The IRS closed only 1.05 million delinquent accounts with full payment in 2002, down from 1.43 million in 1997.

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This is a result of the increase in foreclosures that has banks stating they are too busy working on delinquent accounts to help the on-time borrower refinance their current account.

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The transition could mean the company wasn't making as many calls to delinquent debtors, reducing its ability to collect on those accounts.

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