Tax Refund Interception Program (TRIP)

  1. What is TRIP?
  2. How do I register for TRIP?
  3. How do I submit debts to DOR for refund interception?
  4. What information is needed to submit debts to TRIP?
  5. How do I obtain authorization to send files via the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)?
  6. How do I know what debts are accepted or rejected?
  7. When will I receive payment from DOR for intercepts?
  8. What is the Agency Summary Report?
  1. What is TRIP?

    Debts owed to state agencies (sec. 71.93, Wis. Stats.), local governments (sec. 71.935, Wis. Stats.), IRS (sec. 73.03 (52), Wis. Stats.), tribal governments (sec. 73.03 (52n), Wis. Stats., and other states (sec. 73.03 (52m), Wis. Stats.), may be referred to the Department of Revenue (DOR) for collection through refund interception.

    Debts owed to private individuals or businesses are not eligible for collection through tax refund interception.

  2. How do I register for TRIP?

    State agencies and tribal governments may complete the application form located in Publication 218. Local governments may complete the application form located in Publication 238. Other states may contact the Setoff Coordinator at (608) 266-8517 to establish a reciprocal agreement. The forms and procedures are located on the Department of Revenue website at: www.revenue.wi.gov/ise/trip/register.html

  3. How do I submit debts to DOR for refund interception?

    There are two ways to submit debts to TRIP. Some agencies may choose to enter debts from an online portal one at a time. Other agencies may upload a file using a pre-defined file layout from the same portal. Access to this portal is located on the Department of Revenue's My Tax Account website. Larger debt files may be uploaded using secure portal called Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).

    A file using Extensible Markup Language (XML) is required. The specific file layouts are located at www.revenue.wi.gov/ise/trip/docs.html

    Agencies submitting more than 250 transactions in one file should use XML and SFTP.

  4. What information is needed to submit debts to TRIP?

    Required fields include the debtor name, an identifier (social security number, driver's license number or federal employer identification number), and current debt balance.

  5. How do I obtain authorization to send files via the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)?

    SFTP is recommended for larger agencies submitting over 250 transactions per file. Using the SFTP portal will significantly increase the speed of file downloads. In order to set up the secure connection you will need to share your WAMS ID with the Setoff Coordinator and download WinSCP software. Contact the Setoff Coordinator at (608) 266-8517 for complete instructions to establish the connection.

  6. How do I know what debts are accepted or rejected?

    The Department will send a response file every time a file maintenance file is received from the agency. This file will provide an ‘accept' or ‘reject' response for each debt transaction contained in the file. A reason will be provided for rejected transactions and agencies may correct the error and resubmit the transaction. An explanation of the reject codes are listed on the Department's website.

  7. When will I receive payment from DOR for intercepts ?

    Proceeds are distributed every week to all agencies that have had an interception. A file will be available for agencies on Wednesdays containing information related to how much was intercepted for each debtor. The total amount intercepted will be transferred according to agency specification. WISMART postings for state agencies will occur the following Thursday. Direct deposit of funds to a bank account will occur the following Monday for local governments and some state agencies that do not use WISMART general fund accounting.

  8. What is the Agency Summary Report?

    The Agency Summary Report is a listing of all active debtors referred by your agency and the balance due for each debtor. The Agency Summary Report is requested through the My Tax Account website by clicking on the ‘Agency Summary' link. The request will be processed immediately and the agency may view the report in My Tax Account under ‘Notices'.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Agency Setoff Coordinator
Mail Stop 4-010
P.O. Box 8901
Madison, WI 53708-8901
Phone: (608) 266-8517
Fax: (608) 266-6226
E-Mail Additional Questions

Last updated December 14, 2011