Proposed Information Collection Activity; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Financial Report, ACF-196T
Published Date: 1/30/2026
Notice
Summary
Tribal agencies running the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will keep using the same financial report form, but with clearer, easier instructions that cut their paperwork time by a third. This update doesn’t change the form itself but makes reporting faster and simpler. Comments on this 3-year extension are due by March 31, 2026, helping save time and keep funds flowing smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribal TANF reporting time cut 33%
If you are a tribal agency that runs a TANF program, the time to complete each quarterly ACF-196T response is estimated to fall from 1.5 hours to 1.0 hour — a 33% drop. ACF estimates 50 tribal respondents with 4 responses each will see total annual burden fall from 306 hours to 200 hours.
Form unchanged; instructions clarified
ACF is not changing the ACF-196T form itself; it is revising only the instructions to be easier to read while keeping the substance the same. Tribal agencies must still report the same quarterly financial data required by statute.
3-year extension requested; comments due
ACF is requesting a 3-year extension of the TANF Financial Report (Form ACF-196T, OMB #0970-0345; current expiration 03/31/2026). Comments on this information collection are due March 31, 2026.
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