Collection for less than $15

[tony46231]

I just got a letter in the mail from a local collection company asking for $14.XX.  This is apparently for property tax that I owe on a property that I sold a few years ago.  Not sure why the county did not contact me directly, but that is besides the point.  

I called the collection company and expressed my willingness to pay it.  I'm not going to argue over such a small amount of money.  I asked for a letter stating that this would not be reported to the CRA's.  They told me that couldn't give me a letter, but the CRA's won't report a collection that is less than $50.  

Is this true or should I be calling them back and demanding a letter from them before I pay it?

[pizzadude]

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@tony46231 wrote:

I just got a letter in the mail from a local collection company asking for $14.XX.  This is apparently for property tax that I owe on a property that I sold a few years ago.  Not sure why the county did not contact me directly, but that is besides the point.  

I called the collection company and expressed my willingness to pay it.  I'm not going to argue over such a small amount of money.  I asked for a letter stating that this would not be reported to the CRA's.  They told me that couldn't give me a letter, but the CRA's won't report a collection that is less than $50.  

Is this true or should I be calling them back and demanding a letter from them before I pay it?

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Not true.  It's their decision to report it or not report, the dollar amount of the collection is inconsequential in terms of showing on your CRs.

However given the small dollar amount involved and the fact they haven't reported, I'd say you could probably go ahead and pay it.

[IOBA]

Agreed.

The CA has the choice on what to report, or not report.  They could report for one penny.

The CA probably will not report for such a small amount if it's paid quickly.

[joltdude]

If they do report it, you can dispute validity since it would no longer be a valid debt.... Keep your reciept

[mo6579]

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@tony46231 wrote:

I just got a letter in the mail from a local collection company asking for $14.XX.  This is apparently for property tax that I owe on a property that I sold a few years ago.  Not sure why the county did not contact me directly, but that is besides the point.  

I called the collection company and expressed my willingness to pay it.  I'm not going to argue over such a small amount of money.  I asked for a letter stating that this would not be reported to the CRA's.  They told me that couldn't give me a letter, but the CRA's won't report a collection that is less than $50.  

Is this true or should I be calling them back and demanding a letter from them before I pay it?

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Nope - the CRAs could report an amount as low as $0. They just report what the CAs and OCs give them.

Case in point - In the beginning of my rebuilding treck, I had a COLLECTION for $5 from a closed savings account that was apparently charged a fee at the end. Even better, it was double reported as 2 tradelines. I disputed both and they both disappeared. But, as you see, its certainly possible to have accounts report under $15. Sounds like your csr might be talking about company policy and not law. I'd tell them to send you in writing that they won't report it - and if they balk, remind them that the "law" says they can't report accounts under $15 so what is the harm :-).

[takeshi74]

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@tony46231 wrote:

Is this true or should I be calling them back and demanding a letter from them before I pay it?

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Think of it this way -- what are you going to use as evidence if they don't follow through?