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This chapter provides information on the TFM’s purpose, composition, types of releases, and forms. Appendix 1 includes a list of TFM supplements with hyperlinks to their website addresses.
Section 1010—Introduction
The TFM is the Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury’s) official publication of policies, procedures, and instructions concerning financial management in the federal government. It is intended to promote the government’s financial integrity and operational efficiency.
See the About TFM section on our website for more information.
Section 1015—Authority
In accordance with 31 United States Code (U.S.C.) 331 and 3513, the Secretary of the Treasury has reporting responsibility. Other statutes and Executive Orders specifically place regulatory responsibility with Treasury for other subject matter presented in the TFM. Specific legal authorities are provided in the Authority section of each TFM chapter.
Section 1020—Arrangement of the TFM
1020.10—Description of Volumes
The TFM is comprised of four volumes. Each volume covers different subject matter and is directed to particular audiences. The volumes are:
1020.20—Composition of Volume I
Volume I applies to all federal agencies. It is divided into the following six parts:
Part 4: Disbursing—Includes requirements for vouchering payments made by check and cash; checking accounts with Treasury or general depositaries; and cancellation, claims, and other matters pertaining to Treasury checks.
- Certifying officers of all federal agencies, including government corporations;
- Treasury disbursing officials; and
- Agency disbursing officials who exercise disbursing functions under specific statutory authority, or authority delegated by the Treasury.
Section 1025—Types of TFM Releases
As of the release of the automated TFM system on August 13, 2013, transmittal letters are no longer being used. In addition, the Fiscal Service Commissioner's signature is no longer being affixed to new and updated releases within the automated system. New release information can be found in the "What's New" section and its archive on our website. For releases prior to August 13, 2013, transmittal letters may appear for that particular release until it is updated.
The TFM is comprised of the following types of releases:
1025.10—Chapters
TFM chapters:
The first chapter of each volume describes the makeup of that volume, the procedures covered, and other included material.
Users may access TFM chapters at the following locations on our website:
1025.10a—Transmittal Letters
Since the establishment of the automated TFM system on August 13, 2013, the use of transmittal letters has been discontinued.
1025.10b—Contacts
The contacts listed in each chapter direct users to the organization(s) responsible for the technical content of the chapter. The first contact is the area with ownership responsibility for the chapter. If the chapter contains specific or technical material relating to other areas, there will be contact information for those areas.
For questions regarding a TFM chapter, users should contact the responsible area listed in contacts.
1025.10c—Appendices
TFM chapters can include appendices. These appendices generally contain forms, charts, instructions, or additional information helpful in implementing chapter procedures. A chapter with more than one appendix has an “Appendices Listing” that lists the appendices in numerical order.
1025.20—Bulletins
TFM bulletins:
Users may access TFM bulletins on the Bulletins page.
1025.20a—Inquiries
Each bulletin includes an Inquiries paragraph that lists the area with ownership responsibility for the bulletin. For questions regarding a TFM bulletin, users should contact the responsible area listed in the Inquiries paragraph.
1025.20b—Attachments
Bulletins can include attachments. These attachments generally contain forms, charts, or additional instructions.
1025.30—Announcements
TFM announcements:
Users may access TFM announcements on the Announcements page.
For questions regarding a TFM announcement, users should contact the responsible area listed in the Inquiries paragraph.
1025.40—Supplements
TFM supplements are extensions to the content within the TFM and provide more detailed instruction and guidelines for various financial management topics.
For a listing of the TFM supplements, see Appendix 1.
Section 1030—Forms
In compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act requirement that federal agencies provide electronic options for transactions with the government, Fiscal Service has done the following:
Unless exempted by law or the Fiscal Service, all departments and agencies use standard accounting and reporting forms and related procedures, including those the Government Accountability Office has prescribed.
Section 1035—Subscribing to the Email Notification for TFM Updates
Users may subscribe to the email notification service for TFM updates. The email notifies users of a TFM update and provides a link to the updated TFM release.
Contacts
Direct inquiries concerning this chapter to:
Email: tfm@fiscal.treasury.gov
Appendix 1—Supplements to the TFM
United States Standard General Ledger (USSGL)
Federal Account Symbols and Titles (FAST Book)
Treasury Report on Receivables Due From the Public
Agency Self-Certification Guide
Summary of Updates
Section Number | Section Title | Summary of Change |
1015 | Authority | Added last sentence regarding the chapter Authority section. |
1020.10 | Description of Volumes | Updated descriptions for Volume I, Volume II, and Volume III. |
1020.20 | Composition of Volume I | Added title and description for Part 4a and modified other Part descriptions |
1025.10a | Transmittal Letters | Added the language "the discontinued use of" to the first sentence. Removed the last sentence regarding Transmittal letter rescission information being available on the Transmittal letter webpage. |
1025.20 | Bulletins | Removed language regarding the Fiscal Service Commissioner's signature being part of Bulletins posted prior to August 13, 2013 as no Bulletins continue to be posted prior to 2014. |
1025.30 | Announcements | Updated Announcements hyperlink. |
1025.40 | Supplements | Language revised. |
1030 | Forms | Section title modified from "Electronic Forms" to "Forms". |
1035 | Subject Matter Expert Contact Information | Section removed. |
1040 | Assistant Commissioner Area TFM Coordinators | Section removed. |
1045 | TFM Staff Members | Section removed. |
1050 | Subscribing to the Email Notification for TFM Updates | Removed the word "automatic" from the section title. Section number changed from 1050 to 1035 due to removing the prior sections. |