There are different types of payment methods that are used in the E-Gov Travel Service. These methods are used to indicate how an expense is to be reimbursed. The four types of payment methods I am going to be focusing on are: CBA, GOVCC, Traveler, and Direct. Most of the expenses will have a default payment method. However, travelers and document preparers must make sure they select the correct method of reimbursement.
The CBA or Centrally Billed Accounts are paid directly by the government to the bank. Agencies establish these accounts through task orders. Many times if a traveler doesn’t have a government credit card, this account is used for airfare and lodging reservations.
The GOVCC or Individually Billed Accounts are paid by the employees who have been issued these credit cards. These cards are issued at the agency’s request and the employees are liable. They are required to sign an agreement to acknowledge that they are liable for all expenses charged to this credit card. The government agencies reimburse the travelers for the expenses they incur and the employees are responsible for paying their credit cards. Examples of expenses that could be charged to the IBA include, but are not limited to: airfare, rental car, lodging, and Travel Management Center fees. In the E-Gov Travel System, the traveler can add additional amounts to be paid to the credit card vendor. The additional amount can only be up to the amount being reimbursed to the traveler in the voucher. Expenses reimbursed to the traveler can be lodging taxes, parking, tolls, M&IE, and other miscellaneous charges.
If an expense is reimbursed to the traveler, it is paid directly to their personal bank account. The reimbursement could be deposited into the travelers checking or savings account. This is determined by the direct deposit information they have provided for reimbursement. The accounting system uses EFT or Electronic Funds Transfer to disperse these payments.
The Direct payment method is used to reimburse the Vendor of the ETS. These are called TAV fees. The fees are attached to authorizations and vouchers that are processed in the ETS. Upon approval of the documents, this fee is paid directly to the Vendor.
By: John Duncan
Disclaimer: The contents of this message are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the Government or my agency.