Finance_Guy

eFinance was not developed to accomodate any actions for reserve military pay. The program was created to assist the AD finance in receiving travel vouchers and getting them to Ellsworth for payment. There was not much reserve FM involvement since the reserve pay offices had nothing to do (and didn't want anything to do) with the process. This stemmed from a long standing support agreement that most all AD finance offices had to support paying travel vouchers. So it was left up to the AD finance to figure a way to try and automate only the travel voucher preparation and payment process, and was more critical since the payment processing moved to Ellsworth. So if you would like a similar system to handle your 938 for pay, then you should bring that up to AFRC. Right now your 938 for pay will be handled just as you did before eFinance. The AD finance has no ability to update reserve pay.

I'm asking DFAS what the rule is and if you need one changed, what that process is. I want to say the default is the new state you PCS'd to, but logically it should normally be the same state you claim on your pay record.

Mixed on this. I'm out on the road briefing the options. For those who deploy and stay in one place, definitely DTS, but for those who have out and backs from a MOB, maybe eFinance is better. There are pros/cons to both methods. Was thinking about putting up a poll page to see what the thoughts are. I'd want to think the Active duty aircrews might want to use DTS since they use it all the time now anyway. Paper vouchers will eventually go away, the plan is for DTS to do them all. So again, I'm mixed and we don't want to confuse the travelers as to which system to use and limit to as few as possible. ACC has again mandated using DTS for deployment vouchers last year on 1 NOV. Please let me know your thoughts. I think either method will work to help reduce manual paper and lost vouchers.

Thanks. Good feedback. #1 is one of the areas that was hardest to try and nail down. Good Idea for expert option and I'll send it forward. #2 will probably not happen. Takes two seconds to click continue twice. Making users go through this screen every time was intentional since it may be that one time in 7 years you move but if we didn't push you to those screens you may forget to update personal info. Sounds dumb but when you are on the receiving end of data gathering it makes sense. #3 is possible but many prefer the calendar approach and it pulls up the most recent month. No way to error check you entering Jan 01, 1907 is there? Excel will accept it too. But using the calendar control would take one forever to scroll back that far--see the benefit here? For your #4. No need to reenter data, just click the continue at the bottom right to press through screens you already completed. There are only about 6-7 screens in total to complete a voucher. Not sure how many you are seeing. But, I will submit these as they are and see what the PMO thinks. Thanks.

No word on this yet. And guys, it's not finance who make entitlement policy, it' the personnel community--specifically the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. This change would have to be approved/directed by Secretary Gates. Read more here: http://militarypay.defense.gov/

Yes you can. Each additional file upload will just keep adding the additional pages into your list of voucher package documents. I think it's pretty cool that even though you upload one document with 5 pages, eFinance will then parse the file out to show the 5 pages as individual documents within the program. Then you can click them to see a larger size and can selectively remove single pages. So if you see a page that may not be an easy read, you could remove just that one, then upload just that page...maybe with a higher res scan. Give us more ideas of how the system could be made better. May not get all the bells and whistles but at least maybe some suggestions could get implemented.

If you were Paid in Dec it's considered 2009 income and you should get a W2 for 2009. Here's an update on the myPay W2s for Travel Payments (DITY & Civilian Pay). Appears they had a data load problem. ALCON, We were just notified by DFAS that the Travel and Miscellaneous W-2 link has been turned off again. After several travelers reported they couldn't find their W-2's on line they discovered there was a problem with the initial load. They expect to have the files reloaded and the link turned back on by end of day Tuesday, Feb 16. We'll let you know once the link is actually activated again.

I usually go with PDF but not everyone has the full adobe version. New Office 2007 has ability to convert the .docx to .pdf if you wanted to put .jpg into a Word doc then convert. Here's what you can do since there is nothing saying you have to scan "everything" in one file name. Scan it in parts. Do the orders as one file then maybe receipts as another. If receipts are a lot, then break receipts down into parts like lodging, rental car etc. eFinance has no limit on "how many" files you upload but only a limit on each individual file's size. This is to prevent denial of service attacks. Same functionality as DTS.

Sounds like you are an "Accession". First page on PIPS says it will not take care of all documents for accessions since finance needs most all the paperwork to build your pay record. Most who PCS do not complete a uniform allowance. Maybe one day. I've learned that a black & white document scan at 300dpi works best to keep the file size small. You also have the fax option. One thing nice about eFinance is you can create your voucher as you go. No need to wait until after the TDY. But don't submit until your TDY is complete. Had a good comment from an O-5 DO at a Sq--give the system kudus and said he was paid within 7 calendar days. The first few times may be a headache but I think once folks get used to using it the 4x longer may get quicker. But think of the time saved in trying to follow-up on "Where's my voucher?"

Never heard of it. Must be only a rumor. And BAH is only to cover rental costs and not home purchases as others have mentioned.

If the payment date was 1 Jan 2010 or after, it will be considered 2010 Income. Make a note to remind yourself to look for it a year from now. They should also be in myPay then...let's hope.

You are exactly right. Their direction is in violation of the JFTR rules. Vandenberg is AFSPACE right? Looks like we need to educate their services squadrons too. Below is the the JFTR clarification from AFAFO again. Have your guy find out who the billeting officer (or SVS/CC) is and forward this to them. Billeting needs to stop dictating how travelers will be paid. I know they want to keep occupancy levels high but this is not the way. -----Original Message----- From: MSG AFAFO Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:22 PM Subject: Non-Availability of Government Quarters--Clarification ALCON, Just a reminder that if a member provides documentation showing non-availability of government quarters (contract quarters letter/Non-A slip, or other similar justification), the member is authorized reimbursement for commercial lodging and meals for the entire period of TDY to that location (if commercial lodging is occupied for the entire period and the member submits proper receipts). The JFTR specifies that checking for quarters availability is a one-time requirement. ______________ JFTR U1045 A Note 2: NOTE 2: The member is not required to seek (or check for) GOV'T QTRS when TDY to a U.S. INSTALLATION after non-availability documentation has been initially provided. Checking QTRS availability is a one-time requirement at a TDY U.S. INSTALLATION. (Ex: A member, who is required to check QTRS availability on arrival at a U.S. INSTALLATION, does so and is issued non-availability documentation, cannot be required to re-check later for QTRS availability at that U.S. INSTALLATION during that TDY period there). See par. U1045-C. ______________ Example 1: Member is TDY from 1-10 July. They check with billeting, and no rooms are available and they are issued a contract quarters letter that only covers 2 nights. The member stays off base for the entire period of TDY anyway. The member is reimbursed for commercial quarters and meals for the entire TDY, as the non-availability of government quarters was established upon arrival as required by the JFTR. The number of nights specified is irrelevant. Example 2: Member is TDY from 11-20 July. Orders state that they must check daily for availability of quarters (in direct conflict with the governing authority (JFTR)). The member is issued a non-availability statement for one night, and is told to come back every day to receive a new one. This member stays off base the entire TDY period at that location, and turns in necessary receipts, and the Non-A documentation from that first night only. Member is paid for commercial quarters/meals for the entire TDY period at that location. Example 3: Member is TDY from 21-30 July. They check into billeting and are told that quarters are not available for the first 5 nights, but they are available the last 5 days. Member stays off base for the entire period. Member is reimbursed commercial rates for the entire period. There is no "loophole" where you can be initially given contract quarters/non-availability documentation and at the same time be told that quarters are "available" on a future date. Currently, Interim Change 1 to AFI 34-246 has an exception that states AETC TDY-to-school students can be required to move back on base (in certain circumstances) after initial non-availability documentation has been provided. The JFTR is the governing authority on this issue, and this requirement is invalid for travel pay reimbursement purposes. We are working with our POCs in Services to have this matter addressed/rectified. Of course, travelers are expected to use prudence when spending the government's money on official business, and are *encouraged* to utilize available government quarters in the above examples (as quarters become available). However, they are not *required* to do so, and must be reimbursed in full (not to exceed locality rates) when a properly substantiated claim is presented IAW the JFTR. Travel Pay Analyst SAF/FMP (AFAFO) DFAS-Indianapolis

Since you had a break in CZTE entitlement the 1 Feb 2010 applies only to your previous deployment. A new deployment would require you deposit again the amount of pay you accrue during that deployment. Of course you should withdraw what you have in SDP after 1 Feb since it will no longer draw interest anyway.

Ok, I've enjoyed this thread alot over the months--Takes your mind off all the other crap. So here's my contribution with no catchy phrases or any of that. If I were to put on a caption then it would be, Dam! Those who created what you are about to see don't need additional comments from me. This one (Dam 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHa6dUxpg6o&feature=related And Dam 2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d07QuwdpVQo&feature=player_embedded# And last but not least, Damn 3, The "Dam 3" Link All I can say I've got the wrong job. Keep up the good posts. I think you all will enjoy this one.

If they gave you a PIPS handout then don't use the PDFs. Go into eFinance and choose the PIPS option. I think you may find it's not too hard to complete your paperwork. The benefit is an all electronic filing process, no lost paperwork, and statistics have proven you will be paid faster. PM me or post here if you get stuck or need help. PIPS was designed to try and walk you through the data, then place it on the forms where the data needs to be. Of course let me know of any suggestions for improvements as I can upchannel those enhancements through my contacts. Thanks.

**UPDATE: Live PiPS/eFinance https://efinancework...GovWarning.aspx (from .mil) Most can use now to file non-DTS TDY vouchers to include Reservists. If you have not heard of this new system, contact your Finance office and ask them if you can begin using it now and if they say no, ask them why not. Here is a test site you can give it a test drive -- need CAC reader & DO NOT Enter Personal info(make up a SSAN like 000112222 https://workspace-clone.securedatainc.com/EFINANCE/

Sweet...so that's 5 beers? Good to see some things work as designed. Sucks that when you initially asked the question no one tried to look it up in the manual. Just keep an eye on all of this. Sometimes when they process the collection of the funds they dork it up. If they do, you have recourse to do it again. But let's hope USAFCENT Finance folks at Shaw know what to do. Let me add one more thing. DFAS has told them to process the "CC" collection after MM cutoff. MM cutoff is usually about the 5-6th day of the month. So they can enter the CC sometime after the 6th. Once they see the collection on your pay record that's when they need to reengage with DFAS so DFAS can pull the money. If they do not, then the collection posted to your pay will just pay it out to you again on the End of Month (EOM) Jan pay. The cutoff for EOM is usually around the 24-25th, so they have about a 20 day window to make this happen which is plenty of time, but as you can see, timing is critical along with good communication with DFAS. It's really a simple process but some just don't get it. Later HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

Effective 1 January 2010 the PCS MALT rate will change from $.24 per mile to $.165 per mile. This change is announced based on the Federal Travel Regulation §302-4.300 (41 CFR 302-4.300), indicating that the PCS MALT rate is identical to the published IRS rate. RE: MAP Item 132-09(I) PDF LINK

You have some recourse but try to do it quickly if possible. I would say in your case AFMAN 65-116 Vol 1, Chapter 68, para 68.15.2.1 applies. Maybe they should look in their own regs before spouting out an answer. Of course the main reason yours didn't was due to your arrival date (pay day cutoffs) which means the pay system had already rolled to Dec. But that does not remove the fact that you were in a zone and earned tax free pay for that month. It's very possible the pay system will recalc Nov and look at TSP options once your CZTE is posted to the pay record. 68.15. Claims Procedures. Members must alert their Financial Service Office (FSO) of any discrepancy with regards to their TSP withholdings/earnings within one year of notification of the discrepancy. As it is the member’s responsibility to read and validate the monthly leave and earnings statement the 1st notification received by the member would be the month in which the transaction should have occurred and didn’t, or occurred incorrectly. 68.15.1. The FSO determines the member is making a claim to request correction of an agency error (versus an administrative error). If the claim is made within the required one-year time frame, the pay office will assist member in completing DD FM 2851, request to correct thrift saving plan (TSP)agency error. The form can be located at the following: http://www.dior.whs.mil/icdhome/forminfo/wwwinfo1page2493.htm. The FSO will forward the claim form to DFAS-PMJFD/DE, 6760 E. Irvington Pl., Denver, Colorado 80233-5000 for adjudication. 68.15.2. The following are examples of agency errors for which a claim may be appropriate: 68.15.2.1. The member enrolled in TSP and deductions were not withheld, a different percentage amount was withheld, or the deduction was taken from a different category of pay than elected. 68.15.2.2. In the case of the member receiving his semiannual statement from the National Finance Center (NFC), the statement does not reflect proper timely posting of contribution to the account. 68.15.2.3. Member elected to stop TSP contributions and deductions continued beyond the first full pay period after receipt of the form. 68.15.3. DFAS-DE will adjudicate the DD FM 2851 within approximately 30 days of receipt.

They are correct. You have to be in country for 30 days to qualify to deposit the funds. The funds you deposit are actually labeled as the funds earned in the first 30 days. So in essence you have to "Accrue" pay in the zone and after the first 30 days of accural, you can deposit those accrued funds.

Yes you can. Provided you have continuous months of HFP for the qualifying countries you are still eligible for SDP.

Sorry for the delay, I had tried to post but the Forum went down. On #1, you will only see this if your base pay exceeds the total exemption amount allowed. So if you fall in that category and Your base pay exceeds the total allowed, then you would agree that fly pay would be taxable on your LES. But put that same fly pay into TSP in the same scenario and you will see those dollars go in as exempt (assuming you are not also putting in 100% of base pay). So taking any base pay paid on the LES as exempt income plus the amount of Fly pay to TSP tagged as exempt actually garners more exempt income. Agreed you would not pay tax anyway on fly pay when putting into TSP in a regular scenario but that would be tagged as deferred and eventually you would pay tax when withdrawn, but in my case point when that fly pay is withdrawn it would not then be taxed since it was exempt and would otherwise have been taxed if not put in TSP and paid out on the LES. #2, Basically you have to factor in the mandatory deductions (Fed, FICA, Medicare, SGLI, Allotments etc). Easiest method is to take your net pay for the month, say it's $5000 ($2500 each payday) and divide that by your base pay (ex of $6,000), that's pretty close to the max percent of base pay you can put in (83%). You can get more technical and work in the fact you wouldn't have fed tax on the base pay so that would free up more % of base pay to put in. So if you factored Federal at $500 then we'd take $5500 divided by $6k and the percent ups to 91.6%. If your base pay does not exceed the CZTE exempt max, and you put in close to all your base pay right away, then you may not see the extra fly pay go into TSP as exempt since the LES pay and exempt amounts would pretty much be mirrored into TSP. And consider if you max out your entire base pay for the percent, that would leave no extra dollars for the fly pay to be withheld either. But put in 50% of Base pay to TSP and I'll bet you would see it. If you want, PM me your actual amounts and I can try to work it up. I've seen it on a few pay records and it's true. It will be nice for you to see it for yourself and hopefully confirm what I've been saying. I'm not saying it's correct by the IRS rules and all that, but that's what the pay system does.

I with you on that HD. Another reason to not delete the posts--good entertainment to break the monotony. Also, Toro, I'll bet your fingers and hands hurt after those 1.48 posts a day-- Damn, slow down why don't you -- Just messing with you of course. Least he's got some math skills. Previous qoute from page1, "With 3218 posts over a 6 year period, how do you find time for anything else? You make some sort of input 1.48 times per day - you are quite the juggler!"

Not tracking on this one?? All dollars put into TSP are essentially Tax Free. All capital gains and "Deferred" contributions in TSP will be taxed at some point when withdrawn. BUT, the "Exempt" CZTE contributions you take out down the road will never be taxed when withdrawn. Just to humor this issue again from Jughead's and my lengthy exchange on the topic, is there anyone out there who may have put 100% of fly pay into TSP when in a combat zone where it otherwise was taxable in their regular pay. This would mainly only apply to those officers who max out the CZTE exemption with their base pay alone so therefore flypay would normally be taxed. But, put same flypay in TSP it's now not taxed AND goes in as "Exempt" contributions. Thereby getting more tax free when withdrawn from TSP.

Never heard of such table. As for per diem when downrange, AFCENT reporting instructions would trump any other previously published guidance or myths (such as a flying crew chief always getting full per diem). I've yet to find that in the JFTR or other AFI.