| Last Updated: 09/11/2008 | Printable Version |
 HMDA Processing |
| Data Entry Software |
| Public Data |
| Data Orders |
| Geocoding |
| HUD |
If these FAQs do not address your particular questions, please contact us.
- My institution will soon qualify to report HMDA data. What software and documents are available to assist me in getting started and how can I access them?
- How do I submit HMDA data?
- What do I do if I find an error in my HMDA data file after it has been submitted?
- How do I resubmit HMDA data?
- Is there a penalty if my institution has to resubmit?
- Where can I find updates regarding HMDA processing and/or Regulation C changes?
- Where can I find comprehensive documents and guidance information about Regulation C prior to collecting and preparing the current year’s submission?
- When determining whether my institution is a required HMDA reporter, what year is the 'preceding calendar year'?
- How do I know if my submission has been received and/or loaded to your system?
- When I have a HMDA question, should I e-mail HMDAHELP and call the HMDA Assistance Line?
- When are initial HMDA data due and to whom is it sent?
- What is a voluntary reporter?
My institution will soon qualify to report HMDA data. What software and documents are available to assist me in getting started and how can I access them?
All materials that will assist you in collecting and preparing your HMDA submission are available from this FFIEC HMDA website. Do the following:
1. Access Regulation C and Official Staff Commentary.
2. Locate the 'How to File' subsection (http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/default.htm) and
- Print or utilize A Guide to HMDA Reporting: Getting it Right!
- Download the most recent version of the HMDA Data Entry Software
- Obtain the HMDA Edits, Reporting Forms, and File Specifications
- Utilize the FFIEC Geocoding System and Rate Spread Calculator
- Utilize the Census Reports
3. Determine your institution's Respondent Identification Number (RID). For guidance reference the HMDA Glossary under “RID – Respondent or Reporter ID”.
4. Access the Quick Reference link for more resources.
1. Download a free copy of the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software.
2. Select “Add” Transmittal, and then “Add” LAR to create a new submission.
3. Prepare your HMDA data submission for the calendar year. Select “Save.”
4. Return to the Front Page and perform a ‘Batch Edit’ on the HMDA data. Correct all data with validity errors.
5. Select the ‘Export’ option from the Front Page, then the ‘Export to Regulatory Agency via Internet e-mail’ option for encrypted submissions to the Board (or ‘Export to Regulatory Agency via Diskette’ option for diskette submissions).
6. Open your e-mail software and address your e-mail to hmdasub@frb.gov. Include all the required institution information and attach the encrypted HMDA file HMDAENCR.ENC located at the following path: C:\HMDADES\int\hmdaencr.enc.
7. Send your encrypted HMDA data submission free of validity errors to your regulatory agency (via the Federal Reserve Board) no later than March 1. Submissions should be sent by the deadline to avoid being counted as late.
8. Attach only the file with the extension “.ENC” to your e-mail (or “.DAT” for diskette submissions). Files sent via e-mail with extensions other than “.ENC” (or “.DAT” for diskette submissions) are considered non-compliant and will not be accepted. Include the following in the body of your e-mail:
9. Include your Respondent ID, Agency Code and 2006 HMDA in the subject heading.
- Institution Name
- Respondent ID/Agency Code
- Contact Name/Phone Number
- Number of LAR
What do I do if I find an error in my HMDA data file after it has been submitted?
Make the correction to your HMDA file and send in a complete resubmission; partial resubmissions should not be sent. Refer to the next question, "How do I resubmit?" for the resubmission guidelines.
How do I resubmit?
1. Make corrections to your HMDA data.
2. Batch edit.
3. Export data.
4. Transmit data.
5. Receive and resolve edit report.
6. Sign off on the confirmation sheet.
Transmit the entire corrected file via Internet e-mail, CD-ROM, or diskette. See the data collection procedure change regarding data resubmissions. Clearly mark your resubmission as a “Complete Resubmission of CCYY data” as well as the respondent ID and agency code in the e-mail subject row. In the text of the e-mailed (or in writing if mailed), also include the reason for your resubmission along with the other information asked for in the Internet e-mail, diskette, or CD-ROM file specifications (for example, institution name, respondent ID number, agency code, processing year, contact name, phone number, and LAR count being transmitted).If you choose the Internet e-mail option to transmit your data, send a compete resubmission to hmdasub@frb.gov. If you choose the diskette or CD-ROM option, mail (preferably overnight) the file to:
Federal Reserve Board
Attention: HMDA Processing, (Enter Regulatory Agency -- OCC, FDIC, OTS, NCUA, FRS, or HUD)
20th and Constitution Avenue MS N502
Washington, DC 20551-0001
Is there a penalty if my institution has to resubmit?
Questions about charges and penalties should be directed to your supervisory agency. Institutions are expected to submit valid and accurate HMDA data that have been checked using edits approved for the particular calendar year. If an institution is to resubmit its data, a complete resubmission should be sent; partial resubmissions should not be sent. For resubmission procedures, refer to the previous question "How do I resubmit?" For additional guidance, reference Regulation C, Section 203.6, and page 2 of the HMDA Guide, under Management’s Responsibilities.
Where can I find updates regarding HMDA processing and/or Regulation C changes?
As revisions and updates are made, they are posted on the FFIEC website at http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda. Refer to the “What’s New” column for recent changes and updates.
Where can I review comprehensive documents and guidance information about Regulation C prior to collecting and preparing the current year’s submission?
For a comprehensive review of the Regulation C amendments effective January 1, 2004, please access the following links:
Regulation C and Official Staff Commentary,
http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/RegC.htmRegulatory and Interpretive FAQs and General Information and HMDA Price Data FAQs, http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/faq.htm
2004 Regulation C Training,
http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/powerpoint.htm
Regulation C Supplement regarding 2004 amendments, http://www.stlouisfed.org/hmdaregcamendments/default.html
When determining whether my institution is a required HMDA reporter what year is the 'preceding calendar year'?
The 'preceding calendar year' is the year prior to the calendar year of HMDA data that you are collecting. For example, if you are collecting 2008 HMDA data, the preceding calendar year is 2007.
How do I know if my submission has been received and/or loaded to your system?
- If you sent your submission via Internet e-mail, you should receive an edit report via fax within a week of transmitting your report.
- If you sent your submission via diskette or CD-ROM, you should receive an edit report via fax within two weeks of mailing your report.
- If you have not heard or received a response beyond these estimated timeframes, you should e-mail hmdahelp@frb.gov, include your respondent ID, agency code, contact name and phone number, and the date you sent your submission. An analyst will respond via e-mail.
When I have a HMDA question, should I e-mail HMDAHELP and call the HMDA Assistance Line?
Please use only one service -- either e-mail hmdahelp@frb.gov or call (202) 452-2016. During the height of the HMDA processing season (February-April), HMDAHELP and the HMDA Assistance lines experience an increased volume of inquiries. The response time could exceed five business days.
When are initial HMDA data due and to whom is it sent?
- You must submit initial HMDA data for your institution to the processing agency specified by your supervisory agency no later than March 1 following the calendar year for which the data are compiled. For more details, refer to http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/submit.htm.
- The Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC serves as the processing agency for OCC-, FRS-, FDIC-, OTS-, NCUA-, and HUD-supervised institutions. Data that you send to the FRB is considered late if the postmark on the package or the e-mail submission is after March 1st. (Note that if March 1st falls on the weekend, the due date moves to the first Monday. For example, the calendar year 2007 HMDA data were due by March 3, 2008). Please see the Data Processing Timeline for more information on dates and deadlines.
A voluntary reporter is an institution that does not meet the reporting criteria but chooses to submit their HMDA data. Be reminded that if you choose to be a voluntary reporter, you are responsible for the accuracy and quality of your data, and your report must comply with the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C.
- From where can I download the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software?
- How do I import data into the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software?
- How do I ensure a validity error-free HMDA submission with the 'Batch Edit' function?
- What is Submission via Web?
- How do I export HMDA data from the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software using Submission via Web?
- When I export the HMDA data, does a copy still exist in the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software?
- Is there a way to backup the data file to a disk using the HMDA Data Entry Software and then move the data file to another computer?
- What happens if the computer on which the HMDA Data Entry Software is installed crashes? Can information keyed up to the crash be retrieved or are there backup procedures that we should implement?
From where can I download the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software?
Download the most recent version of the software from the FFIEC HMDA website.The FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software is NOT network compatible, and the FFIEC does not support installation to a network. The software should be installed locally on a hard disk, (i.e. C:drive).
How do I import data into the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software?
Select 'Import' from the Front Page. Choose the 'Import' option and click 'Ok'.Select the target file where the import file is located. If necessary, locate the file by choosing the 'Browse' button. Click 'Begin'. A warning will appear with information regarding the length of time it will take to import the data. Click 'Ok'.
A box will appear asking the question, "Are there more LARs to import on another file?" Choose the appropriate option. A box will appear indicating the number of LARs imported.
Verify this information and click 'Ok', which returns you to the Front Page.
A 'Batch Edit', located on the Front Page, should be performed after each import.
How do I ensure a validity error-free HMDA submission with the 'Batch Edit' function?
To ensure a validity error-free submission, select 'Batch Edit' from the Front Page. A description of the Batch Edit will appear, click 'Begin'.The Batch Edit will be performed and you will receive a Transmittal and LAR edit status upon completion. If your submission contains errors, you must print an 'Error Report' from the Front Page and correct those errors prior to submitting your data. Repeat the Batch Edit after you have corrected your data.
If your submission contains warnings, this means the submission contains Quality Edits. The data with Quality Edits are NOT necessarily an error; however, they should be verified and corrected, if appropriate, prior to submitting your data.
What is Submission via Web?
Submission via Web is the new secure option for transmitting your HMDA data to your regulatory agency. Submission via Web transmits your data to your regulatory agency in ONE step, rather than encrypting your submission file, attaching the encrypted file to an e-mail and submitting the e-mail via Internet. Submission via Web requires an Internet connection.
How do I export HMDA data from the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software using Submission via Web?
After successful installation of the software, open the software. Initial access into the software will require a validity-free Transmittal Sheet to be completed in its entirety, or the successful import of an existing .DAT file.Following the completion of the submission, perform a Batch Edit prior to submitting the data. If errors are detected, print an Error Report to identify the loan/application records in error and correct the erroneous data. HMDA data containing errors cannot be submitted to your regulatory agency using Submission via Web.
Click Export under the Data Utilities menu HMDA Front Page and review the Submission Checklist and choose Continue with Export
Select Submission via Web on the Export options window and click OK to continue the Submission via Web
Review the Submission via Web notification and choose Continue
Click the Begin button to start the submission process. If you choose to begin the export, a question will appear to verify if you are ready to transmit your submission to your regulatory agency. Choose Yes if you are ready to transmit your HMDA data, click Continue to continue the export process
The HMDA Data Entry Software will report the progress of the transmission. At the successful completion of the data transmission, the user will receive a 'Transmission Successful' message. This message will contain pertinent submission information and should be printed for future reference. Click Print to print the notification.
When I export the HMDA data, does a copy still exist in the FFIEC HMDA Data Entry Software?
Yes, data are maintained within the software even when exports are performed.
Is there a way to backup the data file to a disk using the HMDA Data Entry Software and then move the data file to another computer?
Yes, this can be done by copying the database files from the DATA directory on the old computer to the same location on the new computer.First, install the software on the new computer.
Return to the old computer and select 'Export' from the Front Page. Select the export option "To Regulatory Agency via Diskette". Make sure you have a diskette in the appropriate drive.
After successfully exporting the data, import the data into the HMDA Data Entry Software on the new computer by selecting 'Import' from the Front Page and following the prompts.
What happens if the computer on which the HMDA Data Entry Software is installed crashes? Can information keyed up to the crash be retrieved or are there backup procedures that we should implement?
You should ALWAYS backup your data file by saving it to your network drive or a disk. If your hard drive crashes, you can always download another copy of the software and import the saved data file into the program.
- How can I get a copy of the Guide to HMDA Reporting: Getting it Right!?
- My institution reported HMDA data for last year; however, I did not receive the disclosure report. How can I get a copy?
- When is the final disclosure report available?
- Is an institution required to mail a copy of the disclosure report to someone who requests that it be mailed?
How can I get a copy of the Guide to HMDA Reporting: Getting it Right!?
You can download a copy of the most recent Guide directly from the website. Please refer to the website periodically for status updates on the Guide.
My institution reported HMDA data for last year; however, I did not receive the disclosure report. How can I get a copy?
Beginning with calendar year 2005 HMDA data, HMDA data public disclosure reports will only be available through the FFIEC HMDA website at http://www.ffiec.gov/hmdaadwebreport/diswelcome.aspx. If you have questions about retrieving a disclosure report from this website, please e-mail hmdahelp@frb.gov or call (202) 452-2016.
When is the final disclosure report available?
HMDA data for a specific year are released in September of the year following the calendar year of the data. Disclosure reports are available at http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/online_rpts.htm.
Is an institution required to mail a copy of the disclosure report to someone who requests that it be mailed?
An institution must respond to a written request within 15 calendar days. For more information, refer to Appendix C, page C-6 of the Guide to HMDA Reporting: Getting it Right!
- I faxed a completed data order form and included an overnight carrier number. How long will it take before I receive my order?
- Are the data items on the HMDA data order form the only products available to the public?
- What do I do if one of the data products I ordered is damaged?
- What is the best data product to order that allows me to manipulate and analyze the data?
- Can I download the HMDA data that is included on the website?
- Can I order historical HMDA data from the data order form?
I faxed a completed data order form and included an overnight carrier number. How long will it take before I receive my order?
Data orders are processed within 5-7 business days after receipt of a completed order form. We strive to complete and mail data orders as soon as possible.
Are the data items on the HMDA data order form the only products available to the public?
There is other data information, not necessarily considered data products, available under the 'Public Data' subsection of the FFIEC HMDA website at www.ffiec.gov/hmda/default.htm. The HMDA data order form, however, encompasses all the HMDA data products available to the public.
What do I do if one of the data products I ordered is damaged?
You should return the entire product with a cover letter that explains the purpose of the return. Upon receipt of the damaged product, we will send you a replacement.
What is the best data product to order that allows me to manipulate and analyze the data?
The LAR & TS raw data product allows you to manipulate and analyze the data. Starting with CY2006, HMDA LAR & TS raw data are available via download from the FFIEC HMDA website. You may download either CY2007 or CY2006 HMDA data in two ways, as zipped raw flat files or as the HMDA LAR & TS Windows Application which includes the data and a query tool. This is the same application that has been available on CD-ROM in previous years. If you are interested in CY2005 or years earlier, refer to the data order form for media type information, cost (if appropriate) and contact information to order LAR & TS raw data.
Can I download the HMDA data that is included on the website?
Starting with CY2006 data, the LAR & TS Raw Data Windows Application for HMDA or PMIC will be available free of charge via download (http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/hmdaproducts.htm#LAR_TS). If downloading the HMDA or PMIC 2007 or 2006 LAR & TS Raw Data Windows Application is not feasible (e.g. PC without Internet connectivity), or you require the CY2005 HMDA LAR & TS Raw Data DVD-ROM application, please fill out the data order form and fax it to 202-452-6497. For years prior to 2005, contact the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) for availability, cost and media type information (http://www.ntis.gov/products/bank-hmda.aspx).
The aggregate tables, disclosure reports, and national aggregate tables cannot be downloaded, but you can print the information shown on the screens.
Can I order historical HMDA data from the data order form?
The FFIEC has contracted with National Technical Information Service (NTIS) to provide certain historical HMDA data to the public. The following items are available: Pre-1990 HMDA data for years 1981 through 1989, For 1999 and years thereafter, HMDA National Aggregate Reports are available on the Internet at www.ffiec.gov/hmda. Those interested in this data for years 1990 – 2004 should contact NTIS (http://www.ntis.gov/products/bank-hmda.aspx). The National Aggregate Reports are also available from the FFIEC for PMIC data for 1999 and years thereafter via the Internet at http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/online_rpts.htm. (The PMIC National Aggregate Reports are not available from NTIS).
Beginning with CY2004, HMDA Aggregate and Disclosure (A&D) Reports are available via the Internet only at http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/online_rpts.htm. Mass production of CD-ROMs containing the HMDA A&D software was discontinued.
The LAR & TS Raw Data, Reporter Panel, Aggregate Reports, and CRA/HMDA Combined Census file for years 1990 through 2004 are available on cartridge tape and CD-ROM, and charges will apply. To order, contact NTIS at http://www.ntis.gov/products/bank-hmda.aspx for availability, cost and media type information.
- Why do I have property location validity errors on my HMDA report if I used the FFIEC Geocoding System to obtain the property location information?
- If the FFIEC Geocoding System does not provide me with MSA-MD/State/County/Census Tract information, should I send in my HMDA submission without this information included?
Why do I have property location validity errors on my HMDA report if I used the FFIEC Geocoding System to obtain the property location information?
There are various reasons the FFIEC Geocoding System may not provide property location information for certain valid street addresses. One reason may be timing -- new developments, for instance, come into existence all the time and may not have been accounted for in the database release that is used in the FFIEC Geocoding System. When an exact street address cannot be found, use the Mapping feature. The FFIEC Geocoding System will display an area street map based on the combination of street address and zip code, OR street address, city and state. It is still possible that geocode information will not be found. In those cases, contact the U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.census.gov) for information on maps and other helpful resources.
If the FFIEC Geocoding System does not provide me with MSA-MD/State/County/Census Tract information, should I send in my HMDA submission without this information included?
Please do not send in your HMDA submission minus property location information because you cannot find it using the FFIEC geocoding system. A reporter must include valid property location information on each record of their HMDA report; otherwise, validity errors will occur on the report. If the FFIEC Geocoding System does not provide the geographical information about the property location, there are several other tools that may be used:
- Refer to pages 18-21 of the Guide to HMDA Reporting: Getting it Right! to geocode your data.
- Refer to the page entitled, Explanation of Validity Edits 285, 295, & 300 of the HMDA Edits for valid Geocoding combinations.
- Contact the U.S. Census Bureau for census tract maps and other tools.
- It is the reporter's responsibility to exhaust all available resources in obtaining valid property location information.
- I am a HUD reporter, who do I contact for assistance?
- I am a HUD reporter, where do I send my HMDA submission?
- I am a HUD reporter, how do I submit or resubmit my HMDA data?
I am a HUD reporter, who do I contact for assistance?
For assistance with HMDA processing, e-mail HMDAHELP@frb.gov or call the HMDA Assistance Line at 202-452-2016. Questions regarding the discontinuance of FHA data collection and negative reports should be directed to Jerry Fasick of HUD at 202-755-7500 x7540.
I am a HUD reporter, where do I send my HMDA submission?
You must submit initial HMDA data for your institution to the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC no later than March 1 following the calendar year for which the data are compiled. Data that you send to the processing agency is considered late if the postmark on the package or the e-mail submission is after March 1st. HMDA data submissions should be submitted in a compliant electronic format to HMDASUB@frb.gov. You can also mail your submission to the following address:
Federal Reserve Board
Attention: HMDA Processing, HUD
20th and Constitution Avenue, NW
MS N502
Washington, DC 20551-0001Also review the topics under 'HMDA Processing'
I am a HUD reporter, how do I submit or resubmit my HMDA data?
Follow the instructions under the questions 'How do I submit HMDA data?' and 'How do I resubmit HMDA data?'.