What is the us department of the treasury bureau of the fiscal service

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service manages all federal payments and collections, and provides government-wide accounting and reporting services. You can contact them to buy bonds or to check on the maturity of bonds you own.

Table of Contents Show

Agency Details
Main Address:
Phone Number:
Government branch:
Parent Agency
Frequently Asked Questions for the Public
Fiscal Service Contact Information
All Programs & Services
Why would the Bureau of Fiscal Service send me a check?
What does a fiscal department do?
Is Department of Treasury the same as IRS?
How do I know if I owe the Department of Treasury?

Agency Details

Website:

Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Buy and Redeem U.S. Government Securities

Contact:

Contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Main Address:

Liberty Center Building
401 14th St., SW
Washington, DC 20227

Phone Number:

1-202-874-6950

Forms:

Bureau of the Fiscal Service Forms

Government branch:

Executive Department Sub-Office/Agency/Bureau

Parent Agency

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Frequently Asked Questions for the Public

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service in the Department of the Treasury collects overdue (delinquent) nontax debt for other federal agencies.

If you owe money to a federal agency and you did not pay it on time, you have a delinquent debt. You will receive a letter first from the agency to whom you owe the debt. If you do not pay the agency, the debt then goes to Treasury and we send you a letter about that debt. The letter tells you what agency you owe money to, how much you owe, and how you can pay.

Fiscal Service Contact Information

Debt Recovery Analyst: 1-888-826-3127
U.S. Department of the Treasury
P.O. Box 830794
Birmingham, AL, 35283-0794

If you received a delinquent debt notice or a letter about a defaulted student loan from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or have questions regarding the offset of your federal tax refund or of another U.S. government-issued payment, please visit our Treasury Offset Program (https://fiscal.treasury.gov/top/) for more information, or the Contact DMS page to find out how we can help you.

Last modified 11/04/21

All Programs & Services

See below for a list of programs and services within the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. For a complete list of all site content including news, careers, reports and more, use the A-Z Index at the top of the page.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

ACH (Automated Clearing House)The primary system that agencies use for electronic funds transfer (EFT).Agency OutreachThe process we use to establish relationships with our federal agency customers in our collections business.Agency Priority GoalTo achieve the goal of reducing checks and increasing electronic payments, Fiscal Service would like to partner with federal agencies to develop electronic payment options that will help achieve the Agency Priority Goal targets. America's Finance GuideHow much money did the federal government collect and spend in 2018?ASAP (Automated Standard Application for Payments)A completely electronic payment application for federal agencies to quickly and securely disburse funds to recipient organizations.

B

Bank Management SystemA web-based application used for reporting bank management information by financial institutions seeking compensation for services provided to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.

C

CAS (Card Acquiring Service)This service handles accounting and reporting for all federal agencies.CARS (Central Account Reporting System)Handles accounting and reporting for all federal agenciesCertifying Officer TrainingThis training provides new and experienced federal certifying officers (COs) and members of the federal payment management community with the content and skills needed to certify the validity of their payments, disbursed on behalf of their agency by the Fiscal Service.Check ClaimsWhen a person who receives government payments for an entitlement or an administrative program has a problem related to the payment, this group processes the claim.CIR (Collections Information Repository)A web-based tool that gives federal agencies information on deposits and collections by streamlining financial transaction information from all collections and settlement systems into one place.CMIA (Cash Management Improvement Act)Provides the general rules and procedures for the efficient transfer of funds for federal financial assistance programs between the federal government and the statesCredit GatewayA convenient way for federal agencies to get their money from Fedwire and Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions.Cross ServicingA consolidated government-wide program collects delinquent, non-tax debt on behalf of federal agencies.CRS (Centralized Receivables Service)Service provided to federal agencies to assist them in managing accounts receivable.

D

Data TransparencyDebit GatewayCentralizes e-check & ACH transaction processing and settlement. Debit GatewayDirect Deposit (Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT))Allows the general public, government agencies, and business and institutions to pay and collect money electronically instead of using paper checks. Direct Express®A prepaid debit card for federal benefit recipients who do not have a bank or credit union account. Visit www.USDirectExpress.com.DMS (Debt Management Services)Provides a comprehensive debt management program.DNP (Do Not Pay)Helps federal agencies by supporting their efforts to detect and prevent improper payments.

E

EagleCashA stored value card to be used in place of cash for soldiers or civilians in deployed locations.eCollectionsInitiative that partners with federal agencies to encourage individuals and businesses to pay non-tax payments electronically. eCommerce CollectionsCutting edge electronic payment suite for use by the public and government agencies. ECP (Electronic Check Processing)A web application used by government agencies & Treasury lockbox financial agents to convert paper checks into ACH transactions or Check 21 items. EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)EFTPS.gov allows individuals, businesses, and federal agencies to pay their taxes electronically for free. EZpayA stored value card for use by military personnel in training, instead of receiving cash.

F

Federal Borrowings ProgramFacilitates loans to federal agencies on behalf of the Department of the Treasury. Federal agencies that have the appropriate legal authority granted by Congress through legislation may borrow funds from Treasury.Federal Tax Collection ServiceProvides same-day federal tax payment mechanisms for business tax filers and payroll processors.FIT (Financial Innovation & Transformation)Identifies and facilitates innovative solutions to help government agencies become more efficient. FedInvest (Federal Investments Program)Provides investment services to federal government agencies that have funds on deposit with the U.S. Treasury and have legislative authority to invest those funds in Government Account Series securities. Financial Management Quality Service Management Office (FM QSMO)On June 29, 2020, the Department of the Treasury was designated as the Financial Management Quality Service Management Office (FM QSMO) for core financial management by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The FM QSMO is an OMB/Treasury initiative that will offer a new approach to federal financial management, offering systems and services that will drive innovation, compliance with federal policies, standardization and automation.

G

G-Invoicing The G-Invoicing System will be the front-end application for users to originate IGT Buy/Sell transactions and will manage the receipt and acceptance of General Terms and Conditions (GT&C) Agreements and OrdersGeneral FundAssets and liabilities used to finance the daily and long-term operations of the U.S. government.GLN (General Lockbox Network)Service provided by financial institutions to help government agencies process paper checks and remittance documents received through the mail. GFRS (Government-wide Financial Report System)Application used to collect closing package information federal program agencies. GoDirectA campaign designed to ensure that recipients of social security or other federal benefits receive their payments electronically. Visit www.GoDirect.gov.GTAS (Government-wide Treasury Account Symbol)Used by agencies to report budget execution information to the Department of the Treasury.

I

IPAC (Intra-Governmental Payment and Collection)A way for federal program agencies to transfer funds from one agency to another with standardized description data.IPP (Invoice Processing Platform)A free, web based service that manages government invoicing from purchase order through payment notification. Visit IPP.gov.IRS Lockbox NetworkA service in which financial institutions deposit tax payments for the IRS.ITS.govProvides international payment services to federal agencies in approximately 200 countries.

J

Judgment FundPays court judgments and Justice Department compromise settlements of lawsuits against the government.

K

Kansas City Financial Center (now the National Payment Center of Excellence) A Fiscal Service payment disbursement center, working for almost every federal agency in the Executive Branch.

M

MarineCashA stored value card to be used aboard a ship in place of cash or currency. Also called NavyCashMBDP (Minority Bank Deposit Program)A program for minority-owned or woman-owned banks and credit unions to become depositaries and federal agents.MMC (Military Meal Checks Program)A program to provide meal checks for new military enlistees to purchase meals while traveling from their Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to their recruit training location.

N

National Payment Center of Excellence (formerly Kansas City Financial Center)A Fiscal Service payment disbursement center, working for almost every federal agency in the Executive Branch.NavyCashA stored value card to be used aboard a ship in place of cash or currency. Also called MarineCash

O

Office of Financial Innovation & Transformation (FIT)Identifies and facilitates innovative solutions to help government agencies become more efficient.OTCnet (Over-the-Counter Channel Network)An application that lets federal agencies manage and report all check and cash deposits in one place.

P

PACER (Payments, Claims, and Enhanced Reconciliation)Online system that allows federal agencies and others to access payment/issue status, initiate claims, and more.PAM (Payment Automation Manager)Standardized payment processing system that supports federal program agencies.Pay.govAllows individuals, states, and businesses make non-tax payments to the federal government online. Philadelphia Financial CenterA Fiscal Service payment disbursement center, working for almost 300 federal agencies.PIR (Payment Information Repository)Centralized information repository for federal payment-related data. PICOE (Payment Integrity Center of Excellence)The Payment Integrity Center of Excellence (PICOE) is a community of experts within the Bureau of the Fiscal Service that assists agencies in reducing improper payments and is dedicated to solving government-wide payment integrity challenges. PPMI (Post Payment Modernization Initiative)The Post Payment Modernization Initiative (PPMI) is the work by the Bureau of Fiscal Service Philadelphia Financial Center to strengthen and modernize essential operations that support the full life-cycle of post-payment processing.Prompt PaymentRule that makes sure that invoices submitted by vendors are paid on time by federal agencies.

S

SAM (Shared Accounting Module)Application that validates or derives combinations to assist the GWA in classifying transactions.Shared ServicesFiscal Service provides accounting, financial management, procurement, travel, human resources and information technology to federal agencies through its Shared Services offering.SDA (Summary Debt Accounting)Summary Debt Accounting accounts for and reports on the outstanding public debt and related interest.SPS (Secure Payment System)Application that allows government agencies to securely create payment schedules. SLGS (State and Local Government Securities)SLGS securities are offered for sale to issuers of state and local government tax-exempt debt to assist with compliance of yield restriction or arbitrage rebate provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. State and Local Tax WitholdingAgreements are established between the Secretary of the Treasury and states (including the District of Columbia), cities, or counties for withholding of state, city or county income or employment taxes. Surety BondsProgram for companies to write or reinsure federal bonds, or reinsure those companies. SVC (Stored Value Card)Card-based electronic alternative to cash using a smart card.

T

TCIS (Treasury Check Information System)Records and reconciles Treasury payments, allows users to get claim status on ACH payments.TCMM (Treasury Collateral Management & Monitoring)Application that monitors securities and other financial assets pledged as collateral to secure public funds. TGA (Treasury General Account)Consists of three parts that receive cash and check deposits from federal agencies. TOP (Treasury Offset Program)Collects debts for federal agencies by reducing (“offsetting”) payments to individuals.Transparency.Treasury.govThis site is designed to provide usable, easy-to-understand summary information about the billions of financial transactions processed by the Treasury each year through interactive reports, dashboards, and visuals.Treasury Bank Mentor-Protégé ProgramThe Treasury Bank Mentor-Protégé Program (TBMPP) was established by the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service in Fiscal Year 2018 to recognize and promote the important role played by small banks and financial institutions (FIs) in the nation’s economy and financial system. TFM (Treasury Financial Manual)The TFM is the Department of the Treasury's (Treasury's) official publication of policies, procedures, and instructions concerning financial management in the federal government.

U

Unpaid Foreign ClaimsCertifies/denies claims from U.S. nationals who have lost property in foreign countries for various reasons.U.S. Debit CardBank card that federal agencies can use to make payments to individuals. Visit www.USDebitCard.gov.USSGL (U.S. Standard General Ledger)Provides uniform charts of accounts and technical guidance for standardizing federal accounting.

V

Vendor Payment GuidanceGuidance for vendors about getting paid from the federal government for their services.

Y

Your Guide to America's FinancesHow much money did the federal government collect and spend in 2018?

Last modified 09/16/22

Why would the Bureau of Fiscal Service send me a check?

This is referred to as an offset. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS), which is part of the Treasury Department, initiates refund offsets to outstanding federal agency debts or child support, state income tax obligations and unemployment compensation debts.

What does a fiscal department do?

We finance government operations by offering Treasury securities through reliable, accurate, flexible, and electronic systems. We operate the federal government's collections and deposit systems. We provide central payment services to the American public on behalf of government agencies.

Is Department of Treasury the same as IRS?

The IRS is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and one of the world's most efficient tax administrators. In fiscal year 2020, the IRS collected almost $3.5 trillion in revenue and processed more than 240 million tax returns.

How do I know if I owe the Department of Treasury?

Contacts for the Public To obtain information on whether your tax refund or federal payment was reduced or offset, you can call 800-304-3107 and select option 1 to hear an automated message of the amount, date and creditor agency or agencies you owe the debt to.