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You're ready to file your first (or maybe your fiftieth!) drawback claim. You're in a bit of a hurry, because you need to get the claim to Customs before the weekly cut-off day.
Even so, don't rush! Make sure you check over that claim-maybe even double check it. After all, you certainly don't want some minor mistake to cause Customs to kick it back and then hold up payment. Right?
So with that in mind, we offer you a 7-step "Claim Check List":
Step 1. Look over your claim form. Are all the applicable boxes filled in correctly? Did you print a contact name and telephone number in the event that Customs has a question?
Did you make an extra copy for Customs to date-stamp and send back to you for your files? Don't forget to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with that. It's always nice to know that Customs actually received your claim by getting a date-stamped copy back in the mail.
Step 2. Look over your claim reports. Are they all there? Check for clerical errors.
Step 3. Confirm ABI/Diskette procedures. Filing via ABI? If so, did you include a copy of the ABI acceptance with your claim? Filing with Diskette? Make sure you include the Diskette with your claim.
Step 4. Check Bond entries carefully. Need a Bond? If filing a claim with a single entry Bond, did you prepare the Bond correctly? In addition to checking the Bond carefully, mark down on your Bond log:
- The Bond number
- The company name
- The amount of the Bond
- The date
Be sure to include the correct portion of the Bond with your claim and send the surety company their portion. If using a continuous bond, make sure you have enough "value" left to cover the claim amount.
Step 5. Clearly mark your claims folder. Mark your claims folder appropriately-putting your company name, claim number, type of claim and contact information on the top edge of the folder. If filing ABI, mark the cover of your claim accordingly.
Step 6. Keep copies. Make sure you have copies of everything:
- Claim form
- Claim reports
- Your portion of the Bond
- The copy of the ABI acceptance
- Then file it all away!
Step 7. Sign the bond and claim forms. You are now ready to send your claim to Customs!
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