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Employer Newsletter
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November 2025
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MyTFFR reporting tips and tricks
Contribution Report Troubleshooting
A common question received from TFFR's Business Partners is how to find and resolve errors when a contribution report won’t upload. For step-by-step guidance, download File Level Errors and Adjustments.
Not sure which Pay Code to use when reporting?
If you’re unsure which pay code to use when reporting TFFR member salaries, refer to our Pay Code Definitions resource.
How to produce a report summarizing contributions
- From your Dashboard, select the hamburger menu (☰) in the upper-left corner.
- Scroll down to Organization Information and select Organization Details.
- At the top of the page, choose "Generate Current FY Summary Report" or "Generate Last FY Summary Report." See the screenshot below for reference.
 These reports are commonly used by external auditors to verify annual contribution totals.
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Treat retiree return to work as a new enrollment
When a retiree returns to TFFR-covered employment, you must complete a Retired Member Employment Enrollment with the first contribution report on which they appear.
- This process is required each year a retired member returns to TFFR-covered employment.
- Do not enroll retirees who are performing in-staff subbing, extracurricular duties or professional development. They are exempt from hour limits and reporting, and no contributions need to be paid.
Need more guidance? Review RIO's Enrollment Training and Resources.
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MyTFFR tools provide immediate answers
Before submitting a support request, be sure to use the Help button located in the lower-right corner of your MyTFFR Dashboard. This feature lets you search for answers and access training videos with step-by-step solutions. You can also check the MyTFFR Employer Self-Service Handbook for detailed guidance.
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Submitting support requests
If you still need assistance after consulting the available tools, submit a ticket using the “Contact Us” tile on your MyTFFR Dashboard. This ensures your request is tracked and handled in the order received.
Note that during high volume periods, e.g., the 15th of the month when reports are due, response times may take several business days.
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Adding MyTFFR organization contacts and assigning roles
Business Partners can add additional Organization Contacts to MyTFFR and assign them specific roles - Contribution Reporting, Human Resources, Finance, Viewing and Web Administration.
Tip: Be sure to provide your Organization Contacts with Web Administration role so, if needed, they can submit contact tickets.
For more info, refer to Create & Maintain Organization Information in the MyTFFR Employer Self-Service Handbook. For role descriptions, refer to Appendix 1 (pg 181).
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TFFR Reporting 101 on Nov. 19
Are you new to TFFR reporting or are you looking for a refresher? Join RIO at 10:00 a.m., CT, on Nov. 19, 2025, for an introductory webinar designed to help you understand your TFFR responsibilities.
MyTFFR Open Forum returns on Dec. 3
On Dec. 3, 2025, RIO will host another Open Forum, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions about using MyTFFR and other program-related topics. RIO will answer questions, provide guidance, share tips, and address your concerns in a collaborative setting.
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Retirement Reminders: preparing members for retirement
If you have teachers considering retirement, there are a few helpful steps they can take to get ready for the application process:
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Log in to MyTFFR to review and, if needed, update their demographic information and verify that listed relationships and beneficiaries are current.
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Use the Estimate My Benefit tool to review their annuity options and confirm their anticipated retirement date.
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Before applying, teachers should collect their proof of age document, resignation letter, and current teaching contracts.
Retirement is an exciting milestone. Using RIO's Retirement Application Checklist, helps members ensure their application process goes smoothly.
Note that RIO recommends members wait until they are within 60-90 days of their planned retirement date before submitting an application.
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RIO earns 27th financial reporting recognition
RIO has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This marks the 27th consecutive year the agency has received the award.
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Empower members to manage their TFFR accounts
With the launch of MyTFFR, members now manage their own retirement account details through the Member Self-Service Portal. This includes updating their contact information and designating beneficiaries. Employers no longer submit Member Action forms.
Encourage your employees to log in and explore MyTFFR. In addition to maintaining their account, members can:
- View salary, service credit, and account balance
- Purchase service credit
- Estimate or apply for retirement benefits
If they need help, direct members to MyTFFR's Help Center or the Member Self Service videos on RIO's YouTube Channel.
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In case you missed it . . .
Bachmeier appointed to serve as Superintendent of Public Instruction, Governor News
U.S. Senate Confirms Baesler as Assistant Secretary of Education, DPI News
Tunseth Named 2026 ND Teacher of the Year, DPI News
‘Lead Teacher’ Program Holds Promise for Classroom Instruction, DPI News
Charter School Law Implementation Begins, DPI News
Mandated Reporter Training for Initial Licensure, ESPB News
School District Responsibility for Student Costs... 2025-26 School Year, DPI News
Lifetime Teaching License Updates, ESPB News
Armstrong highlights benefits... phone-free K-12 public schools in ND, Governor News
BRIDGE Project Updates (K-12 Modernization), DPI News
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Connections: meet a business partner and a team member
Pamela Utt, Central Cass School Business Manager
A little bit about me . . . My name is Pam Utt. This is my 26th year as the Business Manager at Central Cass.
I grew up in Fessenden, ND. My husband and I have two adult sons and two grand dogs. Fun fact: My husband and our sons are all Central Cass graduates, but I’ve spent more time as full-time CC Squirrel than any of them!
What is your favorite hobby? I love reading, spending summer weekends at the lake, traveling to visit our sons, and time with good friends.
What do you like best about your job? I like the large variety of things I have done and get to do daily. No two days are the same, and no two years are either!
What advice/tips would you offer other Business Managers? ASK QUESTIONS. Get to know the Business Managers in your neighboring districts and districts similar in size to yours. Connect with at least one seasoned business manager that can be a resource for you to reach out to when you don’t know where else to go. Join the NDASBM, take the Business Manager Certification Program, join the business manager listserv, attend the fall and spring business manager workshops, and attend in person and online trainings. Sometimes you need to understand and sometimes you need to master a skill or knowledge. Know that change is constant.
This is both exciting and stressful at times. But monotony and status quo are boring. That’s why we are business managers!
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Dottie Thorsen, Internal Auditor
Tell us about life before you joined the RIO team? I grew up in Dothan, AL, and met my husband on a blind date. He was stationed at the Army Post near my hometown. We have lived in Alabama, Germany, Fort Leavenworth, KS; and Portales, NM. After retirement, we relocated to Bismarck. My first winter in North Dakota was in December 1996. After surviving that record winter for snow, it has been great. I love North Dakota and it is home.
Tell us a little about yourself? I graduated from Troy University in Alabama with BS degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. When we lived in New Mexico, I went back to school and earned a BBA in Accounting and Business Administration.
Why did you choose to work for RIO? I wanted to work outside the home when my kids were in school. As an Internal Auditor, I did not have to travel. I was really interested in learning about retirement systems. I started working at RIO in October of 1998. The types of audits completed have been internal and compliance. My first audits were Glen Ullin and Bismarck. I have really enjoyed working with the RIO staff and the Business Partners over the years.
What aspects of your job do you find the most challenging? It has been challenging and exciting for the past ten years as RIO and Internal Audit have been reengineering business processes to work more efficiently and effectively to provide better service to our members, business partners, and investment clients. The development of the pension administration system was extremely rewarding in streamlining processes and decreasing risk.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time away from work? I love spending time with my four grandchildren, reading and flower gardening.
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Reporting Reminders
TFFR Employer webpage: resources to help business partners accurately report TFFR member salaries, contributions and service credit.
Fast Facts: an overview of the TFFR program includes a breakdown of contribution rates and membership tiers.
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MyTFFR Employer Resources
MyTFFR is a secure Employer Self-Service Portal where employers report and manage employer and employee contributions.
Getting Started with MyTFFR
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