Skip to Content

U.S. Marshals Service

Asset Forfeiture Program

What is E-SHARE?

E-SHARE is the United States Marshals Service (SMS) program used to make equitable sharing payments to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through electronic funds transfer (EFT).

E-SHARE changes equitable sharing payments* from a paper U.S. Treasury check to a direct deposit into the state and local law enforcement agency’s bank account.

What is the impact of the E-SHARE program?

  • Your equitable sharing payment reaches you faster.
  • Your share is deposited directly into your agency’s bank account.
  • You will receive an email notice that funds have been deposited.
  • Both the deposit and the email notification are automated.
  • *The best source for basic information about the equitable sharing program is A Guide to Equitable Sharing of Federally Forfeited Property for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies published by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section (AFMLS).

    E-SHARE is an Asset Forfeiture program

    • E-SHARE payments are related to your DOJ Asset Forfeiture Fund Equitable Sharing Payments only.
    • E-SHARE is not related to any other source of funds that you may receive via EFT such as federal grants, U.S. Treasury Forfeiture Fund Disbursements, or any other federal payments.

    E-SHARE is NOT Optional

    • State and local law enforcement agencies cannot opt-out of E-SHARE. All payments will be made electronically via eShare.
    • The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 states: “All Federal payments made after January 1st, 1999 shall be made by EFT.”

    EFT Equitable Sharing Payments are

    Fast ● Efficient ● Accurate

    State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

    What changes affect state and local law enforcement agencies? Very few.

    The most significant change is the payment method. Instead of a paper check, funds will be electronically transferred.

    Change Impact
    Payment Format
    • Equitable Sharing payments will be deposited directly into bank account.
    • A separate payment will always be made for each asset being shared.
    Payment Notification

    An email notification is sent within five business days after funds are deposited in your bank account.

    Payment Policy

    Sharing amounts under $50 will now be paid.

    E-SHARE does not change the Equitable Sharing Program

    Remain the Same:
    • The Equitable Sharing Program concept
    • The request process (DOJ Form DAG-71) Remain
    • The approval process (DOJ Form DAG-72) the
    • USMS role to execute payment same


    State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

    Participating in the Program

    • USMS is implementing the E-SHARE program on a state-by-state basis.
    • Refer to the USMS website for the implementation schedule, ACH form and instructions, and contact information.
    • If your state has not been transitioned to E-SHARE, refer to the implementation schedule on the website.
    • If your state has already been transitioned, but you are currently not participating, email the USMS E-SHARE helpdesk for instructions on how to participate in the E-Share Program.

    State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

    Completing the Automated Clearinghouse Form

    The key to successful E-Sharing is the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) form (USM-391), banking information.

    All data on the ACH form must be:

    • Accurate
    • Complete
    • Current

    Email the USMS E-SHARE helpdesk as soon as possible if any of your agency’s ACH information changes.

    Tips for completing or revising the ACH form:

    • Follow all instructions closely when preparing the ACH form.
    • Payment Notification email can be sent to one email address only. State and local agencies must determine the most appropriate person to receive the email notification.
    • Send completed ACH form to:

    America’s Star Corporation
    CS-3, Suite 402
    Attention: E-Share
    USMS Headquarters
    Washington, DC 20530-1000

    IMPORTANT

    The recipient of the email notification at the state and local law enforcement agency is responsible for disseminating payment information to appropriate components in your agency.

    State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

    Understanding the email notification of payment

    The email notification of payment includes:

    • Agency that is sharing
    • District from which sharing is made
    • Identifies type of payment
    • CATS ID/AIN
    • Description
    • Dollar amount shared
    • Vendor
    • Date it was verified that the bank received it
    • Contact at the District

    Sample Notification

    Automated Email Notification - DO NOT Respond

    The U.S. Marshals Service, District of E/VIRGINIA has made an Equitable Sharing payment related to CATS ID# 04-DEA-431380; 1998 LEXUS GS300.

    Payment is in the amount of $1003.88 to CITY OF RICHMOND POLICE DEPT, wire transferred to your account on 11/22/2004.

    For additional information or support, please contact:

    ARRON TALAN: 111.111.1111

    ARRON.TALAN@USDOJ.GOV

    State and local law enforcement agencies should refer to their federal investigative agency contacts for questions and concerns related to sharing percentage approval.

    usmarshals.gov is an official site of the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of Justice