Improving Collection of Delinquent Federal Nontax Debt

For each of the last 5 years, the dollar amount of nontax debts owed to the federal government totaled more than $300 billion. About 20 percent of these debts were delinquent, with the vast majority more than 6 months old. Effective and timely federal collection actions are critical. GAO has made numerous recommendations to improve federal debt collection processes and procedures, particularly with respect to delinquencies. These improved collection efforts have resulted in significant increases in federal debt recoveries. Concerted and sustained federal efforts will be needed to fully utilize all available tools to maximize collection of nontax federal debts, particularly delinquencies.

^ Back to topKey Reports

Criminal Debt: Actions Still Needed to Address Deficiencies in Justice's Collection Processes

GAO-04-338, March 5, 2004

Summary (HTML)   Highlights Page (PDF)   Full Report (PDF, 35 pages)   Accessible Text

Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996: Status of Selected Agencies' Implementation of Administrative Wage Garnishment

GAO-02-313, February 28, 2002

Summary (HTML)   Full Report (PDF, 64 pages)     Recommendations (HTML)