how long can they legally pursue a debt
The statute of limitations for debt varies by state, generally from three to 10 years. In many states, collectors can restart the clock if they can persuade the consumer to make even a tiny payment toward the old debt.
IRS debts can only legally be collected for 10 years, but there are many events that may stop that 10 year clock from running. This is known as tolling the statute of limitations. Events that stop or toll the statute of limitations from running include: