Us Code § 9701 - Fees and charges for Government services and things of value

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 9701 — Fees and charges for Government services and things of value, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9701. Fees and charges for Government services and things of value

(a) It is the sense of Congress that each service or thing of value provided by an agency (except a mixed-ownership Government corporation) to a person (except a person on official business of the United States Government) is to be self-sustaining to the extent possible.

(b) The head of each agency (except a mixed-ownership Government corporation) may prescribe regulations establishing the charge for a service or thing of value provided by the agency. Regulations prescribed by the heads of executive agencies are subject to policies prescribed by the President and shall be as uniform as practicable. Each charge shall be—

(1) fair; and

(2) based on—

(A) the costs to the Government;

(B) the value of the service or thing to the recipient;

(C) public policy or interest served; and

(D) other relevant facts.


(c) This section does not affect a law of the United States—

(1) prohibiting the determination and collection of charges and the disposition of those charges; and

(2) prescribing bases for determining charges, but a charge may be redetermined under this section consistent with the prescribed bases.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1051.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
9701 31:483a. Aug. 31, 1951, ch. 376, §501, 65 Stat. 290.

In the section, the words "agency (except a mixed-ownership Government corporation)" are substituted for "Federal agency (including wholly owned Government corporations as defined in the Government Corporation Control Act of 1945 [31 U.S.C. 841 et seq.]" because of section 101 of the revised title and for consistency.

In subsection (a), the words "each service or thing of value provided" are substituted for "any work, service, publication, report, document, benefit, privilege, authority, use, franchise, license, permit, certificate, registration or similar thing of value or utility performed, furnished, provided, granted, prepared, or issued" for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "(including groups, associations, organizations, partnerships, corporations, or businesses)" are omitted as being included in "person" under 1:1.

In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words "may prescribe regulations establishing the charge for a service or thing of value provided by the agency" are substituted for "is authorized by regulation . . . to prescribe therefor such fee, charge, or price, if any, as he shall determine, in case none exists, or redetermine, in case of any existing one" for consistency, to eliminate unnecessary words, and because of the restatement. In clause (1), the words "and equitable" are omitted as being included in "fair". In clause (2)(A), the words "direct and indirect" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2)(B), the words "of the service or thing" are added for clarity. In clause (2)(D), the words "and any amount so determined or redetermined shall be collected and paid into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts" are omitted as unnecessary because of section 3302(a) of this title.

Subsection (c) is substituted for 31:483a(provisos) for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–393, title VI, §638(a), Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1779, provided that: "This section [enacting section 9703 of this title and amending sections 981 and 982 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, section 1509 of Title 21, Food and Drugs, section 524 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and section 2003 of Title 39, Postal Service] may be cited as the 'Treasury Forfeiture Fund Act of 1992'."

About This Section

31 U.S.C. § 9701 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. § 9701. 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.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 9701

What does United States Code § 9701 cover?

Section 9701 ("Fees and charges for Government services and things of value") 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 § 9701?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 9701" (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 § 9701 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.