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The transaction entry screens in USAS and CAPPS allow state agencies and institutions of higher education to enter payment-related information in the invoice number and description fields.

Under no circumstances should agencies and institutions enter confidential or sensitive information such as complete or partial Social Security numbers or information covered by the Protected Health Information Prohibition.

For complete information on complying with field requirements, see USAS and CAPPS Financials Invoice Number Field Requirements (FPP E.023)

How well are we meeting your customer service expectations?

Please let us know by completing the online survey by Friday, Oct. 12. We appreciate your feedback.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov.

The 2019 General Services Administration (GSA) rates are effective Oct. 1 and are now available online.

For Sept. 1 – 30:

• The standard lodging rate for all locations not listed on the GSA will be $93
• The maximum daily meal reimbursement rate for all locations not listed on the GSA will be $51

Effective Oct. 1:

• The standard lodging rate increases to $94
• The maximum daily meal reimbursement rate for in-state and out-of-state locations not listed on the GSA will be $55

See Textravel – Current Rates, email Expenditure Assistance or call (512) 475-0966 for more information.

The USAS annual cash-basis close for fiscal 2018 will occur on Friday, Aug. 31.

The fiscal year-end close process requires shutting down the statewide fiscal systems. For more information, please see the Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events that includes:

• Processing deadlines
• The dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

The Outstanding Warrants Control Report (DAFR8171) is generated on the first Friday of every month. Agencies should monitor their reports before warrants become void on Aug. 31.

The Outstanding Warrant Report (DAFR 8161) can be requested through the Report Request Profile, USAS 91 screen. It includes two special select options:

• SPEC SEL 1: Provides a report by payee number in ascending order. To select this report, enter V on the 91 screen and check that the SPEC SEL 2 field is blank.
• SPEC SEL 2: Provides a report for specific dollar amount thresholds in descending order. To select this report, enter values A-D on the 91 screen as follows:
  • A = over $500
  • B = over $1,000
  • C = over $5,000
  • D = over $10,000

The 91 Report Request Profile in USAS Coding Instructions (FPP Q.010) provides detailed information on this profile screen.

Agencies are also reminded of the following:

• Vendor requests for a list of outstanding warrants must exclude the warrant number and TIN.
• Payments can be assigned to a third party via contract. If payees request a third-party assignment, a copy of the contract should be submitted for approval by your agency’s legal staff. See Assignments in TexPayment Resources.

For questions, please contact Payment Services.

The interest rate the state pays on a late payment due to a vendor under the state’s prompt payment law will be 6.00 percent for fiscal 2019. The interest calculation is one percentage point higher than the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of July.

See Interest Rate on eXpendit (FPP I.005) for more information.

The Treasury Operations’ Web Warrant Inquiry and Cancellation System (WWIC) (login required) has a new edit that checks for hold status on cancelled warrants.

When cancelling a warrant that is on hold, WWIC defaults the Cancel Reason to 304 Warrant on Hold. This change was made to:

• Assist agencies with statutory compliance that requires consent from the hold source agencies before a warrant is cancelled
• Alert agencies that the warrant is on hold and not lost when a payee reports they did not receive the warrant

Note that a held warrant may be cancelled after it is released from hold. Agencies are advised to check the Payee Held Warrants Released (PYWTHR) screen in TINS. If listed on PYWTHR, the agency does not need to seek approval, since the warrant is no longer on hold, but must still select Cancel Reason 304 Warrant on Hold.

For questions, contact Payment Services.

Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for the associated hotel occupancy taxes. USAS automatically generates the refunds each quarter.

The hotel occupancy tax refund for June through July will be available on DAFR reports 8190 and 8200 on Aug. 9.

For more information, refer to Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006).

Please see the 2018 Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events that includes:

• Processing deadlines
• Dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

To ensure correct year-end USAS balances for imprest, petty cash and travel advance accounts, agencies authorized to maintain these accounts are required to certify that USAS balances and agency computed balances (cash plus outstanding reimbursements) agree. Only cash accounts with balances created from funds in the state treasury are subject to this requirement.

The certification is due by July 10. All corrections must be entered into USAS by July 27.

See USAS Balances for Imprest, Petty Cash and Travel Advance Accounts (FPP A.045) for additional information including instructions for requesting access and completing the forms.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 31.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division.

State agencies and institutions of higher education may need to send documents to Fiscal Management that contain confidential information.

Email is not a secured transmission. Confidential information must not be sent in the body of an email, but included as an encrypted attachment as prescribed by your agency’s information security policy.

Refer to Confidential Information Must be Encrypted Before Emailing to Fiscal Management (FPP D.004) for details.

The fiscal policy and procedure, Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006), has been updated to:

• Reflect a new document number scheme for the quarterly tax refund transactions
• Clarify when refund transactions are processed and available on the USAS DAFR8190 and DAFR8200 reports

For questions on the update, contact your appropriation control officer.

Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for the associated hotel occupancy taxes. USAS automatically generates the refunds each quarter.

Hotel occupancy tax refunds for December through February will be available on DAFR reports 8190 and 8200 on March 9.

For more information, refer to Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006).

March 15 is the maintenance/corrections deadline for the fiscal 2018 Second Quarter Veteran Workforce Summary Reports (Dec. 1 – Feb. 28). Copies of the quarterly reports will be sent via electronic file transfer (EFT) on March 16.

The online quarterly report acknowledgment form (with required complaint reporting included) will be available March 16 and must be submitted by March 23. 

For more information, see Veteran Workforce Summary Reports and Veteran Complaint Reporting (FPP F.038).

Check the Forms page or appropriate topic page on FMX before submitting a form to ensure you submit the current version. Previously downloaded forms or stored links may be outdated.

The Forms page is available at the top of all FMX pages. Forms can be sorted alphabetically, numerically or by topic. Also, FMX topic pages such as Appropriations or Payment Services feature links to related forms.

Payments of $600 or more for services or interest during a calendar year to a non-corporate payee must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 1099-Miscellaneous (MISC) or Form 1099-Interest Income (INT).

The last day to make adjustments in USAS to the 1099 reportable data and request 1099s is Jan. 30. For more information, see USAS Procedures for 1099 Reporting for Calendar Year 2017 (FPP E.001).

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR).

Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 31. See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division.

Due to inclement weather, the Comptroller’s office will open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17. Warrant pickup will be available at 10 a.m.

Additional closures or delayed openings will be announced on FMX.

Due to inclement weather, the Comptroller’s office will be closed on Jan. 16. Warrants will not be distributed on this day.

Additional closures or delayed openings will be announced on FMX.

Due to inclement weather, the Comptroller’s office will be closed on Jan. 16, 2018. Agencies can check FMX or call (512) 475-0510 after 12:00 p.m. to confirm if warrants are available for distribution.

On days the Comptroller’s office is closed but warrant pickup is available, your authorized representative must have photo identification and a cell phone to call (512) 475-0510 upon arrival at the LBJ building if no guard is present.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education.

If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 31.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division.

The maximum state mileage reimbursement rate for state employee travel in a personal vehicle will increase from 53.5 cents to 54.5 cents per mile, effective Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018. This rate is consistent with the Internal Revenue Service’s standard mileage rate.

Note: State agencies may adopt an internal policy for a rate that is lower than the maximum rate; however, the agency must distribute the internal policy before their employees begin any travel under the lower rate.

See Current Rates or Transportation: Mileage in Personal Vehicle in Textravel for more information.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit effective settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: If you need to submit a USAS or TINS batch file on a weekend or holiday, please see the USAS/TINS Input Record File Submission Schedule.

Warrant pickup will only be available from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22. For more information, see Holiday Payment Distribution.

State and federal holidays with no scheduled USAS cycle that are listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar are excluded when determining the direct deposit settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: If you need to submit a USAS or TINS batch file on a weekend or holiday, please see the USAS/TINS Input Record File Submission Schedule.

State agencies and institutions of higher education are required to ensure benefit cost payments are proportional to the agency or institution’s method of finance, unless another legal provision prohibits proportionality.

Benefits Proportional by Method of Finance Reports and related adjustments are due Nov. 19.

Read more about Benefits Proportional by Method of Finance (APS 011) (FPP A.010).

Entering procurement and travel card transactions into USAS or CAPPS Financials requires special considerations for the timely reconciliation of payments.

Agencies should double-check the procedures for entering credit card information into USAS and CAPPS invoice number fields as detailed in the CBA and CLIBA Numbers section of USAS and CAPPS Financials Invoice Number Field Requirements (FPP E.023).

For more information, see Processing Third-Party Transactions in USAS for Payment/Travel Cards, Direct Bill Payments and Reimbursements (FPP A.043) (login required) or phone or email your agency’s Purchase and Travel contact.

State agencies and institutions of higher education are required to ensure benefit cost payments are proportional to the agency or institution’s Method of Finance, unless another legal provision prohibits proportionality.

Benefits Proportional by Method of Finance Reports and related adjustments are due Nov. 19.

Read more about Benefits Proportional by Method of Finance (APS 011) (FPP A.010).

The Restricted Expenditures and Contracts tabs were updated to reflect legislative changes.

To learn more, see Latest Updates on eXpendit.

Several substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009). The Manual of Accounts provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds, accounts and object codes used in properly recording accounting transactions.

The latest changes include routine maintenance and edits, and also reflect legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, and 85th Legislature, Regular Session, that took effect Sept. 1.

The transaction entry screens in USAS and CAPPS allow state agencies and institutions of higher education to enter payment-related information in the invoice number and description fields.

Under no circumstances should agencies and institutions enter confidential or sensitive information such as complete or partial Social Security numbers or information covered by the Protected Health Information Prohibition.

For complete information and to review procedures for compliance with field requirements, see USAS and CAPPS Financials Invoice Number Field Requirements (FPP E.023).

How well are we meeting your customer service expectations?

Please let us know by completing the online survey by Friday, Oct. 13. We appreciate your feedback.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov.

Several Accounting Policy Statements (APSs) have been updated through acts of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session. The APSs include changes to terminology, policies, procedures and transaction coding blocks.

Each APS should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with the most current policies and procedures.

Fiscal 2018 travel reimbursement rates are available now for:

• In-state or out-of-state meals and lodging
• In-state or out-of-state non-overnight meals
• Automobile mileage
• Aircraft mileage

The 2018 General Services Administration (GSA) rates are effective Oct. 1 and are now available online. For Sept. 1 – 30, the standard lodging rate for all locations not listed on the GSA will be $91. Effective Oct.1, the standard lodging rate increases to $93. The maximum daily meal reimbursement rate for in-state and out-of-state locations not listed on the GSA remains $51.

For more information, see Textravel or email Expenditure Assistance.

Many state agencies and institutions have been called on to assist Texas citizens who have suffered losses due to Hurricane Harvey. Governor Abbott has issued several proclamations to provide relief to those affected. See the governor’s website for more information on how these proclamations may affect your agency’s business.

For additional information and contacts by topic, see Accounting for Natural Disaster Relief Efforts (FPP K.011).

Several Accounting Policy Statements (APSs) have been updated through acts of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session. The APSs include changes to terminology, policies, procedures and transaction coding blocks.

Each APS should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with the most current policies and procedures.

The USAS annual cash-basis close for fiscal 2017 will occur on Thursday, Aug. 31.

The fiscal year-end close process requires shutting down the statewide fiscal systems. For more information, please see the Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events, which includes:

• Processing deadlines
• The dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

The 85th Legislature made numerous changes to Article IX of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) that take effect Sept. 1. A summary of these changes and of major bills passed that affect multiple agencies can be found at Changes to Article IX of the GAA and Other Bills of Interest to State Agencies (FPP F.008).

Settlement and Judgment Processing Guidelines (FPP E.041) has been updated, in part to reflect changes made by the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, that require:

• The payment of a settlement or judgment to not exceed 1 percent of the total amount of funds appropriated for expenditure by that agency for that fiscal year.
• A statement be added to settlement and judgment documentation verifying that allowed limits have not been exceeded. See the Sample Settlement Letter and Sample Transmittal Letter for Pre-Litigation Claims.

Due to extensive changes, staff who process settlements and judgments should thoroughly review Settlement and Judgment Processing Guidelines (FPP E.041).

The monthly Outstanding Warrants Control Report (DAFR8171) is generated on the first Friday of every month. Agencies are reminded to monitor their report, especially during the summer months, before warrants become void on Aug. 31.

The Outstanding Warrant Report (DAFR8161) is a requestable report via the online Report Request Profile, USAS 91 screen and includes two special select options.

SPEC SEL 1: Provides an outstanding warrant report by payee number in ascending order. To select this report, enter V on the 91 screen. To ensure all outstanding warrants are listed for all payees, the SPEC SEL 2 field must be blank.

SPEC SEL 2: Provides an outstanding warrant report for specific dollar amount thresholds and lists warrants in descending order by dollar amount. To select this report, enter values A–D on the 91 screen as follows:

• A = over $500
• B = over $1,000
• C = over $5,000
• D = over $10,000

The 91 Report Request Profile in USAS Coding Instructions (FPP Q.010) provides detailed information on this profile screen.

If you have questions, please contact Payment Services.

Please see the 2017 Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events that includes:

• Processing deadlines
• Dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

To ensure correct year-end USAS balances for imprest, petty cash and travel advance accounts, agencies authorized to maintain these accounts are asked to certify that USAS balances and agency computed balances (cash plus outstanding reimbursements) agree.

Only cash accounts with balances created from funds in the State Treasury are subject to this requirement.

The certification is due by July 10. All corrections must be entered into USAS by July 28.

See USAS Balances for Imprest, Petty Cash and Travel Advance Accounts (FPP A.045) for additional information, including instructions for requesting access and completing the forms.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller's office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 31.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division (UP).

Effective May 5, access to making changes in the APPROPRIATED FUND, GAAP FUND and GAAP FUND TYPE fields on the USAS D23 screen is limited to central user classes only. This ensures all financial table balances are reported properly and reduces the corrective actions and agency coordination required when these fields are changed.

For more information, see ACR 60212 – USAS System Change

State agencies and institutions of higher education may need to send documents to Fiscal Management that contain confidential information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, direct deposit instructions, net pay and Texas identification numbers that include Social Security numbers.

Email is not considered a secured transmission, and confidential information should not be sent in the body of an email. Provide an encrypted attachment for any confidential information as prescribed by your agency’s Information Security Office. Passwords should be provided in a separate email or over the phone. Fax transmission is also acceptable.

For more information, see Confidential Information Must be Encrypted Before Emailing to Fiscal Management (FPP D.004).

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education.

If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 31.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division.

Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for the associated hotel occupancy taxes. The refunds are generated automatically through USAS each quarter.

The hotel occupancy tax refund for December through February will be available on the DAFR8190 and DAFR8200 reports on March 9.

For more information, see Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006).

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ ability to accurately distinguish confidential and non-confidential payments is critical in making payment information promptly available to the public. State agencies and institutions of higher education must ensure that confidential transactions are properly marked to protect payee confidentiality as stipulated by USAS and CAPPS Confidentiality Indicator (FPP E.045).

Under state law, it is the responsibility of the agency or institution submitting a transaction to determine the confidentiality of the transaction. Transactions are legally considered public unless specifically excluded by the Public Information Act. When an agency or institution marks a transaction confidential, they should be prepared to cite the law or attorney general opinion that excludes the payment from public disclosure.

Check the Forms page or appropriate topic page on FMX before submitting a form to ensure you submit the current version. Previously downloaded forms or stored links may be outdated.

The Forms page is always available from the top drop-down menu bar. Forms can be filtered by topic, browsed alphabetically or numerically. Topic pages such as Appropriations or Payment Services feature a forms subheading with a link to forms on that topic.

The Fiscal Management applications and mainframe systems are expected to be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance on Sunday, Jan. 29, from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 31.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 31.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more, including contact information for the Comptroller's Unclaimed Property Division.

The maximum state mileage reimbursement rate for state employee travel in a personal vehicle will decrease from 54.0 cents to 53.5 cents per mile, effective Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2017. This rate is consistent with the Internal Revenue Service’s standard mileage rate.

Note: State agencies may adopt an internal policy for a rate that is lower than the maximum rate; however, the agency must distribute the internal policy before their employees begin any travel.

See Current Rates or Transportation: Mileage in Personal Vehicle in Textravel for more information.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: If you need to submit a USAS or TINS batch file on a weekend or holiday, please see the Batch File Submission Calendar.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit effective settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: If you need to submit a USAS or TINS batch file on a weekend or holiday, please see the Batch File Submission Calendar.

Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 is a banking holiday, observed by the Federal Reserve and most financial institutions.

According to state law, Jan. 2 is considered the first working day following the December 2016 pay period, making it pay day.

As a result, payroll warrants will be dated Jan. 2, 2017. While direct deposit payments will be transmitted to financial institutions before and with the payment date of Jan. 2, those institutions are not required to post payments on the banking holiday. Consequently, some employees’ funds may not be available until Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Supplemental direct deposit payrolls and regular vendor (bills) payments will also be affected. Payments that process through USAS and payrolls that process through USPS and SPRS/CAPPS on Thursday, Dec. 29, will be transmitted with a payment date of Jan. 2. Consequently, employees’ and payees’ funds may not be available until Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Employees and payees with direct deposit should check with their financial institutions to confirm when their funds will be available. This is especially important if the employee or vendor has established automatic withdrawals on Jan. 2.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: If you need to submit a USAS or TINS batch file on a weekend or holiday, please see the Batch File Submission Calendar.

Video tutorials on the Comptroller’s online application for detailed payment information are now available on:

• State Payee Payment Resources on FMX
• Texas Direct Deposit on Comptroller.Texas.Gov
• The Comptroller’s YouTube playlists

The Search State Payments Issued tutorials present an opportunity to promote direct deposit for your agency’s payees. For more information, contact Payment Services.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: If you need to submit a USAS or TINS batch file on a weekend or holiday, please see the Batch File Submission Center.

Entering procurement and travel card transactions into USAS or CAPPS Financials requires special considerations for the timely reconciliation of payments.

Agencies should double-check the procedures for entering credit card information into USAS and CAPPS invoice number fields as detailed in the CBA and CLIBA Numbers section of USAS and CAPPS Financials Invoice Number Field Requirements (FPP E.023).

For more information, see Processing Third-Party Transactions in USAS for Payment/Travel Cards, Direct Bill Payments and Reimbursements (FPP A.043) or phone or email your agency’s Purchase and Travel contact.

State agencies and institutions of higher education are required to include a link to the Comptroller’s Where the Money Goes expenditure database on their websites. The URL for the database and visual tools have changed with the rebuild of Comptroller.Texas.Gov.

For more information, see Where the Money Goes Requirements (FPP G.004).

Recently, Microsoft released and updated Internet Explorer (IE) to version 11.0.35. The new IE version was incompatible with the BlueZone Web-to-Host Windows-based terminal emulation application.

Microsoft has released a fix (KB3192665) that will eliminate the compatibility issue. It can be downloaded from their Update Catalog.

BlueZone can be used to access the Comptroller’s mainframe through online applications, such as the Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS) or the Uniform Statewide Payroll/Personnel System (USPS).

For more information, see Requirements for Transmitting Comptroller Information Over Public Networks (FPP N.007) (login required).

Please complete our online survey to let us know if we are meeting your customer service expectations. Your responses help us improve the services we provide.

The survey is extended to until close of business Friday, Oct. 7.

If you have questions about this survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov. Thank you in advance for your help.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit effective settlement date of a payment.

When financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest. This includes Columbus Day (Oct. 10).

The transaction entry screens in USAS and CAPPS allow state agencies and institutions of higher education to enter payment-related information in the invoice number and description fields.

Under no circumstances should agencies and institutions enter confidential or sensitive information such as complete or partial Social Security numbers or information covered by the Protected Health Information Prohibition.

For complete information and to review your agency’s procedures for compliance with field requirements, see USAS and CAPPS Financials Invoice Number Field Requirements (FPP E.023).

How well are we meeting your customer service expectations?

Please let us know by completing the online survey by Friday, Sept. 30. We appreciate your feedback.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov.

Several substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009). The list of changes includes entries that have been added, deleted or significantly modified.

The manual provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds and accounts and object codes to be used in properly recording accounting transactions.

Fiscal 2017 travel reimbursement rates are available now for:

• In-state or out-of-state meals and lodging
• In-state or out-of-state non-overnight meals
• Automobile mileage
• Aircraft mileage

The 2017 General Services Administration (GSA) rates are effective Oct. 1 and are now available online. Please note that the standard lodging rate for out-of-state locations not listed on the GSA has increased to $91. However, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) limits lodging reimbursement for non-listed in-state locations to $85. The maximum daily meal reimbursement rate for in-state and out-of-state locations not listed on the GSA remains at $51.

For more information, see Textravel, email Expenditure Assistance or call (512) 475-0966.

The Appropriations and Appropriation Year Determination sections under the Fiscal Matters tab were updated to better convey current policies.

Additionally, the Employee Uniforms and Clothing Allowances section was added to the State Employees tab.

The USAS annual cash-basis close for fiscal 2016 will occur on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

The fiscal year-end close process requires shutting down the statewide fiscal systems. For more information, please see the Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events, which includes:

• The dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

Several substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009). The list of changes includes entries that have been added, deleted or significantly modified.

The manual provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds and accounts and object codes to be used in properly recording accounting transactions.

Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for the associated hotel occupancy taxes. The refunds are generated automatically through USAS each quarter.

The hotel occupancy tax refund for June through July will be available on the DAFR8190 and DAFR8200 reports on Aug. 9.

For more information, see Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006).

The interest rate the state pays on a late payment due to a vendor under the state’s prompt payment law will be 4.50 percent for fiscal 2017. The interest calculation is one percentage point higher than the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of July.

For more information, see Interest Rate on eXpendit (FPP I.005).

Please see the 2016 Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events that includes:

• Processing deadlines
• Dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

The new Appropriation Year and Fiscal Year Comparison Chart illustrates the important differences between these two yearly time periods, including:

• What they do
• What they specify
• How long they last
• What the rules are
• Where they usually count most

This resource can be found in USAS Reference (FPP Q.012) and the Training Library: USAS.

To ensure correct year-end USAS balances for imprest, petty cash and travel advance accounts, agencies authorized to maintain these accounts are asked to certify that USAS balances and agency computed balances (cash plus outstanding reimbursements) agree.

Only cash accounts with balances created from funds in the State Treasury are subject to this requirement.

The certification is due by July 8. All corrections must be entered into USAS by July 29.

See USAS Balance for Imprest, Petty Cash and Travel Advance Accounts (FPP A.045) for additional information, including instructions for requesting access and completing the forms.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 27.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more information, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division (UP).

The National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers’ (NASACT) Middle Management Conference will be held April 12–14 in Austin. Texas state government employees are invited to attend. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and State Auditor’s Office are co-hosts for this event.

• Who should attend: emerging leaders in state government financial management, auditing and training
• Registration Deadline: April 1, 2016
• CPE Credits: 20 (recommended)
• Cost: $425.00

For detailed information, see the conference flyer and the NASACT website. If you have additional questions, contact Rob Coleman, Conference Co-Chair, at (512) 463-7630.

Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for the associated hotel occupancy taxes. The refunds are generated automatically through USAS each quarter.

The hotel occupancy tax refund for December through February will be available on the DAFR8190 and DAFR8200 reports on March 9.

For more information, see Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006).

The National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers’ (NASACT) Middle Management Conference will be held April 12–14 in Austin. Texas state government employees are invited to attend. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and State Auditor’s Office are co-hosts for this event.

• Who should attend: emerging leaders in state government financial management, auditing and training
• Registration Deadline: April 1, 2016
• CPE Credits: 20 (recommended)
• Cost: $425.00

For detailed information, see the conference flyer and the NASACT website. If you have additional questions, contact Rob Coleman, Conference Co-Chair, at (512) 463-7630.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ ability to accurately distinguish confidential and non-confidential payments is critical in making payment information promptly available to the public. State agencies and institutions of higher education must ensure that confidential transactions are properly marked to protect payee confidentiality as stipulated by USAS and CAPPS Confidentiality Indicator (FPP E.045).

Under state law, it is the responsibility of the agency submitting a transaction to determine the confidentiality of the transaction. Transactions are legally considered public unless specifically excluded by the Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). When an agency marks a transaction confidential, the agency should be prepared to cite the law or attorney general opinion that excludes the payment from public disclosure.

Several substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009). The list of changes includes entries that have been added, deleted or significantly modified.

The manual provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds and accounts and object codes to be used in properly recording accounting transactions.

For questions, please contact Samuel.Miller@cpa.texas.gov.

Do you need to submit a form to Fiscal Management? Visit the Forms page or appropriate topic page on FMX to ensure you submit the current version.

The Forms page is always available from the top drop-down menu bar. Forms can be filtered by topic or browsed alphabetically or numerically. Topic pages such as Appropriations or Payment Services feature a forms subheading with a link to forms on that topic.

Note: Previously downloaded copies or stored links may not provide up-to-date forms.

A number of substantive changes, effective Sept. 30 and Jan. 1, have been made recently to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009) due to legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, Regular Session. The list includes entries that have been added, deleted or significantly modified.

The manual provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds and accounts and object codes to be used in properly recording accounting transactions.

For questions, please contact Samuel.Miller@cpa.texas.gov.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 27.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more information, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division (UP) and the list of agencies with unclaimed funds. UP will mail claim forms to the financial representatives of agencies on the list by Jan. 29.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Currently held property will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 27.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more information, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division (UP) and the list of agencies with unclaimed funds. UP will mail claim forms to the financial representatives of agencies on the list by Jan. 29.

The maximum state mileage reimbursement rate for state employee travel in a personal vehicle will decrease from 57.5 cents to 54 cents, effective Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2016. This rate is consistent with the Internal Revenue Service’s standard mileage rate.

Note: State agencies may adopt an internal policy for a rate that is lower than the maximum rate; however, the agency must distribute the internal policy before their employees begin any travel.

For more information, see State Mileage Reimbursement Rate (FPP S.005) or Transportation: Mileage in a Personal Vehicle in Textravel.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit effective settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: Do not submit USAS or TINS files on holidays when no cycle runs. Files sent on a holiday will be overwritten by files submitted after the holiday.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit effective settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: Do not submit USAS or TINS files on holidays when no cycle runs. Files sent on a holiday will be overwritten by files submitted after the holiday.

Effective Nov. 23, the Comptroller’s office updated the password requirements for all systems and applications that authenticate with a mainframe password:

• Mainframe systems (HRIS, SPA, SPRS, TINS, USAS and USPS)
• Annual Financial Report Web Applications
• Comptroller’s Employee Time Accounting, also used by DPS
• FMX restricted areas
• FTP Reports
• INFOPAC/INFOSGA
• State Agency Payment Search
• Web Warrant Inquiry and Cancellation Request System

Any password changes or reset requests on a mainframe account starting Nov. 23 will have new requirements. For more information, please see Mainframe Password Requirements (Comptroller user ID required).

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts statewide financial systems will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For additional details, see the Systems topic page.

State and federal holidays listed on the System Outages and Holidays Calendar with no scheduled USAS cycle are excluded when determining the direct deposit settlement date of a payment.

Since financial institutions are closed, no direct deposit activity occurs on those days. Agencies must exclude these dates when determining when to process their payments to ensure prompt payment and avoid late payment interest.

Note: Do not submit USAS or TINS files on holidays when no cycle runs. Files sent on a holiday will be overwritten by files submitted after the holiday.

Benefits Proportional by Fund Reports and related adjustments are due Nov. 19.

Agencies and institutions funded with a single appropriated fund must submit a letter confirming this status by Nov. 19.

For forms and sample letters, see Benefits Proportional by Fund (APS 011) (FPP A.010).

State agencies and institutions of higher education are required to ensure payments of benefit costs are proportional to the agency’s or institution’s funding from appropriated funds, unless another legal provision prohibits proportionality.

Benefits Proportional by Fund Reports and related adjustments are due Nov. 19.

Agencies and institutions funded with a single appropriated fund must submit a letter confirming this status by Nov. 19.

For forms and sample letters, see Benefits Proportional by Fund (APS 011) (FPP A.010).

Entering procurement and travel card transactions into USAS or CAPPS Financials requires special considerations for the timely reconciliation of payments.

Agencies should double-check the procedures for entering credit card information into USAS and CAPPS invoice number fields as detailed in the CBA and CLIBA Numbers section of USAS and CAPPS Financials Invoice Number Field Requirements (FPP E.023).

For more information, see Processing Third-Party Transactions in USAS for Payment/Travel Cards, Direct Bill Payments and Reimbursements (FPP A.043) or phone or email your agency’s Purchase and Travel contact.

Please complete our online survey to let us know if our automated tools and statewide financial systems are meeting your expectations. The survey is available now until close of business Friday, Oct. 30. We appreciate your feedback.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov.

The Comptroller’s office operates several financial systems to maintain the central accounting records of the state, perform accounting activities and prepare payroll and other warrants. In addition, the agency has developed several automated tools to help state agencies and institutions of higher education with their accounting and reporting tasks.

Let us know how these automated tools and statewide financial systems are meeting your expectations by taking a few minutes to complete our online survey. The survey is available now until close of business Friday, Oct. 30. We appreciate your feedback.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov.

The Contracts and State Employees tabs were updated in eXpendit per the 84th Legislature, Regular Session. Highlighted changes include:

Contracts tab — Senate Bill 20

• Restrictions on employment with vendors (new)
• Contract documentation (new)

Contracts tab — House Bill 3014

• Success contracts (new)

State Employees tab — House Bill 3337

• Training and continuing education (updated)

The transaction entry screens in USAS and CAPPS allow state agencies and institutions of higher education to enter payment-related information in the invoice number and description fields. Review your agency’s procedures to ensure compliance with USAS and CAPPS Financials Invoice Number Field Requirements (FPP E.023).

Under no circumstances should agencies and institutions enter confidential or sensitive information such as complete or partial Social Security numbers or information covered by the Protected Health Information Prohibition.

Data items described in Business and Commerce Code, Section 521.002 must not be entered into a field not specifically created for that information unless explicitly allowed by Comptroller policy. Disallowed data includes:

• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number
• Credit card number
• Direct deposit or bank routing information
• Medical information
• Any other sensitive information

Several Accounting Policy Statements (APSs) have been updated through acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session. The APSs include changes to terminology, policies, procedures and transaction coding blocks. Some APSs have been updated to include information applicable to CAPPS.

Each APS should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with the most current policies and procedures.

A number of substantive changes have been made recently to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009) due to legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, Regular Session. The list includes entries that have been added, deleted or significantly modified.

The manual provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds and accounts and object codes to be used in properly recording accounting transactions.

For questions, please contact Samuel.Miller@cpa.texas.gov.

Several Accounting Policy Statements (APSs) have been updated through acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session. The APSs include changes to terminology, policies, procedures and transaction coding blocks. Some APSs have been updated to include information applicable to CAPPS.

Each APS should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with the most current policies and procedures.

Fiscal 2016 travel reimbursement rates are now available for:

• In-state/out-of-state meals and lodging
• In-state/out-of-state non-overnight meals
• Automobile mileage
• Aircraft mileage

For more information, see Textravel, email Expenditure Assistance or call (512) 475-0966.

Several Accounting Policy Statements (APSs) have been updated through acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session. The APSs include changes to terminology, policies, procedures and transaction coding blocks. Some APSs have been updated to include information applicable to CAPPS.

Each APS should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with the most current policies and procedures.

The USAS annual cash-basis close for fiscal 2015 will occur on Monday, Aug. 31.

The fiscal year-end close process requires shutting down the statewide fiscal systems. For more information, please see the Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events, which includes:

• The dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

The 84th Legislature made numerous changes to Article IX of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) that take effect Sept. 1. A summary of these changes and of major bills passed that affect multiple agencies can be found at Changes to Article IX of the GAA and Other Bills of Interest to State Agencies (FPP F.008).

A number of substantive changes have been made recently to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009) for fiscal 2015 due to legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, Regular Session. The list includes entries that have been added, deleted or significantly modified.

The manual provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds and accounts and object codes to be used in properly recording accounting transactions.

For questions, please contact Samuel.Miller@cpa.texas.gov.

Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for the associated hotel occupancy taxes. The refunds are generated automatically through USAS each quarter.

The hotel occupancy tax refund for June through July will be available on the DAFR8190 and DAFR8200 reports on Aug. 9.

For more information, see Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006).

Please complete our online survey to let us know if we are meeting your customer service expectations. Your responses help us improve the services we provide.

The survey is available now until close of business Friday, July 24. If you have questions about this survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov. Thank you in advance for your help.

The interest rate the state pays on a late payment due a vendor under the state’s prompt payment law will be 4.25 percent for fiscal 2016. The interest calculation is one percentage point higher than the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of July.

For more information, see Interest Rate under the Prompt Payment tab in eXpendit (FPP I.005).

New this year is the Master Schedule of Year-End Close Events that includes:

• All processing deadlines
• The dates and times the online systems will be unavailable
• Contacts for any issues

To ensure correct year-end USAS balances for imprest, petty cash and travel advance accounts, agencies authorized to maintain these accounts are asked to certify that USAS balances and agency computed balances (cash plus outstanding reimbursements) agree.

Only cash accounts with balances created from funds in the State Treasury are subject to this requirement.

The certification is due July 9. All corrections must be entered into USAS by July 30.

See USAS Balances for Imprest, Petty Cash and Travel Advance Accounts (FPP A.045) for additional information, including instructions for requesting access and completing the forms.

A number of substantive changes have been made recently to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009). The list includes entries that have been added, deleted or significantly modified.

The manual provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds and accounts and object codes used to properly record accounting transactions.

For questions or feedback on the Manual of Accounts, please contact Samuel Miller at Samuel.Miller@cpa.texas.gov.

How well are we meeting your customer service expectations?

Please let us know by completing the online survey by Friday, July 24. We appreciate your feedback.

If you have any questions about the survey, please email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Property currently being held will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 29.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more information, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division (UP). All state agencies or institutions of higher education with unclaimed funds were notified as of March 31, 2015.

To view FMX, you must use these browser versions or an earlier version.

• Mozilla Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) 31.6.0
• Google Chrome 41.0.2272.118 m
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.0.9600.17691
• Apple Safari 6.2.3

If you have questions, please contact your agency’s IT department.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts offers two new Where the Money Goes tools that make it easier for the public to find and analyze payments made by state agencies and institutions of higher education.

• The Travel Payments tool breaks down payments by agency, individual payee, type of travel expense and more.
• The Payments to Payee tool is a new view of the state’s check register that lists individual payments, transaction dates, comptroller object codes and more.

These data visualization tools will replace most of the classic tools, which will still be offered for a limited time. A comparison of classic and data visualization tools is available.

See Where the Money Goes Requirements (FPP G.004) for details on the responsibilities of state agencies and institutions of higher education.

Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for the associated hotel occupancy taxes. The refunds are generated automatically through USAS each quarter.

The hotel occupancy tax refund for December through February will be available on the DAFR8190 and DAFR8200 reports on March 9.

For more information, see Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006).

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ ability to accurately distinguish confidential and non-confidential payments is critical in making payment information promptly available to the public. State agencies and institutions of higher education must ensure that confidential transactions are properly marked to protect payee confidentiality as stipulated by USAS Confidential Indicator (FPP E.045).

Under state law, it is the responsibility of the agency submitting a transaction to determine the confidentiality of the transaction. Transactions are legally considered public unless specifically excluded by the Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). When an agency marks a transaction confidential, the agency should be prepared to cite the law or attorney general opinion that excludes the payment from public disclosure.

Note: “Agency” includes institutions of higher education.

Do you need to submit a form to Fiscal Management? To ensure you always use a current form, download it at the time you need it from either the Forms page or the appropriate topic page on FMX.

The Forms page is always available from the top drop-down menu bar. Forms can be filtered by topic or browsed alphabetically or numerically. Topic pages such as Appropriations or Payment Services feature a forms subheading with a link to forms on that topic.

Note: Previously downloaded copies or stored links may not provide up-to-date forms.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Property currently being held will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 29.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more information, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division (UP) and the list of agencies and institutions with unclaimed funds. UP will mail claim forms to the financial representatives of agencies on the list by Jan. 31.

Training Center, the online registration system for Fiscal Management training, has been updated to reflect the email domain change to a texas.gov address for affected agencies.

You must use your new texas.gov email address to sign in to register for a class or access your training certificates and transcripts. Your password or other account information has not changed. The Training Center sign-in page identifies the affected agencies.

For questions, please email fm.training@cpa.texas.gov.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has announced the following staff changes:

• Phillip Ashley is now Associate Deputy Comptroller for Fiscal Matters, overseeing the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company, Revenue Estimating, Treasury Operations, Property Tax Assistance, Unclaimed Property and Educational Opportunities & Investment in addition to Fiscal Management.
• Rob Coleman is now Director of Fiscal Management, overseeing the Fiscal Integrity, Statewide Fiscal Services and Statewide Fiscal Systems departments.
• Sandra Woodruff is now Assistant Director of Fiscal Management.

Please see FMX for contact information for Fiscal Management – Directors, Managers & Administrative Assistants.

Unclaimed property turned over to the state includes property that may belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. If agencies and institutions do not claim property after an annual notification, the Comptroller’s office deposits the money into unappropriated General Revenue (GR). Property currently being held will be swept into GR if not claimed by May 29.

See the Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more information, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division (UP) and the list of agencies and institutions with unclaimed funds. UP will mail claim forms to the financial representatives of agencies on the list by Jan. 31.

In keeping with the Texas Department of Information Resources’ request for agencies to adopt the texas.gov Web and email extensions, the Comptroller of Public Accounts announces the following changes:

Website Update and URL

The Window on State Government website has a refreshed look with a new name and URL: Comptroller.Texas.Gov. Links to Window URLs will continue to work due to automatic redirects.

Note: FMX has not been affected at this time.

Email Addresses

The Comptroller’s office is phasing a new style for staff email addresses during 2015: firstname.lastname @cpa.texas.gov. Either Jane.Doe @cpa.state.tx.us or @cpa.texas.gov will work for the time being.

Watch FMXtra for additional updates.