House Democrats pillory private tax collection« Thread Started on May 24, 2007, 10:46am » --------------------------------------------------------------------------------House Democrats pillory private tax collectionBy Ruth Mantell, MarketWatchLast Update: 3:55 PM ET May 23, 2007read at sourceWASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- House Democrats on Wednesday derided the Internal Revenue Service's use of private debt-collection agencies, concerned that in aiming to relieve the tax gap the program gives rise to privacy issues and harasses taxpayers. Representatives noted the conflict between individuals who are uncomfortable giving their Social Security numbers over the phone and private collectors that can't proceed with a debt-collection conversation without verifying identity. "Today's program can never work," said Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. "The collection of federal income taxes is a core government function."