dcl9006.htm

Submission of tapes for Tax Refund Offset

April 26, 1990 DC-9006

TO ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

Dear Colleague:

The time is quickly approaching once again when States and OCSE need to begin preparing for the upcoming Federal Tax Refund Offset processing year. The 1991 year will not bring many changes in processing procedures. We did, however, want to remind everyone of important dates or facts concerning 1991.

The most important point that we would like to bring to States' attention is the change in submittal dates for those States who have OCSE issue their pre-offset notice and for those States who submit using the earlier deadline. The new deadline for submitting is SEPTEMBER 17, 1990 instead of the September 24 date used in pervious years. Aside from just getting the tapes submitted on time, it is extremely important that you review the information contained on the tape for accuracy, and make sure that the technical staff involved in creating the tape is familiar with the tape specifications contained in the Action Transmittal so that the format of the tape is correct. This includes not only record layout, but also making sure non-label tapes are submitted instead of standard label tapes. Each year OCSE experiences problems in processing States' tapes for the reasons noted above.

Other dates that States are reminded of include:

-JUNE 15 - JULY 30 -- TEST TAPE SUBMITTAL PERIOD

- JULY 15 --

- CUT-OFF DATE TO RECEIVE MONIES FOR PER-OFFSET NOTICES ISSUED BY OCSE BASED ON ESTIMATED CASELOAD

- PRE-OFFSET NOTICES DUE TO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR REVIEW

-AUGUST 24 -- EARLIEST DATE FOR SUBMITTING FINAL SUBMITTAL TAPES TO OCSE

-SEPTEMBER 1 --

- STATES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR EXHIBITS M, R, S, X, BB. A COPY OF EACH OF THESE EXHIBITS IS ATTACHED. PLEASE FULLY COMPLETE ALL OF THESE FORMS AND RETURN THEM BY NO LATER THAT SEPTEMBER 1, 1990.

-LOCAL ADDRESS TAPES DUE TO OCSE

-SEPTEMBER 17 -- FINAL SUBMITTAL TAPES DUE

-DECEMBER 1 -- FINAL SUBMITTAL DEADLINE FOR THOSE STATES ISSUING THEIR OWN PRE-OFFSET NOTICES.

For those States that submit a local address tape to OCSE, PLEASE review this tape not only for accuracy for addresses and phone numbers, but also to make sure that CHILD SUPPORT (see tape specifications) is clearly stated in each address. It is not sufficient to just put 'CSE' or 'support enforcement' on the addresses. IRS will not accept addresses that do not contain "Child Support" in them. Many addresses have been submitted this way in the past, and it is quite time consuming for us to review each address individually and make manual changes. Remember, it is the State's responsibility to ensure that these addresses are submitted correctly.

Information concerning the cost of mailing pre-offset notices will be forwarded to you at a later date. We are currently working on the 1991 processing year Action Transmittal which will indicate any changes for the upcoming year. There are no changes, however, that should affect the States preparations of cases for submittal. You are encouraged to read the Action Transmittal thoroughly when you receive it for more detailed instructions than those listed above.

Many States have asked about the status of continuation of the non-AFDC Tax Refund Offset Program. A proposal is now pending Congressional action which would extend the non-AFDC offset program for five more years. OCSE has every reason to believe that Congress is supportive of the extension; therefore, we are proceeding with plans that include the offset on non-AFDC cases. Thus, in order to have cases ready for PY 1991, States requested to proceed as usual in preparing non-AFDC cases for final submittal.

Since the effective date for the Program Standards Regulations is October, 1990, the requirement to submit all cases which meet the certification requirements under section 303.72 does not apply to next year's Program. However, States are encouraged to begin reviewing all cases to see whether they meet the criteria for submittal and to go ahead and submit any cases which meet the criteria this coming processing year, even though it is not required.

If we can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact the Special Collections Unit on (202) 252-5471.

Sincerely,

Allie Page Matthews

Deputy Director

Enclosures