Can the IRS cooperate with independant collection agencies to find out where you work using your SSN#?

Answer 1

Yup, I've worked collections in a few different companies over the years.
It's perfectly legal to pull credit bueraus and call other creditors to get up to date information on mutual customers.
I'm sure the IRS can do the same.

Answer 2

IRS usually has their own ways of finding you using several govt agencies (especially state agencies & banks) and rarely need the private collection agencies.
It is not true what someone else said about w-2 form which should have been w-4 forms.
w-4 forms are no longer sent to IRS except in rare circumstances.
What is true is that in most states every employer is required to report to the state when they hire someone new. (This is mostly done for delinquent child support purposes). So IRS can obtain from state you work in your latest place of employment.
Only way out is to work independently (not as an employee). Simply receiving money off the books wont prevent them for finding you if your employer reports to the state that they've hired you.

Answer 3

The IRS doesn't need to find out where you work, your employer tells them every year. Actually every time they submit tax withholding, they effectively inform the IRS you work for them. Independent collection agencies are not allowed to contact you at work unless you tell them to. The only reason the would need to know where you work is to garnish your wages. They can only do that with a court order.

Answer 4

If your question is can the collection agency ask the IRS where you work and get an answer, then no.

Answer 5

They know where you work as soon as you fill out a W2 Form.
Most companies require this form to be filled out before you
start a new job. Only acception would be to work part time
and get paid in cash.