# 7 CFR § 3.16: Collection in installments

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.16

## Section

- **Citation:** 7 CFR § 3.16
- **Heading:** Collection in installments
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 7—Agriculture > Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of Agriculture > PART 3—DEBT MANAGEMENT > Subpart B—Standards for the Administrative Collection and Compromise of Claims

## Text

(a) Whenever feasible, agencies will collect the total amount of a debt in one lump sum. If a debtor is financially unable to pay a debt in one lump sum, agencies may accept payment in regular installments. Agencies will obtain financial statements from debtors (or a similar statement from foreign debtors) who represent that they are unable to pay in one lump sum and independently verify such representations whenever possible (see 31 CFR 902.2(g) for methods of verification). Agencies that agree to accept payments in regular installments will obtain a legally enforceable written agreement from the debtor that specifies all terms of the arrangement and that contains a provision accelerating the debt in the event of default.
(b) The size and frequency of installment payments will bear a reasonable relation to the size of the debt and the debtor's ability to pay. If possible, the installment payments will be sufficient in size and frequency to liquidate the debt in 3 years or less.
(c) Security for deferred payments will be obtained in appropriate cases. Agencies may accept installment payments notwithstanding the refusal of the debtor to execute a written agreement or to give security, at the agency's option.

## Nearby sections

- [7 CFR § 3.1 § 3.1 Purpose and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.1.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.2 § 3.2 Authority.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.2.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.3 § 3.3 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.3.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.4 § 3.4 Delegations of authority.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.4.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.10 § 3.10 Aggressive agency collection activity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.10.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.11 § 3.11 Demand for payment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.11.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.12 § 3.12 Reporting of debts to Credit Reporting Agencies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.12.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.14 § 3.14 Suspension or revocation of eligibility for loans and loan guarantees, licenses, permits, or privileges.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.14.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.15 § 3.15 Liquidation of collateral.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.15.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.16 § 3.16 Collection in installments.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.16.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.17 § 3.17 Interest, penalties, and administrative costs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.17.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.18 § 3.18 Use and disclosure of mailing addresses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.18.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.19 § 3.19 Standards for the compromise of claims and debt settlement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.19.md)
- [7 CFR § 3.20 § 3.20 Standards for suspending or terminating collection activities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.20.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-7-3.16. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.