For Immediate Release

July 26, 2011

Contact:

Ethel Truly 601-965-4300, ext.102

Failure to file will result in interruption of program payments

(JACKSON, MISS.) – July 26, 2011 - Michael R. Sullivan, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director for Mississippi, reminds producers that they must submit an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) verification consent form (CCC-927 or CCC-928) to the IRS as soon as possible in order to maintain eligibility for 2009 and 2010 program benefits.

The consent form authorizes the IRS to verify for FSA whether a payment recipient’s AGI meets the eligibility requirements for FSA programs. The form became a requirement for payment eligibility beginning with the 2009 crop year, however many program participants have not yet submitted this form for 2009 and 2010 program benefits.

"Producers who fail to file these forms before Sept. 2011 will receive a notice from the FSA National Office stating that the producer is ineligible for 2009 and/or 2010 payments," said Sullivan. “The producer will be responsible for fully refunding all payments received under programs subject to AGI limitations," he added.

The IRS requires written consent from all individuals or legal entities before verification of their AGI can be provided to USDA. Individuals must submit form CCC-927, and legal entities must submit form CCC-928. Without these forms on file, eligible producers will not receive USDA program payments.

Sullivan further clarifies that these consent forms are required for payments received from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as well as those received through FSA. Completed forms must be returned directly to the IRS.

For more information on AGI eligibility requirements or the AGI verification process, contact your local county FSA office.

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