Airline User Fee Services

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regularly conduct audits of airlines of all sizes that operate within the United States for compliance with collecting and remitting various passenger user fees. To assist airlines in navigating the intricacies of user fee compliance, our team of former Customs Auditors and Audit Supervisors (who previously conducted CBP and TSA audits and refund reviews) provide a range of services, whether facing an audit or looking to test compliance before an audit occurs. By partnering with Deleon Trade, airlines ensure they are operating within the laws/regulations and minimizing the risk of penalties.

CBP User Fee Audits

CBP’s Regulatory Audit conducts user fee audits of the Immigration User Fee (IUF or XY), Customs User Fee (CUF or YC), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Passenger Fee (APF or XA) and APHIS Aircraft Clearance (AC) Fee. Audits examine the collections and remittances of the IUF, CUF, and APF and the proper remittance of the APHIS AC Fee. Audit scope periods may cover up to 5 years.

Navigate CBP user fee audits with confidence! Our comprehensive CBP User Fee Audit Service supports airlines through every step of the process. From clarifying CBP’s information requests, to compiling and reviewing data, assisting in meetings and fieldwork, and ensuring audit results are accurate – our expert team is here to make the process seamless and stress-free.

TSA User Fee Audits

TSA contracts CBP’s Regulatory Audit to conduct user fee audits of the TSA Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service Fee (aka the September 11th Security Fee or TSA Security Fee [coded AY]). Audits examine the imposition, collection, recording, refunding, remitting, and reporting of the TSA Security Fees. Audit scope periods may cover 3 years or more. TSA may also conduct a desk review of an airline’s compliance with TSA regulations.

Elevate your audit experience with our specialized TSA User Fee Audit Service! Our expert team walks you through the entire process—from explaining audit information requests and streamlining documentation to providing hands-on support during meetings and fieldwork. We meticulously evaluate audit results, ensuring precision and compliance so you can focus on keeping your airline on course.

Refund Quantification

Overpaid passenger user fees? Get the refund your airline deserves! Airlines that overpay are entitled to reimbursement—whether by check or as a credit toward future remittances. But large refunds often trigger auditor reviews, creating hurdles in the process.

Deleon Trade streamlines your refund request by preparing, reviewing, and organizing a complete, audit-ready submission for CBP, APHIS, and TSA. Maximize your refund with confidence—partner with Deleon Trade today!

Risk Assessments & Internal Audits

Stay ahead of government audits and avoid costly compliance mistakes with a comprehensive risk assessment from Deleon Trade. Our expert team conducts internal and simulated audits of user fee remittances, identifying potential risks before they become liabilities. With our insights, airlines can proactively strengthen internal controls, enhance compliance, and ensure long-term regulatory success. Partner with Deleon Trade and take control of your compliance strategy today!

Compliance Manuals & Internal Controls

Staying compliant starts with strong internal controls. Deleon Trade helps airlines build a solid compliance foundation by developing and implementing written procedures that enhance internal oversight and adherence to user fee regulations. Don’t wait for an audit to expose weaknesses—partner with Deleon Trade to safeguard your compliance and streamline your operations today!

Procedural & Technical Training

Education is the foundation of compliance. Collaboration is key to success. These cornerstone business principles transcend time and technology to ring true every day. When it comes to user fee compliance, the responsibility doesn’t just fall on the tax department, but requires collaboration from operations, information technology, revenue accounting, contract management, passenger services, legal, and more. Let our team of experts lead comprehensive training sessions covering procedural and technical topics.