Number: RL34164
Title: Improper Payments Information Act of 2002: Background, Implementation, and Assessment
Authors: Garrett L. Hatch and Virginia A. McMurtry, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: On November 26, 2002, the Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA) was signed into law as P.L. 107-300 (116 Stat. 2350). Augmenting previous financial management reform laws, the IPIA is intended to increase financial accountability in the federal government, and thereby reduce wasteful spending. The law requires agencies to identify each year programs and activities vulnerable to significant improper payments, to estimate the overpayments or underpayments exposure, and to report on steps taken to reduce such payments. As explained more fully in this report, improper payments generally include any payment that should not have been made or was made for an incorrect amount.
Pages: 18
Date: September 10, 2008