USDA Farm Service Agency Minnesota State Executive Director Linda Hennen, reminds producers that, in order to receive USDA program payments, each payment recipient must have an Adjusted Gross Income verification consent form on file with the Internal Revenue Service.

The consent form authorizes 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 complied with this requirement.

“IRS and USDA reports show that, nationwide, FSA is still missing the required consent forms from many producers for 2009 and 2010,” said Hennen. “In order to avoid an interruption of program payments, producers need to check their business records and turn these forms in to the IRS immediately if they have not done so already,” she said

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

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

For more information on AGI eligibility requirements or the AGI verification process, contact your local USDA Service Center.