire

June 30, 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.Previously, Keystone submitted a response to the taxpayer regarding this complaint. In their letter, the taxpayer stated that they did not know they owed these taxes and also questioned the penalties and costs of collection that were assessed on their balance. I took the opportunity to explain that each of these taxes is self-assessed and accordingly, an individual is responsible for remitting annual payment. Furthermore, I provided a copy of the authorizing ordinance and explained that, as permitted by Pennsylvania law, a delinquent taxpayer is responsible for reasonable costs of collection. I also provided the taxpayer with a copy of the relevant Pennsylvania statute.After submitting this response, I received additional correspondence from the taxpayer. The taxpayer was concerned that they did not receive notice of these taxes. In response, I further explained the per capita and occupational taxes. I also informed them that bills were mailed on July 7, 2015 and provided an example of the bill that was mailed to their current address. I confirmed that the bill was not returned by the post office.I appreciate the opportunity to explain this process and address the taxpayers concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

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]

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
Regards,
[redacted] I am unable to open the link on my computer, but was able to view the letter on my phone.  A few things I'd like to point out.  Mr H[redacted] mentions I was not satisfied with the response I received from my phone call.  The problem was that I contacted them five times and was not only not satisfied, but very upset in the unprofessional way I was spoken to.  Yes, I finally did get the issue resolved, but I 'm sure my return was located before Mr H[redacted] "personally investigated" it. The day afte I filed my complaint with Revdex.com, I contacted my local township manager and received the email of a contact person (Rose H[redacted]) with Keystone.  I sent her a detailed email on December 4, and it was later that day that I received a call from a supervisor (Marilee) stating my return had been located.  Rose followed up with a few emails, and then contacted me by phone to apologize for the way I was treated and the way this was handled.  SHE is the one who took the time to call me and close this matter as far as I'm concerned.  So, yes, I accept the response, but I do believe something must change in the way they receive and process tax forms.  If I hadn't owed $9.00 this year and had the cancelled check, I would have had no way of proving that my return was received.  Thank you very much for following through on this for me.  The Revdex.com knows how to get things done!Sincerely,[redacted]

Dear Mr. [redacted]:                Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. In their complaint the taxpayer disputed the balance due on her delinquent earned income tax (EIT) account. Furthermore, the...

taxpayer expressed concern with the delay associated with her receipt of the notice.   Please know that upon receipt of the taxpayer’s complaint I personally reviewed her account to help address the taxpayer’s concerns. In separate correspondence, I explained in detail how Keystone’s audit process works. Specifically, using earnings information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, and its power as Tax Officer, Keystone audits individual taxpayers to determine if a discrepancy exists between what a taxpayer has filed with Keystone and with the State of Pennsylvania.   I further advised that it is not until the Department of Revenue provides Keystone with taxpayer earnings information that Keystone can identify discrepancies with the submitted filings. Unfortunately, the delay associated with the Department’s provision of taxpayer information is unavoidable.   The information provided by the Department of Revenue evidenced a discrepancy with the taxpayer’s State and Local tax returns. Accordingly, a balance due remained on the taxpayer’s account. Furthermore, the penalty and interest assessed on the taxpayer’s account are mandated by law, and the fees constitute the statutorily authorized collection costs Keystone is entitled to recoup.   Finally, I advised that taxpayer that Keystone does not report delinquent earned income taxes to any third-party credit reporting agency or bureau. Furthermore, Keystone does not have access to the taxpayer’s credit report. However, please know that in June of 2017 my office provided the taxpayer with the taxing authority’s Disclosure Statement Under the Local Taxpayers Bill of Rights which outlines taxpayer rights with regard to the audit, appeal, enforcement, refund, and collection of local taxes.   I appreciate the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers and improve our processes.    Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                           ...⇄ Very truly yours,                                           ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP                                             ...⇄ By:                                         ...⇄ Christopher *. V[redacted], Esquire

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

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
Regards,
[redacted]

June 18, 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 contacted Keystone regarding a delinquent 2014 per capita and occupation tax notice they received. In their letter, the taxpayer stated that they did not know they owed these taxes and also questioned the penalties and costs of collection that were assessed on their balance.I took the opportunity to explain that each of these taxes is self-assessed and accordingly, an individual is responsible for remitting annual payment. Furthermore, I provided a copy of the authorizing ordinance and explained that, as permitted by Pennsylvania law, a delinquent taxpayer is responsible for reasonable costs of collection. I also provided the taxpayer with a copy of the relevant Pennsylvania statute. Accordingly, my office considers this matter resolved.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:  Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

January 11, 2016[redacted]Revdex.com of Western PA[redacted]RE: Complaint ID# [redacted] — [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 requiring that they file a local earned income tax return and imposing a $25.00 late filing. In addition, the taxpayer contacted my office by phone in an effort to resolve this matter but was not satisfied with the response they received.I personally investigated the taxpayer’s account after receiving your complaint. The individual submitted both their local earned income tax return and tax payment in April, 2015. Consequently, they should not have received the notice from my office.After confirming this information, a customer service representative contacted the taxpayer by phone to notify them. Accordingly, the late filing fee was waived from their account and my office considers this matter closed.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Very truly yours,KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUPBy:Cody J. H[redacted], Esquire

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. ...

Since receiving your letter I have reviewed the taxpayer’s account and prepared a detailed response to the taxpayer addressing their concerns.   In their complaint, the taxpayer indicated that they only recently received a notice from my office regarding delinquent 2010 and 2011 local earned income taxes. They raised concerns regarding the timeline in which they received notice of the unpaid taxes. Further, they raised concerns about the penalties assessed on their accounts.   It is important to note that under Pennsylvania law every taxpayer is required to file a local earned income tax final return.  This return would put the taxpayer on notice of any tax liability or refund if appropriate.  Additionally, earnings information supplied by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, which is necessary to start delinquent collections, can take years to be forwarded to collectors such as Keystone.  Moreover, although the taxpayer’s complaint states that she did not receive notice of the unpaid taxes until 2016, two letters regarding the delinquency were previously mailed to the taxpayer; one in 2013 and one in 2015.  Finally, the penalties and interest assessed on their unpaid local taxes are statutorily mandated by Pennsylvania law.   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 GROUP                                                                        By:  Christopher *. V[redacted], Esquire

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
The letter from the Keystone Group once again did not address the issue that we NEVER got a original invoice for the 2014 Per Capita and Occupational tax.  The letter states that they have record the invoice was mailed, however they no factual record besides the fact the information was mailed to our address.  Please see all attachments which have already been sent to the Keystone Group via mail.  We have also paid our 2014 per capita and occupational original tax invoices and have record of Keystone accepting and cashing checks for these payments.
Regards,
[redacted]

Dear Ms. [redacted]:       Thank you for your letter regarding the above-referenced complaint ID number. In their complaint the taxpayer disputed the penalty assessed on her delinquent 2016 Bethlehem Area School District per capita taxes. The taxpayer stated that she moved out of...

the School District on July 2, 2016. Furthermore, the taxpayer claimed that she did not receive an original bill.   Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the taxpayer’s account and advised the taxpayer that Bethlehem Area School District per capita taxes are assessed on July 1 of each year. Furthermore, per capita taxes are not prorated based upon part-year residency. That is, all residents of the School District as of July 1 of each year are responsible for remitting the tax, regardless of whether they move out of the School District afterward. Accordingly, as the taxpayer conceded that she was a resident of Bethlehem Area School District on July 1, 2016, she remains liable for 2016 per capita taxes.   Moreover, our records indicate that the original bill, which was mailed on July 1, 2016 was never returned to my office as undeliverable Please know that it is Keystone’s policy to place a memorandum within a taxpayer’s account if any notices are returned as undeliverable.   I advised the taxpayer that the penalties assessed on her account are statutorily mandated and owed to the taxing authorities when the tax is not paid when due. Furthermore, Keystone is authorized to recoup the costs of collection based upon Act 192 of 2004, as ratified by the taxing bodies. As the taxpayer remitted payment in full, my office considers this matter resolved.   I appreciate the opportunity provided by the Revdex.com to resolve the concerns of taxpayers and improve our processes.    Thank you for your attention to this matter.                                           ...⇄ Very truly yours,                                           ...⇄ KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP

As of 08-30-16 the issue has not been resolved with Keystone Collections Group. I have continued to operate in good faith and given Keystone the benefit of doubt but have been unsuccessful in resolving this issue. Here is the time line from the date of 08-02-16 when I made the first complaint to the Revdex.com. Prior to the complaint on 07-29-16 Heather at Keystone told me I needed a letter from my employer stating the correct address for my place of business. I work from home so that address is the same as my home address. I gave Heather the contact information and she worked with my employer and got a letter from them stating my work address. One week later I had not heard from Heather who promised to email and call did not return either that is when I made the complaint to the Revdex.com on 08-02-16. I waited another week and called and spoke with Esther on 08-15-16 who told me Heather had resolved the issue and a check was to be mailed on 08-17-16. As of 08-30-16 I have not received the check! On 08-20-16 I received a letter from Christopher V[redacted] at Keystone claiming Heather had it all wrong and I needed a W-2C his explanation is the reply on this site to my original complaint. His letter stated his employees were all confused and not trained well enough to understand simple tax codes. On 08-25-16 I again called Keystones “confused employees” and spoke with Mike who also told me the check was in the mail. Mike did call me back on 08-25-16 to let me know the check was in the mail and gave me the check number. A week later after speaking with another “confused employee” at Keystone I have not received the check. It is 2 weeks past the time a check was promised by two employees at Keystone. At this point I have no idea if or when a check will show since I have one of the “confused employee” Christopher V[redacted] insisting in his letter I need a W-2C something that has never been mentioned after dealing with Keystone for 5 months. So do I consider this issue resolved, NO I’m sure I call next week and I’ll get the same promise from another “confused employee” that the check is in the mail.

[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 contacted Keystone regarding their 2014 local earned income tax return and payment. The taxpayer submitted their annual return and payment by certified mail in early April. The taxpayer then contacted Keystone to raise concerns about why their return and payment were not yet processed.A customer service representative exchanged phone calls with the taxpayer, explaining the delay and the large amount of refunds Keystone processes each April. The customer service representative also told the taxpayer that they would monitor their account and contact them when the payment was processed.My office then received the above-referenced complaint. After receiving the complaint, I confirmed this information, with the customer service representative who continued to monitor the taxpayer’s account. When their return was processed, on May 29, 2015, the customer service representative notified the taxpayer. Accordingly, my office considers this matter resolved.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 GROUP[redacted], Esquire