Facilitating X9.129 Electronic Levy Implementation

This executive summary is a guide for government agencies implementing the ANSI X9.129 electronic levy format, whether for the first time or to expand its use with additional banks. Government agencies and banks are shifting from manual, paper-based levy processes to digital formats to reduce costs, save time, and enhance data security. X9.129 is an open, non-proprietary standard for that transformation.

Key points

• Safari SOP provides software to banks for handling levies from government agencies. With Levy Manager, Safari SOP acts on the banks' behalf: it receives X9.129 levy requests from agencies and makes sure the banks' responses get back to the agencies.
• Once Safari SOP sets up a connection with an agency, typically via an SFTP site, all of its customers can communicate with that agency through the X9.129 format automatically.
• SFTP site: Safari SOP prefers, as most agencies do, that the agency set up and host the site, but it can host and maintain the site if that helps the agency.
• Testing: Safari SOP can use the agency's testing process or supply a range of test scenarios, and it handles all testing with the banks, so the agency coordinates only with Safari SOP.
• Legal agreement: in the Standard Channel, Safari SOP acts as an agent of the bank, so no vendor agreement is required. Safari SOP shares its agent agreement form for the agency's review.

Common questions

What are the Standard Channel and the Universal Channel?

After an agency implements an electronic levy connection, Safari SOP adds more banks without extra work from the agency. The Standard Channel directly onboards Safari SOP's bank customers, with no additional costs or contracting required. The Universal Channel is a comprehensive electronic levy solution for all banks requesting electronic levies, including banks that are not Safari SOP customers; there Safari SOP is the agency's vendor, which requires Safari SOP vendor approval and a service fee, and it saves on paper and mailing costs.

Where should an agency start?

The guide recommends starting with the Standard Channel for immediate benefits, then considering the Universal Channel for a comprehensive solution that saves even more on paper and mailing. Safari SOP supports each step of the implementation.

Does the agency need a vendor contract with Safari SOP?

Not for the Standard Channel. Safari SOP acts as the bank's authorized agent, so no vendor agreement is required. The Universal Channel, where Safari SOP acts as the agency's vendor for non-Safari banks, requires vendor approval and a service fee.

Who is Safari SOP?

Safari Technologies, Inc., doing business as Safari SOP, provides cloud-based solutions for managing levies, garnishments, and subpoenas, with customers in all 50 states. It is involved with the X9.129 electronic levy standard and the upcoming X9.144 electronic subpoena standard.