Us Code § 3904 - Limitations on discount payments

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3904 — Limitations on discount payments, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3904. Limitations on discount payments

The head of an agency offered a discount by a business concern from an amount due under a contract for property or service in exchange for payment within a specified time may pay the discounted amount only if payment is made within the specified time. For the purpose of the preceding sentence, the specified time shall be determined from the date of the invoice. The head of the agency shall pay an interest penalty on an amount remaining unpaid in violation of this section. The penalty accrues as provided under sections 3902 and 3903 of this title, except that the required payment date for the unpaid amount is the last day specified in the contract that the discounted amount may be paid.

(Added Pub. L. 97–452, §1(18)(A), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2476; amended Pub. L. 100–496, §8, Oct. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 2460.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
3904 31 App.:1802. May 21, 1982, Pub. L. 97–177, §3, 96 Stat. 86.

The word "otherwise" is omitted as surplus. The words "may pay the discounted amount" are substituted for "may make payment in an amount equal to the discounted price" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "on such unpaid amount" and "the regulations prescribed pursuant to" are omitted as surplus. The words "specified in the contract that the discounted amount may be paid" are substituted for "of the specified period of time described in subsection (a)" for clarity.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–496 inserted after first sentence "For the purpose of the preceding sentence, the specified time shall be determined from the date of the invoice."


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–496 applicable to payments under contracts awarded, contracts renewed, and contract options exercised during or after the first fiscal quarter which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 17, 1988, see section 14(a) of Pub. L. 100–496, set out as a note under section 3902 of this title.

About This Section

31 U.S.C. § 3904 is part of Title 31 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 31 U.S.C. § 3904. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3904

What does United States Code § 3904 cover?

Section 3904 ("Limitations on discount payments") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 3904?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 3904" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 3904 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.