I need advice for paying a collections account!?

If they never reported it to the credit bureau, why pay it? They probably bought the account next to nothing. If they refuse to put it in writing, that's telling you not to pay it period. If it were me, i'd leave well enough alone. When you get your refund, try to get a secured $500 credit card from a bank. Make sure they belong to the credit bureau. Just use it for gas and small items and pay the balance the following month. It will probably take 18/24 to boost your credit score to 660/740 which is good. Excellent 750/840.