Do I need to worry about an unpaid property (auto) tax bill being on my credit report?
Indeed, I wouldn’t trust it, either – but at least getting something in writing gives you a leg to stand on in case they do report you to credit agencies. (An oral promise is worthless.) It’s better than having nothing at all. As for “dealing directly,” that’s not always possible. Oftentimes these debts are sold outright, so the original party no longer has an interest in them. The money that’s collected goes to the buyer of the debt, not the original party. Though it’s an avenue that might be worth exploring.
