Resequencing on the Individual Master File (IMF) is often involved with the validity of a TIN.

Resequencing accounts is accomplished by one of two methods:

If the primary TIN and name control (NC) do not match (invalid), they are identified by an asterisk after the TIN. On joint returns, the spouse's TIN is preceded by a "1 " if the TIN is invalid.

On IMF Retention Register Microfilm transcripts, the computer assigns a validity digit of "0" when TIN and NC match (valid). A validity digit of "1" is assigned when TIN and NC do not match.

When the DM-1 data tape file is received, it is systemically compared to the invalid segment of MF.

Resequencing created by entity transactions is accomplished by a name change (TC 013) or a TIN change (TC 011) to MF.

Resequenced accounts which fail to merge, return to their original validity slots.

Action required:

DO NOT MERGE accounts if:

Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) must prepare a Form 4442 to refer taxpayer inquiries regarding mixed entity and Scrambled SSN cases.

A mixed entity case controlled on IDRS can be identified by control category "MXEN."

An account that has been scrambled, or is in the process of being scrambled, can be identified by control category "SCRM " or by control category "SSA2" . An account that has been scrambled will also have identifying information on CC ENMOD or IMFOLE:

Include any information which would assist in resolving the mixed entity or scrambled SSN case.

If you identify a mixed entity case while staffing the AM toll-free telephone line or are located in a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), prepare Form 4442, Inquiry Referral as follows:

Refer Scrambled SSN Forms 4442 as follows:

CSRs must not take action on mixed entity or Scrambled SSN accounts. This includes but is not limited to the following:

If the taxpayer has not satisfied the disclosure verification process, do not terminate the call. Do not give out account information on the common number. Complete Form 4442, including all information obtained from the taxpayer. Route Form 4442 per the above guidelines in this subsection.

If the taxpayer has not responded to the 239C letter, advise the taxpayer to complete the 239C letter questionnaire and return it with all of the documentation requested. See IRM 21.6.2.4.4.5,Determining if Refund Should be Released, for documentation requested in the 239C letter. Refunds will be held until a complete 239C letter response is received.

If the taxpayer is calling in regard to any 239C letter, complete Form 4442 including all information obtained from the taxpayer. If available, include on the Form 4442 a telephone number where the taxpayer can be reached, and the best time to call the taxpayer. Route Form 4442 per the above guidelines in this subsection. Inform the taxpayer that this matter can best be addressed by telephone contact from the area that issued the letter. If appropriate, notify the taxpayer that the representative making this contact may speak only English.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) can assist low income taxpayers in resolving issues with the IRS involving a mixed entity or scrambled SSN case. LITCs also help educate taxpayers who speak English as a second language about their taxpayer rights and responsibilities. If appropriate, notify the taxpayer about the availability of LITCs. Refer the taxpayer to Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.

Examine taxpayer inquiries for any indication of identity theft.

Follow procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.2.3, Preliminary Research, for tax-related identity theft issues.

Provide guidance for non-tax-related identity theft using an appropriate letter. Refer to resources provided in IRM 21.9.2.3, Identity Theft - Telephone Overview.

Make every effort to locate the correct TIN for each taxpayer before contacting the taxpayer(s).

Record all significant research actions and information according to the instructions in IRM 21.6.2.4.2.4, Case History Sheet.

Research the SSN (valid and invalid) to determine if there was a mixed entity or scrambled case in prior years, and to locate any possible cross-reference TIN.

Request all returns for the year(s) involved (including returns filed at other sites). When applicable, utilize SCFTR as a part of your research.

Search returns, schedules, and forms for a different TIN.

Research CC IMFOL, RTVUE, NAMES, INOLE, DUPOL, FFINQ and REINF.

Compare the returns for:

Request MFTRA, type "U" , to obtain NUMIDENT information. If NUMIDENT clearly indicates which taxpayer was assigned the SSN, see example below, follow mixed entity procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.3,Mixed Entity Procedures. Change the control category to "MXEN." If NUMIDENT shows multiple issuances of the social security card and the names are the same or similar, no determination should be made. Continue research and processing.

Search returns and entity modules for indications of identity theft such as identity theft documentation attached to the return or a previously posted TC 971 with Action Code (AC) 501. If TC 971 with AC 501 is already present, consider the previously designated taxpayer to be the owner of the SSN and resolve the account following Mixed Entity Procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.3,Mixed Entity Procedures. If TC 971 with AC 501 is not present and there are indications of identity theft, update the control category to "IDT1" and follow the procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.2.5.2.1, Identity Theft - More Than One Return Present.

A case history sheet is required for a case that is to be sent to SSA for resolution. The history sheet must include all information and actions taken to resolve the case. Include the following:

Forms 13708, 13708A, 13708B, and/or 13708C, Mixed Entity/Scrambled SSN Case History Sheet, are required when working a case to be sent to SSA for resolution. All account actions, taxpayer contact and SSA contact must be included on the history sheet. Retain a copy of the completed Case History Sheet with the case. Scan/attach for CIS inclusion only the pages of the Sheet that notate actions taken.

Research information for all cases must be recorded on the electronic research sheet entitled, "TIN-Related Problem Research Sheet." This sheet is found on SERP under the "IRM Supplements" tab.

Every effort will be made to determine ownership prior to contacting the taxpayer. The 239C letter requesting information from the taxpayer will not be sent unless CN ownership determination cannot be made after all of the following guidelines have been exhausted.

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Analyze the case and identify the correct and incorrect taxpayer for the CN as follows:

If either account contains an offset (TC 896 or TC 898) to a state or federal agency, take no action before referring to IRM 21.4.6.5.19, Mixed Entity Cases.

Consider possible changes to the Return Processable Date. See IRM 21.5.6.4.13, I- Freeze.

For mixed entity cases involving identity theft, see IRM 21.6.2.4.2.5.2.1, Identity Theft - More Than One Return Present.

Route cases with a Z freeze, and/or a P- freeze (P- freeze with IDRS category code PFRZ), to the Fraud Detection Center (FDC). Take no action unless the Z and/or P- freeze is released. If the Z and/or P- freeze is released, follow established mixed entity procedures.

Refer to the FDC any "leads" related to alleged stolen identity accounts, data that may lead to a fraudulent filing of tax returns for the purpose of gaining false or inflated refunds, or potential ERO schemes, etc. Do not refer the case. Continue to work the case. Use Form 4442 to provide the following information:

The following procedures must be used when a valid different TIN is found for Taxpayer B and Taxpayer A posted first:

Consider the following when processing Taxpayer B's tax information to the correct TIN:

The following procedures must be used when a valid different TIN is found for Taxpayer B and Taxpayer B posted first:

The following should be taken into consideration when processing Taxpayer B's tax information to the correct TIN:

If a different valid TIN is not located for Taxpayer B through research/correspondence, obtain an Internal Revenue Service Number (IRSN) for Taxpayer B and take the following action:

When a mixed entity situation occurs on an invalid SSN, take the following actions:

Use the following procedures when a TC 576 is present and Taxpayer A posted first.

When a valid SSN is located, Taxpayer B's return posted first and Taxpayer A's return contains no UA condition, take the following action:

When a valid SSN is located, Taxpayer B's return posted first and there is an UA condition on Taxpayer A's return, take the following action:

When a mixed entity occurs on an invalid SSN, use procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.3.5,Invalid SSN - Mixed Entity.

Use the following procedures to identify scrambled cases involving taxpayer inquiries or NOMRG transcripts.

Analyze the case to identify the taxpayers involved:

Analyze the case to determine which condition exists:

Use local procedures to obtain an IRSN for each taxpayer. IRSN 1 is issued for Taxpayer 1. IRSN 2 is issued for Taxpayer 2. When establishing IRSN 2 set the appropriate scrambled SSN indicator (SCI). See Exhibit 21.6.2-2, Scrambled SSN Indicators.

Research to determine if there is a closed or existing scrambled SSN case for the same taxpayer.

If substantiation of identity theft is received from one taxpayer after the 239C letter 40 day suspense period, 70 days for overseas taxpayers, has expired, follow procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.2.5.2.1, Identity Theft - More Than One Return Present. Change the control category to "IDT1."

If substantiation of identity theft is received from both taxpayers, follow procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.2.5.2.1, Identity Theft - More Than One Return Present. Change the control category to "IDT1" .

If at any time a completed 239C questionnaire is received after the 40 day suspense period has expired, 70 days for overseas taxpayers, follow the procedures in IRM 21.6.2.4.2.5, Determining Ownership of the Common Number (CN), and, if necessary, in IRM 21.6.2.4.2.6, Pre-239C Common Number (CN) Ownership Determinations Cannot be Made.

Follow Condition 1 or Condition 2 procedures as appropriate. Do not perform any steps that involve the Form 3857 and the sending of the case to SSA. These steps will be identified as pertaining only to True/Default True Scrambled cases. Input a Scramble Indicator (SCI) of "10" .

Follow the if/then table below when scrambling a True/Default True Scrambled SSN Case:

DO NOT release the refund if the taxpayer does not respond to the 239C letter with a completed and accurate questionnaire and all of the following:

If the taxpayer is claiming a hardship, which may warrant the issuance of a manual refund, refer the case to TAS for hardship determination per IRM 21.4.4.2, Why Would A Manual Refund Be Needed?

Overpayment(s) a year old or older must be transferred to Excess Collections when the account is scrambled. Allow an Accounts Maintenance Research (AMRH) transcript(s) to generate on account(s) with overpayment(s) less than a year old. See IRM 21.2.4.3.10.1, Excess Collection File (XSF).