Treasury Adds Paperwork to Fight the Paperwork Overload
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Notice
Summary
The Treasury Department is extending its paperwork rules for how federal agencies send out payments, mostly by electronic transfer. This affects individuals, businesses, and nonprofits who receive federal money, keeping things smooth and low-cost. Comments on this process are open until February 6, 2026, with no new fees or big changes planned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Most Federal Payments Must Use EFT
The regulation requires that most Federal payments be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). It applies to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits who receive federal money and is part of an information collection covering an estimated 1,300 respondents, at about 15 minutes per respondent (325 total annual burden hours). Comments on this collection are due by February 6, 2026.
Waiver Process for EFT Requirement
The regulation sets forth waiver requirements for the EFT rule, meaning people or organizations who cannot receive EFT may pursue an exemption under the rules. This waiver process is part of the same information collection; the agency is soliciting comments through February 6, 2026.
Low-Cost Treasury-Designated Accounts Offered
The rule provides for a low-cost Treasury-designated account for individuals at financial institutions that offer such accounts. This option is part of the Management of Federal Agency Disbursements information collection, which covers individuals and households among other respondent types.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16725, Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Annual Financial Statement of Surety Companies-Schedule F
The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Currently the Bureau of the Fiscal Service within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning the Annual Financial Statement of Surety Companies-Schedule F.
2026-16726, Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payment (SF 5510)
The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Currently the Bureau of the Fiscal Service within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning the Standard Form 5510, "Authorization Agreement for Preauthorized Payment".
2026-13903, Prompt Payment Interest Rate; Contract Disputes Act
Starting July 1, 2026, the interest rate for late payments to businesses by government agencies is set at 4.75% per year until December 31, 2026. This means if the government pays late for goods or services, they owe extra money based on this rate. Businesses get paid interest automatically, even if they don’t ask for it, so everyone knows when and how much extra cash is due.
2026-13505, Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: TreasuryDirect System
The Treasury is extending its approval to keep collecting info through the TreasuryDirect System, which helps people open accounts and manage transactions online. This affects millions of individuals who use the system, with no big changes or extra costs, but they want your feedback by September 4, 2026. It’s all about making the process smoother and less of a hassle for everyone involved!
2026-13507, Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Pools and Associations-Annual Letter
The Treasury Department is extending a paperwork form called the Pools and Associations Annual Letter, which helps insurance companies figure out their credit limits for reinsurance. About 84 businesses will spend around 1.5 hours each filling it out, with no new costs or big changes. Comments on this process are welcome until September 4, 2026, so everyone affected can have their say!
2026-13504, Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Special Form of Request for Payment of US Savings and Retirement Securities Where Use of a Detached Request Is Authorized
The Treasury is extending the use of a special form that helps people request payment for U.S. Savings and Retirement Securities, like bonds and notes. This affects individuals handling these securities, including owners, beneficiaries, or legal reps. No big changes or costs are coming, but comments on the form are open until September 4, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22223, Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Direct Deposit Sign-Up Forms
The Treasury Department is extending the use of Direct Deposit Sign-Up Forms, which help people and businesses get their federal payments straight into their bank accounts. This affects over 400,000 folks who spend about 10 minutes filling out these forms. They’re asking for comments by February 6, 2026, to keep things smooth and easy without adding extra costs or hassle.
Next: 2025-22227, STS Hydropower, LLC; Charter Township of Van Buren, Michigan, Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Preliminary Terms and Conditions, and Preliminary Fishway Prescriptions
STS Hydropower and Van Buren Township in Michigan want to run a new hydroelectric project on the Huron River. The government is reviewing their application and asking the public to share thoughts or concerns by early 2026. This project could affect local water and wildlife, so your input matters before any final decisions or costs are set.