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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09956 — Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Minority Bank Deposit Program (MBDP) Certification Form for Admission
The Treasury Department is extending the use of a form that helps minority-owned banks join a special program offering extra support from the government and partners. About 72 banks fill out this form, which takes around 45 minutes each. They’re asking for public comments by July 20, 2026, to keep things clear and easy without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09184 — Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Request To Reissue U.S. Savings Bonds To a Personal Trust
The Treasury is extending the form that lets people reissue their U.S. Savings Bonds to a personal trust. This affects individuals who want to move their bonds into a trust and keeps the process simple, with about 10,600 folks expected to use it each year. Comments on this paperwork are open until July 7, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up if you have ideas!
2026-09185 — Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Application by Survivors for Payment of Bond or Check Issued Under the Armed Forces Leave Act of 1946, as Amended
The Treasury Department is extending the form survivors use to claim payments from bonds or checks issued under the Armed Forces Leave Act of 1946. This update affects families of service members who passed away before cashing these payments. They’re asking for public feedback by July 7, 2026, to keep the process smooth and paperwork light, with no new costs involved.
2026-07873 — Application and Renewal Fees Imposed on Surety Companies and Reinsuring Companies; Increase in Fees Imposed
Starting January 1, 2026, surety and reinsuring companies will pay higher fees when applying for or renewing their certifications with the Treasury. These fee increases help cover the government’s costs for reviewing applications and financial info. If you’re in this business, get ready to budget more for your federal paperwork!
2026-04298 — Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Special Bond of Indemnity by Purchaser of United States Savings Bonds/Notes Involved in a Chain Letter Scheme
The Treasury is extending a form that helps people get refunds if they bought U.S. Savings Bonds through a tricky chain letter scheme. This affects individuals who need to fill out a special bond of indemnity form, which takes about 8 minutes to complete. Comments on this process are open until May 4, 2026, and there’s no new cost involved—just a smooth continuation of the current system.
2026-04295 — Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Agreement and Request for Disposition of a Decedent's Treasury Securities
The Treasury is extending the form that helps people claim or settle a loved one’s Treasury securities after they pass away. This affects individuals handling estates and keeps the process smooth without extra court steps. No big changes or costs, but comments on the form are welcome until May 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.