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| Eligibility for the License Reinstatement Program (LRP) |
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We often have to explain to debtors that they are not eligible for the License Reinstatement Program. Recently, a debtor was upset because the Department of Revenue (DOR) advised the debtor that he did not qualify for the LRP due to the stipulations stated in his judgment. The court had also informed the debtor that he did not qualify. The debtor called DOR multiple times, and agents advised him that his judgment did not allow the debtor to start the LRP without completing the diversion treatment ordered by the judge.
Examples of possible nonqualifying crimes are:
- Minor in possession of a controlled substance (MIP)
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII)
The judge makes the decision on the case if the debtor must complete requirements before they are able to get their license back. Agents will verify by asking the debtor, “do you qualify?” This is another way that OAA serves our client agencies!
If you are a Circuit Court and would like to participate in the LRP Program, please e-mail Cheryl Stone. If you would like to learn more about the LRP program, please visit our website.
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| Debtors Want to Know |
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At The Department of Revenue we receive many questions from debtors regarding their liabilities. Most questions concern the consequences of their debt. We are sharing examples of the most-asked questions, with answers that may help you if a debtor approaches you.
- Can you move my tax refund offset to another liability?
No. Offsets are involuntary payments, and therefore, DOR will apply them to outstanding debts owed at DOR.
- Why did DOR offset my tax refund when I am already on a payment plan or under garnishment?
ORS 293.250 allows DOR to apply refund offsets toward liabilities whether or not there is a garnishment or payment plan in place.
- Is this on my credit report?
The Department of Revenue does not report OAA liabilities to credit bureaus.
- I received a Distraint Warrant. Am I going to be arrested?
No. As stated in the Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) below, the warrant may be issued to assist in the collection of delinquent accounts. The warrant allows DOR to garnish wages, bank accounts, or property.
ORS 293.250 (4)(a)—In providing assistance in the collection of any delinquent account under this section, the Department of Revenue may issue a warrant for the collection of the delinquent account. The warrant may be recorded in the County Clerk Lien Record maintained under ORS 205.130.
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| Hey, did you know? |
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In 2006, OAA received 93,590 incoming Automated Call Distributor (ACD) calls. We made 244,148 outgoing calls. We set up 19,676 payment plans, issued 26,935 garnishments, and received 24,116 credit card payments.
For January and February 2007, we received 30,698 tax year 2006 refund offsets. The grand total of these refund offsets applied to your accounts was more than $7.8 million. What a great way to start the year, and the tax refund offset season!
Since 1999, we have been continuously collecting on a debtor for Multnomah County parking tickets. As of February 15, 2007, a debtor had a balance of $3,120 in parking tickets at the Department of Revenue for collection. One of our agents had attempted to call with no response from this person, so DOR requested a tow warrant be issued on the vehicle. Our revenue agent called Multnomah County parking at 1:59 p.m. on February 15. At 2:13 p.m., the office contacted us to advise that the warrant had been signed, and then at 3:51 p.m., the vehicle was towed. The next day, the person who owed the parking tickets went into the Multnomah County parking office and made a payment. The current balance owing at DOR is now only $19. This is a great example of how well DOR and our client agencies work together to collect unpaid debt.
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| Chris's Corner |
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Last biennium, we had a Policy Option Package for additional staff and a requirement to collect an additional $18 million dollars. I am happy to report we have accomplished that goal and are on target to collect the $72 million total we promised to you, our client agencies!
We have spent some time this past year looking at how we are organized, and we have changed some things. We have a team of folks working OHSU accounts, a team of folks working PERS accounts, and we have a team of folks focusing on 'skip tracing' lost debtors. I believe you should see continued improvement in our customer service with this reorganization. We are in the process of changing our phone script, which will allow our debtors easier access to the collectors handling their accounts.
Thank you to those of you who have forwarded your restricted accounts to us early in anticipation of offset season. If we have a kicker this year, you should see additional collections towards the end of 2007. We appreciate your business, and like you, we are focused on collecting debt owed to the State of Oregon. Have a great spring!
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| Dear OAA |
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Dear OAA, where is Nikki Bennett?
Nikki is currently on a six-month job assignment with the Information System Support Unit as a PC Technician. In her place is Dorothy Ellis, one of our Public Service Representatives (PSR). Nikki will return August 1, 2007.
Dear OAA, who are OAA's Public Service Representatives (PSR) and what do they do?
The PSRs are Suzie McArthur and Lance Johnson, who is on a six-month rotation while Dorothy Ellis is filling in for Nikki Bennett. Their charge is to handle questions regarding account balances, resolve complex accounting issues, verify account balances, and research account discrepancies. You can contact these two for any questions big or small.
Dear OAA, I have a question that I would like to share in the OAA Communicator.
Please contact us by e-mail.
Dear OAA, I need immediate help, how can I reach you?
View your contact options on our website.
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| Subscribe to the OAA Communicator |
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The Other Agency Accounts (OAA) unit newsletter, the OAA Communicator, is now in an electronic format. We invite you to subscribe.
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| Contributors to this issue |
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Contributors to Issue 2, 2007 were Chantele Collier-Brumley, Danette Nemeyer, Bri’Ann Leiferman, Chris Gasperini, Darla Bell, and Jan Jackman.
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