Intercept

About

The intercept process began in 1995 and is used by entities of the Commonwealth to assist them in collecting payments to satisfy delinquent debt. Currently, the Commonwealth satisfies debts owed to the state by offsetting payments from the Massachusetts Management and Accounting Reporting System (MMARS) disbursement process, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s tax refund system, and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission winning payouts over $600.

The Intercept process is served to delinquent entities only after they have received four notices over a 120-day period.

The Office of the Comptroller currently works with several dozen state agencies in an ongoing effort to protect public assets. As of June 30, 2023, the Comptroller Intercept process has recovered more than $291 million for taxpayers of the Commonwealth, comprising an essential component of the state’s non-tax revenue.

The Commonwealth continues to pursue the expansion of the Comptroller Intercept process to include additional payment systems and incorporate new debt types.

Authorization for the Intercept program is found under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7A Sections 3, 8, 18, and 19.

Intercept Criteria Summary

The receivable or debt must be outstanding for at least 120 days
The customer must have received at least four notices requesting payment
The invoices must contain dunning language mentioning intercept process
The debtor has a right to a hearing to dispute their debt

Eligible Program Participants

Internal MMARS Entity – Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department (billing detailed REs via the MMARS system)
External MMARS Entity – Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department with access to MMARS billing in Summary RE via the BARS system (i.e. Institution of Higher Education, Departments using an Office of the Comptroller (CTR) authorized delegated detailed billing system)
External Non-MMARS Entity – Non-Commonwealth of Massachusetts Debt Entity that maintains a billing system that meets CTR requirements and is capable of electronically transmitting detailed debts to CTR for purposes of participation in the Commonwealth Intercept Program (i.e. City/Town, Massachusetts Authority, Federal Agency)

How Does a Debt Entity Participate in the Intercept Program?

In order to participate in the Commonwealth Intercept Program, the Debt Entity must be able to create and transmit a debt file to CTR, containing either a valid social security or Federal Tax Identification Number of the debtor, amount of delinquent debt, and a unique identifying number generated by the Debt Entity for each debt record. Prior to sending a debt to the Commonwealth Intercept Program, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the Debt Entity must certify that the Debt Entity has complied with all applicable Commonwealth laws and regulations related to internal debt collection activities.

Application Features and Benefits

Ability to upload .xml and .txt debt file formats
Download output formats include .txt, .xls, .csv, and .xml
One interface login for both debt file management and debt file authorization (does not require VPN connection or MMARS Batch Interface Event (BIEVNT) entry)
Automatic, date stamped event audit trail for complete debt record management
Self-service User ID and password functionality
Enhanced system and file alerts/notifications to support effective file validation
Improved tabular views of data include Upload, Download, Reports, and My Account
Online reporting includes upload history, download history, and intercept activity

For Further Detailed Program Information and/or Enrollment Inquiry

Please contact: [email protected]

About

Intercept Criteria Summary

Eligible Program Participants

How Does a Debt Entity Participate in the Intercept Program?

Application Features and Benefits

For Further Detailed Program Information and/or Enrollment Inquiry

Related Content

Non-Tax Revenue

815 CMR 9.00