Print This PageWhat is the GSA SmartPay Purchase Card?
In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the GSA SmartPay Purchase Charge Card is the preferred method to purchase and pay for micro-purchases (FAR Part 13.201). For purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, the Purchase Card may be used as an ordering and payment mechanism. In FY 2010, more than $4.5 billion was spent on purchases above $10,000, government-wide.
Tax Exemption Status
All GSA SmartPay Purchase Cards are centrally billed and should be exempt from State tax assessment.
Best Practices
- If a vendor does not accept the charge card, work with your program or program coordinator to identify another vendor who does accept the card
- Verify the government’s tax exemption or discount status with vendor prior to payment, or at the point of sale
- Verify that all CBA cards are not assessed taxes and in the event that taxes are assessed, contact your card manager immediately to initiate the reclamation process as soon as possible
- Should there be a fraudulent charges on your card, initiate the dispute process within 90 days of the purchase
- Maintain copies of all receipts in order to verify taxes assessed
- Monitor your account activity frequently to identify any instances of fraud, misuse, or state tax assessment
- Keep a record of exemptions and transactions, which include dates, vendors, and amount of taxes charged.
