TAOCO Annual COL Refresher Assessment

DTS Voucher Certification

• Certifying a DTS or local voucher enables payment for claimed expenses.
• Authorizing Officials act as Certifying Officers when approving documents in DTS that involve payments.

Receipts and Expenses

• Receipts are required for all expenses of $75 or more and most lodging costs.
• Certifying Officers are liable for ensuring all submitted expenses comply with regulations.

Pecuniary Liability

• Defined as the obligation to reimburse the Government for financial irregularities.
• Certifying Officers have liability limited to the amount of erroneous payments tied to their actions.
• Following established procedures serves as a defense against pecuniary liability.
• A Certifying Officer is presumed negligent if a fiscal irregularity occurs.

Travel Document Certification

• DTS authorization must be certified for advances or partial payments.
• The DTS Pre-Audit Trip screen lets travelers justify questionable expenses.
• Certifying Officers should only certify documents that are legitimate to prevent potential liability.
• Requests for additional documentation can be made to anyone involved in the travel process to clarify questionable payments.

Departmental Accountable Officials

• Appointed using DD Form 577 and bear limited pecuniary liability under federal law.
• They provide vital information to Certifying Officers and have no presumption of negligence.

Responsibilities and Procedures

• The CO's commander or director is tasked with convening investigations for erroneous payments.
• For questionable payments, requests for advance decisions should go to the Component's General Counsel or DFAS.
• The individual or office that appoints a Departmental Accountable Official retains their appointment letter.

Payment Integrity

• A proposed payment is termed "correct" if it is based on accurate payee details and dollar amounts, and has not been previously paid.
• It is considered "proper" when supporting documents are available and services/products have been received.

Certification Process

• DTS does not eliminate the obligation for documenting obligations and disbursements.
• If a traveler includes disallowed expenses, their authorization can still be approved after corrections are made.

Electronic Funds Transfer

• Electronic funds transfer (EFT) and split disbursement are generally mandatory payment processes.
• Misunderstandings or errors can be addressed through established channels, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines.

Fraud and Error Protection

• Pecuniary liability aims to protect the Government from fraud and errors in financial transactions.
• Non-DTS Entry Agents cannot be appointed as Departmental Accountable Officials, ensuring that only qualified personnel are entrusted with this responsibility.

Test your knowledge on the certification process for DTS vouchers and the roles of Authorizing Officials in travel documentation. This assessment covers key terms and definitions to help you understand the intricacies of the travel payment system. Perfect for anyone involved in travel authorizations and expense claims.