Charges to Delinquent Accounts for Recovery of Collection Costs

Effective Sept. 1, 2010, the TCEQ began recovering collection agency costs through a "collection cost recovery" invoice that appears as a separate charge on TCEQ billing statements. The charge is billed at a rate of up to 30 percent for each invoice referred to the TCEQ's collection agency to recover the commission costs payable to the collection agency. Total collection cost recovery charges are summarized in a box at the top of the billing statement.

Who Is Subject to This Charge?

This charge only applies to accounts that are at least 90 days delinquent and have been referred to the TCEQ's contracted collection agency.

What Is the Statutory Authority for This Charge?

Texas Government Code, Section 2107.003. Go to <www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/> and follow the path to "Government Code" and Chapter 2107.

Why Is the TCEQ Passing on This Cost?

When an account is referred to the collection agency, the TCEQ pays a commission to the collection agency on amounts collected, which reduces the amount of revenue that the state receives. The TCEQ assesses this legally authorized charge to recover this lost revenue.

How Can I Prevent This Charge?

• Maintain a correct billing address with the TCEQ, and
• Pay your outstanding invoices before 90 days have elapsed.

Please note that accounts will continue to accrue late fees for failure to pay within the TCEQ's payment terms of 30 days from invoice transaction date as reflected on billing statements. Collection cost recovery is an additional charge.

Questions?

TCEQ Collection Coordinators: 512-239-5136 or 512-239-0355
Or e-mail Revenue@tceq.texas.gov