Accessibility Skip to Top Navigation Skip to Main Content Home  |  Change Text Size  |  Contact IRS  |  About IRS  |  Site Map  |  Español  |  Help  

21.3.4  Field Assistance (Cont. 1)

21.3.4.3 
Customer Service in Your Taxpayer Assistance Center

21.3.4.3.11  (10-01-2008)
Multilingual Assistance

  1. Multilingual services will be offered to taxpayers with a language barrier. The primary vehicle for providing this service is through bilingual employees and an Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI). However, the OPI line will NOT be used for Out of Scope issues.

  2. If the taxpayer needs multilingual assistance, did not bring an interpreter and the issues cannot be determined, a Q-Matic ticket will be given by an IAR if available.

  3. The ITAS will refer the taxpayer to a bilingual employee to determine if issues are In-Scope and provide the needed assistance.

  4. If a bilingual employee is not available to assist a taxpayer, the OPI service will be used. Taxpayers should not be made to wait to be serviced by a bilingual employee.

  5. If during the OPI service it is determined that the issues are Out of Scope, the taxpayer has the following options:

    • May contact the toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040 (English or Spanish options only – taxpayer will need to provide an interpreter for all other languages

    • May visit our website at www.irs.gov

    • May be referred to the CAS line

  6. If a bilingual employee is available to assist a taxpayer with In Scope issues, the bilingual employee may be used prior to seeking the Over-the-Phone (OPI) service. If a bilingual employee is unavailable to assist the taxpayer, the OPI service will be used for In-Scope issues only.

  7. The OPI contractor provides a Language Identification Card that lists all available languages and has specific instructions for the use of the service. Interpreters can be reached by dialing the access telephone number 1-800-544-5721 from any office telephone.

  8. Each TAC must use its own unique client identification number only. This number identifies the TAC making the call. The client identification number must not be shared with other business units or TACs. Questions regarding your client identification number should be addressed to the Field Assistance Area analyst.

    Note:

    If you call for interpreter services without the client identification number, you will be told to call back with the appropriate number.

  9. The IRS/OPI contract allows the disclosure of tax information to the OPI interpreter. The assistor should limit disclosure to only that information necessary to resolve the issue.

  10. Use the Language Identification Card to help the taxpayer identify their language. Language Identification Cards are supplied by the vendor. The Headquarters Analyst assigned the program will request a yearly supply of the cards from the vendor for distribution to each TAC.

  11. Determine the OPI activity closing code prior to dialing the interpreter service. Input the three-digit closing code using the dial pad on the telephone when prompted to do so. This prompt will occur prior to being connected to an interpreter. See Exhibit 21.3.4-16. The instructions currently used to determine the appropriate closing codes for Form 5311 will also be used for OPI. Use 990 if the closing code cannot be determined prior to connecting to the interpreter. Closing code 990 is never used with Q-Matic or Form 5311. It is ONLY used when the TAC employee is unable to identify the closing code prior to connecting to the OPI interpreter.

  12. Input employee badge number when prompted.

  13. Care should be taken to use the service efficiently, including, termination of the call while performing case research, and calling back when research is completed.

  14. When dialing the OPI line and a busy signal is received, make a second attempt in dialing. If there is a hold time, wait a reasonable amount of time (at least 5 minutes) prior to ending the call. Contact the IRS Tax Centers emergency line, 1-800-523-1786 to be connected should these problems exist. You will need to input the Client ID that is specific to your TAC. This line should only be used in the event of failed attempts due to busy signals and long wait times. Report any busy signals, long wait times or any issues with the language line to your Area OPI Analyst. The Area OPI Analyst will forward the following information to the OPI Headquarters Analyst:

    • Client ID

    • Interpreter ID (This is provided by the Interpreter during the beginning of the call)

    • Problem/Issue

    • Date and Time of Problem/Issue

    • Language

  15. The OPI contract only allows for services rendered over the phone. Do not send written inquiries to the vendor for interpretation.

21.3.4.3.12  (10-01-2009)
Signs

  1. Use only signs provided or approved by Headquarters. Display signs where they can be easily seen. Do not display handwritten signs.

  2. All TACs will have the latest revision of the following signs posted. Only signs listed in the IRM will be posted. All other signs must be specifically approved by the Director, Field Assistance.

    Document # Catalog # Title
    10160 25223R Taxpayer Assistance Center Hours of Service
    10161 25224C Making a Payment?
    10169 26868U In This Office, We Can
    10169SP 33307U En Esta Oficina Podemos
    12178 38285P Your Contact Will Be Recorded
    12364 48410M Use of Cell Phones (ENG/SP) - Magnet
    12364B 25628Y Use of Cell Phones (ENG/SP) – Countertop
    12377 48484C Making a Payment? (Cannot accept cash payments or issue a receipt for non-cash payments) This is used in place of Document 10161 in TACs that do not accept cash payments
    12437 49777A Forms and Payments Only
    12426 49349E Insert Card Dollar Amount for Documents 10169 & 10169SP
    12572 51444W No Food or Drinks Allowed
    12574 51445H Controlled Access FA Only - Wall Sign
    12574A 51232C Controlled Access FA Only - Hanging Sign
    12697 53022Y No Cameras - Warning Weapons Prohibited
    12698 53069H Closing Notice
    Form 13358 35278W TAC Hours of Service Insert (Inserted into pocket on Document 10160)
    Form 14098 53741M Relocating Sign – This is posted to notify customers when a TAC moves to a new location.
    Publication 4053 34303M Your Civil Rights Are Protected Poster
    Publication 4053 SP 34304X Sus Derechos Civiles Estan Protegidos
  3. Sign 12178 is only required where Contact Recording is installed.

  4. Signs 12364 and 12364B are optional. They are for use in TACs where cell phone use by taxpayers is a problem.

  5. Sign 12377 is posted in TACS that do not accept cash payments.

  6. Sign 12437 is used in TACs when the Group Manager determines it is necessary to dedicate an employee for forms and payments in order to serve large numbers of taxpayers more efficiently.

  7. Sign 12698 is to assist with high traffic volume near the close of the day if the manager determines we cannot serve additional customers and we need to stop issuing tickets. The sign will be displayed no more than two hours before closing.

21.3.4.4  (10-01-2008)
Quality and Accuracy

  1. Field Assistance (FA) has contracted with the Joint Operations Center’s Centralized Quality Review Section (CQRS) to measure FA Tax Law, FA Accounts, FA Return Preparation and FA Procedural quality through the use of Contact Recording. FA worked with the Statistics of Income (SOI) section and designed an algorithm that will select a statistically reliable sample that will be valid at the Area level quarterly. The results of the reviews will be placed on the National Quality Review System (NQRS). Area Quality Analysts will have access to reviews and will share them with the field, but the results will not be evaluative to the individual employee. There are five NQRS measures:

    • Customer Accuracy: giving the correct answer with the correct resolution.

    • Regulatory Accuracy: adhering to statutory/regulatory process requirements when making determinations on taxpayer accounts.

    • Procedural Accuracy: adhering to nonstatutory/nonregulatory internal process requirements.

    • Professionalism: promoting a positive image of the Service by using effective communication techniques.

    • Timeliness: resolving an issue in the most efficient manner through the use of proper workload management and time utilization techniques.

  2. Customer Accuracy, Professionalism, and Timeliness measures are reported to the Commissioner as Quality measures. The Customer Accuracy measure is also reported externally to our stakeholders (Congress, Government Accountability Office (GAO), etc.).

  3. Area Directors and other levels of management will receive reports on all five measures: Customer Accuracy, Regulatory Accuracy, Procedural Accuracy, Professionalism, and Timeliness. The categories known as product lines for which these measures are reported are:

    • Tax Law

    • Accounts

    • Return Preparation

    • Procedural

21.3.4.5  (04-01-2007)
Safety and Security

  1. This sub-section supplements information in IRM 21.1.3.10Safety and Security Overview.

  2. DO NOT WAIT FOR A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO OCCUR BEFORE READING THIS SUB-SECTION. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THESE PROCEDURES AND THOSE IN IRM 21.1.3.10 NOW.

21.3.4.5.1  (10-01-2008)
Your Safety and Security

  1. Your office should be safe and secure. This applies to both the taxpayer waiting area and your work area.

  2. If you notice outlets, cords, chairs, or office fixtures in need of repair or replacement, notify your manager or the Commissioner's Representative (CR) in your Post of Duty (POD) to ensure necessary repairs are made.

  3. The online Employee Resource Center is also available to report problems with lights, water leaks or other noticeable repairs needed. The link to the ERC is available on the IRS Intranet Home Page.

  4. You should have direct numbers for the local office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), your manager, the CR, Criminal Investigation (CI) (if present at your location), the local physical security representative, local guards where applicable, local police, building manager or other facilities support, fire department and other necessary numbers readily available.

  5. Keep Form 9166, Bomb Threat Card at each desk and counter. The first two sections of the form are to be filled in immediately when you receive the card with telephone numbers for your local responders.

  6. IF YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OPENING PACKAGES, REFER TO IRM 21.1.3.10.8. IF ANY PACKAGE LOOKS SUSPICIOUS, DO NOT OPEN IT.

21.3.4.5.2  (10-01-2008)
Threats And Assaults

  1. A threat is defined as the intention to inflict harm. An assault is defined as an attack by action or by word. Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §7212, Attempts to interfere with administration of Internal Revenue laws, and § 111 Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees, 18 USC §111, provide criminal penalties of imprisonment and fine for anyone convicted of threatening, assaulting, or impeding an IRS employee acting in his/her official capacity.

  2. You are sometimes the focal point for the anger, fear, frustration or other emotional outbursts of a taxpayer. If you fear for your safety, take immediate action to protect yourself.

  3. Threats or assaults do not have to be directed toward you for you to take action. If a taxpayer is threatening your family, your co-workers or any other government employee, try to obtain the following information:

    • Taxpayer’s name

    • Social Security number

    • Current address

    • Statements taxpayer makes

    • Any other general information to aid the TIGTA office in its investigation (e.g., physical description; unusual behavior)

    Note:

    The above also applies if a taxpayer is threatening harm to him/herself. Use the SERP Emergency site and IRM 21.1.3.12Suicide Threats to assist you with actions appropriate with this type of situation.

  4. If a taxpayer becomes abusive, try to calm him/her down. If the taxpayer's behavior does not improve, advise the taxpayer that you are unable to help him/her at this time. Ask the taxpayer to leave.

  5. If a taxpayer refuses to leave:

    1. Push the duress button, if one is available in your office.

      Note:

      If you discover that your duress alarm is inoperable or missing, it is imperative that you notify your manager immediately.

    2. Call CR, TIGTA, or local guard service (if located on site).

    3. If no help is available on site, contact your local law enforcement agency (Federal Protection Service, police, sheriff, or state patrol) in an emergency situation.

    4. Contact your manager and the Commissioner's Representative.

  6. If you must contact a local law enforcement agency, inform the agency that you have been threatened while performing official duties. Disclose ONLY the name and address of the location where the threat occurred. Contact your Disclosure Manager before releasing confidential tax information to the local law enforcement agency.

  7. IMMEDIATELY REPORT to TIGTA all assaults, threats or forcible interference made against you in the course of your official duties, or made against members of your family to impede the performance of your official duties.

  8. You should report every incident, no matter how insignificant it may appear on the surface. The determination of what action, if any, is to be taken, will be made by TIGTA.

21.3.4.5.2.1  (10-01-2005)
What You Should Do When Your Security Is Threatened

  1. In all of the above situations, notify the local TIGTA Office, your manager, the Commissioners Representative, local security personnel, and other agreed upon personnel.

  2. You should contact appropriate individuals as soon as possible after the incident occurs or upon leaving the office.

  3. Write down events on any sheet of paper or on an appropriate form, such as Form 9166, Bomb Threat Card.

  4. Review safety and security procedures with your manager at least once a year.

21.3.4.5.3  (10-01-2008)
Gifts Of Nominal Value

  1. See IRM 21.1.3.10.2 Bribery Attempts for handling bribe attempts, including offers of gifts.

  2. An employee may not solicit or accept a gift (even one of nominal value - $20 or less) to influence him in performing his/her official duties. Other rules regarding gifts received from outside sources (not intended or received as bribes) are contained in 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) sections 2535.201 - 2635.205 and in Document 12011, Plain Talk About Ethics and Conduct. Contact your manager for guidance.

21.3.4.5.4  (04-01-2007)
Physical Security and Safety

  1. Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) should be treated as a controlled access environment at all times. Controlled access is an essential aspect of ensuring that Field Assistance (FA) has adequate safeguards in place to protect taxpayers' information from disclosure and prevent unauthorized access to both information and property. In determining the security criteria for TACs, consideration should be given to the types and volumes of assets regularly received and stored. Examples of such assets include, but are not limited to, cash remittances, Form 809 Receipts "Received" and "Received with Remittance" stamps, tax returns, and return information.

  2. Among other security precautions, at a minimum managers should:

    • Visually monitor traffic in and out of TACs

    • Deny entrance to TAC space if the individual is not assigned to perform FA Operations. Exception: Allow access to the TAC to employees from any organizational unit impacted by hurricanes or natural disasters. When non-TAC employees are located in TAC space compensatory controls should be implemented (i.e. non-TAC employees can not walk behind counters). Limit their access to what is necessary

    • Conduct after hour reviews

  3. All TAC managers and employees should keep in mind that "The basic principle of security within IRS or anywhere is to limit access to assets based upon need." When protecting assets and information, access should be limited to those persons with a need to access the information due to their official duties and/or responsibilities. See IRM 1.4.11.4.1.1Controlled Area.

    Note:

    Limiting Access - The basic principle of security within IRS, or anywhere, is "limit access to assets based upon need." When protecting information, for example, access to documents should be limited to those persons with a need to know the information. When the asset to be protected is a room, an area, a building, a computer, or other such property, access to that property should be restricted to those persons who, due to their official duties and/or responsibilities, have a need for such access.

21.3.4.6  (12-23-2008)
Time Reporting for TAC employees

  1. Document 12156, Form 5311 User Guideis to be used to ensure standardization of time reporting for all Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs).

  2. TAC employees and backup employees (details-in) must accurately report the number of taxpayers assisted, the amount of time spent and the type of each inquiry.

  3. Form 6148, Field Assistance Contact sheet, Q-Matic, and Field Assistance Management Information System (FAMIS) Form 5311, are means of capturing and reporting data.

  4. Use Form 6148 to record direct contact, if Q-Matic is not available. Contacts recorded on Form 6148 must be recorded in actual minutes.

  5. TAC employees must review their Form 5311 daily to ensure their prior day’s activity was auto populated correctly. If necessary make any changes and manually enter direct activity not reported through Q-Matic and enter all Overhead activity.

  6. All employees must submit their FAMIS Form 5311 to their Group Manager by 9:00am Monday, following the end of the workweek.

  7. Guidance contained in Document 12156, Form 5311 User Guide, as well as the FAMIS User Guide, FAMIS FACTS, and the Q-Matic User Guide, should be interpreted as the IRM.

21.3.4.6.1  (12-23-2008)
Q-Matic

  1. All TACs equipped with the Q-Matic system will use the ten standard ticket categories (return preparation, tax questions, forms, cash payments, non cash payments, notices and letters, multilingual interpreter, W-7, scheduled appointments, and other) and the standardized closing codes. Standardization is necessary to ensure nationwide consistency of the data collected. See Exhibit 21.3.4-3 for final approved closing codes.

  2. Matter Codes Served Per User, Report 272d, must be pulled daily for all TAC employees, including detailees, to accurately fill out the Form 5311, Field Assistance Activity Report. Report 272d is used to accurately report the number of taxpayers assisted, the time spent with each taxpayer, and the type of inquiry.

  3. Employees will enter the appropriate closing code at the conclusion of a contact. Employees will enter a single closing code for the service that took the longest time to provide.

    Exception:

    Memo Counts -When Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is addressed as a secondary issue, an additional Memo Count will be entered after the primary code.

    Example:

    An employee took 10 minutes to answer a taxpayer's EITC question and 20 minutes to answer an amended return tax law question. The employee will close the contact by entering closing code 506, Amended Return. This was the service that took the greatest amount of time to perform. When the taxpayer's only inquiry is an EITC Account issue, enter one Closing Code 301. Refer to the Official Guidance for Q-Matic and FAMIS at http://win.web.irs.gov/field/fadocs/Guidance_for_Q-Matic_and_FAMIS.pdf where Q-Matic official guidance can be found for more information.

  4. A contact representing more than one taxpayer will be closed as a multiple contact. For example, a representative with issues involving five separate tax identification numbers (TIN) will be entered as five separate closings. Do not use multi-send, enter each TIN as a separate closing.

  5. 700 series memo counts must be entered after all closing (matter) codes have been entered. For example, enter the Spanish speaking memo count 724 after you enter the primary closing code.

  6. All units should be counted on Q-Matic, regardless of whether the employee has access to Q-Matic at their desk. If employees are working on contacts, such as return preparation, referrals and retrieving messages from the 3709 Line and do not have immediate access to Q-Matic, these contacts will be captured before the end of the day using Q-Matic.

  7. Guidance contained in, the memorandum issued October 11, 2007, as well as the Q-Matic User’s Guide, should be interpreted as IRM.

  8. Document 12069, which explains the Q-Matic numbering system and the routing process, will be made available to taxpayers in all TACs. At full Q-Matic sites, the IAR will provide the taxpayer document 12069 when issuing a Q-Matic ticket, and will advise the taxpayer of the approximate wait time. At Hybrid and Q-Lite sites, a supply of the documents will be placed near the Q-Matic ticket or Q-Nova machines. Q-Lite and Q-Nova are limited Q-Matic programs. The requirement to advise taxpayers of the approximate wait time is waived for these sites.

21.3.4.6.1.1  (12-17-2008)
Q-Matic Ticket Process

  1. All Field Assistance groups will use a standard process for directing taxpayers, using Q-Matic. The process is as follows.

    Full Q-Matic Sites
    Group Manager sets Q-Matic priority based on available employees, number of appointments, and expected traffic.
      1) Taxpayer enters TAC and selects a Q-Matic ticket or is assisted in selecting a ticket by the IAR.
      2) ITASs who are assigned to work appointments will be prioritized to receive that work ahead of other categories.
      3) Taxpayers wanting to pick up a blank form or to make a payment should have priority or have the IAR or one ITAS dedicated to work these issues. The IARs first priority is always to ensure taxpayers have received a Q-Matic ticket. When there is no line of taxpayers the IAR can assist taxpayers needing forms or payments.
      4) Filing Season return preparation appointment procedures:
        a) Taxpayers requesting return preparation are screened for eligibility.
        b) If taxpayer does not meet return preparation criteria close out contact using appropriate return prep screening closing code.
        c) If taxpayer meets criteria and an appointment is immediately available, place taxpayer in the holding queue and close ticket after return is completed.
        d) If taxpayer meets criteria and an appointment is made for a future time, close out the contact using the return preparation screening closing code.
        e) If there is no Q-Matic system at the return preparation workstation ITAS should use walk direct to capture contact.

    Q-Lite/Hybrid Sites
      1) Taxpayer enters TAC and takes a Q-Nova ticket.
      2) Taxpayers are handled on a first come, first served basis except for the following:
        a) Taxpayers wanting to pick up a blank form or to make a payment should be given priority whenever possible. For example, before calling the next ticket number the ITAS could ask the waiting taxpayers if anyone just needed a blank form or to make a payment by check and has a current notice. These taxpayers would be assisted first to alleviate waiting room congestion and because the contacts are fairly quick. Walk direct should be input for each of these taxpayers as they are helped.
        b) Taxpayers with appointments would be called as close to their appointment time as possible.
      3) Filing Season return preparation appointment procedures:
        a) Taxpayers requesting return preparation are screened for eligibility.
        b) If taxpayer does not meet return preparation criteria close out contact using appropriate return prep screening closing code.
        c) If taxpayer meets criteria and an appointment is immediately available, prepare the return and close ticket after return is completed.
        d) If taxpayer meets criteria and an appointment is made for a future time, close out the contact using the return preparation screening closing code.

21.3.4.6.2  (10-01-2008)
FAMIS Form 5311, Field Assistance Activity Report

  1. All employees assigned or detailed to Field Assistance are required to use Field Assistance Management Information System (FAMIS) for capturing and reporting daily work units and hours for services provided and other work performed:

    1. Review and complete FAMIS before 8:30am on the day following the work completed.

      1. Ensure data auto populated on FAMIS Form 5311 is accurate
      2. Make any necessary changes, comment is mandatory if changes are made on FAMIS.
      3. Manually enter any direct activity not captured by Q-Matic
      4. Manually enter all Overhead Activity

    2. If FAMIS does not populate, do not manually input direct time unless instructed by the group manager.

    3. The deadline for employees to submit the FAMIS Form 5311 for the prior week is Monday by 9:00 A.M.

    4. Managers have until the close of business on Tuesday, to approve and transmit Form 5311’s for their ODNs.

    5. Data is transported to Business Object on Thursday morning for the prior week’s activity, therefore any Transmission not completed prior to COB Wednesday will require an open window request.

      Note:

      Accuracy is critical. Review your math carefully.

  2. Group Managers will send a copy of FAMIS Form 5311 for detailees to the respective functional (e.g.) SB/SE) managers. Any differences will be resolved at the local level.

  3. FAMIS will be used to track resources expended for detailees/back ups.

  4. Changes, additions or deletions to prior week FAMIS data require an Open Window Request. See IRM 1.4.11,Field Assistance Guide for Managers.

21.3.4.7  (10-01-2009)
Receipt of Payments

  1. TACs will only accept standard forms of payment from taxpayers, such as checks, money orders, and cash. Document 10161, "Making a Payment?" will be posted in all TACs to inform taxpayers of this procedure. Refer to IRM 5.4.1.10, Acceptable Remittances , for other types of acceptable payments.

  2. Unacceptable payments are items that the Federal Reserve Bank will not accept as payments (i.e. gold, silver, etc.). For further guidance, refer to IRM 5.4.1.12, Unacceptable Remittances.

  3. Although credit cards are not accepted at the TAC, taxpayers can pay by credit card by calling a service provider and following their instructions. Advise the taxpayer that the service providers charge a convenience fee based on the amount of the tax payment. The service providers are:

    Taxpayers do not need to be enrolled in the program to make a payment. For more detailed information on the credit card payment program see IRM 5.14.10.5.

  4. Form 809 is currently the only authorized receipt for payment of taxes and will be provided upon request. If a taxpayer does not request an official receipt for a non-cash payment, but requests acknowledgement, employees may use a copy of the remittance stamped with a Proof of Delivery stamp.

  5. Take special care when processing payments to ensure that the correct amount is applied to the correct account, so that the money will not erroneously refund to the taxpayer. If the taxpayer does not have a tax form, notice tear-off, or payment voucher, a posting document must be prepared (e.g., Form 3244, Form 809, or similar posting document) during the contact. See IRM 21.3.4.7.1.1, Posting Documents. Check IDRS to ensure that the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), MFT, Tax Period, and Name are correct on the prepared document.

  6. In the case of a third party who demonstrates the willingness and means to pay, IDRS research should also be completed. This will ensure the accuracy of the information. If the third party does not intend to full pay the account, the balance should not be disclosed to the third party. See IRM 11.3.11.10, Disclosure of Amount of Outstanding Lien, for additional information.

  7. Be sure to check for the earliest unexpired Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) when applying payments. If the taxpayer does not provide specific written instructions as to the application of payment, the Service will apply the payment to tax periods in the order of priority that the Service determines will serve its best interest. The payment will be applied to satisfy the liability for successive periods in descending order of priority until the payment is absorbed. Overages should generally be applied to the earliest period.

  8. A cash box used to store checks, 809 books, and cash can not be locked in an overhead file. Upon acceptance of the remittance, immediately place the payment and posting document in a locked container. A locked container is defined as any metal container with riveted or welded seams which is locked and to which keys and/or combinations are controlled. Access to the safe must be limited to designated employees and the group manager. The safe must be locked at all times when not in use.

  9. Employees are prohibited from storing personal belongings with any taxpayer related documents. Taxpayer receipts cannot be stored in the same storage container/cabinet where employee personal items are stored. Personal items and taxpayer related documents must not be stored in the same container under the same locking device.

  10. All payments must be recorded on Form 795, Daily Report of Collection Activity, by close of business the day it was received, or as soon as possible on the next business day. Reconcile all receipts with the payment information on Form 795 before submitting for review or forwarding to the Submission Processing Campus. See IRM 21.3.4.7.3 for Form 795 procedures.

  11. Pursuant to 26 USC §7804(c) employees are responsible for protecting and safeguarding monies that they have collected. In the event that an employee loses or fails to account for and pay over the money collected, an assessment for the loss may be made against the responsible employee and may be collected from the employee as if it were a tax. This is in addition to any disciplinary action taken against the employee.

  12. Certain payments presented at a TAC may vary from normal remittance processing procedures. These are discussed later in this section.

    • Single payments of $100,000 or more ( IRM 21.3.4.7.3.1(6)

    • Form 656, Offer in Compromise ( IRM 21.3.4.7.7)

    • Restitution Payments ( IRM 21.3.4.7.8)

    • Indemnity Agreements ( IRM 21.3.4.7.9)

    • Returned Refund Checks ( IRM 21.3.4.14.6)

21.3.4.7.1  (02-13-2009)
Non-Cash Payments

  1. Verifying Payments

    1. Checks and money orders should be made payable to "United States Treasury" . Checks and money orders made payable to "Internal Revenue Service" , "U.S. Treasury" , or "Department of The Treasury" can still be accepted and processed. Checks and money orders made payable to "IRS " or left blank must be over stamped with "United States Treasury" immediately upon receipt.

    2. Do not accept checks that are postdated. Ensure that the check or money order date is no later than the date of receipt. Notes asking the IRS to hold the check cannot be left attached when processing payments to the Submission Processing Campus. If the taxpayers insist on having the note remain attached, you must explain the note is not allowed. In the event notes are left attached asking for delay in processing, the TAC employee will be issued a postdated check error via Form 5919.

    3. Verify all money amounts on checks and money orders. The numeric dollar amount and the amount written in words must match.

    4. Verify that an authorized signature appears on the check or money order. However, if the remittance is unsigned, and the taxpayer is not available to sign the check or money order, the unsigned check should be submitted for processing.

    5. Whenever possible, encourage the taxpayer to include the following additional information on the check or money order:

      • Taxpayer's name and address

      • Daytime telephone number

      • Plan number, for employee plans accounts

      • Tax period

      • Type of tax

  2. The canceled check or money order is the taxpayer's proof of payment. If a taxpayer insists on getting a receipt, issue Form 809, Receipt for Payment of Taxes. Form 809 is the ONLY official receipt. When Form 809 is issued, it serves as the posting document unless the payment is received with a return.

  3. Some taxpayers may insist on receiving proof that their non-cash payment has been delivered to our office. Each TAC should be equipped with a date stamp that reads "PROOF OF DELIVERY ONLY — THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL RECEIPT." You may stamp a photocopy of the taxpayer's check or money order with this stamp as proof of delivery.

  4. If a remittance is received that is endorsed by the payee in such a manner that it is negotiable, it must be restrictively endorsed immediately below the last endorsement by writing or stamping "For Deposit Only - United States Treasury."

    Example:

    A check made payable to the taxpayer may be accepted if the taxpayer has endorsed it.

    Example:

    A check made payable to a third party may be accepted if the third party has endorsed the check over to the taxpayer and the taxpayer has endorsed it.

  5. A taxpayer may be required to provide a replacement check/money order because the original payment was lost in transmission. The date of receipt cannot be back dated to the original date of submission. Replacement checks/money orders received must be processed with the received date as the posting date. Adjustment and referral procedures must be followed to ensure the taxpayer is not harmed with additional assessments because of the posting of the replacement check/money order. Prepare a referral for follow-up after the payment posts to abate the excess amount.

    Example:

    Payment originally received 2/22/2006, overnight package lost, taxpayer is contacted for a replacement check. The replacement check is received 3/31/2006, we process the payment with a posting/receive date of 3/31/2006. The adjustment on the account would be prepared for the abatement of interest and penalty from 2/22/2006 to 3/31/2006.

  6. If the non-cash payment is received without a pre-printed document for posting, prepare Form 3244 (through Account Management Service) or other acceptable posting document. See IRM 21.3.4.7.1.1, Posting Documents. Verify the name, TIN, Master File Status (MFT), and tax period for which the payment is intended. Apply payment as follows:

    If Then
    No installment agreement Apply entire payment to module with the earliest CSED (unless taxpayer specifies a particular tax year).

21.3.4.7.1.1  (10-01-2008)
Posting Documents

  1. Attach one of the following posting documents to each check or money order. For multiple payments, see paragraph 4 below:

    • Tax return or form

    • Notice tear-off

    • "V" series payment voucher (e.g., Form 1040–V or Form 433–V)

    • IDRS Entity print (e.g., CC ENMOD, CC INOLE, with payment information added)

    • Form 1040 ES

    • Form 3244, Payment Posting Voucher - See Exhibit 21.3.4-15, Payment Posting Voucher

    • Form 809, Receipt of Payment of Taxes - See Exhibit 21.3.4-14, Form 809 Instructions

    Note:

    Do not use Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization or Form 9962, Taxpayer Payment Envelope (made obsolete 5/11/2007), as payment posting vouchers.

  2. When using pre-printed documents (e.g. notice tear-off, Form 1040 ES, or "V" series voucher), the amounts on the document and remittance must match. If the amount of the payment is different from the amount shown on the document, correct the dollar amount on the document. This includes the pre-printed payment amount coded on the bottom of a notice.

  3. If you receive a notice tear-off with a non-cash payment, write the Designated Payment Code (DPC) in red ink and circle it. Place the DPC on the notice near the preprinted Transaction Code (TC) and amount of the payment.

  4. One or more payments:

    1. Use a separate Form 3244 or Form 809 for each tax form and tax period.

    2. Use only one Form 3244 or Form 809 when you receive more than one payment for the same form and period. Print legibly. See Exhibit 21.3.4-15, Form 3244 for instructions.

    Note:

    Use a separate posting document for User Fees.

  5. Stamp all posting documents, except Form 3244 and Form 809, with an official "Received with Remittance" stamp. Place the stamp on the front of the document. If your office does not have a remittance stamp, use your "Received" stamp and write "With Remittance" in ink. Remittance transmitted to Submission Processing without a date stamp or properly completed posting document will be posted as of the date the remittance is dated. This could create a late remittance and result in the issuance of Form 5919 to the employee submitting the payment.

21.3.4.7.1.2  (10-01-2008)
Transaction Codes

  1. When preparing payment posting documents other than Form 809, designate the following payments with TC 670 and the appropriate designation payment codes (DPC) and secondary transaction codes (where appropriate):

    • All assessed amounts and all accrued failure to pay (FTP) penalty and interest, except in those instances described in (2) below.

    • All federal tax deposits (FTDs) secured by a TAC employee. These FTDs are not routed through the FTD system and are, therefore, treated as subsequent payments.

    • All Business Master File (BMF) estimated payments (ES) for the Form 1120 series of returns.

    • Payment of lien fees. If the lien fees have not yet been assessed, use TC 360 simultaneously with TC 670.

    • Payments received with substitute for return (SFR) and Form 4549, resulting from Compliance Services Collection Operation (CSCO)’s Tax Auditors' programs.

    • Payments received with Form 1040X use TC 670 and TC 570 as a credit hold for the amount of the payment.

  2. The following are special circumstances requiring different or additional transaction code input:

    • Payments on BMF, Individual Master File (IMF), and civil penalty modules designated for application to interest or penalty - use TC 680 for the amount of the designated interest and TC 690 for the amount of the designated penalty.

    • Payments on BMF and IMF modules having a restricted interest indicator (TC 340 or TC 341) – use TC 680 for the amount of the accrued interest.

    • Payments on BMF and IMF modules having a restricted FTP penalty indicator (TC 270 or TC 271) – use TC 670 to post the remittance amount and TC 270 for the amount of accrued penalty.

    • Payments on IMF modules designated by the taxpayer as estimated payments (ES) – use TC 430.

    • ES payments on BMF and Non-Master File (NMF) modules for Estate Taxes (Form 706) and Gift Taxes ( Form 709) – use TC 660.

    • Payments on NMF modules designated for application to interest or penalty- use TC 680 for the amount of designated interest and TC 270 for any unassessed amounts of FTP penalty included in the payment.

    • Payments on NMF modules for accrued interest – use TC 670 to post the remittance amount and TC 340 for the amount of accrued interest.

    • Payments on NMF modules for accrued FTP penalty – use TC 670 to post the remittance amount and TC 270 for the amount of accrued FTP penalty.

    • Full payment on NMF modules – request input of Command Code STAUP 12, using a separate input document from the one used to input transaction codes.

    • A remittance received before the posting of TC 671, Subsequent Payment Check Dishonored (prior to Balance Due issuance), must be input with a primary TC 670 and secondary TC 570, Additional Liability Pending, to ensure that the credit will not be returned as an overpayment.

    • Pre-assessed payments secured require establishment of a name line and input of TC 640, Advance payment of Determined Deficiency, if no balance due modules are already established.

    • TC 570, Additional Liability Pending or Credit, hold is not required when posting a TC 640 Advance Payment of Determined Deficiency.

    • If a NMF payment exceeds the total of assessed tax, interest, and penalty for all periods, apply the excess to the earliest period, using TC 670.

    • Use TC 694 when posting Installment Agreement User Fees.

    • Use MFT 13 (BMF) or 55 (IMF) when preparing posting documents for installment agreement fees.

    • Use Tax period 12 (BMF) or 01 (IMF) when posting installment agreement fees.

    Example:

    IMF payment of $150 received – posting document prepared for MFT 55, Tax period 200701, TC 694 ($105) and posting document for MFT 30, tax period 200312, TC 670 ($45)

    Example:

    BMF payment of $5,000 received – posting document prepared for MFT 13, Tax period 200712, TC 694 ($105) and posting document for MFT 10, tax period 200312, TC 670 ($4,895)

    Note:

    See IRM 21.3.4.7.1.3 for detail Designated Payment Codes (DPC 50 Origination User Fee or DPC 51 Restructured User Fee).

21.3.4.7.1.3  (10-01-2009)
Designated Payment Codes

  1. Designated Payment Codes (DPCs) are two digit codes which serve a three-fold purpose. Use of DPCs on all posting vouchers is now mandatory with Transaction Codes 640, 670, 680, 690, 694 and 700. DPCs are used to:

    1. Facilitate identification of payments which are designated to trust fund or non trust fund employment taxes. In such cases, they are input with payments to Form 941 (MFT 01), Form 720 (MFT 03), Form CT-1 (MFT 09), Form 943 (MFT 11) and Form 1042 (MFT 12).

    2. Indicate application of payments to a specific liability when the civil penalty contains both a Trust Fund Recovery penalty and any other type of civil penalty. In these cases, they are input to MFT 55 only.

    3. Identify the event which resulted in a payment. This is done at the time that a payment is processed and may be used with any MFT to which the payment transaction will post. Data from this type of input is accumulated on a national basis to determine the revenue effectiveness of specific collection activities.

  2. DPCs and their definitions are below or in Document 6209:

    DPC Definition
    00 Designated Payment Code not present on posting voucher. Used only for terminal input when DPC is not present. Not to be used on posting voucher.
    01 Non-trust fund
    02 Trust Fund
    03 Undesignated bankruptcy payment
    04 Levy on state income tax refund
    05 Notice of Levy
    06 Seizure and sale
    07 Federal Tax Lien
    08 Suit
    09 Offer in Compromise
    10 Manually monitored installment agreement
    11 Bankruptcy, designated to trust fund
    12 Cash bond credit (allowed with TC 640 only)
    13 Payment in response to reminder notice for Form 1040 TY 199312 and subsequent - expires 1/1/1998
    14 Authorization given by taxpayers to apply payment to expired CSED account
    15 Payments caused by a Notice of Levy but not a payment from the 3rd party complying with the Notice of Levy
    16 Federal Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) levy payment
    17 Federal EFT payroll deduction
    18 Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP) payment. Reversal (TC 672) is systemically generated only by Financial Management Service (FMS) after federal payment agency source initiates non-entitlement claim.
    19 FPLP Secondary TIN payment
    20 State Income Tax Levy Program (SITLP) receipt (used exclusively for systemically applied payments).
    21 State Income Tax Levy Program (SITLP) receipt (used exclusively for manually applied payments).
    22 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Levy Program (AKPFD) receipt (used exclusively for systemically applied payments).
    23 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Levy Program (AKPFD) receipt (used exclusively for manually applied payments).
    24 Payment with Amended Return
    47 Installment Agreement Reduced Origination User Fee
    48 Direct Debit Reduced Origination User Fee
    49 Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA) User Fee, new
    50 Installment Agreement Origination User Fee
    51 Installment Agreement Restructured User Fee
    99 Miscellaneous

  3. DPCs 03 through 14 and 99 are used to identify the event that was primarily responsible for the payment being made.

  4. If a payment to a trust fund tax liability is not being designated or if the event that resulted in a payment does not fall into one of the categories represented by DPCs 03 through 11, DPC 99 must be indicated on the posting voucher to indicate that it is a miscellaneous payment.

21.3.4.7.2  (08-13-2009)
Cash Payments

  1. Field Assistance employees must accept cash payments from taxpayers who do not have a check or money order, are unable to obtain one, or who insist on paying in cash unless an approved deviation is in effect.

  2. If a taxpayer chooses to pay by cash, offices will have a system in place to ensure that the taxpayer receives a Form 809, Receipt for Payment of Taxes. There will be at least one employee in each TAC that is issued a Form 809 Receipt Book unless there is an approved deviation on file. Only exact change will be accepted from the taxpayer, as TAC employees may not make change.

  3. An "approved deviation" will exclude a TAC from accepting cash, however, approval must be granted by the Director, Field Assistance. Deviations must be requested by memorandum from the Area Director to the Director, Field Assistance, for TACs with fewer than 3 full time, IAR/ITAS employees or staffed by circuit riders. The memorandum should provide specific details on why staffing is inadequate, future hiring plans to backfill any vacant position(s), and the projected date when the TAC will start accepting cash. Staffing is determined by using the Authorized Staffing Pattern (ASP).

  4. The Area Director will make a request for a "temporary deviation" if staffing falls below the ASP requirement. Once appropriate staffing is acquired, the Area will resend the memorandum to the Headquarters Remittance Analyst requesting removal from the deviation listing.

  5. If an 809 book holder is not available or the TAC has an approved deviation, the taxpayer will be directed to convert the cash.

  6. For TACs that are not accepting cash payments, Document 12377 "Tax Assistance Center Making a Payment No Cash Accepted" must be posted and IRS.gov must be updated.

21.3.4.7.2.1  (10-01-2008)
Procedures for Accepting Cash Payments

  1. General procedures for accepting cash payments are:

    1. Ensure that the taxpayer has the exact amount of the payment. DO NOT MAKE CHANGE.

    2. Count the cash carefully in the taxpayer's presence to ensure agreement on the amount of the payment.

      Note:

      Prudent practice dictates that you should not take possession of the cash and leave the taxpayer’s presence without issuing the Form 809 receipt.

    3. Complete Form 809 as directed in Exhibit 21.3.4-14, Form 809 instructions.

    4. TAC employees authorized the use of pseudonyms must sign Form 809 using the pseudonym in the signature.

    5. Give Part 2 of Form 809 to the taxpayer. If an unauthorized third party makes the payment and Form 809 discloses new information to the third party, then mail Part 2 of Form 809 to the taxpayer's address of record.

    6. Secure cash payments and receipts in a locked metal security container, immediately. All cash received by employees that is not converted the day of receipt must be stored in the safe overnight.

    7. Convert cash to a bank draft or money order by close of business on the day it was received, or as soon as possible on the next business day.

    8. Send Parts 1 and 3 to the appropriate Submission Processing Campus each day with the converted cash (bank check or money order) and Form 795, Daily Report of Collection Activity.

    9. Cash payments received with any tax return will be sent with Form 795 and the tax return to the Submission Processing Campus (SPC) that issued the Form 809 book. This includes W-7 packages, 1040 series, 1040NR, 2290, 94X series, 706, 709, 1120, etc. The SPC will post the payment and forward the tax returns for processing.

      Note:

      When completing Form 809 for a primary taxpayer who is applying for an ITIN, write "applied for" in the box where the TIN should be entered.

    10. Keep Part 4 of Form 809 with your receipt book.

    11. Secure your Form 809 receipt book in a locked container when not in use, in accordance with Exhibit 1.16.15-1, and IRM 1.16.15-2 (This IRM is not available on SERP, it is accessible through "IRM Online" and " IRM in PDF Format" .)

21.3.4.7.2.2  (10-01-2009)
Completing Form 809

  1. Complete Form 809 as directed in Exhibit 21.3.4-14.

    • Print legibly

    • Enter date received in MMDDYYYY format

    • Ensure the form has no erasures, alterations, markovers or whiteout in any critical field (name of taxpayer, TIN, money amounts, date Form 809 is issued, and employee signature)

    • No math errors or other preparation errors

    • The form must have a correct and unaltered signature of the employee to whom the book was issued

    • Enter appropriate transaction code

    • Only one tax period listed or user fee

    • Enter the taxpayer's complete address

  2. To correct a non-critical entry, (e.g., name control, DPC, MFT) line through the error and enter the correct information. The preparer must initial all corrections. See IRM Exhibit 3.8.45-108,Preparation of Form 809 and Definition of Critical and Non-Critical Fields.

  3. Critical Errors are errors associated with waste, fraud, abuse and embezzlement and require the signature and acknowledgement of the field office manager. Some may require an item be returned with the response, (i.e. if part 3 of Form 809 is missing). Critical errors include ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-33.):

    • Alterations, markovers, whiteout or erasures in critical fields

    • The name of the taxpayer

    • The taxpayer identification number

    • All money amounts (error in dollar amount)

    • The date Form 809 is issued

    • Employee signature

    • Untimely (late) remittance

    • Form 809 issued out of sequence

    • Late cash conversion or missing cash conversion information

    • Manufacturer defects on Form 809

    • Multiple periods for posting

    • Wrong or missing parts of Form 809 receipts

    • Part 3 Memo copy not enclosed with remittance

    • Missing remittance

  4. If an error is made to a critical item identified above, void all parts (Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4) by clearly marking "VOID" across the face of each part. (Make no alterations, erasures, or mark over to correct errors made in preparing a receipt. However, code and edit markings needed to perfect the Part 1 for use as a posting document, are permissible). After entering a brief explanation of the reason for voiding on the reverse of Part 1, attach Part 1, 2 and 3 (stapled together in reverse order) to the Form 795 on the day the receipt was written. Retain Part 4 with the other 809 receipts in the Form 809 Receipt Book.

  5. If an error is discovered after part 2 has been issued to the taxpayer, prepare a new Form 809 as a replacement receipt. Write "replacement for receipt # NNNNNN-NN, issued on MMDDYYYY" , across the top of the replacement Form 809. Make every effort to recover the erroneous Part 2 from the taxpayer. See the table below:

    If Then
    Original Part 2 is recovered a. Give taxpayer Part 2 of the replacement receipt
    b. Ensure that the original receipt is voided
    c. Submit Parts 1 and 3 of the replacement receipt for processing
    d. Submit Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the voided receipt
    Original Part 2 is not recovered a. Do not mail Part 2 of the replacement receipt to the taxpayer
    b. Ensure that the original receipt (Parts 1, 3 and 4) is voided
    c. Submit Part 2 of the replacement receipt with Parts 1 and 3 of the voided receipt
    d. On the reverse of Part 1 of the replacement receipt write the reason the erroneous Part 2 could not be recovered from the taxpayer and why the receipt is being voided

    Note:

    Follow these same procedures if Form 5919 is requesting replacement Form 809.

  6. The replacement Form 809 must be issued by the employee that originally issued the erroneous Form 809. If the original employee is no longer in the group (e.g. separated, transferred) the TAC Group Manager must identify the employee to issue the replacement Form 809. If the employee is still in the TAC group but no longer assigned a Form 809 book, the TAC Group Manager must request another book for the employee to re-issue the replacement Form 809. The replacement information must appear at the top of the reissued Form 809.

  7. The remittance processor checks Form 809 receipts as they are received to ensure that:

    1. Receipts are submitted promptly after issuance.

    2. Errors to non-critical items have been properly corrected and initialed.

    3. Critical items are free of alterations, erasures, or markovers.

    4. Cash payments are converted timely.

21.3.4.7.2.3  (10-08-2008)
Converting Cash Payments

  1. Convert cash to a bank draft or money order by close of business on the day it was received, or as soon as possible on the next business day.

    • Make bank drafts and money orders payable to "United States Treasury" and annotate the taxpayer’s name and address.

      Exception:

      If the payment is for multiple taxpayers, enter your Standard Employee Identifier (SEID) and Form 809 receipt numbers.

    • Record the name of the issuing bank or money order company, the serial number of the check or money order, and the date (MMDDYYYY) of conversion in the block provided on Part 3 of Form 809.

    • Be sure the conversion information appears on Parts 3 & 4 of Form 809.

    • Use GovTrip to apply for reimbursement of cash conversion expenses.

    Note:

    The post office and financial institutions are required to report certain currency transactions. These reporting requirements are mandated by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and other subsequent legislation (USA Patriot Act) that is aimed at thwarting money-laundering activities and identifying potential criminal activity. Our cash conversion transactions are not exempt from the reporting requirements that have been imposed upon the post office, banks and other money services businesses. The Service, however, maintains that employees should not be required to provide personal information if they are converting cash for official business.

  2. Financial institutions co-located in or in close proximity of TAC offices should be considered for cash conversions which would not require the TAC employee to travel. Employees who leave their post of duty when converting large amounts of cash can travel in pairs. The accompanying employee could be another Field Assistance (FA) or other IRS employee.

  3. Management must always be informed when large cash payments are received, when the employee leaves the post of duty to convert cash payments, and the name of the accompanying employee. If a manager is on site, the manager should consider traveling with the responsible party to make the conversion. When feasible, Management could make arrangements with the Federal Protective Services, CI, or local guard services for escort service.

  4. If the bank asks the employee to complete a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) when cash is being converted, point out that Treasury Regulations [31 CFR103.22(d)(2)(iii)] states that a bank may exempt from reporting, "exchanges of currency or other payments and transfers "by" the United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities" . However, if a bank will not allow an exemption, a management official will contact the bank operations manager and request a blanket exception for all employees that identify themselves by presenting their photo ID. If the bank still does not accept this, arrangements will be made to use another bank for cash conversions and Field Assistance Headquarters will be notified of this. Management will then determine whether to pursue the matter with the headquarters of the bank that is refusing to allow the exemption. If required to complete the CTR because there is no other available depository, Field Assistance employees are authorized to use the consolidated IRS EIN. The EIN should be secured from the TAC Group Manager or the FA Headquarter Analyst for remittance.

    Note:

    Management should pursue relationships with financial institutions and post offices to clarify acceptable IRS employee identification and issues relating to currency and banking transaction reporting requirements.

  5. When converting cash at Post Offices, an employee may be requested to provide USPS Form 8105-A, Funds Transaction Report and show their IRS photo ID badge. The following should be used when completing the Form 8105-A at the post office for cash conversions:

    • For NAME – Use Internal Revenue Service

    • For ADDRESS – Use the address of the local IRS office (TAC office)

    • For SSN – Use the IRS Tax Identification Number (TIN) ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡

    • For PHOTO ID – Use official IRS badge number (postal employees have been informed to accept as a valid photo ID)

    • For DATE OF BIRTH – preference is to use the employee’s actual date of birth, but if they prefer not to, they may use 03-03-2005. (Employee’s actual date of birth would allow for identification of the actual employee making the conversion.) This is consistent with USPS internal policies regarding the use of money orders for official use.

    • If postal employee insists on receiving employee’s personal information, have the postal employee call one of the following while the employee is still at the post office:

    • Al Gillum, BSA Specialist 202-262-4114

    • Robyn Smith, BSA Compliance Officer 717-630-2347

21.3.4.7.2.4  (04-01-2007)
Lost or Stolen Form 809

  1. When a Form 809 Receipt Book, or individual Form 809 receipt, is lost or stolen, telephone the remittance processor in the Submission Processing Campus immediately. Follow-up with a memorandum to the appropriate Territory Manager within 10 days. Prepare the memorandum in quadruplicate and include:

    • Name and post of duty of the person to whom the receipts were issued.

    • Serial numbers of missing receipts and/or the parts of the missing receipts.

    • Date the receipts were lost or stolen.

    • A brief statement of the circumstances surrounding the loss or theft.

    • A brief statement of the action taken to recover the receipts.

  2. Submit the memorandum and two copies through your manager to the appropriate Territory Manager who, after review and approval, will initial them. Forward a copy of the memorandum with Form 795 to the remittance processor who files it in place of the missing receipts.

  3. After reviewing the report, the appropriate Territory Manager forwards one copy to the Area Director and one copy to the TIGTA.

21.3.4.7.2.5  (10-01-2009)
Procedures for Ordering/Reordering Form 809

  1. Submission Processing Campus Receipt and Control branches issue Form 809, Receipt for Payment of Taxes, books (official receipts) to all area office personnel, including FA employees.

  2. An initial book of Form 809 must be requested by authorized memorandum from the group manager or an official approved by the Area Directors. The Field Assistance manager will prepare a memorandum authorizing a new user to receive a Form 809 receipt book. Submission Processing Campus Receipt and Control must have written authorization from an official with authority to approve issuance of a Form 809 book before issuing a receipt book. If requesting issuance of a Form 809 book, managers must identify the operating division, Area, Territory and Group number as well as employee name, official address, SEID number, position title and telephone number. This is necessary to ensure the information is on file if the responsible officials have to be contacted.

  3. A receipt book is assigned for the exclusive use of the intended employee only. It is not transferable. Field Assistance managers may not approve transference of a Form 809 book to another employee. Once the employee receives the Form 809 book the employee must return the signed acknowledgement page of the Form 809 book to the Submission Processing Campus teller unit within 5 days of receipt. The acknowledgement will be returned via Form 3210.

  4. Each Form 809 receipt book contains 50 sets of four parts each. All Form 809 users must use receipts in sequential order and begin using a new Form 809 book only after issuance of all receipts from their current Form 809 book. Submission Processing Campus remittance processors should ship reorders for Form 809 books within two workdays of receipt. If a reorder cannot be granted, the manager will be contacted by telephone.

  5. In order to balance quality service to taxpayers, while maintaining strict control of official receipts, TAC employees may request a new Form 809 receipt book after using the 40th receipt in their current Form 809 receipt book, with managerial approval. At management discretion, TAC employees may request a receipt book sooner than the 40th receipt. A memo is required from the TAC Manager requesting the issuance of a new Form 809 receipt book before the issuance of the 40th receipt. The memo must contain the information as required on the Preliminary Reorder Certificate.

  6. Form 809 Receipt books may be reordered by using the reorder request form from the employees' current 809 receipt book, memorandum containing the information required from the Preliminary Reorder Certificate, or the completion of the Preliminary Reorder Certificate. The Preliminary Reorder Certificate, memorandum and the reorder form must have managerial approval.

  7. Upon issuance of Form 809 receipt number 40, the TAC employee should provide their immediate manager with the following:

    1. A copy of receipt number 40, (or last receipt issued)

    2. Request for Form 809, Receipt for Payment of Taxes forms

    3. Preliminary Reorder Certification for Form 809Receipt for Payment of Taxes for TAC Employees

    4. Copies of Form 795 or automated version for the two previous days

  8. The TAC manager should review and verify information submitted by the employee, sign the authorization section of the Preliminary Reorder request, and fax the request to their Submission Processing Campus official.

  9. The TAC employee should void the original receipt request from their current Form 809 receipt book. Send the voided request form to the Submission Processing Campus with the next Form 795, Daily Report of Collection Activity, identifying they sent a preliminary request. The group manager will review and authorize issuance of a new book.

  10. TAC employees authorized the use of pseudonyms must include the registered pseudonym when requesting or reordering Form 809 books.

21.3.4.7.2.6  (10-01-2008)
Returning Form 809 Book

  1. If an employee is separating, transferring, or no longer required to use a receipt book as part of their tasks, the partially used Form 809 Receipt Book must be returned to the issuing Submission Processing Campus. The Form 809 Receipt Book is not transferable between employees and should not be destroyed.

  2. When an unused or a partially used receipt book is no longer required by a particular employee, void the remaining receipts by writing "VOID" across each receipt.

  3. Prepare a Form 795 and a signed Form 3210 to the issuing Submission Processing Campus via traceable overnight mail.

  4. Return depleted (the book cover and Parts 4), partially used receipt books, Form 795 and Form 3210 to the manager within 10 workdays of last receipt issued or within 10 workdays when no longer required due to position change (transfer, promotion, retirement, etc) .

  5. Form 3210 must also be signed by the TAC group manager.

  6. Managers must check depleted or partially used books to ensure Part 4 of all used receipts are attached and unused receipts are voided when returning 809 books to Submission Processing Campuses.

21.3.4.7.3  (10-01-2009)
Form 795, Daily Report of Collection Activity

  1. To ensure accountability for payments received in TACs, all Form 809 receipted payments (cash and non-cash), and all other remittances and related returns must be recorded on Form 795. The Form 795 will be prepared by the employee who received the payments.

  2. Use a separate Form 795 to transmit daily remittances and returns for each designated Submission Processing Campus. Form 3210 may be used to transmit returns without remittances.

21.3.4.7.3.1  (02-13-2009)
Preparation of Form 795

  1. Prepare Form 795 as follows:

    Note:

    See paragraph 6 below for any remittance identified as being large dollar. Any such remittance will be processed the same day of receipt.

    • Name/Grade (optional)

    • Standard Employee Identifier (SEID #)

    • Check the "Other" Block

    • Initials of Originator

    • Date Remittances and/or Returns Secured (Date Format MMDDYYYY)

    • Page __ of ___

    • (Column a) Name of the taxpayer (complete entity name), Insert the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) on the line directly below the Name of Taxpayer. TIN must appear on Form 795 with the name of the taxpayer.

    • (Column m) Number of delinquent returns secured from a given taxpayer (if any).

    • (Column n) Total amount of check or cash received. If payment is for a multiple remittance, list the checks/money orders on separate lines of column (n). If payment is for a split remittance, list the split remittance payment amount on a single line of column (n) (if cash, issue Form 809).

    • (Column o) 809 Receipt Number if issued (must include the entire F-809 receipt number NNNNNN-NN).

    • (Column p) This column should be used to designate split remittances payment amounts (if any), MFT, and tax period, etc.

      Example:

      250.00/30/200712.

  2. (Box 8) Tracking Receipt Information - (tracking number and date) - Daily remittances must be sent via overnight traceable mail to the designated Submission Processing Campus. Locate the Submission Processing website by selecting: http://win.web.irs.gov/SP/

    • This can include registered mail with the United States Postal Service, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, or any other officially recognized mail carrier. If Form 3210 is used as a transmittal document, the tracking information must be recorded on both Form 795 and Form 3210.

    • Miscellaneous Information - Include the name and address of the manager or employee designated by the manager to receive the acknowledgement copy of Form 795 in the white box on the lower right of the Form 795.

  3. Form 795 is a four-part form, that must be completed in a legible manner. While completing Form 795, it is acceptable to make a copy of the original and submit them in lieu of illegible copies. The employee will reconcile all payments with the information on Form 795 before submitting for review or forwarding to the Submission Processing Campus. Account Management Service has an electronic version of the Form 795 available.

  4. Form 795 will be completed individually and will be placed in separately sealed envelopes. Enclose all payments, Parts 1 and 3 of Form 809 or other posting documents, any associated tax returns, and two copies of Form 795.

    Note:

    If you are in a TAC in which a review is being performed, enclose the manager’s copy and do not seal the envelope.

  5. Payments mailed to Centers for processing must be double-wrapped in opaque paper envelopes or boxes. The inside envelope should be marked "Confidential Information to be Opened by Addressee only" (Envelope E-20 can be used) and be addressed to the name of the person who is authorized to open the package, and must show the return address.

  6. If the envelope contains a single payment of $100,000 or greater ($50,000 or greater for Cincinnati SPC), then the individual envelope must be marked"Large Payment" and the payment must be mailed on the day received. An E-mail notification must be sent to the appropriate Submission Processing Deposit unit to inform of single payments of $100,000 or greater. The TAC office name, city, state, money amount, date, and tracking number must be indicated in the E-mail notification. Field Office Liaison contacts and E-mail addresses can be found on the Submission Processing website at http://win.web.irs.gov/SP/ by selecting:"SP Center Field Office Payment Processing Key Contacts and Liaisons" from the Submission Processing Field Office Payment Processing Program.

    Note:

    A special stop number strictly for mailing large payments may be identified by some Submission Processing Campus.

21.3.4.7.3.2  (10-01-2008)
Reviewing and Shipping Form 795 and 3210 for Payments and Payments with Returns

  1. TACs with two or more employees will have their Form 795 reconciled by another FA employee prior to the envelope being sealed.

  2. Form 3210 must be reconciled by the same reviewer as Form 795. The initials of the reviewer and the date of the review should appear in the bottom right square of the Form 795, and beneath the return address on Form 3210.

  3. Errors or omissions identified by an IAR or Secretary will be given to the TAC manager to address with the employee of the completed Form 795. The initials of the reviewer should appear on all copies in the bottom right box under the return address for the acknowledgement copy. In TACs where the IAR is the person responsible for receiving all remittances, a review must be incorporated in the process prior to transmitting to Submission Processing Campus. The reviewer will remove manager’s copy before sealing the envelope.

    Note:

    Employees in a TAC may choose to forward individually sealed envelopes in one package to the applicable Submission Processing Campus.

  4. When transmitting multiple Form 795 in one overnight package, a Form 3210, Document Transmittal must be included. See Exhibit 21.3.4-31.Form 3210 must include the following information:

    • Name of each employee submitting Form 795

    • Number of Form 795 per employee

    • Dollar amount of each Form 795

    • Required tracking information

    • Total number of Form 795 in the package

    Form 3210 must be reconciled by the same reviewer as Form 795. The initials of the reviewer and the date of the review should appear in the bottom right square of the Form 795, and beneath the return address on Form 3210.

  5. All efforts should be made to send payments and/or payments with returns to the appropriate Submission Processing Campus on the same day they are received. This will ensure prompt deposit to the Treasury and credit to taxpayer accounts. Under no circumstance should the payment and/or payments with returns be forwarded later than the next business day after receipt. If a payment and/or payments with returns are being sent to the SPC more than one day after receipt, see IRM 21.3.4.7.3.4,Supplemental Form 795. Efforts should be made to ensure that the package is picked up or delivered to the common carrier, currently UPS, as late in the day as possible. Payments and/or payments with returns must be sent via traceable, overnight mail. You must correlate payment posting information (taxpayer's name, TIN, amount of payment, MFT/form, and tax period) with the overnight mail package tracer information. All of the payment posting information must be included on the Form 795 transmittal document. If a package is lost or destroyed, you must be able to determine which taxpayers are impacted.

    Exception:

    Refer to IRM 21.3.4.18.7 for procedures regarding payments received with Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return.

    Note:

    During peak filing season periods, all payments and payments with returns will be processed ahead of returns without payments. TACs have 3 days to transship payments and payments with returns. TACs can also use the Practitioner’s List (List of bulk returns prepared and delivered by the Practitioner for filing in the TAC) to attach to the Form 795, thereby eliminating the need to list all of the tax information on the Form 795. If TACs process the payments and payments with returns first, list them on the Form 795 and place in the overnight package within 3 days to be considered timely. Next, proceed with the returns without payments which only requires Form 3210 with an accurate count. See IRM 21.3.4.8.4, Reviewing and Shipping Form 3210 for Returns without Payments.

  6. The Submission Processing Campus (SPC) should provide the acknowledge copy of Form 3210 with corresponding Form 795 within ten (10) working days. When missing acknowledgement copies of Form 3210 and/or Form 795 are identified, the manager or their designee will follow-up with the SPC via E-mail or telephone within five (5) working days after the ten days has expired. They will document follow-up actions taken to resolve the missing acknowledgements on the Form 795/3210 Follow-up Review Log.

  7. If the Form 795/3210 has not been acknowledged and is discovered to be lost, report the incident within one hour of identifying to:

    • Your Manager

    • The Computer Security Incident Response Center (CSIRC) at 866-216-4809

    • TIGTA at 800-366-4484

    Exception:

    Refer to IRM 21.3.4.18.7 for procedures regarding payments received with Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return.

  8. The outside envelope or box must be addressed only to the office of the person who is authorized to open it. A title may be used, but not an individual’s name when addressing the package. The outside envelope or box must also show the return address.

21.3.4.7.3.3  (10-08-2008)
Acknowledgement of Form 795

  1. To ensure security of receipts and returns, the Submission Processing Campus must acknowledge each remittance with a distinctive check mark and return remittance transmittals within five (5) workdays. When the acknowledgement copy of Form 795 is returned from the SPC, the designated employee will associate this copy with the previously submitted group copy. The acknowledgement copy of Form 795 and Form 3210 received from the SPC must be annotated or stamped with the date it is received in the TAC.

  2. If a SPC fails to provide the acknowledgement copy within ten (10) working days or all remittances on the transmittal are not distinctively marked received, the manager of the FA group or their designee will follow up with the SPC via E-mail, fax or telephone within five (5) working days after the 10 days has expired and document follow-up actions taken to resolve the missing acknowledgements. The documentation must be recorded on or attached to the group copy of Form 795 or Form 3210. Also see Exhibit 1.4.11-13.

21.3.4.7.3.4  (10-01-2007)
Supplemental Form 795

  1. If submission of returns and remittances is delayed for any reason (this includes discovered remittances), a supplemental Form 795 should be prepared.

    1. Write "Supplemental" in red ink across the top of the form.

    2. Enter an explanation for the delay on the reverse of the original copy of the supplemental Form 795.

      Example:

      Payment was taken at close of business on 10/10/06. Had unexpected sick leave on 10/11/06. Sending payment on 10/12/06.

    3. Ensure the supplemental Form 795 has the date the transmitted item was received.

    4. Secure the manager’s initials on the Form 795.

    5. Enter a brief explanation for the delay on both the remittance processor’s and manager’s copies of Form 795.

  2. This delinquency will be included in the Late Remittances and Trends and Patterns reports.

21.3.4.7.3.5  (05-01-2008)
Discovered Remittances

  1. A discovered remittance (cash, checks, money orders) involves remittances found in a file, under a cabinet, or any other unusual location. A discovered remittance is not handled per normal processing.

  2. The employee will immediately notify the Group Manager or designee of the area wherein the remittance was discovered to verify with him/her the amount of the remittance and date of discovery.

  3. If cash is discovered, it must be converted to a money order or cashier check by the discovering employee or a designated management official.

  4. The remittance should be transmitted as a supplemental Form 795 if the received date can be determined. If the receive date can not be determined then use the date the remittance is dated and transmit as a supplemental Form 795. See IRM 21.3.4.7.3.4.

21.3.4.7.3.6  (03-17-2009)
Addresses for TAC Remittances

  1. Field Assistance employees will send all Form 809 remittances IMF or BMF via Form 795 to the Submission Processing Campus that issued the Form 809. All IMF and BMF remittances without original returns will be sent to the aligned W&I Submission Processing Campus. BMF original returns with remittances will be sent to the appropriate Submission Processing Campus based on the geographic location of the TAC location. IMF original returns with remittances will be sent to the aligned W&I Submission Processing Campus.

  2. A listing of the designated Submission Processing sites, a listing of key remittance processing contacts, and additional data regarding remittance processing is available on the Submission Processing website http://win.web.irs.gov/SP/ and Submission Processing Field Office Payment Processing Program under the link for SP Center Field Office Payment Processing Key Contacts and Liaison. http://win.web.irs.gov/SP/Programs_Information/Standard_Proce_Webpages/Field_Office_Pymt_Proc.htm

21.3.4.7.3.7  (10-01-2009)
Procedures for Handling Unidentifiable Remittances in IRS Field Office Locations

  1. Occasionally, taxpayers send tax payments anonymously to IRS field office locations. Unidentifiable field office remittances are remittances that were not solicited by an IRS business area or are not clearly intended for a field office employee.

21.3.4.7.3.7.1  (10-01-2009)
Unidentified Remittance in a Taxpayer Assistance Center

  1. Mail rooms receiving unidentifiable remittances must send the remittances to the aligned Submission Processing Campus for research and processing.

  2. Remittances must be double wrapped and routed using overnight traceable method by the IRS contracted carrier. Send all remittances on the day of receipt or no later than the next business day.

21.3.4.7.3.7.2  (10-01-2009)
Preparing Remittance Packages for Mailing

  1. The mail room employee should attach a completed IRS Form 3210, Document Transmittal, in duplicate, indicating the dollar amount of each check. Annotate "UNIDENTIFIABLE REMITTANCE(S) RECEIVED mm/dd/yyyy" , in the remarks section of Form 3210.

  2. If the remittance received is cash, the mail contractor will coordinate with the local TAC manager for implementation of TAC procedures for converting the cash to a cashier’s check made payable to the United States Treasury before mailing. The local employee credit union will generally perform this service. These mailings must be double-wrapped in opaque paper envelopes or boxes.

  3. Retain Part 4 (Originator's copy) of Form 3210 in a suspense file. Enclose two copies of the completed Form 3210, the remittance(s) and all accompanying attachments in a sealed envelope addressed to the appropriate Submission Processing Campus at the specific address below. Follow established procedures for sending overnight traceable mail. Establish a control to follow up with the destination site. This file should be retained for one year, per IRM 1.15.28, Records Control Schedule.

  4. The destination Submission Processing Campus will acknowledge receipt of the remittance with a distinctive checkmark (√ ) next to each remittance received as listed on the transmittal, sign and return one copy of the Form 3210 within 5 working days. When acknowledgement copies are received back from the SPC, associate with the suspense copy of Form 3210.

  5. If the acknowledgement copy is not received by the 10th business day after mailing, or if any remittance listed is not checked with a distinctive checkmark (√ ), personnel at non-contract sites should follow up with the Submission Processing Campus Liaison for the destination site (listed below). Contract employees should follow up with their COTR or designee.

  6. If any remittance is lost, stolen or altered or if personally identifiable information (PII) is lost, immediately inform your manager at non-contract sites. Contract employees should contact their COTR or designee for the Mail Contract. See procedures for Lost, Stolen or Altered Remittances.

21.3.4.7.3.7.3  (10-01-2009)
Mailing Remittance Packages

  1. IRS employees should hand carry the remittance package to the mail room, along with an approved Form 9814, Express Services Routing, addressed to the Submission Processing Campus specific address based on state alignment as listed below. Mail room employees will follow normal procedures for using overnight traceable mail.

21.3.4.7.3.7.4  (10-01-2009)
Lost, Stolen, or Altered Remittances

  1. Any remittance lost, stolen, or altered must be immediately reported to your manager, the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), at 1-800-366-4484, and the designated local Remittance Security Coordinator. Remittance Security Coordinators are listed on the Submission Processing website, http://hqnotes1.hq.irs.gov/SubmissionProcessing/SPWebPage.nsf/7746d2301afe8b468525684b004d8cc0/6eaac23277c8234485256ed100726b3b?OpenDocumenthttp://hqnotes1.hq.irs.gov/SubmissionProcessing/SPWebPage.nsf/7746d2301afe8b468525684b004d8cc0/6eaac23277c8234485256ed100726b3b?OpenDocument

  2. Loss of personally identifiable information (PII), normally found on checks, must also be reported to the Computer Security Incident Response Center (CSIRC) at 1-866-216-4809. Refer to IRM 3.0.167, Losses and Shortages for additional reporting requirements for managers.

    State Alignment for Unidentifiable Field Office Remittances

    If the Field Office is Located in this State Then send the unidentifiable remittance package to…
    Alabama Austin
    Alaska Fresno
    Arizona Austin
    Arkansas Austin
    California Fresno
    Colorado Austin
    Connecticut Fresno
    Delaware Kansas City
    District of Columbia Kansas City
    Florida Austin
    Georgia Austin
    Hawaii Fresno
    Idaho Austin
    Illinois Kansas City
    Indiana Kansas City
    International Austin
    Iowa Austin
    Kansas Austin
    Kentucky Austin
    Louisiana Austin
    Maine Fresno
    Maryland Fresno
    Massachusetts Fresno
    Michigan Kansas City
    Minnesota Austin
    Mississippi Austin
    Missouri Austin
    Montana Austin
    Nebraska Austin
    Nevada Fresno
    New Hampshire Fresno
    New Jersey Fresno
    New Mexico Austin
    New York Fresno
    North Carolina Kansas City
    North Dakota Austin
    Ohio Kansas City
    Oklahoma Austin
    Oregon Fresno
    Pennsylvania Fresno
    Puerto Rico Austin
    Rhode Island Fresno
    South Carolina Kansas City
    South Dakota Austin
    Tennessee Austin
    Texas Austin
    Utah Austin
    Vermont Fresno
    Virginia Fresno
    Washington Fresno
    West Virginia Kansas City
    Wisconsin Kansas City
    Wyoming Austin

21.3.4.7.3.7.5  (10-01-2009)
Unidentifiable Field Office Remittance Processing at Campuses

  1. Unidentifiable field office remittances received at campuses will be researched to determine the taxpayer identification number and correct application of the payment, in the same manner as if mailed directly from the taxpayer.

  2. Form 5919, Teller’s Error Advice notices will not be issued. These payments will be processed under the campus "misdirected" RPSID range.

    Specific Addresses for Unidentifiable Remittances from IRS Field Office Locations and Designated Liaisons

    SPC Specific Addresses for Unidentifiable Remittances from IRS Field Office Locations Field Office Payment Processing
    Austin IRS-Attn: Remittance Perfection Manager AUSC –
    Send remittances less than $100,000 to Stop 6061
    Send remittances $100,000 or more to Stop 6062
    3651 S IH 35 Austin, TX 78741 Name of official for inside envelope: Darryl Krebs (Operations Manager, Receipt and Control)
    Tammy Atkins (512) 460-7278
    Fresno IRS-Attn: Remittance Perfection Manager 5045 E Butler
    Send remittances less than $100,000 to Stop 31301
    Send remittances $100,000 or more to Stop 31312
    Fresno, CA 93727
    Name of official for inside envelope: Carol Hughes (Operations Manager, Receipt and Control)
    Vickie K. Harris (559) 454-6314
    Kansas City IRS-Attn: John R. Parker
    333 W Pershing Rd MS 6053
    Kansas City, MO 64108
    Name of official for inside envelope: John R. Parker (Department Manager, Receipt and Control)
    Tari Cannon (816) 325-3091

21.3.4.7.4  (04-01-2007)
Form 5919, Teller's Error Advice

  1. The originators of Form 795 and Form 809 are personally responsible for accurate preparation and timely submission for processing and review.

  2. Tellers are responsible for reviewing Form 795 and Form 809 and advising the appropriate group manager of errors. The review ensures that taxpayers' accounts are credited as quickly and accurately as possible.

  3. Form 5919, Teller's Error Advice, is issued electronically by the Remittance Processing Unit personnel to report errors on forms regarding the daily receipt of payments from taxpayers. This form is used as a control when notifying a group manager of errors in preparation or untimely submission of Form 795 and Form 809. The original and one copy of Form 5919 and the erroneous Form 795 and/or Form 809 are routed to the appropriate group manager.

  4. The group manager must share Form 5919 information with the employee, take corrective action as required and provide a response to the Submission Processing Campus within 15 work days of issuance. There may be instances when this time frame is shorter. See IRM 21.3.4.7.2.2 if a critical error is discovered after Part 2 of Form 809 was issued to a taxpayer.

  5. The manager must establish a filing system to maintain copies of all Form 5919s. See IRM 1.4.11, Field Assistance Guide for Managers, for Form 5919 retention period.

21.3.4.7.5  (10-01-2008)
Loss or Shortage of Payments

  1. If an employee has a cash shortage, receives counterfeit funds, or is missing negotiable checks or other instruments, immediately report the loss to a manager. The employee and a manager must prepare detailed reports that are outlined in IRM 3.0.167.5.1 , Reporting Requirements. Managers, upon receiving notification of a revenue receipt shortage, must immediately contact their supervisor, TIGTA, and the Submission Processing Remittance Security Coordinator. The names and telephone numbers of the current Remittance Security Coordinators (RSC) can be found on the Submission Processing website under "Security" .

  2. Pursuant to 26 USCS 7804(c), employees are responsible to protect and safeguard monies that they have collected. In the event that an employee loses or fails to account for and pay over the money collected, an assessment for the loss may be made against the responsible employee and may be collected from the employee as if it were a tax. This is in addition to any disciplinary action taken against the employee.

    Note:

    Information on overages can be found in IRM 3.0.167.5.1(3), Reporting Requirements.

21.3.4.7.6  (10-01-2008)
Altered and/or Stolen Taxpayer Payments

  1. Follow these procedures if a taxpayer provides evidence that a remittance that was sent or given to the IRS has been stolen and/or altered.

    • Endorsed or made payable to someone else (other than U.S. Treasury or IRS)

    • Changes made to the money amount

    Stolen remittances

    • May or may not be cashed

    • May have been stolen to steal the taxpayer’s identity

  2. Report any potential theft/embezzlement to the TIGTA Office of Investigations, at 1–800–366–4484, and the local Remittance Security Coordinator found on the Submission Processing website at http://win.web.irs.gov/SP/ under "Security" . These procedures include requesting the following information from the taxpayer:

    • Photocopy of both sides of the payment instrument (e.g., cancelled check, money order).

    • Telephone number of taxpayers home and business.

    • If the taxpayer cannot provide a copy of the check or money order, request a copy of the taxpayer's receipt, plus a statement that it was sent payable to United States Treasury or IRS.

  3. Notify TIGTA using Form 4442 and route entire case using Form 3210 to the TIGTA Office of Investigations within the campus that would have processed the payment. Send a complete copy of the case to the Remittance Security Coordinator of the campus having jurisdiction for the account.

  4. It is imperative that potential theft/embezzlement(s) involving Lockbox Banks, Submission Processing Campus and Field Offices are reported immediately to the Remittance Security Coordinator (RSC) in order for the RSC to ensure that taxpayers are protected from adverse action while the case is investigated.

21.3.4.7.7  (10-01-2008)
Offer in Compromise

  1. All original Form 656, Offer in Compromise (OIC), packages received should be date stamped and forwarded to the appropriate Submission Processing Campus via Form 3210, Document Transmittal. OIC packages without payments should be mailed to the address listed in the Form 656. If a taxpayer submits a Form 656, Offer in Compromise (OIC), do not accept cash or issue Form 809. If a check is received with the OIC package, do not complete Form 3244, or any other posting documents.

  2. Cash cannot be accepted as payment for the Application Fee or offer amount. OIC application fees or offer amounts submitted with an OIC are not remittances, they are deposits.

  3. Non-cash payments can be accepted. If the taxpayer requests acknowledgement of the payment, employees may use a copy of the payment stamped with a Proof of Delivery stamp.

    • Do not complete Form 3244 or any other posting documents. OIC application fees and offer amounts will be processed by the OIC unit.

    • Prepare Form 3210 including taxpayer’s name, TIN, amount of payment and tracking information.

  4. OIC packages with payments must be sent using overnight traceable mail to one of the following locations:

    If the taxpayer lives in: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, or Wyoming Internal Revenue Service
    Memphis Centralized OIC Campus
    5333 Getwell Road, Stop 880
    Memphis, TN 38118
    Attn: Trina McDonald
    Phone number 901-546-3824

    If the taxpayer lives in: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or has a foreign address Internal Revenue Service
    Brookhaven Centralized OIC Campus
    1040 Waverly Avenue, Stop 680
    Holtsville, NY 11742
    Attn: Diane Deluise
    Phone number 631-687-3960

  5. If a subsequent payment is received without a Form 656, complete Form 3244 to process the subsequent payment and take the following actions:

    • If a written designation was noted on the payment, apply the payment(s) directly to the tax liability as designated.

    • If no written payment specification was noted, apply the payment(s) directly to a tax liability to the best interest of the Government.

    • Use designated payment code (DPC) "02" when posting subsequent periodic offer payments specified to the trust fund portion when the offer was submitted by a corporate taxpayer. In all other situations, use DPC "09" .

  6. See IRM 5.8, Offer in Compromise, for additional information.

21.3.4.7.8  (04-01-2007)
Restitution Payments

  1. IRS has a specific office to collect and process all criminal restitution payments in which the IRS is the victim of a crime. If criminal restitution payments are misrouted to an IRS office or campus, use Form 3210 to list the payment and transship via overnight traceable mail method to the Service Center Accounting Operations unit address below:
    Internal Revenue Service
    4800 Buford Highway
    Attn: MPU, Stop 151 Restitution
    Chamblee, GA 30341

21.3.4.7.9  (10-01-2008)
Indemnity Agreements

  1. The Government Losses in Shipment Act (GLISA), 40 U.S.C. 17301-17309, authorizes the issuance of indemnity agreements by the Bureau of Public Debt (BPD) to replace negotiable securities or instruments, such as cashier's checks, money orders, Treasury Bonds, etc. if the taxpayer has actually paid the money. Indemnity agreements are not provided for personal checks.

  2. Replacement for the loss should be obtained without an indemnity agreement if possible. Many taxpayers use postal money orders that can be traced and a replacement can be obtained by completing Postal Form 6401. A replacement is issued within three weeks without an indemnity agreement.

  3. Commercial banks are requesting signatures on indemnity for cashier's checks. These requests are sent for replacement cashier's checks that were not received by IRS or lost by IRS and have not been submitted for payment to the issuing institution. The bank will not issue a replacement check until an indemnity agreement is issued by BPD.

  4. TACs that receive indemnity agreement requests from taxpayers should forward the request to the Area Director, FA, for approval. The request should include the following information:

    • Taxpayer name and TIN, or ITIN

    • Date the instrument was issued

    • Amount of the Instrument

    • The financial institution name and address

    • Address where to mail the replacement check. (Usually the lockbox of the center that process your payments - See IRM 21.3.4.7.3.6)

    • Documents provided by the taxpayer or third party

    • The efforts to obtain a replacement

    • Written request for an indemnity agreement from the financial institution.

    • A copy of the negotiable security or instrument

  5. Inform the taxpayer that it will take 60 to 90 days to process an indemnity agreement. Under no circumstances will it be reissued payable to the taxpayer.

21.3.4.7.10  (10-01-2009)
SB/SE Payments

  1. The following procedures will be followed for accepting payments for SB/SE:

    1. The FA employee will give the SB/SE phone information to the taxpayer to contact the SB/SE employee or representative to come to the TAC lobby to pick up the payment.

    2. If SB/SE employee/representative cannot be located:
      Process the payment using FA procedures, providing SB/SE with a photocopy of the payment and information where the payment was applied.

21.3.4.7.11  (10-01-2009)
Procedures for Accepting Cash Payments in Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) With Courier Services

  1. This is a process whereby Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) will accept cash from taxpayers and a courier picks-up and deposits the funds directly into an IRS account at a local Treasury Government Authorized Bank. Deposits will be tracked using the Treasury General Account Deposit Report Network (TGAnet) and taxpayers receive credit for the payment through IDRS payment command code input. The TGAnet system will automate the over-the-counter (OTC) deposit reporting process and capture detailed accounting information at the point of deposit. Cash will be deposited in the Federal Reserve Bank within the 24 hour IRM requirement, eliminating numerous teller errors and allowing quicker application to the taxpayers account. Utilizing a courier service facilitates a safer work environment for employees.

  2. A Courier TAC is a TAC that is not co-located with a financial institution or other cash conversion facility.

    Note:

    These procedures only apply to Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) that have Courier Services.

21.3.4.7.11.1  (10-01-2009)
Courier Cash Transactions

  1. Field Assistance 809 Receipt Book Employees must follow the steps below when accepting cash in the TAC.

    1. Ensure the taxpayer has the exact amount of change for the payment. (Do Not Make Change)

    2. Complete Form 809, Receipt for Payment of Taxes, as directed in IRM 21.3.4.7.2.2

    3. Give Part 2 of Form 809 to the taxpayer. If an unauthorized third party makes the payment and the Form 809 discloses new information to he third party, then mail Part 2 of the Form 809 to the taxpayer's address of record.

    4. Secure cash payments in a locked metal security container, immediately after recording payments on Form 795, Daily Report of Collection Activity as directed by IRM 21.1.3.4.7.3.1

    5. Complete a separate Form 795 for courier cash transactions.

21.3.4.7.11.2  (10-01-2009)
Creating the Trace ID Number and Documents for the Reviewer

  1. After the taxpayer has left, the 809 employee should either stamp or manually write the fourteen digit on parts 1, 3 and 4 of the Form 809 in the box marked Deposit Trace ID. The fourteen digit Trace ID Number is made up as follows:

    Numbers 1-2 SP Campus (Fresno, Kansas City or Austin)
    Numbers 3-4 Always 55 - Field Assistance
    Numbers 5-11 Deposit date in YYYYDDD format for Julian date, see IRM 3.11.10–4
    Numbers 12-14 Specific TAC ID number

    Note:

    The final six numbers (15-20) will be identified and placed on the 809 photocopies by the input person.

  2. At the end of the day, or first thing the following day, the 809 employee should:

    • Make photocopies of Form 809, part 3.

    • Complete Form 2679 , Teller's Daily Balance and Reconciliation.

    • Give reviewer package, which includes:

      3 copies of Form 795
      3 copies of Form 2679
      Photocopies of all Form 809
      Cash

    • Count cash with reviewer and once agreed upon, sign off on Form 2679 , acknowledging the amount of cash received.

21.3.4.7.11.3  (10-01-2009)
Preparing Form 2679, Teller's Daily Balance and Reconciliation

  1. The following instructions should be used in completing the Form 2679:

    • Prepare Form 2679 in triplicate for each cash deposit

    • Box 1 (Office Location): Name of TAC

    • Box 2 (Teller): Enter your name

    • Box 3 (Date): Enter date of receipt

    • Box 4 (Cash Collections): List the total cash receipts under the correct Denomination, then enter the total coins and total currency for each column

    • Box 5 (Total coins and currency): Enter grand total from Box 4

    • Box 6 through Box 11: Leave Blank

    • Box 12 (Total for Deposit): Enter the amount from Box 5

    • Box 13 (Signature of Balancer): Must be signed by the Reviewer

    • Box 14 (Signature of Teller): Must be signed by the 809 employee

    • Box 15 through 22 of page 2: Does not need to be completed

    Note:

    The original copy of Form 2679 should remain with the retention file, duplicate copy to the 809 employee (Teller) and triplicate copy to the Reviewer (Balancer)

21.3.4.7.11.4  (10-01-2009)
Reviewer Procedures for Accepting Cash with Courier Service

  1. Upon receiving cash and documents from the 809 employee, the Reviewer should immediately place cash in confidential envelope, place confidential envelope in a Disposable Tamper Evident Bank Deposit Bag, place in locking container, and return deposit bag to the safe.

  2. Reviewer and 809 receipt employee each keep a copy of signed Form 2679 and one copy of Form 2679 is for the retention file.

  3. Once review is complete, the reviewer will provide copies of the Form 795 and Form 809 to person inputting payment-related command codes, originals remain with reviewer (Form 795 and 809 can be faxed to another employee in remote location for input if necessary). Since Personally Identifiable information is on the 809 receipt, the employee must ensure that safeguards for faxing sensitive information contained in IRM 11.3.1.10 11.3.1.10 are being followed.

  4. Once the input person has input all cash payments into IDRS for a day, they should forward a copy of IDRS responses from CC PYBAL ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-46), and CC TXCTL ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-47), to the reviewer notifying them that this has been completed.

  5. The input person will also return the copies of the Form 809 to the 809 employee, identifying the remaining six digits of the Trace ID numbers. Once the 809 employee places the remaining six numbers of the Trace ID number on Parts 1, 3 and 4 of the Form 809 , he/she will give the Reviewer the original Parts 1 and 3 of the Form 809 to associate with the package.

  6. Reviewer will reconcile IDRS prints and 795s to ensure cash totals match.

  7. Reviewer will input total deposit into TGAnet using information on TXCTL print and print out deposit slip.

  8. If TGAnet is down, and deposit ticket can not be completed via TGAnet, then ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-20), Deposit Ticket would be manually completed.

    Note:

    FA employee must obtain approval from Local Security Administrator (LSA), normally your local remittance analyst. The LSA will provide a six digit deposit ticket number to be included on the Form SF 215A. ( See IRM 21.3.4.7.13 for completion of Form SF 215A).

  9. Reviewer provides deposit slip and IDRS prints to TGAnet Approver (can be 809 book holders).

  10. TGAnet approver validates that the response to PYBAL and TXCTL equals deposit ticket, approves deposit on TGAnet, and prints copy of deposit slip and gives to reviewer to associate with courier package.

  11. Reviewer associates copy of deposit slip from TGAnet and puts copy with cash in confidential envelope and Disposable Tamper Evident Bank Deposit Bag for courier. Reviewer prepares and signs Form 10160 , Receipt for Transport of IRS Deposit. Form 10160 is attached to the OUTSIDE of the deposit bag. See below for preparation of Form 10160.

  12. Reviewer must complete Form 10160 , for each courier pickup and additionally, ensure the following information is contained on each Form 10160:

    • The name and signature of the designated IRS Field Assistance representative or designee who released the deposit to the courier service employee

    • The time the deposit was released to the courier service employee;

    • The date the deposit was released to the courier service employee;

    • The number of Disposable Tamper Evident Bank Deposit Bags released to the courier service employee. This number should be entered in "Description" column;

    • The name and signature of the courier service employee who received the deposit;

    • Must maintain one carbon copy of Form 10160 with the courier service employees signature, date, and time they took possession of the deposit.

    • Must receive back by the next business day the original completed Form 10160 with bank representative's signature, date, and time deposit was received by the depository.

    • It is critical to reconcile each day's Form 10160 to ensure you are receiving dedicated service (e.g., the time between your release to the courier and the release to the bank is not in excess). If discrepancies are found, or if Form 10160 is not returned from the bank as required, immediately notify the designated Submission Processing Campus Operations Chief with responsibility for deposits.

    • Date stamp the reverse side of each Form 10160 with the date the form was received from the bank.

    • Must retain for 3 years from date of deposit of Form 10160 .

  13. The same day the courier picks up the deposit, the Reviewer (or designee) associates the following documents and sends to the Receipt and Control Unit (Teller) at the campus:

    • Form 795

    • Form 809 (parts 1 and 3)


    The Reviewer will also forward the following items to Accounting:

    • IDRS prints from response page to CC PYBAL ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-46), and CC TXCTL ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-47),

    • Copy of Approved Deposit Slip from TGAnet ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-50)

    • "View Submitted Deposit" ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-49) listing payments by Tax Class from TGAnet

    • Statement of Loss, Shortage or Overage, if applicable.


    Note:

    Although the documents going to Receipt and Control and Accounting are in separate envelopes, they can be sent in the same UPS package.

  14. The following documents must be retained for three years from the date the deposit was received by the bank:

    • Form 795

    • Photocopy of the 809 receipt with Trace ID Number annotated

    • Original Form 2679

    • Original Form 10160 received from the bank

    • Response to PYBAL & TXCTL prints

    • Copy of Confirmed TGAnet Deposit Slip ( See Exhibit 21.3.4-50)

21.3.4.7.11.5  (10-01-2009)
Segregation of Duties

  1. To comply with the requirements associated with the segregation of duties and to implement the remittance/courier process, 3 separate employees are required to complete the cash transaction.

    • 809 receipt book holder

    • Reviewer

    • IDRS Inputter (RSTRK command code required)

    • TGAnet Approval (can be same as 809 receipt book holder)

21.3.4.7.12  (10-01-2009)
IDRS Input Procedures for Courier Cash Payments

  1. Remittance input procedures provide for processing remittances in blocks of 20 or fewer items. Procedures are also provided for correcting erroneous input, posting items to the next day's deposit, and actions necessary when a terminal or the system experiences a breakdown.


More Internal Revenue Manual