Uncle Sam Sets 4% Debt Interest: Borrowers, Take Note

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.

2025-21518 — Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Application Forms for U.S. Department of the Treasury Stored Value Card (SVC) Program

The Treasury Department is extending the use of forms for its Stored Value Card program, which helps people get and manage prepaid cards. If you’re applying or working as a contractor, you’ll keep using these forms to share info and authorize payments. No big changes or costs, but if you want to comment, do it by January 27, 2026!

2025-21519 — Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Application Form for U.S. Department of the Treasury Accountable Official Stored Value Card (SVC) Program

The Treasury Department is extending the use of a form that helps officials get and manage special government debit cards called Stored Value Cards (SVCs). This form collects info to make sure payments and debts linked to these cards are handled properly. If you’re involved with these cards, you can comment on the form by January 27, 2026—no cost changes, just keeping things running smoothly!

2025-16103 — Public Dissemination of the Identity of a Delinquent Debtor

If you owe the government money and haven’t paid up, your name might be shared publicly to help collect the debt. Federal agencies will now follow clear rules about when and how to share this info, making the process fair and consistent. This change helps speed up debt collection while protecting your rights.

2025-14441 — Prompt Payment Interest Rate; Contract Disputes Act

Starting July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, the interest rate for late government payments is set at 4.625% per year. This means if the government pays contractors late, they owe this extra interest. Contractors and agencies should note this rate to keep their money matters fair and square!

Previous: 2025-24142 — Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting

The Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee is meeting on January 29-30, 2026, both in person and online, to give advice to NASA, NSF, and the Department of Energy about space science. This open meeting affects scientists and space fans interested in the latest plans and reports on astronomy projects. No new costs are announced, but the committee will prepare an important annual report that helps guide future space research.

Next: 2025-24144 — BNSF Railway Company-Trackage Rights Exemption-Union Pacific Railroad Company

BNSF Railway is getting temporary permission to use Union Pacific’s tracks in California to move ballast trains between Stockton, Elsey, and Keddie. This deal starts January 16, 2026, and ends December 31, 2026, helping BNSF keep their trains running smoothly without extra costs. Workers affected by this change will have job protections to keep things fair.