Business Profile

Collections Agencies

Keystone Collections Group

Headquarters

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Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Keystone Collections Group's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

216 total complaints in the last 3 years.
65 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

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The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

Initial Complaint
Date:09/16/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Fraudulently attempting to charge me for living in a county/town I have not lived in since 2018. This is the second round of this nonsense as they previously attempted the same in 2022. I STILL do not live in ********************* and havn't since 2018. If they did the SLIGHEST update of thier records or good faith investigation of claims this would be a non issue. Please resolve this before I need to litigate it.
Business Response
Date: 09/29/2025
Dear Ms. ********************************************************************************* Thank you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In his complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone sent him a delinquent per capita tax notice for an area in which he no longer resides. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

As a preliminary matter, please be advised that this matter concerns delinquent per capita taxes assessed by *********************, Mt. ************** and Mt. ***************************. Keystone serves as the delinquent per capita tax collector for these taxing authorities. Per capita taxes are head taxes assessed on all adult residents of a particular area.

Please know that ********************* assesses a per capita tax on all adult residents of the County in the amount of $5.00.Additionally, Mt. Carmel Borough assesses a per capita tax on all adult residents of the Borough in the amount of $5.00. Mt. *************************** assesses a similar tax on residents of the School District.

            Please know that Keystone serves only as the delinquent tax collector. In this capacity, Keystone is supplied with a delinquent taxpayer listing from the current collector. Based on records turned over by the current collector, the complainant was listed as a resident of the taxing authorities. In response to this complaint, my office is satisfied that the complainant was turned over in error. My office has removed the balance listed on the complainants account. This matter is therefore resolved.

I appreciate the opportunity provided by the BBB 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:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Customer Answer
Date: 09/29/2025

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

******* ******** Iii
Initial Complaint
Date:09/14/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Keystone collects has attempted to attach my wages since 2022 for a delinquent earned income tax in 2020 (according to them). I have provided them with my 2020 tax return and my W2’s on March 13, 2025. I opened a ticket in March 2025 #****** asking for an explanation. The only response I received was the same invoice .
I emailed Keystone again on September 4, 2025 and opened another ticket #183623. Apparently, I am delinquent on tax years 2019, 2020, and 2023. This time I did receive a response stating the garnishment stands. I provided my W2’s from 3 jobs for 2023. I was asked if I provided my W2’s.
This is frustrating and massively inefficient on Keystone’s part. The hold time to reach them on the phone is an hour.
Please help.
Keystone Collections fees, penalties, and interest are extortion.
Business Response
Date: 09/25/2025
Dear Ms. ******:

            Thank
you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (“Keystone”) regarding this
complaint ID number. In her complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone attempted
to garnish her wages for delinquent local earned income taxes (“EIT”). The
complainant did not advance a dispute to taxation. Please know that I have
thoroughly reviewed the complainant’s account.

As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the Act
32 Tax Officer for the Delaware County Tax Collection District and the local
taxing bodies therein. In this capacity,
Keystone is tasked with the administration, collection, and reconciliation of
local EIT for all communities within Tax Collection District that assess an
EIT.

The Local Tax Enabling
Act (“LTEA”) requires all Pennsylvania resident
taxpayers making earned income and/or net profits to file a local EIT return
with their resident Tax Officer. 53 P.S. § 6924.502(c). It is important to note
that local EIT, like all other income-based taxes, are self-reporting. That is, it is the taxpayer’s legal
obligation to file a tax return, report all income, and remit any outstanding
tax, if necessary. Income taxes are not “billed” like real estate or certain
nuisance taxes.

Per my review, the complainant did not file a tax
return with Keystone for tax years 2020 and 2023 in accordance with her
statutory obligation. I note that the complainant properly filed tax returns
for tax years 2021 and 2022.

Keystone receives limited earnings information from
the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue used to identify potential
delinquencies. Keystone compares this information with its withholding records
and notifies taxpayers who have not filed tax returns or whose tax returns and
payment history do not match the data provided by the Department of Revenue. The
information supplied by the DOR confirms evidences that the complainant
reported taxable income for tax years 2020 and 2023 for which Keystone did not
receive local earned income tax.

Per my review, the complainant was issued initial
delinquent notices on August 3, 2023 and August 16, 2025. The LTEA authorizes
the collection of delinquent EIT by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. §§ 6924.702-703.
The complainant was issued a Notice of Intent
to Garnish Wages via Certified Mail on September 21, 2023. The complainant did not satisfy her account in
response, and a wage garnishment was mailed to her employer on October 25, 2023.
The complainant’s employer has been updated several times. However, despite
demand made on May 21, 2025, no employer has ever complied with Keystone’s
garnishment directive.

            The
complainant contacted Keystone and supplied documentation, which was previously
reviewed by Keystone. For tax year 2020, the complainant’s balance represents
net profits for which EIT has not been paid. For tax year 2023, the
documentation supplied by the complainant leaves an income discrepancy in the
amount of $3,254.00. The complainant has been advised of the same in writing.

            Accordingly,
the balance listed on the complainant’s account was properly calculated. The
LTEA requires the imposition of statutory penalty and interest when the tax is
not paid when due. Further, Keystone is authorized to assess collection costs
pursuant to Act 192 of 2004, as ratified by the taxing authorities. The
collection costs assessed on the complainant’s account apply to costs incurred
by Keystone in its efforts to notify her of her delinquent taxes and garnish
her wages. The balance on the complainant’s account must stand.

I appreciate the opportunity provided by the BBB 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:
                                                                        *********** ** *******
                                                                        General
Counsel
Customer Answer
Date: 10/01/2025
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
I disagree with Keystone's response to my complaint.

Regards,

******** *****
Initial Complaint
Date:08/14/2025
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
April 15, 2025 I tried to file my local income tax electronically using keystone collections website. Due to high volume their website crashed. I did print and completed a hard copy return, which was mailed 4/15/25 via certified mail and was received by keystone. I was due a refund of $582.00. I never received my refund. Contacted keystone 7/8/25. I was told my refund was on the incorrect line and to mail an amended tax form. I did so, it was sent 7/17/25 certified mail received by keystone 7/21/25. I called for an update for my refund 8/14/25. I was told by *******, it is still under review and could be another month. This would be unexceptionable if it was money due to them. I would just like my return in a timely matter.
Business Response
Date: 08/25/2025
Dear Ms. ******************** you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In her complaint, the complainant advised that she is due a refund for the overpayment of local earned income taxes from Keystone, which she has yet to receive. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

In her complaint, the complainant advised that she was unable to electronically file her tax return on April 15, 2025 due to a website issue. Keystone experienced intermittent connectivity issues which impacted certain online applications, including Keystones e-file application. Keystone immediately investigated the disruption and worked diligently to fully restore these services. Taxpayers who were unable to file their returns due to the disruption will not incur additional penalties. Notably, Keystone provided updates to taxpayers via its website, **************************************.
In response to this complaint, I have expedited the review of the complainants amended tax return and associated refund request.Please be advised that the complainant is due a refund of $5.00, rather than the $582.00 she claimed. Please know that the complainant claimed non-resident ***************** Wage Tax as an overpayment of earned income tax. This tax,while available as a credit against local earned income tax, is unavailable for refund as it is not an overpayment. Rather, it is the complainants non-resident tax liability associated with her employment in the City of ************. In the event that a taxpayer is over-withheld Philadelphia City Wage Tax, a return of the funds must be requested from the **********************************.

Nevertheless, the complainants refund of $5.00 will be issued to her soon. My office therefore considers this matter resolved.

My office appreciates the opportunity to address the concerns of taxpayers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Very truly yours,

                                                                        KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP

                                                                        By:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Customer Answer
Date: 08/25/2025
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
SEE ATTACHED

Regards,

****** *******
Business Response
Date: 09/09/2025
Dear Ms. ******************** you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In rejecting my offices response to her complaint, the complainant attached a ****** AI response purporting to support her position that she is due a local earned income tax refund based upon Philadelphia City Wages Tax. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

As stated previously, the complainant claimed non-resident Philadelphia City Wage Tax as an overpayment of earned income tax.This tax, while available as a credit against local earned income tax, is unavailable for refund as it is not an overpayment. Rather, it is the complainants non-resident tax liability associated with her employment in the City of ************. In the event that a taxpayer is over-withheld Philadelphia City Wage Tax, a return of the funds must be requested from the **********************************.

Generative AI is not legal or binding authority on this matter. Nevertheless, the information the complainant supplied supports my offices position. Specifically, it states that the credit cannot exceed the local tax rate of your resident municipality and that the credit is capped [at the local rate.]

            ********* has properly adjusted the complainants refund request, as her Philadelphia City Wage Tax was properly issued as a credit. It is not available for refund.

********* appreciates the opportunity to address the concerns of taxpayers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Very truly yours,

                                                                        KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP

                                                                        By:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Initial Complaint
Date:07/30/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Keystone Collections garnished my wages due to owed taxes and they took too many payments and I have yet to recieve my check that was claimed to be mailed in May.
Business Response
Date: 08/06/2025
Dear Ms. ********************************************************************************* Thank you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In her complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone garnished her wages in excess of the delinquent local earned income taxes owed for the 2022 tax year. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the Act 32 Tax Officer for the Northampton County Tax Collection District and the local taxing bodies therein. In this capacity,Keystone is tasked with the administration, collection, and reconciliation of local earned income taxes ( EIT) for all communities within ****************** that assess an EIT.

The Local Tax Enabling Act (****) requires all Pennsylvania resident taxpayers making earned income and/or net profits to file a local EIT return with their resident Tax Officer. 53 P.S. 6924.502(c). It is important to note that local ***, like all other income-based taxes, are self-reporting. That is, it is the taxpayers legal obligation to file a tax return, report all income, and remit any outstanding tax, if necessary. Income taxes are not billed like real estate or certain nuisance taxes.

Per my review of the complainants account, she did not file a local earned income tax return for the 2022 tax year. As such, the complainant was issued an initial delinquent notice on September 17, 2024. The complainant did not respond to this notice. The **** authorizes the collection of delinquent local earned income tax by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. 6924.702-703. Keystone issued Notices of Intent to Garnish Wages on October 31, 2024 via Certified Mail, January ******, February 6, 2025 and March 20, 2025 via First Class Mail. The complainant did not respond, and wage garnishment was issued to her employer.

As the complainant claims in her complaint, the balance on this account has since been satisfied through garnishment and a refund was issued. However, the refund check was returned as unable to forward **************** was never supplied with an updated address. However, my office will reissue the complainants refund and mail it to the address provided with this complaint.

I appreciate the opportunity provided by the BBB 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:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Initial Complaint
Date:07/29/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
My husband (****** *******) and I moved from ******* ** to Dauphin ** in Sept of 2022 and sold our home in Leb ** in Nov of 2022. *** is still sending us taxes for Leb ** and now threatening wage garnishment for taxes for a county that we don't live in.All records were provided to them in our house settlement when we sold our property in *********pies of the sale were sent to them twice with our 2022 tax filings. One with Leb ** taxes and one with Dauphin ** taxes. They collect for both counties.We got bills after that and contacted them. They requested documentation again so we again sent sale records to show we no longer owned the property. We got bills again in 2024. When contacting them, they requested copies of our driver's licenses so we sent copies of our licenses to prove we don't live in Leb **. We were told that would satisfy all records and wouldn't get any other bills. I received an email confirmation from them. They still continue to send us tax bills for ********** sends the bills to our house in ***** ** so they know we live in ********, not Leb **. We also pay *** our Dauph ** income taxes so they have more records to prove that we live in *****, not Leb.KCG states our employers are submitting wrong. It's hard to believe both our employers are, but even if that is truly the case, I had contact with *** in June of 2024 regarding 2024 per capita tax and submitted documents and they said it was taken care of. So why are they trying to garnish wages for those taxes. *** says to complete an exemption but there's no option for an exemption for "delinquent" accts, only for payment and ************ can they tax us for a county we don't live in. How can they garnish our wages to steal our money. We've provided more than sufficient documents and they still can't keep their records correct. How can they keep harassing us. We've called numerous times and every time they say it's taken care of. I've also done an online message to them with no response.
Business Response
Date: 08/11/2025
Dear Ms. *******

            Thank you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In her complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone sent her spouse a Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages for a tax he does not owe. In support, the complainant advised that she and her spouse moved out of the taxing jurisdiction. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed this account.

            As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the current and delinquent per capita tax collector for *************** and ****************************. The per capita tax is a head tax assessed upon all adult residents of the Borough and School District.

            Per my review of the impacted account(s), the complainants were exonerated from Borough per capita taxes in June of 2024. However, shortly thereafter, the complainants spouses employer remitted a quarterly local earned income tax payment to Keystone for *************** / ****************************. As a result, the complainants spouses account remained associated with the ***************************. Moreover, School District per capita tax bills are mailed on July 1. As a result, the complainants spouse was issued a 2024 School District per capita tax bill on July 1, 2024. The complainant spouse did not remit payment and was issued a delinquent notice on February 10, 2025.

            The **** authorizes the collection of delinquent per capita taxes by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. 6924.702-703. As the complainants spouse did not respond to the delinquent notice, he was issued a Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages via Certified Mail on May 7, 2025 and First Class Mail on July 15, 2025. This complaint followed the July 15 Notice.

            On July 29, 2025, the complainant contacted my office. In response, a supervisor reviewed the impacted account and identified that the employer-remitted earned income tax caused the account to revert to residency status within the ***************. On the same day, the impacted account was closed. Accordingly, there is no outstanding balance on the complainants spouses account. My office therefore considers this matter resolved.

            I appreciate the opportunity provided by the BBB 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:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Initial Complaint
Date:07/28/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I'm inquiring about Keystone Collections group regarding a notice to garnish wages for ***** L ******. The debt that they're wanting to collect had been paid on 4/23/2025, yet they're wanting to garnish wages. When inquiring about this, they had stated that it was for the year 2024 and they sent notices on 2/1/25, 2/10/25, and 4/30/25 but we've never received these supposed notices. If there was a supposed amount due for the year 2024, why are we just now being notified about it? They never sent anything regarding that until just recently. The only one that we saw was the notice to garnish wages. I suspect that they're trying to charge double for taxes and it seems that they're trying to deliberately charge more for the taxes, and they added fees which make it more than triple what had already been paid. This isn't the first time that we've run into this problem. In the past, they charged us more than what we owed, stating that it wasn't paid when it was. We paid the supposed amount but I'm afraid that they will still try to garnish wages because they've done this to someone else. I want this resolved. I want an apology and if wages get garnished, I think we should be reimbursed triple of what they take since they want to charge more than triple for something that was already paid. Furthermore, at the very least, I think we should be reimbursed for whatever fees that they added to the supposed amount since they never bothered to send any notices until now.
Customer Answer
Date: 07/30/2025
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I just wanted to post an update regarding the situation involving Keystone Collections Group. They continue to state that we owe them money even after it's been paid. I'm worried that they're still going to try to garnish wages even though it's been paid. I'm also concerned that they're trying to take more from us than we owe. This is not the first time that they've done this. Please help us in the resolving of this issue.
Business Response
Date: 08/08/2025
Dear Ms. *******

            Thank you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In his complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone sent him a notice informing him that his wages would be garnished for a tax he believed he paid. Further, the complainant advised that he never received any delinquent notices. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed this account.

            As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the current and delinquent per capita and occupation tax collector for the ******************** District. The per capita tax is a head tax assessed upon all adult residents of the School District and the occupation tax is a head tax assessed upon all adult employed residents of the School District.

            In his complaint, the complainant advised that the amount at issue was paid on April 23, 2025. Please be advised that the payment the complainant remitted on April 23 concerned his 2025 per capita/occupation tax liability. The 2024 taxes, the subject of the notice at issue, remained outstanding.

            The current per capita/occupation tax bill was issued to the complainant on February 1, 2024. The bill was not returned to my office as undeliverable or unable to forward (UTF) and is therefore legally deemed to be received. The complainant did not remit payment, and his account became delinquent. My office issued the complainant an initial delinquent bill on February 10, 2025 and received no response.

            The Local Tax Enabling Act authorizes the collection of delinquent per capita and occupation taxes by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. 6924.702-703. My office issued the complainant a Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages via Certified Mail on April 30, 2025. However, after my office issued the Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages, the February 10, 2025 delinquent notice was returned to my office as UTF. Subsequently, the Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages was returned to my office as UTF. On July 15, 2025, my office reissued the Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages, via First Class Mail. This complaint followed.

            I note that the complainant has remitted payment in full in response to the July 15 Notice. However, because the initial delinquent notice was returned UTF, my office has agreed to refund the complainant the $25.00 garnishment fee. Accordingly,the complainant has remitted payment in the same fashion had he received the initial delinquent notice and remitted payment upon receipt. The complainant should receive the refund soon, if he has not yet received it.

            I appreciate the opportunity provided by the BBB 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:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Initial Complaint
Date:07/25/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Money was taken from my employment check without my knowledge or authorization.
Business Response
Date: 08/06/2025
Dear Ms. ******************** you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In his complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone garnished his wages for the collection of delinquent local earned income taxes. The complainant further advised that the wage garnishment was issued without his knowledge or authorization. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the duly appointed Act ****************************************************************** this capacity, Keystone is tasked with the administration, collection and reconciliation of local earned income taxes for all communities within *************** that assess an earned income tax.

The Local Tax Enabling Act (****) requires all Pennsylvania resident taxpayers making earned income and/or net profits to file an annual local earned income tax return with their resident Tax Officer. 53 P.S. 6924.502(c). It is important to note that local earned income taxes, like all other income-based taxes, are self-reporting. That is, it is the taxpayers legal obligation to file a tax return, report all income, and remit any outstanding tax, if necessary.

Per my review of the complainants account, he failed to file a tax return with Keystone or otherwise remit payment of local earned income tax for the 2021 tax year. Pursuant to the information exchange mandate of the ***** Keystone is supplied with limited earnings information from the ********************************** (***) used to identify unpaid or underpaid accounts. See 53 P.S. ***********.

The complainant was issued an initial delinquent notice for the 2021 tax year on May 31, 2024. The complainant did not respond to said notice. The **** authorizes the collection of delinquent local earned income taxes by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. 6924.702-703. Accordingly, the complainant was issued a Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages by Certified Mail on July 18, 2024 and First Class Mail on November 7, 2024. As the complainant did not respond to these notices, the wage garnishment was issued to his employer on January 3, 2025. The complainants employer advised that the complainant was no longer employed with the employer, and my office updated the complainants employer on February 20, 2025. The complainant was issued a notice advising of the update. Similarly, the complainants employer was updated again on March 20, 2025. My office issued the complainant another update notice. The employer did not comply with the garnishment directive and was issued a demand notice on June 18, 2025. The employer subsequently began garnishing the complainants wages and this complaint followed.

If the complainant disputes the balance listed on his account, he should provide documentation evidencing that the tax was paid or is not owed for some reason. Absent such documentation, the balance listed on his account must stand.

As you can see, my office issued the complainant numerous delinquent notices prior to wage garnishment. I appreciate the opportunity provided by the BBB 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:
*********** E. *******
General Counse
Customer Answer
Date: 08/07/2025
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

Regards,

**** ********
Initial Complaint
Date:06/17/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Our local tax money went to another tax collections group by mistake from an employer. That tax collections group confirmed they sent our tax money to Keystone. Keystone has now garnished the wages for both me and my husband each for the total. They are now getting triple the money - 1 from the other collections group 2. My husbands garnished wages 3. My garnished wages. They are being completely unresponsive. They made a mistake and refuse to correct it and are keeping triple our tax money.
Business Response
Date: 07/09/2025
Dear Ms. ******************** you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In her complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone garnished her and her husbands wages to collect delinquent local earned income taxes (EIT.) The complainant advised that their wages were garnished in error, as their local tax was mistakenly remitted to another Tax Officer. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the Act 32 Tax Officer for the Allegheny North Tax Collection District and the local taxing bodies therein. In this capacity, Keystone is tasked with the administration, collection, and reconciliation of local EIT for all communities within the Tax Collection District that assess an EIT.

The Local Tax Enabling Act (LTEA) requires all Pennsylvania resident taxpayers making earned income and/or net profits to file a local EIT return with their resident Tax Officer. 53 P.S. 6924.502(c). It is important to note that local EIT, like all other income-based taxes, are self-reporting. Per my review, the complainant and her husband did not file a tax return with Keystone for the 2022 tax year.

Pursuant to the information exchange mandate of the ***** Keystone is supplied with limited earnings information from the ********************************** (***) used to identify unpaid or underpaid accounts. See 53 P.S. ***********. The income figures listed on the delinquent notice at issue were taken directly from the earnings information supplied by the **** which represents figures the complainant and her husband listed on their jointly filed PA 40 personal income tax return for the 2022 tax year.

Understanding that the information supplied by the *** may be inaccurate, Keystone provides taxpayers with ample notice prior to the initiation of adverse legal or collection action. Through the ***** Tax Officers such as Keystone are vested with the right to request documentation to verify the accuracy of a tax return, or if no tax return was filed, to ascertain the amount of tax due. See 53 P.S. 6924.509(f).

Per my review, the complainant was issued an initial delinquent notice on September 12, 2024. The initial delinquent notice advises taxpayers of their tax delinquency and affords them the opportunity to reconcile their account, without statutory penalty, for thirty (30) days.

The LTEA authorizes the collection of delinquent local earned income tax by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. 6924.702-703, As the complainant did not satisfy her account in response to the delinquent notice, my office sent the complainant and her husband Notices of Intent to Garnish Wages, by Certified Mail on October 31, 2024 and by First Class Mail on February 6, 2025. In response, on December 19, 2024, the complainants husband contacted my office and requested a payment plan. As the account was in garnishment status, my office could not extend the complainant and her husband a payment plan. However, at the time, my office placed a courtesy hold on the account for the complainant and her husband to provide documentation evidencing that the tax was previously paid.

Importantly, my office has received local earned income tax withholdings on the majority of the state reported taxable income.These withholdings have been supplied to Keystone by the complainant and her spouses employers and from the other Tax Officer referenced in the ************ issue is an outstanding balance associated with income for which the complainant and her spouse have been unable to account. That is, ********************** has given this account credit for all local earned income tax withholdings received and evidenced on W-2s supplied by the complainant and her spouse. Keystone is not pursuing triple the money as the complainant contends in her complaint.

Through several phone calls and a document request dated March 13, 2025, the complainant has been advised of a discrepancy in $26,993.00 of income for which the complainant and her spouse have been unable to account. As a result, the outstanding balance on the account represents the tax liability on this income. To date, the complainant and her spouse have been unable to supply information identifying this income or evidence that tax was paid thereupon.

            As the account balance remained outstanding, the wage garnishment was issued to the complainant and her husbands employers on May 7, 2025. That is, the complainant and her spouse were given six (6) months from the original garnishment notification in which to satisfy this matter. The complainants account was ultimately satisfied via employer garnishment payments. On July 2, 2025, the complainants account was cleared, and the garnishment was released. That is, my office mailed a release notice to the complainants and her husbands employers. However, the complainants employer garnished additional funds to Keystone. Refunds of these funds were prepared on July ******, and July 3, 2025. There is unfortunately a delay associated with Keystones receipt of garnished funds that is outside of Keystones control. Should my office receive any additional garnished funds, any such funds will be returned to the complainant directly.

I note that this issue could have been avoided by the proper filing of a tax return and associated remittance of payment. Nevertheless, my office considers this matter resolved. Should the complainant dispute the delinquent balance collected on her account, she should supply documentation accounting for the $26,993.00 income and associated proof of payment, as previously requested by my office.

My office appreciates the opportunity to resolve the concerns of taxpayers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Very truly yours,

                                                                        KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP

                                                                        By:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Initial Complaint
Date:06/07/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
My partner (****** ***********) and I get billed every year from this collection agency, despite paying our taxes via our mortgage company, ****. They have been notified in the past, and I believe they are trying to frighten people into giving them their financial info. Real scammers!
Business Response
Date: 06/18/2025
Dear Ms. ********************************************************************************* Thank you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In her complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone sent a notice requesting payment for delinquent local earned income taxes (EIT). The complainant further advised that she pays her taxes each year via her mortgage company, ****. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the Act 32 Tax Officer for the Bucks County Tax Collection District and the local taxing bodies therein. In this capacity,Keystone is tasked with the administration, collection, and reconciliation of local EIT for all communities within ************ that assess an EIT.

In her complaint, the complainant advised that her and her partners local taxes are paid by their mortgage company. As detailed herein, this matter concerns local EIT, a separate and district tax from local real estate tax. Local *** is based upon income, not property ownership. The notices sent by Keystone have clearly detailed that this matter does not concern real estate taxes. Moreover, local *** is self-reporting, and while an employer may remit local earned income tax withholdings on a taxpayers behalf, it is the taxpayers responsibility to file a tax return, report all income, and claim any necessary tax credits. In the case of Bucks County residents, such tax returns must be filed directly with Keystone.

The Local Tax Enabling Act (LTEA) requires all Pennsylvania resident taxpayers making earned income and/or net profits to file a local EIT return with their resident Tax Officer. 53 P.S. 6924.502(c). It is important to note that local ***, like all other income-based taxes, are self-reporting. That is, it is the taxpayers legal obligation to file a tax return, report all income, and remit any outstanding tax, if necessary. Income taxes are not billed like real estate or certain nuisance taxes.

Pursuant to the information exchange mandate of the ***** Keystone is supplied with limited earnings information from the ********************************** (***) used to identify unpaid or underpaid accounts. See 53 P.S. ***********. The income figures listed on the complainants delinquent notice were taken directly from the earnings information supplied by the **** which represents figures the complainant listed on her PA 40 personal income tax return.

Understanding that the information supplied by the *** may be inaccurate, Keystone provides taxpayers with ample notice prior to the initiation of adverse legal or collection action. Through the ***** Tax Officers such as Keystone are vested with the right to request documentation to verify the accuracy of a tax return, or if no tax return was filed, to ascertain the amount of tax due. See 53 P.S. 6924.509(f).

If the complainant disputes the tax, she may supply documentation, such as W-2s, PA-40s, tax returns filed with other taxing authorities, evidencing that no tax is due. Alternatively, the complainant may contact my office to establish a payment plan.

I appreciate the opportunity provided by the BBB 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:
                                                                        *********** E. *******, Esquire
Initial Complaint
Date:06/05/2025
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I am filing this complaint regarding Keystone Collections Group due to improper wage garnishment practices.Keystone Collections previously garnished my wages to satisfy a delinquent local tax obligation. I fully satisfied the debt all owed taxes were paid in full, and the garnishment should have ceased at that time.However, after my balance was cleared, Keystone Collections continued to garnish my wages from both of my employers. This has resulted in unauthorized deductions from my paychecks beyond what was legally owed.I contacted Keystone Collections to resolve this matter and provided proof of payment, but the garnishments have not been properly addressed or refunded.I am requesting the following:Immediate cessation of all wage garnishments on my accounts.Full refund of all garnished wages collected after the debt was paid in full.Written confirmation that this matter has been corrected and will not negatively affect my employment or credit.I am providing documentation of payment and payroll records to substantiate my claim.Thank you for your assistance in resolving this matter.
Customer Answer
Date: 06/06/2025
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

See Six Attachments.
Business Response
Date: 06/16/2025
Dear Ms. ******************** you for contacting Keystone Collections Group (Keystone) regarding this complaint ID number. In her complaint, the complainant advised that Keystone garnished her wages to collect delinquent local earned income taxes (EIT.) The complainant advised that her wages were garnished in excess of the funds that were due and they have not received all the funds back. Please know that I have thoroughly reviewed the complainants account.

As a preliminary matter, Keystone serves as the Act 32 Tax Officer for the Allegheny Southeast Tax Collection District and the local taxing bodies therein. In this capacity, Keystone is tasked with the administration, collection, and reconciliation of local EIT for all communities within the Tax Collection District that assess an EIT.

The Local Tax Enabling Act (****) requires all Pennsylvania resident taxpayers making earned income and/or net profits to file a local EIT return with their resident Tax Officer. 53 P.S. 6924.502(c). It is important to note that local EIT, like all other income-based taxes, are self-reporting. Per my review, the complainant has never filed a local earned income tax return with Keystone.

Pursuant to the information exchange mandate of the ***** Keystone is supplied with limited earnings information from the ********************************** (***) used to identify unpaid or underpaid accounts. See 53 P.S. ***********. The income figures listed on the delinquent notices at issue were taken directly from the earnings information supplied by the **** which represents figures the complainant listed on her PA 40 personal income tax return for the 2022 tax year.

Understanding that the information supplied by the *** may be inaccurate, Keystone provides taxpayers with ample notice prior to the initiation of adverse legal or collection action. Through the ***** Tax Officers such as Keystone are vested with the right to request documentation to verify the accuracy of a tax return, or if no tax return was filed, to ascertain the amount of tax due. See 53 P.S. 6924.509(f). Moreover, the **** authorizes the collection of delinquent EIT by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. 6924.702-703.

Per my review, the complainant was issued an initial delinquent notice on September 19, 2024. This notice advises taxpayers of their tax delinquency, and affords taxpayers with the opportunity to reconcile their account, without statutory penalty, for thirty (30) days. The complainant did not respond to this notice.

The **** authorizes the collection of delinquent local earned income tax by wage garnishment. 53 P.S. 6924.702-703, As the complainant did not respond to the delinquent notice, my office sent the complainant a Notice of Intent to Garnish Wages, by Certified Mail on November 12, 2024 and by First Class Mail on January 3, 2025. In response to the January 3 notice, the complainant submitted copies of her W-2s evidencing that her local earned income tax was under-withheld. The complainant was issued a balance due notice on January 30, 2025, but did not remit payment. Accordingly, the wage garnishment was issued to her employers in late March.

            The complainants account was satisfied via employer garnishment payments. On May 28, 2025, the complainants account was cleared, and the garnishments were released. That is, my office mailed release notices to the complainants employers. However, the complainants employers garnished additional funds to Keystone. Refunds of these funds were prepared on May 28, 2025 and June 6, 2025. In her complaint,the complainant advised that not all funds were refunded. There is unfortunately a delay associated with Keystones receipt of garnished funds that is outside of Keystones control. Should my office receive any additional garnished funds, any such funds will be returned to the complainant directly.

I note that this issue could have been avoided by the proper filing of a tax return and associated remittance of payment. Nevertheless, my office considers this matter resolved.

My office appreciates the opportunity to resolve the concerns of taxpayers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Very truly yours,

                                                                        KEYSTONE COLLECTIONS GROUP

                                                                        By:
                                                                                    *********** E. *******
                                                                                    General Counsel
Customer Answer
Date: 06/16/2025

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

****** *******

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