(a) For the purpose of collecting taxes, interest, additions to tax, and penalties, the Franchise Tax Board may enter into agreement with one or more private persons, companies, associations, or corporations providing debt collection services outside this state with respect to the collection of taxes, interest, additions to tax, and penalties. That agreement may provide, at the discretion of the Franchise Tax Board, the rate of payment and the manner in which compensation for services shall be paid. The compensation may be added to the amount of the tax, interest, additions to tax, and penalties, and collected as a part thereof, by the contractor from the tax debtor. The Franchise Tax Board shall provide the necessary information for the contractor to fulfill its obligation under this agreement.
(b) At the discretion of the Franchise Tax Board, the contractor may, as part of the collection process, refer the tax debt for litigation by its legal representatives in the name of the Franchise Tax Board.