Handbook 9.11
Fiscal and Personnel Matters Handbook
Chapter 1
Fiscal and Budgetary Matters
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Contents
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This chapter provides guidance on the fiscal and budget matters for Criminal
Investigation (CI). The following will be discussed in this chapter:
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Central Financial Plan.
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Incidental Investigative Expenditures
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Confidential Investigative Expenditures (Pre-authorized)
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Criminal Investigation operates under a centralized financial plan for all
direct law enforcement expenses. The Assistant Commissioner (Criminal
Investigation) is the financial plan manager and the Director, Finance Division,
CI administers the plan and allocates the resources.
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Criminal Investigation is allocated a portion of the IRS total budget. CI
also receives reimbursement from the Department of the Treasury, Department
of Justice, State Department and other government agencies for joint and
special operations.
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Regional Controllers receive funds to provide general support for CI on par
with all other district functions.
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Each district and Service Center is responsible for effectively using budget
allocations in accordance with all relevant guidelines.
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[9.11]
1.2.1 (04-26-1999)
Director, Finance Division (Controller), Criminal Investigation
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The Director, Finance Division is responsible for;
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Requesting and justifying resources (Budget Formulation).
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Distributing available resources to districts, service centers and Headquarter
components (Financial Plan Development).
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Ensuring resources are effectively expended to accomplish CI program goals
(Financial Plan Execution).
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Authorizing appropriate staffing levels. (Graded Authorized Staffing Pattern)
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The Director, Finance Division, and the Director, National CI Operations,
develop budget initiatives to include in the IRS budget requests sent to
the Department of the Treasury. Finance Division provides additional information
as requested and monitors the progress of the initiatives through Treasury,
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congress.
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Each year, the Director, Finance Division, requests financial plan requirements
from the districts. These requirements are compared to the budget availability
received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Financial Officer
(CFO). Funds are then allocated to each district to cover as many of the
requirements as possible.
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The CI Finance Division, Plan Execution Section monitors and reviews district
and Headquarters expenditures to ensure appropriate use of resources. Financial
Operating Guidelines are issued annually to assist districts in the most
effective use of available resources. Staff provides advice and assistance
to district offices. Reviews are conducted to compare overall resource use
and financial plan availability.
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Some funds are allocated directly to the individual district offices. These
include:
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Travel
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Training
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Overtime
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Cash Awards
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Various enforcement expenses to perform day-to-day operations.
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Other funds are provided to the districts to reimburse expenses that relate
to specific projects. These include:
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High Intensive Drug Traffic Areas (HIDTA)
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Motor Fuel Excise Tax
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Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)
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Treasury Asset Forfeiture Fund (TAFF)
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Other expenses are controlled centrally and paid at the Headquarter Office
level. These include:
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Salaries/Benefits (Full Time Equivalents, FTE)
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Purchase of automobiles and vans
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Investigative Equipment
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Confidential expenditures for Undercover Operations
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Antenna Lease Sites
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Relocation
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ADP Equipment
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The Director, Finance Division, CI, is also responsible for the authorization
of appropriate staffing levels. The Grade Authorized Staffing Pattern (GASP)
report is the authorizing document for distribution of positions (by employment
category and grade) to districts, service centers and national office. The
GASP is issued each quarter and compares current staffing with authorized
staffing levels.
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Written requests for changes in the GASP should be submitted for the approval
of the Director Finance Division, CI. Approved changes will be reflected
in the next quarter's GASP. Requests may be sent by mail, e-mail, or faxed
to (202) 622-5201.
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A Direct Investigative Time (DIT) analysis is performed each April to determine
the authorized percentage of GS-13 Field Special Agents for each district.
District case level data is extracted from Criminal Investigation Management
Information System (CIMIS) for the previous two (2) year period for analysis.
All DIT hours worked are used in the analysis. The percentage of DIT worked
on Investigation Level 13 is adjusted by ten percent (10%) to accommodate
developmental assignments. The resulting Investigation Level 13 percentage
becomes the authorized percentage of GS-13 Field Special Agents for the district;
however, a GS-13 limit of sixty percent (60%) is currently in place.
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The number of GS-13 promotions per quarter is calculated by multiplying the
number of Field Special Agents on-rolls by the authorized GS-13 percentage
and subtracting the number of GS-13 Field Special Agents. Special agents
assigned to Case Reviewer positions and those placed to accommodate Headquarters
Office or trailing spouse needs are not counted in this calculation.
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Service Center staffing follows the recent Service Center Criminal Investigation
Branch reorganization. Any requests to change staffing must have the approval
of the Office of Tax Refund Fraud and be forwarded to the Director, Finance
Division, CI, for final approval. Approved changes will be reflected in the
next GASP.
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The Regional Controller will treat CI as an equal partner among all other
district functions for support. This includes providing:
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Space and Space Alterations
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Office Furniture
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Telephone service
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All normal daily administrative needs
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NOTE:
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For a complete list of those expenses that are to be provided by the CI
centralized plan and the responsibilities of the Regional Controllers, refer
to the Memorandum of Understanding between Assistant Commissioner, CI, Assistant
Commissioner (Finance)/Controller, Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources
& Support, and Chief Information Officer, effective October 1, 1993.
(See Exhibit 9.11.1-1).
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CI districts are responsible to deliver CI program goals in accordance with
all relevant guidelines and within allocated resources. Financial Operating
Guidelines are issued annually by CI Finance Division, Chief Financial Officer,
Regional Controllers and District Controllers. Additional guidance is found
in the Part 1 of the Internal Revenue Manual at 1.6.1, Financial Codes.
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Incidental expenditures are minor expenses of a special agent. They are
unexpected and generally do not reoccur in an investigation. Incidental
expenditures are generally made without prior approval of a management official.
Incidental expenditures are independent of Delegation Order No. 16 (as revised).
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Incidental expenditures are expenditures which fall into Sub-Object Class
Code 2505 (SOC 2505) (see the Handbook in Part 1 of the IRM entitled Financial
Management Codes Handbook):
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Incidental expenditures:
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May not total more than $75 (may be authorized to $125) on each occasion.
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May not exceed $125 in a calendar month without prior managerial approval.
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May not total more than $500 in any calendar month for one special agent.
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If a special agent is on travel status and incurs incidental expenditures
for daily subsistence (surveillance activities, meeting with informants,
etc.), he or she should claim reimbursement as an incidental expenditure
and reduce his or her per diem as explained in the Travel Handbook of the
IRM
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A special agent should use discretion in incurring incidental expenditures.
Incidental expenditures will not be used instead of pre-authorized confidential
expenditures, especially as it relates to payments to informants for information
and other defined categories that require various levels of approval. For
example, if a special agent meets an informant once a week about a narcotics
project and incurs costs, this would not be considered incidental expenditures.
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Incidental expenditures are defined as follows:
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Purchase of a cup of coffee, a sandwich, a drink, a meal, or other similar
minor purchases for an informant when it is necessary for a special agent
to meet the informant at an inconspicuous place in order to ensure security
or to protect the identity of the informant. A special agent should also
seek reimbursement for himself or herself as well as for the informant.
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Cost of copies of third-party records, such as county real estate records,
whose purpose is determining and establishing tax liabilities or for
investigation and enforcement activities. These would not include documents
or research costs that are reimbursable under summons provisions. Tax Fraud
Investigative Aides (TFIA's) may be reimbursed for this type of expenditure,
but they are limited to this category of expenses.
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Cost of minor expenses related to surveillance activities, such as a drink
or a meal to maintain one's cover.
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Other miscellaneous expenses to secure evidence that are not of a recurring
nature. The term "evidence" is not restricted to that used or admissible
in a court case. For example, a special agent may incur miscellaneous expenses
related to the execution of a search warrant or purchase material at a tax
shelter seminar.
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A special agent is required to account for incidental expenditures and obtain
reimbursement as follows:
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If prior written approval is not required, a special agent must notify his
or her Group Manager in writing (routing slip or memo) and record in his
or her diary on the date a brief description of the expense, amount expended,
place, and persons present, including the assigned informant number or code
name, if applicable. These memos will be maintained at the direction of the
Chief, CI. Whenever possible, receipts should be obtained for items costing
$75 or more and stapled in the diary. If not possible, an explanation of
why a receipt was not obtained should be in the diary. Group Managers are
expected to follow up and review a special agent's diary for the proper
documentation.
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When a special agent determines that he or she will have incidental expenditures
of more than $125 in a calendar month, or will have an incidental expense
greater than $75 on a single occasion (example: drilling a safe deposit box
during a search warrant execution may exceed $75), he or she will prepare
a memorandum to the Chief, CI, stating expenditures spent to date, amount
of possible additional expenses, reasons for the additional expenditures,
and a request for authorization to spend funds at the approval level. The
Chief, CI, may authorize incidental expenditures totaling no more than $125
per occasion with a maximum of $500 in any calendar month for each special
agent. The Chief, CI, should maintain a photocopy of the approved authorizations
exceeding $125 in a given month or $75 in a single incident.
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A special agent should claim reimbursement of incidental expenditures on
his or her travel voucher by showing the date of expenditure, amount, and
the following explanation: "Incidental Expenditures" . A special agent should
not give any additional description or explanation of the incidental expenditure
on the travel voucher, nor should related receipts or memoranda be attached.
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[9.11]
1.4 (04-26-1999)
Confidential Investigative Expenditures (Pre-Authorised)
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Confidential Expenditures allows special agents to purchase or acquire
information and services that are necessary to complete a case. For example,
special agents may:
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Pay cash to informants to gather information and evidence about the violation
of federal statutes.
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Pay for meals and entertainment of an informant.
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Make cash payments when it is not possible for an informant to file a claim
for payment.
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Use cash when it is necessary to protect or conceal the identity of the special
agent or informant.
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Pay cash when immediate action is required to gather information and records.
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NOTE:
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In all situations, the agent must use good judgment and ensure that effective
case development is served by the use of these funds. This includes reviewing
information before payment is made. Expenditures must be approved by the
correct official and follow the dollar limits set by the Commissioner.
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The district Chief is authorized to approve special agents' claims for
reimbursement for authorized confidential expenditures through the imprest
fund. The Director of Investigations and the Director, National Operations
Division, are the approving officials for the regions and headquarters,
respectively.
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The authorization to incur confidential expenditures requires identifying
the location of the imprest fund being utilized. District employees will
specify and use the imprest fund of the appropriate district office. Imprest
funds located at regional offices or Headquarters will be specified and used
only when employees concerned are performing duties for those offices.
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NOTE:
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In situations where an expenditure is not confidential and normal procurement
procedures cannot be used, a disbursement may be made from the investigative
imprest fund. Normal procurement procedures include the use of the travel
voucher, IMPAC VISA card, requisitions, and district imprest funds. The Director,
Finance Division, CI, has authorizing officials on staff who are authorized
by the Assistant Commissioner (Procurement) to approve non-confidential purchases
from the investigative imprest fund. These individuals must be contacted
before any procurement may be authorized and they will provide record-keeping
instructions. An authorization for confidential expenditures should not be
used for this type of expenditure.
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Pre-authorized confidential expenditures fall into one of the following
categories and SOCs:
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Confidential Expenditures for Informants (SOC 9101).
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Confidential Expenditures for Undercover Operations (SOC 9102).
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"Other" Confidential Expenditures (SOC 9103).
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Confidential Expenditures for Protection and Maintenance of Witnesses and
Informants (SOC 9104).
(see the Handbook in Part 1 of the IRM entitled Financial Management Codes
Handbook):
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Confidential Expenditures for Informants (SOC 9101) --Represents the
cost of payments to informants for:
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Information.
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Assisting in an investigation which could save time and reduce costs.
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Services such as locating witnesses and assets which will result in obtaining
essential information, testimony, or evidence relating to an investigation.
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Payments for assisting in apprehending fugitives.
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Costs incurred because of payments on behalf of an informant are also
confidential expenditures. This includes payments instead of a direct payment,
such as purchasing an airline ticket for an informant or similar expenditures
and payments made to reimburse expenses of the informant for gathering
information for the Service.
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This terminology is not intended to include such minor "courtesy" expenses
that an investigator may pay when meeting an informant, payments to or for
an informant in connection with an approved undercover operation, or expenses
for protecting an informant whose identity has been compromised (see SOC
9104). SOC 9101 also does not include the cost of rewards to informants awarded
in tax investigations, which are chargeable to SOC 1182.
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Reimbursement for confidential expenditures is claimed only through imprest
funds for investigative purposes and not on travel vouchers.
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[9.11]
1.4.1.2 (04-26-1999)
Confidential Expenditures for Undercover Operation (SOC 9102)
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Confidential Expenditures for Undercover Operations (SOC 9102)
--Represents the cost of all confidential expenditures incurred in connection
with the undercover program, e.g.:
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Travel costs for undercover support team members;
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Cover document and premise expenses preliminary to an undercover operation;
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Payments to an informant incidental to an undercover operation; and
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Practical exercises relating to undercover training.
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It does not include travel and per diem incurred by agents outside of their
undercover assignment. Reimbursement for confidential expenditures is claimed
only through imprest funds for investigative purposes and not on travel vouchers.
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Case agent or management travel should not be included in expenses for the
undercover operation unless the case agent or manager are part of the cover
team.
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"Other" Confidential Expenditures (SOC 9103) --Represents expenditures
not included in SOC 9101, 9102, or 9104. Other confidential expenditures
may include the following types of expenditures:
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The cost of admission to race tracks and racing forms.
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The cost of surveillance facilities and related expenses for the conduct
of investigations and the authorized gathering of information regarding
individuals or authorized projects involving suspected violations of laws
under the jurisdiction of CI (ex: includes money laundering; T31); the authorized
gathering of information concerning the administration and enforcement of
the laws under the jurisdiction of CI (ex: includes money laundering; T31).
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Confidential expenses incurred in locating certain witnesses.
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Reimbursement for confidential expenditures may be claimed only through imprest
funds for investigative purposes and not on travel vouchers.
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[9.11]
1.4.1.4 (04-26-1999)
Confidential Expenditures for Protection and Maintenance of Witnesses
and Informants (SOC 9104)
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Confidential Expenditures for Protection and Maintenance of Witnesses
and Informants (SOC 9104) --Represents the cost of all confidential
expenditures incurred in protecting and relocating an informant or witness
(see IRM Handbook 9.6 Chapter 7 Section 7.6 and the IRM Financial Management
Codes Handbook).
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Reimbursement for confidential expenditures may be claimed only through imprest
funds for investigative purposes and not on travel vouchers.
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Whenever authorized expenditures are necessary, the total expected cost will
be determined to obtain authorization. Based upon the tentative cost, an
authorization will be requested using the procedures and guidelines that
follow. If later it is determined that additional funds are needed, a revised
request must be made.
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An authorization may be established in the name of an investigation, a general
investigation, an undercover operation, "other" confidential expenditures,
or a protected witness. An authorization may not be established in the name
of an informant except for a SOC 9104 authorization.
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An "investigation" is either an information item or an investigation that
has been assigned a number per CIMIS. If a groups subject is under simultaneous
investigation for one specific violation or several related violations, this
should be treated as an
investigation.
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A "general investigation" is one specific information gathering or project
to determining compliance with laws enforced by IRS in a defined geographical
area or in a defined group of taxpayers. The existence of a National Project
does not authorize approval to pay for any confidential expenditures or
information gathering activities.
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An authorization may be established at the regional or National Office to
develop and maintain cover documents and premises or to authorize confidential
expenditures necessary to conduct undercover training.
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A district may establish multiple General Investigations (GIs) for the same
investigative purposes but involving distinctly different geographical areas.
The districts may obtain authorizations to use separate funds for each GI
established in a different geographical area. The number of GIs and approved
authorizations in a district must be based on reasonable and prudent judgment.
Multiple GIs in a single group's area or in a single geographical area, covered
by multiple groups would not be warranted. GIs for areas involving posts
of duty (POD's) not having a CI Group Manager will generally be considered
too small.
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Confidential fund authorizations in regard to investigations and undercover
operations are valid for the duration of the assignment. In instances of
an undercover operation, funds may be expended through the due date of the
undercover closing report. With the exception of cover documents, confidential
fund authorizations for general investigations (GIs) are valid for the duration
of the GI. Authorizations for cover documents are valid for the duration
of the undercover agent's assignment.
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Written requests for approval for an authorization for confidential expenditures
should originate from a special agent and contain the following information
(Exhibit 9.11.1-2, Form 8561, Request for
Recoverable/Confidential/Incidental/Seizure Funds):
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The name of the case, project, or other identifying entry.
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The case or project number, when applicable.
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The sub-object code(s).
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The expiration date of the authorization.
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The location of the investigative imprest fund to be utilized.
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The reason or purpose for the expenditures.
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Other relevant information useful to the management officials who will approve
the authorization.
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The specific amount to be authorized.
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If the original request is insufficient, the special agent should submit
an amended request for the additional expenditures and obtain the same level
of approvals as the original request.
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For requests requiring the approval of the Assistant Commissioner, CI, the
Regional Commissioner will approve the initial $20,000 as well as concur
with the request for the additional funds.
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Authorization requests requiring approval of either the Regional Commissioner
or the Assistant Commissioner, CI, should also include the amount of imprest
funds authorized by the District Director and total payments made to date.
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Authorization may be established based on oral approval in emergency situations.
When oral approval is given at the above-authorized levels, the special agent
must submit a follow-up written request (Form 8561 (Exhibit 9.11.1-2)) for
authorization within 24 hours.
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In all requests, on all forms, and in other documentation, a special agent
will refer to an informant by code name and/or number. None of the imprest
fund files will include any information that would compromise the identity
or confidentiality of the informant.
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The Chief, CI, is responsible for ensuring the security and confidentiality
of any grand jury information received in relation to an authorization, including
information for the grand jury from an informant. Grand jury information
cannot be disclosed to Service personnel not assisting in the grand jury.
See text located in IRM Handbook 9.5 Chapter 2.
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Confidential expenditures do not include normal travel and per diem expenses
incurred by special agents. The only exceptions are:
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In the case of undercover operation expenditures; and
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The Chief, CI, may approve on a case-by-case basis confidential expenditures
by a special agent when meeting with an informant.
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[9.11]
1.4.2.2 (04-26-1999)
Requests for Authority to Establish Cover Document/Premise Authorization
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If appropriate, the Chief, CI, may request authorization for confidential
expenditures to pay costs incurred by contact agents and trained undercover
agents in obtaining and maintaining cover documentation which is not associated
with a specific undercover operation (SOC 9102).
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All requests for cover documentation expenditures must be approved by the
Director of Investigations or the Assistant Commissioner, CI. For those requests
exceeding $20,000, approval authority rests with the Assistant Commissioner,
CI. Cover documentation expenditure authorizations may be approved for the
duration of the general investigation. Authorized funding for this type of
general investigation is cumulative. For example, the general investigation
is originally approved for two (2) years with authorized funding (SOC 9102)
of $15,000. At the end of two (2) years, the general investigation is extended
for 18 months with additional funds (SOC 9102) of $6,000 being requested.
The total authorization for this general investigation now becomes $21,000.
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Requests for this type of authorization should be made on Form 8561 (Exhibit
9.11.1-2)).
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All requests for cover premises (storefronts) must be approved by the Assistant
Commissioner, CI. See LEM IX located in IRM Handbook 9.14.
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[9.11]
1.4.3 (04-26-1999)
Approval Levels For Confidential Expendiure Authorizations
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The following individuals can approve all types of imprest fund authorizations
in regards to single assigned investigations, general investigations and
protected witnesses:
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More than $20,000: the Assistant Commissioner, CI.
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$20,000 or less: the Directors of Investigations, CI, and the Director, National
Operations Division.
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$10,000 or less: District Directors and the Chief, Office of Narcotics and
Money Laundering. Authority is limited to payments to or on behalf of informants,
witness protection, and "other" expenses. They may not authorize confidential
expenses for undercover operations.
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$5,000 or less: The Chief, CI, and the Section Chief, Narcotics and Currency
Crimes, may only authorize confidential expenditures for payments to or on
behalf of informants or payments which fall into the "other" category.
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Authorizations sought on the same investigation or general investigation
will be combined together to determine the proper approval level. For example,
if a district had an authorization to spend "other" confidential funds in
connection with a general investigation of $5,000, and it sought an additional
amount of $17,000, the total authorization for this project would be $22,000,
and, therefore, the operation would be classified as Group I (ee text
9.4.8.3.1)(see text 9.4.8.3.1) .
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[9.11]
1.4.4 (04-26-1999)
Management Responsibilities For Confidential Expenditures
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This section discusses the responsibilities of the Assistant Commissioner,
Directors of Investigations, District Directors, and Chiefs, CI.
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The Assistant Commissioner, CI --is responsible to review confidential
expenditure activity during regularly scheduled National Office reviews to
ensure compliance with Service policy and guidelines.
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The Director of Investigations --is responsible for monitoring the
overall program of expenditures made from investigative imprest funds in
the regional and district offices. This will be accomplished through a vigorous
program of evaluation and follow up to ensure that:
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Funds are used effectively and in a manner that is both lawful and consistent
with the administration and enforcement of the laws enforceable by CI.
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Use of confidential expenditures is not abused, value is received when
confidential funds are expended, and the effectiveness of confidential
expenditures is periodically reviewed.
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Correct procedures and controls are being followed.
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District Directors --are responsible to designate two independent
employees with auditing experience or similar qualifications to perform
quarterly, unannounced cash verifications or whenever there is a formal transfer
of accountability due to a change in cashiers of the imprest fund. CI employees
in districts, regions, and Headquarters should not be designated to perform
the unannounced cash verifications. No information from the investigative
imprest fund records will be disclosed which may breach the integrity of
the confidential expenditures.
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The Chief, CI --is responsible for:
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Supervising the imprest fund, including assisting, training, and directing
the cashier in the performance of his or her duties and in the safeguarding
of the fund and related records.
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Approving authorizations, advances, reimbursement vouchers, and attached
receipts, and accountability of reports after reviewing them for proper approval
levels, completeness, and timeliness.
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Requiring the employee's immediate supervisor or higher management officials
to conduct administrative reviews of requests for advances and reimbursement
vouchers prior to his or her own personal review and approval.
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Ensuring that cashiers maintain detailed records of authorizations, funds
advanced to investigative officers, checking accounts, and expenditure
documentation.
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Ensuring that accountability reports (SF 1129, Reimbursement Voucher, and
SF 1164) are prepared, approved, and submitted:
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On the last workday of each month (minimum requirement).
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Whenever there is a change in the approval level of the amount of funds to
be maintained.
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Whenever there is a change in cashiers, the SF 1129 must be signed by the
incoming cashier and the outgoing cashier.
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Ensuring that the accountability reports, SF 1129's, with all attached SF
1164's, are mailed directly to Fiscal Management.
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Having the alternate cashier assume the imprest fund responsibilities in
those instances in which the cashier has been designated Acting Chief, CI.
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Notifying Fiscal Management and/or the disbursing officer by memorandum to
prepare Optional Form 211, Request for Change or Establishment of Imprest
Fund, whenever there is a change in the imprest fund due to the following:
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Designation of principal or alternate cashier.
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Revocation of principal or alternate cashier's designation.
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Change from principal to alternate cashier, or vice versa, when absent or
assigned to other duties for more than 15 workdays.
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Change in cashier's name or location.
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Increase or decrease in the amount of funds.
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Establishment of a new checking account, transferring an existing bank account
to a different bank, or closing of a bank account due to termination of cashier
or alternate cashier.
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Requesting a cash verification of the fund due to transfer of accountability
between cashiers.
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Determining the geographical locations of investigative imprest funds within
the district with the approval of the District Director and Regional Fiscal
Management.
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Ensuring that the fund is maintained at the lowest practical level and reviewed
regularly to be sure it does not exceed actual needs.
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Ensuring that all imprest fund cash, checks, and other items making up the
fund will be retained under the exclusive control of the cashier in containers
which meet the requirements of the IRM as found in the Managers Security
Handbook.
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Security requirements for the type of storage facility will vary according
to the amount of cash involved.
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Investigative imprest funds should not be intermingled with other funds,
including private or unofficial funds, but will be kept separated in a locked
cash box within the imprest fund storage
container.
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Forms, records, and documentation relating to the imprest fund as well as
the cash, checks, and non-cash items making up the fund should be under the
exclusive control of the cashier with the same security requirements as noted
above.
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Ensuring that keys and combinations are issued and accounted for in accordance
with the IRM as found in the Managers Security Handbook.
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Combinations and/or keys to the lock on the imprest fund container and the
cash box should be placed in a separate container in a signed, sealed, and
dated envelope using Treasury Form 4032, Security Container Information,
and maintained by Chief, CI; District Director; or Security Officer.
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The lock on the container should be changed at least once a year, or whenever
there is a change in cashiers or transfer of accountability due to unforeseen
extended absences of the cashier, or whenever the combination is compromised
in any way.
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Alternate cashiers may have knowledge of the combination to the investigative
imprest fund storage container when the fund is maintained in a checking
account so that detailed records can be maintained when assuming the duties
of the principal cashier in his or her unforeseen absence.
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An alternate cashier who maintains an advance from the cashier for purposes
of advances must store it in a separate secure lock box within the imprest
fund storage container.
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Keys and combinations must be limited to the cashier and/or alternate cashier.
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Following the procedures in the IRM, Imprest Funds Handbook, whenever the
imprest fund duties are transferred, the alternate cashier may act on behalf
of the principal cashier in the principal cashier's unforeseen absence of
less than 15 consecutive days or during a period when no accountability report
and/or reimbursement vouchers are due.
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Making formal transfer of the fund following IRM, Imprest Funds Handbook,
when the foreseen absence of the principal cashier is more than 15 days or
during a period when an accountability report and/or reimbursement vouchers
are due.
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Taking actions to correct problem disclosed by unannounced cash verifications,
local reviews, and audits conducted by Internal Audit and reviews conducted
by the Director of Investigations and others who have oversight responsibilities.
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Submitting reports and taking corrective actions in case of loss or possible
loss from the imprest funds following the IRM, Imprest Funds Handbook.
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Exhibit 9.11.1-7 is a mandatory control plan to assess the maintenance of
the imprest fund for investigative purposes. It should be used by management
and the imprest fund cashiers for the efficient and accurate operation of
the investigative imprest fund.
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Personal goods purchased at governmental expense in connection with an official
investigation but not consumed or otherwise disposed of in connection with
the investigation are not to be appropriate to the private use of the purchaser
but will be turned over to the Chief, CI, at such time as circumstances of
the investigation permit. The Chief will transmit such goods to the Facilities
Management office in the district for appropriate disposition. The transmittal
memorandum will identify the goods and state how they were acquired.
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To assist the Chief, the District Director, and the Director of Investigations
in the monitoring and controlling of confidential and nonconfidential
expenditures, the cashier will prepare a Quarterly Accounting of Confidential
Funds Authorization (Exhibit 9.11.1-10). The cashier will submit the report
to the Chief by the close of business of the 5th workday following the end
of the quarter. The Chief should forward the report to the Director of
Investigations and a copy to the District Director by the 10th workday after
the close of the quarter.
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[9.11]
1.4.6 (04-26-1999)
Investigative Imprest Fund For Confidential Expenditures
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With the approval of the District Director and Regional Fiscal Management
Branch, the Chief, CI, may establish investigative imprest funds in different
geographical locations in the district. For example, a major POD may spend
substantial confidential funds, which require a separate investigative imprest
fund in addition to the district headquarters imprest fund.
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Any additional investigative imprest funds which are established must be
completely independent from any other investigative imprest fund. No secondary
imprest funds can be established. Multiple imprest funds provide for immediate
access to monies and serve to eliminate any "sub-cashier" problems.
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The Chief, CI, is responsible for determining the dollar size and any increase
or decrease in an investigative imprest fund.
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Considerations, such as average usage in comparison to the dollar size of
the fund, will not be the only factor to determine the dollar limitation
of the imprest fund. The Chief, CI, is responsible to ensure that adequate
funds are maintained to meet any reasonable need. At times, this may require
funds on hand, which are many times greater than the average monthly usage.
The Chief, CI, must consider the lead time to process the reimbursement voucher
and the return of the replenishment check, including mail time. In addition,
the Chief, CI, should recommend increases and decreases in the amount of
maintained funds following the district's needs in relation to major
investigations and projects in progress.
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When a determination is made that the amount of the investigative imprest
fund should be increased, within the maximum amount authorized, the Chief
responsible for the office in which the imprest fund is located will notify
the Chief, Regional Fiscal Management Branch, by memorandum. See the IRM
Imprest Funds Handbook, for instructions on this procedure.
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When a determination is made that the amount of the investigative imprest
fund should be decreased, the Chief responsible for the office in which the
imprest fund is located will notify the Chief, Regional Fiscal Management
Branch, by memorandum. See the IRM Imprest Funds Handbook, for instructions
on this procedure.
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When an authorization has been approved, agents should obtain advances from
the imprest fund. Requests for advance of funds must be made on Form 8562,
Request/Receipt For Advance From Investigative Imprest Fund/Or Non-Recoverable
Funds (Exhibit 9.11.1-3) and approved by the Group Manager and authorized
by either the Branch Chief, Chief, CI, or District Director. An agent may
spend no more than $500 in personal funds for "out-of-pocket" confidential
expenditures for any approved authorization.
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When appropriate, the Chief, CI, may wish to personally make a confidential
expenditure. In other instances, confidential expenditures may be made on
behalf of the Chief, CI, such as a special agent purchasing beverage and
food that the Chief may consume at a meeting with an informant. In these
situations, if the Chief, CI, is personally making the request for an advance
from the imprest fund, or a request is being made on behalf of the Chief,
Form 8562 will be submitted to the District Director for approval and will
detail the amount, nature, and purpose of the proposed expenditure.
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If the Chief wishes to personally make an expenditure or another CI employee
desires to make a confidential expenditure on behalf of the Chief against
an authorized fund without securing an advance from the imprest fund, he
or she can only do so with the prior written approval of the District Director.
The record of approval can be accomplished by memorandum that will be attached
to the Standard Form (SF) 1164, Claim for Reimbursement for Expenditures
on Official Business.
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In the case of an emergency, a request for an advance may be made through
prescribed channels by telephone, telegraph, or teletype facsimile, or electronic
mail. Proper personal identification and official written documentation are
to be made in every case by both the sender and receiver of such communication.
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Form 8562 (as seen in Exhibit 9.11.1-3) also serves as a receipt for the
advance of funds. The cashier or an alternate is the only individual who
can make an advance of funds. The cashier(s) may not disburse more than the
amount authorized by the Branch Chief, Chief, CI, or District Director, and
cannot release money from the imprest fund without an approved copy of the
authorization or written notification from the Chief, CI, or District Director,
of an emergency approval.
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There are no subsidiary imprest funds except in undercover operations wherein
the contact agent is allowed to receive advances from the imprest fund cashier
and make advances to other special agents. A special agent may not receive
an advance from the cashier and advance all or part of it to another special
agent or group of special agents. Each special agent must submit a request
for an advance and receive it individually from the cashier.
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Special agents will not use an advance for personal purposes. At any time,
a special agent should be in a position to account for advances and able
to return the unused funds. For example, a special agent should not deposit
an advance into a personal bank account (except for conversion into currency)
or combine it with any other official funds. A special agent must keep the
advance(s) intact, readily available for use on official business.
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The cashier may transmit advances or make payments for expenses to special
agents in POD's or geographical areas outside the location of the imprest
fund by wire transfer, cashier's check, checks drawn on the imprest fund,
or by courier. Such transmittals are not to be construed as establishing
a subsidiary imprest fund. In such instances, the cashier is also responsible
for securing proper signatures on Form 8562 (see Exhibit 9.11.1-3).
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Special agents should account for an advance as soon as possible after the
expenditure(s) is made and return any excess funds. When a special agent
returns all or part of the funds advanced in cash, the cashier will prepare
and sign in duplicate Form 2507, Receipt for Money-Cashier Advance Fund (Exhibit
9.11.1-4), and forward the original to the special agent and retain the
duplicate. Special agents may reimburse outstanding advances by means of
a check that will serve as a receipt. Special agents may also deposit advances
into their personal account for the purpose of returning advances to the
cashier.
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The special agent should request an extension from the approving official
when it is not practical to spend any portion of the advance by the end of
the calendar month by including the following statement on the face of the
SF 1164 (Exhibit 9.11.1-5). "Amount remaining outstanding in continuing
authorized assignment $. Approved: Disapproved:
Date: "
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The special agent will complete SF 1164 to account for expenditures made
and request extensions of the outstanding balance from the Chief, CI, or
the appropriate approving official. The special agent will complete SF 1164
by the 5th work-day after the close of the month, irrespective of when the
advance was issued during the month. If the special agent spent none of the
advance, he or she still must request an extension using SF 1164. The special
agent must submit a separate SF 1164 for each authorization.
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[9.11]
1.4.6.3 (04-26-1999)
Accounting For Expenditures From The Investigative Imprest Fund
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To account for an advance, a special agent will prepare and submit an SF
1164, a memorandum of activity, and an itemization of the expenditures. The
agent should attach to this itemization original receipts, bills, cashier's
tape, and other documentation regarding the expenditures. A separate SF 1164
should be submitted for each authorization.
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If the Chief, CI, makes the confidential expenditure or another CI employee
makes a confidential expenditure on behalf of the Chief, the SF 1164 will
be approved by the District Director. The District Director is responsible
for reviewing and monitoring confidential expenditures.
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Original receipts for items of $75 or more should be obtained. They should
be dated, itemized as to services or supplies obtained, and show amount(s)
spent.
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When the type of expenditure makes it impossible to obtain an original receipt,
or only a duplicate or photocopy is available, a special agent will prepare
a memorandum describing the expenditure, date, amount, and the reasons why
a receipt was not obtained. If the receipt does not adequately describe the
purchase, a special agent should prepare a similar memorandum and attach
the receipt.
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Funds expended for security deposits may be treated as recoverable or
non-recoverable funds, depending upon the certainty of their recovery. See
text in IRM Handbook 9.4 Chapter 8 Section 8.16.4(5)h.
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On the front of the SF 1164, the special agent should show only the total
amount claimed and describe it only as "Confidential Expenditures" . The
special agent should also include a statement about the amount of advance
to remain outstanding. The special agent is responsible for designating the
correct sub-object class code (SOC's) and authorization number (Exhibit
9.11.1-5). The SF 1164 must be approved by the Chief, CI.
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At the option of the Chief, on the reverse of the SF 1164 under Item 6,
Expenditures, the special agent should give a description by date of each
expenditure. The total should match the amount claimed on the front side.
The special agent should document the expenditure by attaching a receipt
or memorandum if appropriate. The special agent should not disclose sensitive
confidential information on the SF 1164 because the cashier forwards the
original to Regional Fiscal Management Branch. The receipts and other
documentation are retained by the Chief, CI, or cashier with an attached
photocopy of the SF 1164.
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CI employees must adhere to the following guidelines when involved in paying
informants:
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When an informant will not furnish information without payment, a special
agent should first advise the informant of Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
reward procedures and the use of Form 211, Application for Reward for Original
Information. If the informant does not wish to use these procedures, a special
agent may find it necessary to purchase specific information. In these
investigations, the agent should negotiate the value of the information and
advise the informant that a tentative agreement for payment is subject to
approval by higher authorities.
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Direct payments to informants should be made only after the information or
evidence has been obtained and determined to be worthy of compensation, unless
the payment is needed in order for the informant to pay expenses to obtain
the information. The expense payment will not be outstanding for more than
30 calendar days and should be determined using a reasonable evaluation of
its potential value compared to the estimated expenses required for the informant
to obtain it. When making the evaluation, consideration should be given to
whether: The information would not have been brought to our attention from
other sources; the information has significant tax administration implications;
the information has the potential of having probative value; and investigative
time can be reduced.
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Each payment to an informant should be made by the paying special agent in
the presence of another special agent acting as a witness. In appropriate
situations, and with approval of the Chief, CI, the witness can be a revenue
agent, or another federal or local law enforcement agent, who is involved
in the same investigation with a special agent making the payment. In addition,
if it is necessary and approved in advance by a Chief, CI, a special agent
may pay an informant without a witness. For example, if a special agent and
the informant are in a travel status and circumstances require a payment
to the informant for expenses, a special agent may make the payment after
obtaining the Chief's approval. However, a special agent must document the
file in detail and the Chief, CI, should only give his advance approval in
extraordinary situations. These payments should be made by cashier's check
with the receipt copy in the informant's confidential file in the Chief's
office.
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If the informant resides or relocates outside the special agent's work area,
the Chief, CI, should request the district nearest to the informant's residence
to make payment following proper procedures. For example, an informant may
move to another district for security. To preclude the special agent from
traveling and having substantial travel expenses, the Chief, CI, should request
the nearest district to make the payment to the informant and obtain the
necessary documentation. An informant may also be paid by check if this would
be more convenient and not impair security. If an informant is paid by check,
a separate receipt is not necessary.
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A special agent should obtain at the time of payment a signed receipt from
the informant showing the date the information was received, the date of
payment, and the amount of payment, preferably using Form 9832, Receipt of
Cash (Exhibit 9.11.1-6). The informant should sign his or her fictitious
name or code on the receipt. Both special agents should then sign the receipt
and include the informant's designated number. If it is impossible to obtain
a signed receipt at the time of payment, a special agent should properly
document the file and obtain a receipt from the informant. The Chief, CI,
must approve waivers and ensure that they were justified and properly documented.
A special agent should not request an informant to sign a blank Form 9832.
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If a special agent reimburses an informant for expenses or other non-taxable
payments (purchase of an illegal shelter, money laundering fees, etc.), he
or she should also obtain a signed Form 9832 but note on it that the payment
was made for paying expenses.
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The special agent should request and obtain, if possible, major receipts
and other documentation from the informant such as airline tickets, hotel
bills, etc. At a minimum, a special agent should document the file by requesting
the informant to list the date, description, and amount of expenses incurred
instead of reporting a lump-sum figure.
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In accounting for payment(s) to an informant, a special agent should submit
to the Chief, CI, through channels a memorandum detailing the information
received for which the payment was made, Form 9832 (Exhibit 9.11.1-6) and
SF 1164 (Exhibit 9.11.1-5).
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To avoid making duplicative payments, coordination with other affected districts
will be necessary when information relates to more than one district. The
Chief will notify the Director of Investigations, who is responsible for
this coordination. In addition, the Informant Claims Examiner (ICE) in the
respective service center will be contacted to determine if the informant
filed a Form 211. The specific procedures for contacting the ICE are outlined
in Handbook 104, Information and Informant Rewards.
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Each paid informant should be advised that payments for information are not
to be construed in any way as establishing an employer/employee relationship
with the IRS. The Chief may provide this advice through a personal contact
by an agent, with another agent as a witness, who will certify that they
orally advised the informant. A copy of this document should be included
in the informant's control file.
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The Chief will be responsible for advising all informants of the total amounts
paid during the year and that all monies paid for information are taxable
and should be reported on their tax returns. The Chief may provide this advice
through a personal contact by an agent, who will certify that he or she orally
advised the informant. A copy of this document should be included in the
informant's control file. For those informants whose total payments from
the Service during a calendar year are of a dollar amount that would make
him or her liable to file a tax return, the Chief will be responsible for
making follow-up checks to determine if these informants filed a return and
reported the payments. These follow ups must be completed no later than November
30 of the year following the tax year. The Chief will initiate action if
an informant failed to either file a return or report the payments.
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The Chief will prepare a report certifying he or she has initiated follow-up
checks to ensure informants, who were required to file tax returns, have
reported all payments received from the IRS. The report will contain the
informants' control numbers, dollar amounts paid to the informants, and the
dates the follow ups were conducted. See text in IRM Handbook 9.4 Chapter
2.
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After completion of all expenditures and submission of claims for reimbursement
relating to an authorization, Item 10 of Form 8561 should be completed and
forwarded to the imprest fund cashier.
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Each Director of Investigations is responsible for implementing uniform cashier
procedures and record keeping methods within their regions and ensuring that
all districts with imprest funds follow the bookkeeping system. Alternative
systems that incorporate proper accounting controls and provide excellent
audit trails may be used at the option of the Director of Investigations.
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The Chief, CI, is responsible for appointment of employees as cashiers (principal
and alternate) whose duties do not require making investigative expenditures
or granting approval for investigative expenditures.
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All cashiers and alternates will be issued IRM 1724, Imprest Funds Handbook,
and will be responsible for a working knowledge of its contents.
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Cashiers and alternate cashiers are responsible for:
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Maintaining detailed records of authorizations, funds advanced to investigative
officers, checking account transactions, reimbursement of expenditures, and
documentation following established procedures.
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Ensuring that currency and other negotiable instruments are adequately protected
and exclusively controlled at all times. (The cashier is personally liable
for all government money coming into his or her possession.)
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Verifying that an approved current authorization is on file before funds
are disbursed, including advances, and ensuring that the maximum amount approved
for any authorization is not exceeded.
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Issuing and/or securing a receipt when funds are advanced to or returned
by an employee. See Part 1 of the IRM, Imprest Funds Handbook.
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Keeping imprest money separate from all other funds and not comingling personal
or other money with imprest funds; loaning official funds; using imprest
funds for personal purposes; depositing imprest fund money in financial
institutions unless authorized to do so; or exchanging imprest fund money
with other funds, personal or otherwise, unless properly authorized.
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Securing properly approved and authorized SF 1164 before reimbursement for
expenditures is made to an employee or applied against an employee's advance.
See Part 1 of the IRM, Imprest Funds Handbook
-
The cashier:
-
is responsible for ensuring that a special agent enters the Sub-Object Code
(SOC) by amounts on each SF 1164.
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should cancel each SF 1164 by perforating or by stamping the word "Paid"
on each one.
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should maintain a photocopy of the SF 1164 and attached original receipts
and other confidential documentation submitted in support of the expenditures
in a locked file. If the documentation is segregated and stored separately,
the SF 1164 should be coded to correspond to the receipts and/or other
documentation. (If the cashier is not a CI employee, then the Chief or Chief's
designee should maintain these documents.)
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should retain the documentation relating to confidential expenditures made
in undercover operations. (If the cashier is not a CI employee, then the
Chief or Chief's designee should maintain these documents.)
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Establishing checking accounts, if deemed appropriate, maintaining current
signature cards, ensuring that each check is issued in sequential order,
maintaining detailed records of checking account transactions, and reconciling
the bank account at the end of each month or time period when bank statements
are received. See Part 1 of the IRM, Imprest Funds Handbook.
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Preparing and submitting SF 1149, Statement of Designated Depository Account,
at the close of each month through the Chief, CI, to the Regional Chief Fiscal
Management. See text 654 of IRM 1724, Imprest Funds Handbook.
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Preparing and submitting SF 1129 with attached SF 1164's, at least once a
month as of the last workday through the approving official to the Regional
Chief Fiscal Management Branch. See text 810 of IRM 1724, Imprest Funds Handbook.
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The cashier will submit a SF 1129 every month, even if a transaction has
not occurred during the month.
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The cashier should request reimbursement only for completed transactions
and not advances to employees.
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The cashier should promptly submit the SF 1129 at the end of the fiscal year,
and include all expenditures made by the end of the fiscal year.
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The cashier should number the SF 1129 in the order of payment at the time
it is prepared starting with "one" at the beginning of each fiscal year.
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The cashier must include the following statement on the SF 1129, in the
Accounting Classification section: "Amounts claimed as confidential expenditures,
for which receipts are not furnished, were incurred in connection with properly
authorized activities as identified on the sub-vouchers. Detailed information
on these expenses is held in the district office files."
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Refusing to disburse advances or pay reimbursement of expenses to an employee
on behalf of another employee, except for undercover operations. Each employee
for whom an advance is made or expenditure is reimbursed must request and
receive it from the cashier individually.
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Making advances to the alternate cashier to permit uninterrupted disbursing
services during short absences or when the volume of work requires the services
of the alternate cashier. The alternate must sign a receipt for any advances
and account for disbursements to the cashier as soon as possible but no later
than the end of the month.
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Notifying the Chief, CI by the 10th workday of the month about any advance
that is not accounted for.
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Paying financial institutions for fees charged for cashing reimbursement
checks received from the disbursing officer and other banking maintenance
fees charged by financial institutions and obtaining reimbursement by submitting
a SF 1164 to the Chief, CI, for approval.
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Depositing regional reimbursements and returned advances to the financial
institution within 5 workdays from receipt of the funds.
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Balancing the fund and preparing Form 2844, Reconciliation of Imprest Fund,
during the quarterly unannounced cash verification audits in the presence
of verifying employees and whenever accountability is transferred due to
a change in cashiers. See text in IRM Part 1, Imprest Funds Handbook.
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Locking the fund storage container or safe at all times in which the imprest
fund cash box, reports, records, original receipts, and other documentation
are kept whenever not conducting business even if the absence is only momentary.
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Retaining copies and/or originals as appropriate for authorizations, advances,
reimbursement vouchers, receipts, accountability reports, official forms,
checking account records, and other documentation in an orderly system.
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In addition to maintaining a current and working knowledge of all pertinent
regulations concerning imprest fund operations, the cashier will also be
familiar with investigative procedures. The cashier is to be alert for any
matters which do not appear to comply with prescribed regulations concerning
confidential expenditures, for whatever purpose, and bring them to the attention
of the Chief, CI, or other appropriate designee.
Exhibit [9.11]
1-1 (04/26/99)
MOU Between Assistant Commissioner, CI; Assistant Commissioner,
(Finance)/Controller; Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources & Support;
and Chief Information Officer
Exhibit [9.11] 1-1
(Cont.) (04/26/99)
MOU Between Assistant Commissioner, CI; Assistant Commissioner,
(Finance)/Controller; Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources & Support;
and Chief Information Officer
Exhibit [9.11] 1-1 (Cont.
3) (04/26/99)
MOU Between Assistant Commissioner, CI; Assistant Commissioner,
(Finance)/Controller; Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources & Support;
and Chief Information Officer
Exhibit [9.11] 1-1 (Cont.
4) (04/26/99)
MOU Between Assistant Commissioner, CI; Assistant Commissioner,
(Finance)/Controller; Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources & Support;
and Chief Information Officer
Exhibit [9.11] 1-1 (Cont.
5) (04/26/99)
MOU Between Assistant Commissioner, CI; Assistant Commissioner,
(Finance)/Controller; Assistant Commissioner, Human Resources & Support;
and Chief Information Officer
Exhibit [9.11]
1-2 (04/26/99)
Form 8561, Request For Recoverable/Confidential/Incidental/Seizure
Funds
Exhibit [9.11]
1-3 (04/26/99)
Form 8562, Request/Receipt For Advance From Investigative Imprest/Or
Non-Recoverable Funds
Exhibit [9.11]
1-4 (04/26/99)
Form 2507, Receipt For Money--Cashier Advance Fund
Exhibit [9.11]
1-5 (04/26/99)
Standard Form 1164, Claim For Reimbursement For Expenditures On Official
Business
Exhibit [9.11]
1-6 (04/26/99)
Standard Form 1165, Receipt For Cash--Subvoucher |
Exhibit [9.11] 1-7 (04/26/99)
Managerial Control Plan for the Imprest Fund for Investigative
Purposes
> |
The Investigative Imprest Fund should be properly safeguarded,
used for authorized purposes only, maintained at an adequate level, and properly
accounted for. Internal controls should be adequate to detect and deter material
fraud by employees. The Imprest Fund for Investigative Purposes is similar
to a Small Purchase Imprest Fund. The differences are the advances of funds
for investigative expenditures, the confidentiality of disbursements, and
the use of checking accounts; otherwise it is established and maintained
in a like manner. A review of the Investigative Imprest Fund should include,
but is not limited to, the following. |
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1. |
AUTHORIZATION --To assess the propriety of project
and fund authorizations, determine whether: |
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A. |
An authorization has been requested and approved in advance
by the appropriate authorizing official. (See Delegation Order 16 as revised,
Authorization to Approve Confidential Expenditures). As outlined in Delegation
Order 16, as revised, the following officials may authorize imprest fund
expenditures: |
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Amounts in excess of $20,000 |
Assistant Commissioner (CI) |
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Amounts up to $20,000 |
Directors of Investigation (Criminal Investigation)
and Director, National Operations Division (Criminal Investigation) |
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Amounts up to $10,000 |
District Directors |
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Amounts up to $5000 |
Chief (CI) |
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All expenditures for SOC 2507, Confidential Expenditures
for Undercover Operations, no matter what dollar amount, require approval
at the Regional Commissioner level or above. |
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B. |
All authorizations related to a single case, information
item, or non-recurring project should be identified when determining the
approval level. (For example, Case #1028 has an imprest fund advance approved
by the District Director in the amount of $2,500. A subsequent undercover
operation is approved and a $18,000 advance for confidential expenditures
is requested. Since the total aggregate amount authorized for this case is
$20,500, approval by the Assistant Commissioner (CI) is required.) |
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C. |
A copy of the authorization is maintained by the cashier.
Each authorization should have a brief description of the purpose, identification
or project number, maximum amount authorized, and other information significant
to the authorization. |
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II. |
CASHIER --To assess the propriety of cashier operations,
determine whether: |
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A. |
Cashiers [Principal and/or Alternate(s)] have copies on file
of the signed SF 211 Section VI (Request for Change or Establishment of Imprest
Fund) by the Chief Disbursing Officer approving their designations. |
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B. |
Detailed records showing at all times the amount expended,
amount advanced but not yet expended, and amount available (neither advanced
nor expended) are maintained by the cashier under the authorization concerned. |
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1. |
Advances and confidential expenditures. |
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C. |
The cashier who maintains a checking account keeps detailed
records of checking account transactions, using the check stubs or other
forms provided in the checkbook, including: |
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1. |
Checks received and deposited to the account; |
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2. |
Cash returned and deposited to the account; |
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3. |
Uncashed checks returned by agents; |
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4. |
Checks outstanding; |
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5. |
All disbursements from the account, both for advances and
expenditures; |
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6. |
Statements of account transactions; |
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7. |
Accurate, current, and dated entries. |
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D. |
The cashier maintains detailed records for each agent to
whom an advance is made, including: |
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1. |
Name of agent; |
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2. |
Authorization number and numerical sequencing; |
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3. |
Amounts advanced and returned with receipts (Form 2507, Receipt
for Money--Cashier Advance Fund); |
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4. |
Dates of advances and returns; |
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5. |
Requests for advances. |
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II. |
CONFIDENTIAL EXPENDITURES AND REIMBURSEMENTS --To
assess the propriety of fund expenditures and reimbursements, determine whether: |
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A. |
Requests for Confidential Expenditures (Form 8561) are properly
approved and that authorized limitations are not exceeded; |
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B. |
Subvouchers for expenditures (Standard Form 1164) are submitted
monthly and approved by the Chief, CI. And that the Chief reviews expenditures
along with Forms 1164 and supporting receipts; |
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C. |
Advances outstanding to agents are correct and accurate; |
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D. |
Advances outstanding more than 31 days have an approved
extension; |
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E. |
Advances are promptly returned when no longer needed; |
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F. |
Supporting receipts for subvouchers are original receipts
or, if copies, a memorandum explaining the use of a photocopy or other duplicate
was submitted. |
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G. |
Funds advanced to other agencies are properly documented
and approved by management; |
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H. |
Subvouchers are cancelled by perforating or by stamping the
word "Paid" , signing and/or initialing the document, and entering the date
of payment to prevent reuse. |
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IV. |
ACCOUNTABILITY --To assess accountability over the
fund, determine whether: |
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A. |
The cashier who maintains an imprest fund, or part of one,
in a checking account is preparing a report at the close of each month, showing
all transactions in the account during the month, using SF 1149, Statement
of Designated Depositary Account; |
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B. |
The cashier is submitting OF 1129, Cashier Reimbursement
Voucher and/or Accountability Report monthly, as of the end of the month; |
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C. |
The original SF 1149 and Optional Form SF 1129, with supporting
documents, are transmitted to the Chief, Fiscal Management Branch, and copies
are maintained by the cashier; |
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D. |
An accountability report is submitted each time there is
a change in the amount of the imprest fund, or change in cashiers; |
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E. |
Accountability reports are being manually signed by the cashier
and by the official responsible for the office in which the imprest fund
is located; |
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F. |
Accountability is transferred to the alternate during the
principal's absence; |
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G. |
Account verifications are performed at irregular intervals,
once each quarter, without prior notice by two independent and responsible
employees, which include: |
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1. |
Reconciling the imprest fund by the cashier (on Form 2844)
in the presence of the two verifying employees, including advances to alternate
cashiers; |
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2. |
Ascertaining the amount of the fund and noting each increase
and/or decrease to the advanced amount of the fund since the last verification; |
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3. |
Verifying the actual composition of the fund, to the extent
applicable, which includes: |
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(a) |
Cash on hand; |
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(b) |
Uncashed advance or reimbursement checks on hand, if any; |
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(c) |
Interim receipts and unreimbursed subvouchers on hand (Also
see 4, below), if any; |
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(d) |
Reimbursement vouchers in transit, if any; and |
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(e) |
Bank balance and outstanding checks, if any. |
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4. |
Verifying employees are examining each of the interim receipts
and unreimbursed subvouchers on hand (and their attachments) to ensure that
each document supporting payment from the fund is (to the extent that such
action will not affect the evidentiary value of the documents) currently
dated, properly approved, signed by the employee receiving payment, cancelled
to prevent re-use, serially numbered, itemized, and, if required, signed
by the vendor concerned; |
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5. |
The appropriate cash verification forms, showing the amount
of the fund in each of the classifications in (3), above, their total, the
total amount advanced, and any differences, are being prepared and signed
by the cashier; the employees making the verification are certifying it's
accuracy, or (indicating in the "Remarks" section of Form 2844 Reconciliation
of Imprest Fund,) any irregularities observed or otherwise ascertained during
their verification. |
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V. |
SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDS --To assess the fund security
and safeguards, determine whether: |
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A. |
All imprest fund cash, checks, and other items making up
the fund are retained under the exclusive control of the cashier, in containers
which meet security requirements. |
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B. |
Imprest funds for investigative purposes are kept separate
from other funds in a locked cash box within the imprest fund storage container. |
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C. |
Space assigned to the cashier is being maintained to prevent
unauthorized individuals from having access to the cashier area, and has
periodic, unannounced inspections by Regional and National Office Security
Officers to ensure proper safeguards. |
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D. |
The key and/or combination for the imprest fund container
and lockable cash boxes in which imprest funds are held are under the exclusive
control of the cashiers only. |
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E. |
The alternate cashier who maintains an informal advance from
the principal has a separate lockable cash box that should be secured inside
the fund container. |
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F. |
The combination and/or spare keys for the fund container
and lockable cash boxes are maintained in signed, sealed, and dated envelopes
and retained in an appropriate container, unopened, except by a responsible
official in the event of an emergency. |
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G. |
The combination to the lock on the imprest fund storage container
is changed immediately upon receipt to a new lock; whenever there is a change
in cashiers; whenever it has been necessary to effect access to the fund
in the case of the unforeseen absence of the cashier(s); whenever the combination
has been compromised in some way; or, in any event, at least once each year. |
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H. |
The imprest fund storage container, as well as cash lock
boxes within the storage container, are locked at all times, except when
cashiers are actually making transactions, and whenever cashiers are absent,
even only momentarily. |
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I. |
The accountability for each imprest fund is vested in only
one person--the individual whom the designating official has designated as
cashier. |
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J. |
Cashiers and their alternates are maintaining (they are not
allowed to) any unofficial or additional funds other than the ones they are
specifically designated to administer during their official duty hours. |
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K. |
The maximum amount of each fund is fixed at the lowest practical
level. |
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L. |
Reimbursement vouchers are transmitted to the fiscal management
office by the official responsible for the office in which the imprest fund
is located and not by the cashier(s). |
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M. |
The duties of the cashier are adequately separated. |
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N. |
Bank signature cards for checking accounts are signed by: |
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1. |
Principal Cashier; |
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2. |
Alternate Cashier; |
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3. |
Official responsible for the office in which the imprest
fund is located; and |
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4. |
Chief, Fiscal Management Branch, or Chief, Office of Financial
Operations, Systems and Accounting Standards Division, or designee. |
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O. |
Checks are pre-numbered in sequential order from the bank
or manually numbered in sequential order prior to use by the cashier. |
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VI. |
MANAGERIAL INVOLVEMENT AND REVIEWS --To assess the
adequacy of managerial controls, determine whether: |
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A. |
The Chief, CI is ensuring proper supervision over the fund,
including assistance to the cashier in the performance of his/her duties
and in the safeguarding of the funds. |
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1. |
Ensuring that adequate training is provided for a new cashier; |
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2. |
Ensuring that hours of operation for the imprest fund are
established. |
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B. |
The Chief, CI is administratively approving reimbursement
vouchers and/or accountability reports prepared by the cashier which includes: |
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1. |
Signing the SF 1129, Cashier Reimbursement Voucher and/or
Accountability Report; |
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2. |
Examining the attached subvouchers supporting the payments
made by the cashier for which reimbursement is being requested and ensuring
that the accounting code information is correct; |
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3. |
Ensuring that reimbursement vouchers are submitted at least
monthly (if there has been activity of $25 or more in the fund), and that
no more than one month's transactions are included on each SF 1129 submitted
unless subvouchers have been accumulated for more than one month in order
that reimbursement will be at least $25; |
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4. |
Transmitting reimbursement vouchers directly to the fiscal
management office after approving them. |
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C. |
The Chief, CI is promptly notifying the designating official,
by memorandum, whenever there is to be a change in the imprest fund (designation
or revocation of principal or alternate cashiers, change from principal or
alternate cashier or vice-versa, change in cashier's name or location, or
increase or decrease in the amount of the fund); |
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D. |
The Chief, CI is appointing two responsible and independent
employees to perform a cash verification of the fund (at least once each
calendar quarter); |
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E. |
The Chief, CI is directing the changing of the safe combination
whenever there is a change in cashiers, transfer of accountability due to
unforeseen absence of the cashier, or, in any event, at least once a year; |
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F. |
The Chief, CI is approving checking account reports prepared
on Standard Form 1149, Statement of Designated Depositary Account; |
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G. |
The Chief, CI is aware that his/her approval of the cashier's
certification indicates that receipts for confidential expenditures are
maintained in the files of the imprest fund; |
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H. |
The Chief, CI (who is directly responsible) is ensuring that
corrective actions for matters discovered by means of cash verifications,
local reviews, internal audits, or by any other means are being carried out. |
Exhibit [9.11]
1-8 (04/26/99)
Authorization Ledger Balance
Exhibit [9.11]
1-9 (04/26/99)
Accountability of Advances, Expenditures, and Funds Returned
Exhibit [9.11]
1-10 (04/26/99)
Accounting For Use of Confidential Funds |
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Internal Revenue Manual
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Hndbk. 9.11 Chap. 1 Fiscal and Budgetary Matters
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(04-26-1999)
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