Ruby suggested that operators can include Form 982 (and its instructions and worksheets) to customers along with the Form 1099-C, or instruct customers on how they Can obtain it from the IRS.

In particular, Part II of Form 982 can be very difficult to navigate. So I enlisted the help of Jo Ann Koontz, CPA and attorney with Koontz and Associates to help explain what it’s all about.

HELPS will send any senior a letter explaining what to do with a 982 form if they were to get a 1099-C. If you are still filing taxes and you received a 1099-C, the tax preparer helping you should ...

If they don't know about Form 982, they need to learn about it, or you need a different professional to help you. HELPS protects seniors from unwanted collector contact nationwide.