How to pick a debt collection agency safely? Document Everything. While talking to the customer about the outstanding debt, take careful notes about everything that was discussed, including the customer’s comments in case there is a future debt dispute. If your company has tracking software, input everything into the system while the conversation is fresh in your mind. Over time, continue to add any additional details to your file to keep it as up-to-date as possible. Debt collections are common, especially in difficult economic times. Using these collection techniques should increase your odds of success. But, if all this effort doesn’t result in getting paid, you may want to use the services of a reputable collection agency.

Make 401(k) and HSA Contributions: People can make tax deductible contributions to traditional IRAs up to April 15 of next year. However, the door closes on Dec. 31 for 401(k) and health savings account contributions. “It’s a hard stop,” says Wendy Barlin, a Los Angeles-based CPA and author of “That’s Deductible!: Simple Tips and Tricks to Find More Business Tax Deductions.” “Whatever opportunities you have at work (for retirement savings), make sure you maximize them before the end of the year,” she says. Taxpayers with a qualified high-deductible family health insurance plan can deduct up to $7,000 in contributions to a health savings account. Individuals with self-only coverage can deduct $3,500. Those age 55 or older are eligible for an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. Tax deductible contributions to a traditional 401(k) are capped at $19,000 for 2019. Workers age 50 and older can make an additional $6,000 in catch-up contributions.

You have given a product or service of yours to your clients, and they are obliged to pay the money for it. If you keep waiting patiently for the payments or mail your client the monthly statements, it won’t get the job done for you. If any of your client’s payment is due, you need to contact them at your earliest and remind them to pay the bills. A lot of times, just a simple payment request to the client can act as a reminder, and they pay their pending bills. As a business owner who provides professional services to the clients, you feel uncomfortable asking them for payments, you can ask someone else to do the job for you. See extra info at How to choose a collection agency.

If a creditor is unable to properly prove the required facts in their lawsuit and does not voluntarily non-suit their lawsuit, a request can be made through a ‘Motion for Summary Judgment’ or at trial that the creditor’s lawsuit be dismissed because they cannot properly prove their case. This path is very complicated and should be left to the assistance of a lawyer. For residents of Harris County, Galveston County and Fort Bend County, you can find more information about your lawsuit on the appropriate court or clerk’s website. Other nearby and surrounding counties may or may not have online records depending on the particular county.

How much does a collection agency charge? Contingency Option: Our collection agencies will provide quotes based on what is referred to as a placement rate. The placement rate charged is typically 15-60% and is contingent on the debt being collected. Flat fee Option: A one-time fee ranges between $5-$15 fees depending on what needs to be done to the account. Read more information at this website.