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List of collection agencies in Iowa.
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Iowa does not have many large collection agencies with a physical office in the state. However, several collection agencies are fully licensed to recover money in the state. Selecting a collection agency with experience recovering money in your industry is better than the one close to you.
Debt Collection Laws in Iowa
Here are some relevant federal and state laws that were in effect as of 2021:
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): This federal law protects consumers from abusive, deceptive, or unfair debt collection practices. It sets limitations on when and how debt collectors can contact consumers and gives consumers the right to dispute debts and obtain information about the debts.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Another federal law, the FCRA regulates the collection and use of consumer credit information. It provides consumers the right to access their credit reports and to dispute any inaccuracies.
- Iowa Debt Collection Practices Act (IDCPA): This state law closely resembles the federal FDCPA and applies to both third-party collectors and original creditors. The IDCPA prohibits certain practices such as harassing, oppressive, or abusive conduct, false or misleading representations, and unfair or unconscionable practices in collecting a debt.
- Statute of Limitations in Iowa: In Iowa, there is a time limit for when creditors can sue consumers for unpaid debts. As of 2021, the statute of limitations for written contracts was ten years, and for open-ended accounts such as credit cards, it was five years.
- Iowa Garnishment Laws: If a creditor obtains a court judgment against a debtor in Iowa, they can garnish the debtor’s wages or bank accounts. However, Iowa law limits the amount that can be garnished to the lesser of 25% of the debtor’s disposable earnings or the amount by which the debtor’s disposable earnings exceed 40 times the federal minimum wage.
- Exemptions in Iowa: Iowa has laws that protect certain types of property from being taken by creditors to satisfy a debt judgment. These include a homestead exemption, personal property exemptions, and exemptions for certain types of income and benefits.
- Licensing Requirements: Collection agencies operating in Iowa must be licensed and bonded. The licensing is regulated by the Iowa Division of Banking.
- Notification Requirements: Debt collectors in Iowa must provide written notice within five days of the initial communication containing information about the debt, the name of the creditor, and informing the consumer of their right to dispute the debt.
Please make sure to verify the most current legal information or consult an attorney or legal advisor with expertise in debt collection laws in Iowa for the most up-to-date details on debt collection laws in the state.
Small businesses and medical practices can utilize collection agencies to recover overdue bills in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Ames, West Des Moines, Waterloo and other cities of Iowa.
Collection agencies must attempt to recover money while keeping your customers happy during the process. Once a third-party collection agency cannot recover the debt the matter is forwarded to a local Iowa attorney. Medical collections and small business collection experts can recover the maximum possible money due to their extensive experience and proven debt recovery strategies. For B2B recovery, different sets of laws are applicable.