21.5.6 Freeze Codes 21.5.6.1 Program Scope and Objectives 21.5.6.1.1 Authority 21.5.6.1.2 Responsibilities 21.5.6.1.3 Program Reports 21.5.6.1.4 Acronyms 21.5.6.1.5 Related Resources 21.5.6.2 What is a Freeze Condition? 21.5.6.3 Researching Freeze Codes 21.5.6.4 Freeze Code Procedures 21.5.6.4.1 A- Freeze 21.5.6.4.2 -A Freeze 21.5.6.4.3 B- Freeze 21.5.6.4.4 -B Freeze 21.5.6.4.5 C- Freeze 21.5.6.4.5.1 C- Freeze - Refund Holds 21.5.6.4.6 -C Freeze 21.5.6.4.7 D- Freeze 21.5.6.4.8 -D Freeze 21.5.6.4.9 E- Freeze 21.5.6.4.9.1 E- Freeze Procedures for Unresolved Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Issues 21.5.6.4.10 -E Freeze 21.5.6.4.11 F- Freeze 21.5.6.4.12 -F Freeze 21.5.6.4.13 G- Freeze 21.5.6.4.14 -G Freeze 21.5.6.4.15 H- Freeze 21.5.6.4.16 -H Freeze 21.5.6.4.17 I- Freeze 21.5.6.4.18 -I Freeze 21.5.6.4.19 J- Freeze 21.5.6.4.20 -J Freeze 21.5.6.4.21 K- Freeze 21.5.6.4.22 -K Freeze 21.5.6.4.23 L- Freeze 21.5.6.4.24 -L Freeze 21.5.6.4.25 M- Freeze 21.5.6.4.26 -M Freeze 21.5.6.4.27 N- Freeze 21.5.6.4.28 -N Freeze 21.5.6.4.29 O- Freeze 21.5.6.4.30 -O Freeze 21.5.6.4.31 P- Freeze Overview 21.5.6.4.31.1 P- Freeze With No Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement 21.5.6.4.31.2 P- Freezes With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement 21.5.6.4.32 -P Freeze 21.5.6.4.33 Q- Freeze 21.5.6.4.34 -Q Freeze 21.5.6.4.35 -R Freeze 21.5.6.4.35.1 -R Freeze With Credit Card Payments 21.5.6.4.35.2 Resolving -R Freeze 21.5.6.4.35.3 -R Freeze Overview for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement 21.5.6.4.35.3.1 -R Freeze Phone Procedures for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.1 -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement and the Taxpayer is Claiming Identity Theft 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.2 -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - No RIVO Letter or Notice Issued 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.3 -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Notice CP 05 or Letter 4464C Issued 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.4 -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Letter 2645C/2644C Issued 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.5 -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Notice CP 05A Issued 21.5.6.4.35.3.2 -R Freeze Paper Procedures for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement 21.5.6.4.35.4 Refund Holds 21.5.6.4.36 R- Freeze 21.5.6.4.37 -S Freeze 21.5.6.4.38 S- Freeze 21.5.6.4.39 T- Freeze 21.5.6.4.40 -T Freeze 21.5.6.4.41 -U Freeze 21.5.6.4.42 U- Freeze 21.5.6.4.43 V- Freeze 21.5.6.4.44 -V Freeze 21.5.6.4.44.1 Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cases 21.5.6.4.45 W- Freeze 21.5.6.4.46 -W Freeze 21.5.6.4.47 X- Freeze 21.5.6.4.48 -X Freeze 21.5.6.4.49 Y- Freeze 21.5.6.4.50 -Y Freeze 21.5.6.4.51 Z- Freeze 21.5.6.4.52 -Z Freeze 21.5.6.4.52.1 Address Changes With Z Freeze Part 21. Customer Account Services Chapter 5. Account Resolution Section 6. Freeze Codes 21.5.6 Freeze Codes Manual Transmittal August 31, 2022 Purpose (1) This transmits revised IRM 21.5.6, Account Resolution, Freeze Codes. Material Changes (1) IRM 21.5.6.4(3) Changed lien contact information to Centralized Lien Processing Operation. Change made for accuracy in routing lien release requests. (2) IRM 21.5.6.4(4) Replaced Note with IRM link for Accounts Management and balance due issues. Change made due to IRM update. IPU 21U1213 issued 11-01-2021. (3) IRM 21.5.6.4.2(4) Added link for list of generic employee numbers for Submission Processing. Changed if open control to Correspondence Imaging System cases, assistor must leave CIS note. Change made for efficiency and reduction of unw-arranted referrals. IPU 21U1213 issued 11-01-2021. (4) IRM 21.5.6.4.2(4) Added link for list of generic employee numbers for Accounts Management CIS cases. Added Note if TAS criteria not met, to advise taxpayer to allow another 30 days. Change made for efficiency and reduction of unwarranted referrals. IPU 21U1316 issued 12-07-2021. (5) IRM 21.5.6.4.2(4) Added when working a case assigned to a clerical unit, to change CIS category code if appropriate and case must be worked while on the phone. Change made to provide direction and to eliminate personal inventory creation for cases not being worked in a prompt manner. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (6) IRM 21.5.6.4.9(2) Added procedures to release the E- freeze if an unallowable claim changing filing status from joint to separate. Change made to eliminate unnecessary transcripts from generating related to an unresolved E- freeze. IPU 22U0141 issued 01-21-2022. (7) IRM 21.5.6.4.9(2) Added if BMF account with RIVO involvement, do not process amended return as the original. Change made due to procedural changes in RICS. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (8) IRM 21.5.6.4.9.1 Added letters 5216C and 6167C to list of authentication letters. Added procedures if response to authentication letters is attached to CIS case, to route case to RIVO. Change made for IRM consistency. IPU 22U0552 issued 04-27-2022. (9) IRM 21.5.6.4.9.1(4) Added procedures for 309C letter based on presence of TPP letter markers. Change made due to policy update by TPP. IPU 22U0408 issued 03-18-2022. (10) IRM 21.5.6.4.9.1(4) Added to replace taxpayer’s TIN with an asterisk in 309C letter, added link to determine if response is for TPP authentication letter, and added that TPP authentication letter cannot be issued more than twice. Changes made for IRM consistency. IPU 22U0707 issued 06-10-2022. (11) IRM 21.5.6.4.10(2) Added to allow 120 days for Letter 3176C to be issued on -E freeze set with a TC 810-4 indicating a frivolous return. Change made to eliminate unnecessary referrals. IPU 22U0842 issued 07-28-2022. (12) IRM 21.5.6.4.17(2) Updated to correct ASED if a reply is received with a previously missing signature after the return due date. Change made due to Counsel recommendation. (13) IRM 21.5.6.4.22(5) Added procedures for -K freeze with RIVO involvement but no RIVO letter or notice sent to taxpayer. Change made as scenario was missing from the IRM. IPU 21U1163 issued 10-12-2021. (14) IRM 21.5.6.4.31.1(1) Clarified to use CR-INT-TO-DATE of original TC 776/770. Change made to provide IRM consistency. IPU 21U1163 issued 10-12-2021. (15) IRM 21.5.6.4.31.1(1) Updated referral procedure for P- freeze for non-receipt coded "H" or "X" . Added referral procedures if there is an open control in background status. Changes made to reduce redundancy and eliminate erroneous refunds. IPU 21U1316 issued 12-07-2021. (16) IRM 21.5.6.4.31.1(1) Removed procedures to release P- freeze for Economic Impact Payment 3. Change made as payment cannot be reissued after December 31, 2021. IPU 21U1339 issued 12-14-2021. (17) IRM 21.5.6.4.31.2(3) Added procedures if a TPP notice has not been issued to advise the taxpayer they would receive a notice within two weeks. Added to provide procedures for a missing scenario. IPU 22U0707 issued 06-10-2022. (18) IRM 21.5.6.4.35(2) Added note to provide procedures for Employment Returns with potential ID Theft, for a referral to be emailed to SBSE. Change made to eliminate referral going to RIVO to increase efficiency and response time to taxpayer. IPU 22U0603 issued 05-10-2022. (19) IRM 21.5.6.4.35(2) Updated note to provide procedures for Employment Returns with potential ID Theft, for a referral to be emailed to SBSE. Change made to eliminate referral going to RIVO to increase efficiency and response time to taxpayer. IPU 22U0611 issued 05-12-2022. (20) IRM 21.5.6.4.35(8) Removed exception for State Income Tax Levy Program (SITLP). Change made due to Chief Counsel recommendation. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (21) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.1 Clarified chargeback procedure when credit card payment is made in error. Added procedure to release freeze if taxpayer able to provide proof of payment. Change made to clarify procedures and eliminate unnecessary referrals. IPU 22U0408 issued 03-18-2022. (22) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.2(1) Removed exception for State Income Tax Levy Program (SITLP). Change made due to Chief Counsel recommendation. IPU 21U1316 issued 12-07-2021. (23) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.2(1) Added procedures for leaving CIS note or doing referral, and for releasing -R freeze on REBATEREV transcripts. Change made to reduce referral inventory, and to reduce timeframe taxpayer impacted by refund being held. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (24) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1(5) Removed note concerning balance due. Change made as scenario should not have a -R freeze. IPU 21U1163 issued 10-12-2021. (25) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1(5) Added if multiple RIVO markers as well as notices/letters, to follow procedures for last marker or notice/letter on the account. Change made to clear up confusion for assistors when multiple actions taken on the account. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (26) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.2(2) Added procedures to send a referral if an AQC 971 AC 122 on account but no other RIVO indicator. Change made due to incomplete procedures. IPU 21U1316 issued 12-07-2021. (27) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.5(4) Updated procedures to advise taxpayer to upload documentation for CP05A via the Documentation Upload Tool. Change made due to RIVO policy change. IPU 22U0552 issued 04-27-2022. (28) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2(1) Added note to use last RIVO letter issued as Activity Code if an interim letter was sent. Change made for clarity on proper Activity Codes. IPU 21U1316 issued 12-07-2021. (29) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2(1) Added to send 86C letter when faxing correspondence to AQC. Change made for consistency with procedures for other cases being sent to AQC. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (30) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2(1) Removed procedure to open a control base for responses to RIVO letters with a RIVO initiated -R freeze and no -A freeze on the account and replaced with initiating a referral to RIVO. Change made to revert back to procedure in place prior to procedure deviation due to COVID restrictions. IPU 22U0855 issued 07-29-2022. (31) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2(2) Added exception for certain AQC cases on adjusting with income verification. Change based on policy change. IPU 21U1163 issued 10-12-2021. (32) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2(2) Added reminder that Accounts Management can work claims related to Unemployment Compensation Exclusion with a -R freeze. IPU 21U1213 issued 11-01-2021. (33) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2(2) Updated procedures for AQC inventory related to questionable credits. Change made for IRM clarity. (34) IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2(3) Added Category Code MEFA to procedures for Form 1040-X received with RIVO and TAS involvement. Change made to include electronically filed Form 1040-X. (35) IRM 21.5.6.4.38(2) Added a manual refund is required if taxpayer has a temporary address. Change made for missing scenario. IPU 21U1316 issued 12-07-2021. (36) IRM 21.5.6.4.38(2) Added procedures to release the S- freeze if taxpayer submits correspondence providing an updated address. Change made for IRM consistency. (37) IRM 21.5.6.4.41(2) Updated to state send secure email to Submission Processing Accounting Erroneous Refund function. Change made due to change in work process. IPU 21U1213 issued 11-01-2021. (38) IRM 21.5.6.4.46(3) Updated contact procedures for Appeals. Change made for efficiency in contacting Appeals. IPU 21U1163 issued 10-12-2021. (39) IRM 21.5.6.4.46(3) Updated contact procedures for Appeals for accounts with a TC 520 cc 72. Change made for efficiency in contacting Appeals. IPU 21U1213 issued 11-01-2021. (40) IRM 21.5.6.4.46(3) Updated contact procedures for Appeals for accounts with a TC 520 cc 76/77. Change made for efficiency in contacting Appeals. IPU 22U0141 issued 01-21-2022. (41) IRM 21.5.6.4.46(3) Updated contact procedures for Appeals for accounts with a TC 520 cc 72. Change made for efficiency in contacting Appeals. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (42) IRM 21.5.6.4.46(3) Added contact information for Status 84 Insolvency. Change made to provide missing information. (43) IRM 21.5.6.4.48(1) Removed direction to complete a referral on open controls to clerical or team numbers. Changed to advise taxpayer to allow 30 days. Change made for IRM consistency. (44) IRM 21.5.6.4.48(3) Added procedures for TRNS41 if a TC 150 cannot be located and if TC 840 posted to wrong module. Change made for missing scenario. IPU 22U0334 issued 03-04-2022. (45) 21.5.6.4.52(6) Added TRNS93 to list of transcripts to be routed to Criminal Investigation if the there is also a Z freeze present. Change made for efficiency in routing of case. (46) Editorial changes were made throughout the IRM for clarity. Reviewed and updated plain language, grammar, web addresses, IRM reference, and legal references. Effect on Other Documents IRM 21.5.6 dated August 25, 2021, (effective October 1, 2021) is superseded. This IRM incorporates Interim Procedural Updates (IPU): IPU 21U1163 (effective 10-12-2021), IPU 21U1213 (effective 11-01-2021), IPU 21U1316 (effective 12-07-2021), IPU 21U1339 (effective 12-14-2021), IPU 22U0141 (effective 01-21-2022), IPU 22U0334 (effective 03-04-2022), IPU 22U0408 (effective 03-18-2022), IPU 22U0552 (effective 04-27-2022), IPU 22U0603 (effective 05-10-2022), IPU 22U0611 (effective 05-12-2022), IPU 22U0707 (effective 06-10-2022), IPU 22U0842 (effective 07-28-2022), and IPU 22U0855 (effective 07-29-2022). Audience All employees performing account/tax law work in W&I and SB/SE. Effective Date (10-03-2022) Karen A. Michaels Director, Accounts Management Wage and Investment Division 21.5.6.1 (10-01-2021) Program Scope and Objectives Purpose: This IRM covers information on freeze conditions – to prevent the issuance of refunds, credit offsets, or the assessment of accrued interest and/or penalties. This section covers the identification and resolution of freeze conditions. Audience: The primary users of the IRM are all IRS employees in Wage & Investment (W&I) and Small Business/Self-Employed (SB/SE) who are in contact with taxpayers by telephone, correspondence, or in person. Policy Owner: The Director of Accounts Management is the policy owner of this IRM. Program Owner: Accounts Management Policy and Procedures IMF(PPI) is the program owner of this IRM. Primary Stakeholders: The primary stakeholders are Compliance, Return Integrity and Verification Operations (RIVO) and Submission Processing. Program Goals: Program goals for this type of work are: Achieve a high customer accuracy rate for phone calls and paper adjustments on freeze code impacted accounts Create efficiency in resolving paper adjustment cases on freeze code impacted accounts Perform continuous assessment for program vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement Produce effective communication with customers The Accounts Management Program Letter on the AM website has more information on these goals. 21.5.6.1.1 (10-01-2021) Authority The authorities for this IRM include: IRC 965, Treatment of deferred foreign income upon transition to participation exemption system of taxation IRC 6601, Interest on underpayment, nonpayment, or extensions of time for payment, of tax IRC 7508A, Authority to postpone certain deadlines by reason of federally declared disaster, significant fire, or terroristic or military actions Policy Statement 21-1, Service Commitment to Taxpayers Service Program Policy Statement 21-2, The public impact of clarity, consistency, and impartiality in dealing with tax problems must be given high priority Policy Statement 21-3, Timeliness and Quality of Taxpayer Correspondence Policy Statement 21-4, One-stop service defined Policy Statement 21-5, Assistance furnished to taxpayers in the correction of accounts 21.5.6.1.2 (10-01-2021) Responsibilities The Wage and Investment Commissioner oversees all policy related to this IRM, which is published on a yearly basis. The Accounts Management Director oversees the instructions to the employees contained in the IRM content. Accounts Management Policy and Procedures IMF (PPI) Tax Analyst(s) oversees the content in this IRM and acts as a point of contact for all Accounts Management sites. Managers and leads ensure compliance with the guidance and procedures in this IRM for case resolution on freeze code affected accounts. Employees respond to adjustment requests, refund inquiries, and account status inquiries following procedures in this IRM. 21.5.6.1.3 (10-01-2021) Program Reports Program Effectiveness: Program effectiveness is measured and controlled through: Managerial reviews Quality reviews Quarterly PPI review 21.5.6.1.4 (10-01-2021) Acronyms See the table below for a list of acronyms commonly used in this IRM. For a comprehensive listing of any IRS acronyms, please refer to the Acronym Database. Acronym Definition AC Action Code ACTC Additional Child Tax Credit AIMS Audit Information Management System AMS Account Management Services BMF Business Master File CC Command Code CCC Computer Condition Code CI Criminal Investigation CIS Correspondence Imaging System CSED Collection Statute Expiration Date DLN Document Locator Number EITC Earned Income Tax Credit EUP Employee User Portal IDRS Integrated Data Retrieval System IMF Individual Master File IRC Internal Revenue Code MFT Master File Tax RIVO Return Integrity Verification Operations RSED Refund Statute Expiration Date SFR Substitute For Return TAS Taxpayer Advocate Service TC Transaction Code TDA Tax Delinquent Account TPP Taxpayer Protection Program TRNS Transcript 21.5.6.1.5 (10-01-2020) Related Resources Related resources include: Document 6209 IRS Processing Codes and Information IDRS Command Code Job Aid 21.5.6.2 (10-01-2017) What is a Freeze Condition? Three types of freeze condition codes exist: Conditions existing in the module/account that freeze refunds and prevent offsets in or out of the module, but do not stop balance due notices. Conditions freezing balance due notices, refunds and offsets generated by Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) and Tax Delinquent Account (TDA) issuances. Conditions describing certain issues on a module/account, but account is not frozen. 21.5.6.3 (03-18-2021) Researching Freeze Codes Do not take action on any freeze condition without complete IDRS research. Combination freeze codes such as "-LQ" , "P-L" , and "-EL" result when a combination of freeze conditions affect one module. Refer to the proper area of this IRM for instructions. ≡ ≡ ≡"≡ ≡ ≡" ≡ ≡ ≡"≡ ≡ ≡" ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Exception: ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡"≡ ≡ ≡" ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡"≡ ≡ ≡" ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Follow procedures in IRM 13.1.7.3, TAS Case Criteria, to determine if taxpayers or cases should be referred to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), when you cannot resolve the taxpayer’s issue the same day. The definition of same day is within 24 hours. Same day cases include cases you can completely resolve in 24 hours as well as cases in which you have taken steps within 24 hours to begin resolving the taxpayer’s issue. Refer to IRM 13.1.7.5, Same Day Resolution by Operations. Do not refer these cases to TAS unless they meet TAS criteria or the taxpayer asks for a transfer to TAS. When referring cases to TAS, use Form 911/e-911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance (And Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order), and forward to TAS per your local procedures. Note: The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TBOR) lists rights that already existed in the tax code, putting them in simple language and grouping them into 10 fundamental rights. Employees are responsible for being familiar with and acting in accord with taxpayer rights. See IRC 7803(a)(3), Execution of Duties in Accord with Taxpayer Rights. For more information about the TBOR, see Taxpayer Bill of Rights and Pub 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, for more information. 21.5.6.4 (10-03-2022) Freeze Code Procedures Select and follow the procedures for the proper freeze. Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48, for a complete listing of freeze codes. This IRM covers the most common freeze codes that require follow-up procedures worked by Accounts Management (AM). For causes and release information on freeze codes not contained in this IRM, refer to freeze code information in Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. Request a manual lien release if transaction code (TC) 582, (lien indicator) is on the module, in the following situations: The lien will not systemically release The action you take will fully satisfy all outstanding liabilities and will not post within 30 days The account has been fully satisfied for more than 30 days Refer to IRM 21.3.4.13.2, Lien Release Requests, for issues regarding manual lien releases. Employees with access to the Automated Lien System (ALS) should input the lien release. Employees without access to ALS should submit Form 13794, Request for Release or Partial Release of Notice of Federal Tax Lien, to the Centralized Lien Unit. The fax number can be found at Centralized Case Processing (CCP) Lien Teams on SERP. On accounts with a freeze condition in a balance due status, refer to IRM 5.19.1, Balance Due. Accounts Management employees see IRM 21.1.1.3.1, Accounts Management (AM) Customer Service Representative (CSR) Duties Handling Accounts with Balance Due / Missing Returns. 21.5.6.4.1 (10-01-2020) A- Freeze The A- freeze is set when all the following occur: There is a credit available for offset A module has a balance due of ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ The earliest Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) has expired on a balance due module A CSED transcript generates and is worked in the Collection function. The account is frozen and is released when a TC 534 is input. Refer to IRM 5.19.10.5.5, CSED (SPC3) Transcript, for more information on the A- freeze. 21.5.6.4.2 (03-04-2022) -A Freeze The -A freeze is set when a duplicate return (TC 976), subsequent return (TC 977) or a TC 971 with action code (AC) 010 or AC 012-015 (amended return), posts to an account. A TRNS36, Individual Master File (IMF) Duplicate Filing Notice, or TRNS193, Business Master File (BMF) Duplicate Filing Condition (created by a frozen account), is generated and forwarded to the campus AM paper function. Exception: TC 971 with AC 010 or AC 012-015 does not generate a TRNS36. TC 971 AC 010 only generates a TRNS 193 in certain situations. Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4.4, Duplicate or Amended Returns - TRNS36, and IRM 21.7.9.4, Duplicate Filing Conditions Procedures, for more information. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2, -R Freeze Paper Procedures For Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement, for instructions when working Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, cases with both a -A and RIVO -R freeze. Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4, Adjusting Individual Tax Accounts Procedures, for Individual Master File (IMF) and IRM 21.7.9, BMF Duplicate Filing Conditions, for Business Master File (BMF) for instructions when working a -A freeze case. Caution: If the tax module is in collection status 26, do not release the -A freeze. Refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.9.2, Campus Collection Function Correspondence/Inquiry/Notice, for more guidance for a referral. Take the following action during a telephone inquiry or field office inquiry: IF AND THEN Normal processing time of up to 16 weeks has not elapsed Note: Processing times for Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and/or Form 1040-X may be temporarily extended. Refer to any SERP Alerts regarding these extended timeframes. TC 976/977 has posted to the module but an adjustment has not been made Advise taxpayer to allow up to 16 weeks for normal processing. For IMF, provide the taxpayer with information about our automated amended return application: Where’s My Amended Return? (WMAR), on irs.gov. For more information on WMAR refer to IRM 21.4.1.4 (8), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures. Normal processing time of up to 16 weeks has elapsed,OR the taxpayer furnishes more information Note: Processing times for Form 1040 and/or Form 1040-X may be temporarily extended. Refer to any SERP Alerts regarding these extended timeframes. TC 976/977 has posted to the module, adjustment has not been made, and there is an open control to an employee Open control is for a Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) case:AM Employees: Add the information to the CIS case as a Case Note (CN). Advise taxpayer to allow 30 days for a response. NON-AM Employees: Follow procedure below to prepare a referral. Open control is not for a Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) case: Prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral. Select "IRM" referral type and category "Open Control" . Print and fax IRM directed referrals to any area that does not have Account Management Services (AMS) access. Advise taxpayer to allow 30 days for a response. Normal processing time of up to 16 weeks has elapsed Note: Processing times for Form 1040 and/or Form 1040-X may be temporarily extended. Refer to any SERP Alerts regarding these extended timeframes. TC 976/977 has posted to the module, adjustment has not been made, and the open control is to a clerical function or a team number Note: Generic employee numbers for Submission Processing (SP) can be found within IRM 3.11.6.2.4, Controlling Cases on the Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS), and IRM 3.11.6.16.3, MEFP and MEFS Accounts Management Rejected Queue. Generic employee numbers for Accounts Management (AM) CIS cases can be found within IRM 21.5.1.5.1, CIS General Guidelines. DO NOT initiate contact with a clerical team.AM Employees: Put the control in "B" status if you have sufficient information to work the case during the phone call and close the control if appropriate. Update the CIS category code if appropriate. See IRM 21.5.1.5.2, Cases Currently Assigned in CIS. Note: CAT-A criteria must be considered before adjusting an account. Refer to Exhibit 21.5.3-2, Examination Criteria (CAT-A) - General. Exception: If the taxpayer is calling regarding a carryback claim, refer to IRM 21.5.9.3.2, Status of a Carryback Application/Claim. If the taxpayer is calling regarding an Injured Spouse claim, refer to IRM 21.4.6.5.2, Injured Spouse Inquiries. If you do not have sufficient information to work the case, ask the taxpayer if they can fax the information needed to adjust the account while you are on the call. Have the taxpayer fax it directly to you. Follow procedures above to work and close the case if appropriate. Note: When available, the Enterprise Electronic Fax, (EEFax) must be used in lieu of manual faxing. NON-AM employees, or if unable to have the taxpayer fax in the information due to a training issue (e.g., call sites), or taxpayer is unable to fax while you are on the call: Apologize for the delay in processing the information and advise the taxpayer to allow an additional 30 days. Normal processing time of up to 16 weeks has elapsed Note: Processing times for Form 1040 and/or Form 1040-X may be temporarily extended. Refer to any SERP Alerts regarding these extended timeframes. TC 976/977 has posted to the module, adjustment has not been made, and there is no open IDRS control If there is no Form 1040-X scanned into CIS, ask the taxpayer to refile the amended return. Exception: Due to site closures, DO NOT advise the taxpayer to refile. Apologize for the delay and advise the taxpayer that even though the processing and service centers have partially reopened, the Service is still working to resolve delays caused by the previous closures. If the Form 1040-X is scanned into CIS or another condition caused the -A Freeze, prepare Form 4442/e-4442 selecting "IRM" referral type and category "-A Freeze" Route to the Campus AM paper function where the TC 976/977 posted. Advise taxpayer to allow 30 days for a response to the referral. Reminder: Route Form 4442/e-4442 prepared as a response to a closed carryback case to the service center that last worked the case. Review CIS and IDRS to determine the proper routing. If module shows a TC 971 with AC 012, 013, or 015, do as follows: Select "IRM" referral type, category "Other write-in" . Input "Unresolved amendment in Collection, Exam, Automated Underreporter (AUR), (as applicable), please work" . Follow established procedures to route the referral to: AC 012 - Collections, AC 013 - Exam, AC 015 - AUR. Advise taxpayer to allow 30 days for a response. Normal processing time of up to 16 weeks has elapsed plus 30 more days Note: Processing times for Form 1040 and/or Form 1040-X may be temporarily extended. Refer to any SERP Alerts regarding these extended timeframes. TC 976/977 has posted to the account and an adjustment has not been made Refer to the procedures in IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines, IRM 13.1.7.3, TAS Case Criteria, and IRM 13.1.7.4, Exceptions to Taxpayer Advocate Service Criteria, before referring to TAS. Note: If TAS criteria is not met, apologize to the taxpayer for the delay and advise them to allow another 30 days. Do not prepare another referral or leave another CIS case note. Research and probing establish that the return is a true duplicate Research shows an open control to an employee Any adjustment or freeze release action must be coordinated if there is an open control on the account. For open or multiple controls refer to IRM 21.5.2.3, Adjustment Guidelines – Research, for more information. If the employee with the open control agrees, either: Close the control or put in "B" Status (as directed by the employee). Release the freeze by inputting a TC 290 for .00 if appropriate. Research and probing establish that the return is a true duplicate Research shows no open control or a team control Take action as indicated in box 4 (no open control) or box 3 (open control to a clerical team) directly above. History item "REPRXA150" is present OR the TC 976 generated as a result of a TC 971 AC 141 (Automated Substitute for Return (SFR)) Release -A freeze by inputting a TC 290 for 00. Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4.4.1, TRNS36 - Control, for more information. 21.5.6.4.3 (10-01-2002) B- Freeze The B- freeze is set when: A payment erroneously posts to a wrong period which is fully paid An offset from another period pays off an account prior to the payment posting A subsequent payment posts to an account that appears to be full paid but has penalty and interest restrictions To resolve a B- freeze take the following actions: IF THEN Payment posted to the wrong period Input a credit transfer to move the payment to the correct module. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. An offset from another period has already paid off the account Research additional liability. If none exists, input TC 290 for .00 to release any overpayment. Taxpayer states the payment belongs to the tax period in question Compute applicable penalty and/or interest, or refer to the interest specialist 21.5.6.4.4 (02-25-2019) -B Freeze The -B freeze is set when the Statute of Limitations for a refund has expired. Tax modules with a -B freeze generally have a TC 820 to transfer the overpayment to Excess Collection when the overpayment is on a delinquent original return. Note: Refer to the discussion on statute of limitations in IRM 25.6.1.10.2.7, Claims for Credit or Refund - General Time Period for Submitting a Claim, for information on suspension of the statute of limitations on refunds in certain cases. Resolve the -B Freeze: IF THEN Return is received more than 3 years after the extended due date Prepaid credits are no longer refundable. Return is timely filed Input a TC 820 and TC 700 for zero to allow the overpayment to refund to the taxpayer. Refer to IRM 25.6.1.11.1.4.2.19 (5), STEX Transcripts, for more information. Return is not timely filed Explain why credit cannot be refunded. Transfer the non-refundable credit to Excess Collection File and send a Letter 105C to the taxpayer. Refer to IRM 25.6.1.11.1.4.2.19 (4), STEX Transcripts, for more information. Taxpayer contends the return is timely filed Have taxpayer submit proof of timely filing. If taxpayer is unable to provide required documentation, request the return from Files and verify the received date. Release the refund if appropriate. Refer to IRM 25.6.1.11.1.4.2.19 (5) STEX Transcripts, for procedures to release the refund. Exception: AM remote call sites and TAC personnel do not input CC ESTAB for documents. Complete Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and route to the Campus AM paper function within your directorate. Use ‘ESTABD’ as the referral category. Indicate the following on Form 4442/e-4442: "Document must be searched for received date of the return" . Include all information available/obtained from the taxpayer (i.e., name, TIN, amount, date of payment, etc.). Note: Refer to the discussion on statute of limitations in IRM 25.6.1.10.2.9, Claims for Credit or Refund - Taxpayers in Special Situations, for statute suspension during periods of disability. 21.5.6.4.5 (12-20-2016) C- Freeze The C- freeze is set when there is: Refund holds, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.5.1, C- Freeze - Refund Holds Offset overflow - The offset storage within IDRS is not large enough to hold all generated transactions A credit balance has been completely offset and two or more debit modules still exist. Refer to IRM 3.14.1.6.11.3, Offset Overflow Freeze (C-) 21.5.6.4.5.1 (01-31-2020) C- Freeze - Refund Holds The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (the PATH Act), was enacted on December 18, 2015. The PATH Act has several changes to the tax law that affect individuals, families, and businesses, and help safeguard against tax fraud. The PATH Act mandates that the IRS not issue any refund on tax returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15th. All current year tax returns that claim EITC and/or ACTC filed before February 15th, have a C- freeze on the account, to hold the refund. Prior to February 15th, the refund cannot be released: by inputting any type of adjustment to the account due to a hardship (TAS considers hardships with the C- freeze on the account). This includes the part of the refund that is not associated with the EITC or ACTC The C- freezes systemically release on February 15th for modules processed daily, and on the first Thursday after February 15th for modules processed weekly. If February 15th falls on a Thursday, both daily and weekly modules systemically release on the 15th. Module processing can be found in the upper right corner on CC IMFOL. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.4, Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, and IRM 21.4.1.4.2, Return/Refund Located, for more information. Exception: If February 15th falls on a weekend, modules processed daily systemically release on the following business day. 21.5.6.4.6 (10-01-2010) -C Freeze The -C freeze, Combat Zone Indicator, is set when a TC 150 posts with Computer Condition Code (CCC) "K" or a TC 500 is input with CCC 52, 54, or 56 to any module on the account. Refer to IRM 5.19.10.6, Combat Zone Accounts, and/or Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.7 (06-17-2021) D- Freeze The D- freeze is set when: Taxpayer claims more estimated tax credits than are available. The D- freeze may also result in a TC 667 resequencing to the spouse’s account on joint returns. The module is frozen Taxpayer with an outstanding liability on a previous joint return files a return showing a married filing separate or single filing status Taxpayer with an outstanding liability on a previous single or separate return files a return showing a married filing joint filing status The primary social security number (SSN) on a joint return is the secondary SSN on a prior year return that has an outstanding liability A TC 470 cc 97 posts; freezes entire account (all modules) from offset in or out (Large Corporation Offset Freeze). A TC 470 cc 97 does not freeze designated overpayments from refunding No action is needed to release a D- freeze and credit transfers should not be input: IF THEN A return is filed claiming more estimated tax credits than are available The system automatically checks for additional credit under the spouse’s SSN and releases the freeze 3 cycles from the TC 150 posting cycle date. A CP 23, Estimated Tax Credits Discrepancy - We Changed Your Return to Match Your Credits or Payments Posted to Your Account - Balance Due, CP 24, Estimated Tax Credits Discrepancy - We Changed Your Return to Match Your Credits or Payments Posted to Your Account - You May Have a Credit or Overpayment, or CP 25, Estimated Tax Credits Discrepancy - We Changed Your Return to Match Your Credits or Payments Posted to Your Account - Even Balance, generates when the freeze is released and no credits are located. If the taxpayer is calling in response to a notice, refer to IRM 21.3.1.4, Notice Resolution Actions Research, for more information. A return showing a married filing separate or single filing status is filed by a taxpayer who has an outstanding liability on some previous year’s joint return (This can also happen in reverse, see (1) above) or the primary SSN on a joint return is the secondary SSN on a prior year return that has an outstanding liability The freeze automatically releases after the offset (TC 826/820 and/or TC 706) to the joint balance due occurs, usually 2 to 3 cycles after the TC 150 posting cycle date. If the original refund is requested as a direct deposit and denied because of the module freeze, any remaining credit, after the freeze resolution, is issued via direct deposit. Note: The return must be a current year return and the posting and freeze release must all occur in the same processing year for the direct deposit to occur. For more information, refer to IRM 21.4.1.5.7, Direct Deposits - General Information. A TC 470 cc 97 posts; freezes entire account (all modules) from offset in or out. (Large Corporation Offset Freeze). The posting of TC 470 cc 97 doesn’t freeze designated overpayments from refunding The freeze is released by manual input of TC 472 cc 97 (input by BMF Adjustment employees designated to work Large Corporate Accounts), or after the expiration of the 52-cycle systemic hold. Follow procedures in IRM 13.1.7.3, TAS Case Criteria, to determine if taxpayers or cases should be referred to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), when you cannot resolve the taxpayer’s issue the same day. The definition of "same day" is within 24 hours. "Same day" cases include cases you can completely resolve in 24 hours as well as cases in which you have taken steps within 24 hours to begin resolving the taxpayer’s issue. Refer to IRM 13.1.7.5, Same Day Resolution by Operations. Do not refer these cases to TAS unless they meet TAS criteria or the taxpayer asks for a transfer to TAS. When you refer cases to TAS, use Form 911/e-911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance (And Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order), and forward to TAS per your local procedures. 21.5.6.4.8 (10-01-2018) -D Freeze The -D Refund Statute Expiration Date (RSED) freeze is set when: An expired RSED is present An IMF/Business Master File (BMF) adjustment (TC 29X/30X) posts and creates a credit balance that is comprised of pre-paid credits to the account A return posts to a Substitute For Return (SFR) tax module and the IRS received date of the source document/SFR return is more than three years after the due date or extended due date, whichever is later All or part of the credit must be made up of prepaid credits (prepaid credits are credits posted by the due date of the return). The credit is frozen, and an RSED-STAT transcript is generated and distributed to the Statute function for resolution 4 cycles after the -D freeze is set. If 45 days have passed since the cycle of the -D freeze, prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to the Statute function where the RSED-STAT transcript generated, along with any documentation the taxpayer furnishes. If there is an SFR/ASFR assessment on the account please refer to IRM 4.13.2.2, Function Responsible & Routing Instructions, to identify the correct function to send the Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral. For SFR routing purposes select Audit Reconsideration and fax it to the applicable SFR campus. Refer to SERP Audit Reconsideration Requests - Central Reconsideration Unit (CRU) Addresses. For ASFR routing purposes select "ASFR" and fax it to the ASFR Unit at the controlling campus. Refer to SERP Who/Where Form 4442 Referral Fax Numbers, for more information. Advise the taxpayer to expect a response within 30 days. Do not send Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, prior to 45 days. Refer to IRM 25.6.1.11.1.4.2.17, Resolving RSED–STAT Transcripts, for more information. 21.5.6.4.9 (03-04-2022) E- Freeze The E- freeze is set when no original return (TC 150) has posted and: A duplicate (BMF TC 976) or amended (IMF TC 977) return posts to the tax module CP 190, Notification that an Amended Return was received but an Original Return was not Received, (BMF) is issued A TC 971 AC 010 or AC 012−015 is input The module is frozen from offset or refund until the freeze is released by the posting of the TC 150. The Campus AM Paper function is assigned E- freeze cases. You must coordinate actions with the controlling employee. If the case is not controlled, AM toll-free telephone staff should prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and route it to the Campus AM paper function within your directorate. For BMF cases, see IRM 21.3.5.4.3, How to Transmit/Route Referrals to Another Office/Function. Note: Follow procedures in IRM 21.4.1.4.1, Locating the Taxpayer’s Return, for suggested research command codes that provide information on paper and electronic returns. Follow procedures in IRM 21.4.1.4.1.1, Return Not Found, for paper and electronic filed returns not found and the actions needed for resolution. BMF: If there is Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) involvement on the tax module (i.e., open control, TC 971 AC 711, or TC 973), refer to IRM 25.23.11.6.3, BMF Returns Selected for RICS Review, for additional procedures to follow. Do not process the amended/duplicate return as the original. Resolution of an E- freeze depends on whether or not the taxpayer filed a duplicate or amended return. IF AND THEN Taxpayer filed an original return under an incorrect/invalid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or spouse's SSN Filed a subsequent amended return under the correct TIN Research IDRS to locate the original return. If the return is located, request the document. Process to the correct account. Input TC 971 AC 001 on the incorrect TIN or spouse's SSN module to cross reference the correct TIN. Refer to IRM 21.5.1.4.8, Transaction Code 971. Taxpayer filed a duplicate return or amended return You cannot find original on IDRS IMF − Follow procedures in IRM 21.6.7.4.2.5, TC 150 Not Located − Duplicate or Amended Return Obtained. BMF − Follow procedures in IRM 21.7.9.4.10, TRNS 190, Amended Return − No Original Posted. Taxpayer filed a duplicate return or amended return You cannot find original on IDRS and taxpayer wants to go to a Taxpayer Assistance Center Advise taxpayer that the walk-in office cannot release the freeze. The walk-in office accepts the return and forwards to the proper campus for action. IMF − Refer to procedures in IRM 21.6.7.4.2.5, TC 150 Not Located − Duplicate or Amended Return Obtained. BMF − Refer to procedures in IRM 21.7.9.4.10, TRNS 190, Amended Return − No Original Posted. Taxpayer did NOT file a duplicate or amended return There is an open control on IDRS Prepare Form 4442/e-4442 and send to the open control. Advise taxpayer of the normal time period for processing the return. Taxpayer did NOT file a duplicate or amended return Normal time period for processing the return has elapsed and there is no open control on IDRS Request return causing the E- freeze (TC 976/ TC 977 Document Locator Number (DLN)). Exception: Do not request the return if the TC 976 generated from the input of TC 971 AC 01X. There is no return associated with the DLN. Review return for completeness. Request missing documents and/or information from the taxpayer. IMF - Reprocess as the original using the original DLN. Exception: If the TC 976 DLN generated from the input of TC 971 AC 01X you cannot use the TC 976 DLN (Document Code 77) to reprocess the return. Send through Submission Processing to be processed requesting a new DLN. Input TC 971 AC 002. Refer to IRM 21.5.1.4.8, Transaction Code 971. Follow procedures in IRM 21.5.2.4.23, Reprocessing Returns/Documents, and Exhibit 21.5.2-1, Preparing Form 3893, Re-Entry Document Control, for more information. BMF - Reprocess as the original using Form 13596, Reprocessing Returns, and request a new DLN. Refer to Exhibit 21.5.2-2, Preparing Form 13596 Reprocessing Returns, for more information. Input TC 971 AC 002 to suppress the generation of CP 193, Duplicate Filing Condition. Refer to IRM 21.5.1.4.8, Transaction Code 971. Advise taxpayer of the processing timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.4 (3), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, for information on processing timeframes. A TC 971 created E- freeze Follow procedures in IRM 21.6.7.4.2.5, TC 150 Not Located - Duplicate or Amended Return Obtained, for IMF information and IRM 21.7.9.4.10, TRNS 190, Amended Return - No Original Posted, for BMF. Note: If an amended return was processed to an incorrect module, or the claim is an unallowable filing status change from joint to separate, and a TC 971 AC 01X was placed on the account to create the E- freeze, input a TC 971 AC 002 to cross-reference the other tax period and to release the E- Freeze. Refer to IRM 21.5.1.4.8, Transaction Code 971. Note: If monitoring the case, refer to IRM 21.5.1.4.2.2 (5), Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) - Control Procedures, for more information. If the taxpayer has sent in correspondence (late reply to Letter 12C, Form 1040-X or a copy of the Form 1040), thorough research must be completed to determine that the return moved to MFT 32 is the true taxpayer, and all the income belongs to the taxpayer(s). Before making any adjustments, command codes (CC) RTVUE, CC TRDBV, CC IMFOLE and CC ENMOD should be researched to determine if Submission Processing Specialized Identity Theft (SPIDT) or Return Income Verification Organizations (RIVO) moved the original return to MFT 32. Follow the below chart to determine where to forward the Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral: IF THEN TC 971 AC 506 on CC ENMOD or CC IMFOLE with WI SP UPC in MISC Field or UPC 147 RC 0/1 or ERS/Rejects input Special Processing Code (SPC) "T" or CC RTVUE or CC TRDBV show the SPC "T" SPIDT has moved the original return to MFT 32. Prepare a Form 4442/e-4442 to the SPIDT team located in the service center where the return was filed. Notate on the Form 4442 the return needs to be moved back to the MFT 30. For fax number refer to IRM 3.28.4.8 (2), Review of Deleted Returns - UPC 147 RC 0 Only. Monitor the case until the return posts back. DO NOT close your case control base. This process could take 4-6 weeks to post the return. Complete your case based on the information received from the taxpayer. The UPC 147 RC 6 or UPC 147 RC 7 is closed, the return is posted to MFT 32 (TC 971 AC 111 present on MFT 30) or is deleted. (CC TRDBV shows GUF VOIDED/DELETED) RIVO has moved the original return to MFT 32. Prepare a Form 4442/e-4442 to RIVO using the proper category for RIVO and indicate the return needs to be moved back to the MFT 30. Monitor the case until the return posts back. DO NOT close your case control base. This process could take 4-6 weeks to post the return. Complete your case based on the information received from the taxpayer. Once the return posts back to the MFT 30 module, the E- freeze is removed and the -A freeze posts due to the TC 977 on the module. Follow normal procedures to resolve the -A freeze. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.2, -A Freeze. 21.5.6.4.9.1 (06-10-2022) E- Freeze Procedures for Unresolved Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Issues For telephone inquiries, refer to IRM 25.25.6.6.5, Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Issue Not Resolved. If a Form 1040 series return or Form 1040-X is received and no original return (TC 150) has posted to the MFT 30 tax module, research CC TXMOD for Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) indicators (i.e., TC 971 with AC 121, 124, 125, and/or 129) present on the account. If no TPP indicators refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.9, E- Freeze. If CC TXMOD contains TPP indicators, the taxpayer should have received one of the following IDRS letters to authenticate their identity: Letter 4883C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option Letter 5216C, Taxpayer Cannot Authenticate Letter 5447C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing; Foreign Address Letter 5747C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing - TAC AUTH ONLY Letter 6167C, Identity Authentication Incomplete (IMF) Letter 6330C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing Letter 6331C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing The above letters do not show on CC ENMOD; however, the CC TXMOD may have a TC 971 AC 123 with the letter number in the MISC field. Note: Refer to IRM 25.25.6.6.2 (4), Procedures for when the Caller Has Not Received or Lost the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Letter, for more information. Caution: If the return is on MFT 32, research CC TRDBV on the "CODES" screen for the UP 126 indicator to ensure TPP moved the return to MFT 32. The return could have been moved to the MFT 32 due to Submission Processing editing a SPC T or in their UP 147 processes. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.9 (3), E- Freeze, for more information. The taxpayer’s identity must be authenticated before any action can be taken on the MFT 30 account. Take the following actions if a Form 1040 series return or Form 1040-X is received: Exception: IF AND THEN AMS notes indicate TP has already authenticated No actions were taken Refer a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, to TPP using "RICS RIVO TPP" Queue, to complete the necessary actions on the account. Suspend your case for 30 days. More than 30 days since referral TPP issue not resolved Elevate the case to your P&A staff for coordination with RIVO. The CIS case includes a response to one of the above authentication request letters as outlined in IRM 25.25.6.2.2.1, Documentation Received Route the case to the Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) at STOP 6579 AUSC. Note: The following is an exception to the TPP letter guidance provided in IRM 25.25.6.6.2, Procedures for when the Caller Has Not Received or Lost the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Letter. Prepare Letter 309C, Forms/Publications/Schedules to Taxpayer, using an "*" to replace the taxpayer’s TIN, and make a copy of the Form 1040 series return or Form 1040-X from CIS/EUP to return to the taxpayer. Cross out all IRS received dates and the Document Locator Number (DLN) on the form before sending it back to the taxpayer. Use the following information in the open paragraph if a TPP letter marker is present (TC 971 AC 123 MISC Letter XXXXX): "We are returning the Form 1040/1040-X because you did not respond to the authentication letter we previously sent. The authentication letter is being reissued; please follow the instructions to verify your identity. Once verified, your original return is processed and you can re-send a Form 1040-X." Use the following information in the open paragraph if a TPP letter marker is NOT present: "We are returning the Form 1040/1040-X because we need to verify your identity. Go to our identity verification service website at www.idverify.irs.gov to attempt online authentication or contact 800-830-5084 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m. local time). Once verified, your original return is processed and you can re-send a Form 1040-X." Note: Send the Letter 309C to the address on the Form 1040/1040-X. Caution: Extreme care must be taken when returning taxpayer information. Ensure that only the material relative to the taxpayer(s) to whom the correspondence is addressed is enclosed in the envelope. Refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.25, Breaches of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Caused by Manual Stuffing Errors, for more information. Re-issue the proper authentication letter to the taxpayer if a TPP letter marker is present: Letter 4883C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing, refer to Exhibit 25.25.6-2, Manually Issuing the Letter 4883C/SP, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option, refer to Exhibit 25.25.6-5, Manually Issuing the Letter 5071C/SP, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option Letter 5447C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing; Foreign Address, or refer to Exhibit 25.25.6-3, Manually Issuing the Letter 5447C/SP, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing, Foreign Address Letter 5747C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing - TAC AUTH ONLY, refer to Exhibit 25.25.6-4, Manually Issuing the Letter 5747C/SP, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing - TAC AUTH ONLY Note: Send the TPP letter to the address on the Form 1040/1040-X. Caution: The TPP letter may be reissued up to two times to the name and address on the return in question. Do not reissue a third TPP letter. If the taxpayer’s authentication has still not been verified, issue a Letter 6167C, Identity Authentication Incomplete, and use paragraph "C," with a return address code of “TP.” Input TC 971 AC 270 on the module. Input a detailed history item on AMS. Indicate Letter 309C was sent to the taxpayer with a copy of the Form 1040/1040-X and which TPP letter was reissued to the taxpayer if applicable. Close the case using the current category. 21.5.6.4.10 (07-28-2022) -E Freeze The -E freeze is set when: A BMF return or subsequent transaction posts with a balance due (any module debit) and there is a discrepancy in the amount of FTDs claimed TC 810 is placed on an IMF account by Compliance or Return Integrity and Compliance Services (RICS) A -E freeze prevents generated offsets into the module. Resolve a -E freeze in one of the following ways: Note: TC 424 or TC 420 identifies Exam involvement, while TC 971 AC 128 identifies RICS AQC involvement. IF THEN Master File account has a TC 810 You cannot resolve it. Research IDRS to determine the reason for the TC 810 on the account. TC 810-1 indicates pre-filing notification. Refer IRM 21.5.10.4.1.2, Compliance Refund Hold Projects TC 810-2 indicates an Abusive Tax Shelter Detection (ATSDT) freeze. Refer to IRM 21.5.10.4.1.2, Compliance Refund Hold Projects TC 810-3 indicates the following: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) freeze containing TC 424 EITC and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) freeze containing TC 424 Premium Tax Credit (PTC) containing TC 424 or TC 971 AC 128 and a TC 570 with blocking series 88885 EITC plus PTC, and/or ACTC containing TC 424 or TC 971 AC 128 and a TC 570 with blocking series 88881 EITC plus PTC containing TC 424 or TC 971 AC 128 and a TC 570 with blocking series 88884 EITC plus PTC and/or ACTC containing TC 424 or TC 971 AC 128 and a TC 570 with blocking series 88884 American Opportunity Tax Credit containing TC 424 Form 1040-NR with a refund supported by a Form 1042-S (CRN 330) systemically freezes that portion of the refund for up to 154 days. Refer to IRM 21.8.1.12.14.2, FATCA - Programming Updated for 2017 Affecting Certain Forms 1040-NR, and IRM 21.8.1.12.14.4, 1042-S Credit Frozen-Not Reversed (Letter 5887C), for more information Refer to IRM 21.5.10.4.1.2, Compliance Refund Hold Projects, for more information on a phone call received or correspondence received. Exception: Refer to table (4) below for the resolution of Form 1040-X received on accounts with RIVO PTC issues. TC 810-4 indicates a Frivolous Return. If you receive a call with TC 810-4 on the module, determine if the taxpayer has received a Letter 3176C. Encourage the taxpayer to respond to the Letter 3176C and file a corrected return within the 30-day timeframe provided. Refer to IRM 21.5.3.4.16.7, Identifying Frivolous Returns/Correspondence and Responding to Frivolous Arguments. If the Letter 3176C has not been issued, advise the taxpayer their account is being reviewed for accuracy, and to allow 120 days for a letter to be issued. If the 120 days have been allowed and the Letter 3176C has not been issued, prepare a Form 4442/e-4442 to RIVO using category "RIVO-Frivolous Filer Program (FRP)" . Use the instructions below to resolve amended returns on -E freeze cases: IF AND THEN The taxpayer has provided a Form 1040-X with changes to the original return and the Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, or Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PTC), is attached Note: Do not refer cases to RIVO when there is an open Exam case evidenced by a TC 424. The account has an unresolved -E Freeze and a TC 971 AC 128 with a MISC field of AQCPTC191 or AQCPTC195 Process the Form 1040-X using the procedures found in IRM 21.6.3.4.2.12.6, Premium Tax Credit Amended Returns. If full adjustment, don’t suppress the adjustment notice. If partial adjustment, suppress the adjustment notice and send a letter to the taxpayer explaining the partial adjustment. Close the CIS case. Note: If ACA Verification Service (AVS) identifies a discrepancy above tolerance, input the adjustment but do not address PTC. Open a control base to RIVO IDRS 1487866666, if completing a full adjustment, use the CIS case number in the activity field, TPRQ as the category, and control status “A”. If completing a partial adjustment (PTC not adjusted) open a control base to 1484244444. Note: If no adjustment is needed and the freeze needs to be released, control the case under 1487866666. The taxpayer has provided a Form 1040-X with changes to the original return and no Form 1095-A, or Form 8962 is attached Note: Do not refer cases to RIVO when there is an open Exam case evidenced by a TC 424. The account has an unresolved -E Freeze and a TC 971 AC 128 with a MISC field of "AQCPTC191" or "AQCPTC195" Process the Form 1040-X using normal procedures. If full adjustment, do not suppress the adjustment notice. If partial adjustment suppress the adjustment notice. Close the CIS case. Open a control base to RIVO IDRS 1487866666, if completing a full adjustment, use the CIS case number in the activity field, TPRQ as the category, and control status “A”. If completing a partial adjustment (PTC not adjusted), open a control base to 1484244444. 21.5.6.4.11 (10-01-2011) F- Freeze The F- freeze is a Frivolous Return Program freeze set by posting a TC 971 AC 089. Refer to IRM 21.5.3.4.16.7, Identifying Frivolous Returns/Correspondence and Responding to Frivolous Arguments, and/or Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.12 (12-20-2016) -F Freeze The -F freeze is an advance payment freeze set when a taxpayer submits a payment for a determined deficiency prior to assessment (TC 640). To resolve the -F Freeze: IF THEN Taxpayer’s payment posts to wrong period Transfer the misapplied payment to the correct module. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. Taxpayer’s payment posted as a TC 640 after the assessment Input a credit transfer to reverse the TC 640 with TC 642. Reminder: Input credit transfers to reverse each TC 640 present on the account. Reinput with a TC 670 with bypass indicator (BPI) "1" and designated payment code (DPC) "00" to release the freeze. 21.5.6.4.13 (05-23-2016) G- Freeze The G- (Restricted Failure to Pay Penalty) freeze is set by: A TC 270 generated by the posting of TC 150 with computer condition code (CCC) "Z" or CCC "K" , refer to Document 6209, Section 3.5, Computer Condition Codes, or A TC 270 or TC 271 input with an adjustment action To resolve the G- Freeze: IF THEN Taxpayer asks about payoff balance Follow procedures in IRM 21.7.11.4.5, CP 186, Subsequent Payment Freeze - Notice of Potential Manual Interest/Penalty Adjustment, for BMF accounts, and IRM 21.3.1.6.49, CP 86 Restricted Interest/Penalty Conditions, for IMF accounts. If you identify a G- freeze case while staffing the AM toll-free telephone line, and the inquiry requires manual computation of penalty, prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and route it to the Campus AM paper function within your directorate. Exception: If there is an open control on the account, refer Form 4442/e-4442 to the employee who has the open control. Note: Do not prepare a referral if the maximum FTP penalty has been assessed, shown by a TC 971 AC 262 on the account. Advise the taxpayer to expect a response within 30 days. Taxpayer was in a recognized combat zone Follow the Telephone Transfer Guide (TTG) instructions for combat zone inquiries received on the toll-free line. Follow procedures in IRM 5.19.10.7.2.2, Combat Zone Research, for combat zone correspondence. 21.5.6.4.14 (10-01-2018) -G Freeze The -G (Math Error) freeze is set when a taxpayer’s return is changed or corrected during processing, or by a TC 290, blocking series 77/78, adjustment. IF THEN Taxpayer does not understand the math error notice Refer to Document 6209, Section 9.10, Taxpayer Notice Codes. Research Command Code (CC) RTVUE/BRTVU, and TRDBV to determine how the error(s) occurred. Furnish an explanation. Refer to IRM 21.5.4, General Math Error Procedures. If there is a balance due. Refer to IRM 5.19.1, Balance Due. Taxpayer is protesting the math error Refer to IRM 21.5.4, General Math Error Procedures, for further instructions. 21.5.6.4.15 (11-28-2008) H- Freeze The H- freeze is set when a taxpayer overpays on an individual return while owing a balance on a BMF account. The freeze is automatically released in two cycles (from the date H- freeze is set) by a TC 896 on the IMF module. If the freeze does not release in two cycles, release it manually, and transfer the required funds to satisfy the outstanding liability (including accrued penalties and interest) using CC ADD24 or CC ADD34. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers, or input a correcting adjustment using CC REQ54. A CP 185, Frozen Designated Penalty Payment Transcript, is generated on a BMF module when all the following conditions are met: TC 690 posts to a module There is no posted unreversed penalty on the module The payment puts the module in credit balance An H– freeze is set in the same cycle the CP 185 is generated. It prevents any computer-generated refunds or offsets from the module until the freeze is resolved. The freeze releases automatically eight cycles later, if other actions which release the freeze do not occur. The freeze is released by: Reversal of the credit Posting of a penalty Input of TC 290 or TC 300 with a penalty Automatic eight-cycle release 21.5.6.4.16 (10-01-2006) -H Freeze The -H (Credit Balance on a BMF Module) freeze is set when a payment posts to a tax period for which there is no filing requirement (Status code is 06 and TC 59X on module). To resolve the -H Freeze: IF THEN Taxpayer indicates there is no liability for the return period Input a credit transfer if the payment belongs to another period. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. Taxpayer wants a refund Advise taxpayer that a signed return/claim for refund must be filed 3 years from the time the original return was filed or 2 years from the time the tax was paid, whichever is later. See the note below regarding the limitation on the amount that may be refunded. Note: If the claim for refund is filed within the 3-year period, the amount to be credited or refunded is limited to the tax paid during the 3 years immediately preceding the filing of the claim (plus the period of any extension of time to file). If the claim for refund is not filed within the 3-year period, the amount is limited to the portion of the tax paid during the 2 years immediately preceding the filing of the claim. 21.5.6.4.17 (10-03-2022) I- Freeze The I- freeze is set when a taxpayer files a return that posts to an invalid IMF segment or when a taxpayer fails to provide requested information resulting in an unprocessable code. A Computer Condition Code (CCC) "U" appears on CC TXMOD and CC RTVUE. Credit Interest has been restricted. Refer to IRM 21.5.4, General Math Error Procedures, when SSN is invalid or missing to resolve math error issues created by the invalid SSN. Caution: Do not release a refund from an invalid SSN without sufficient documentation (marriage certificate, divorce, etc.) and thoroughly researching for any outstanding IRS or Treasury Offset Program (TOP) obligations on the valid SSN. Reminder: Remember to make use of all command codes especially CC INOLE and CC NAMES when researching for more SSN information. Also, probe the taxpayer for any additional TINs they may have used in addition to the valid TIN. Resolve I- freeze issues by taking one of the following actions: IF AND THEN Freeze is due to an invalid SSN Taxpayer provides a name change Refer to IRM 3.13.5.120.7, Correcting Taxpayer Names without Documentation, for further information. Freeze is due to an invalid SSN Taxpayer provides a valid different TIN Refer to IRM 21.6.2.4.1, Resequencing Accounts, for further information. Freeze is due to an invalid SSN More than one individual is posted to invalid TIN Refer to IRM 21.6.2.4.2, Mixed Entity Procedures, or IRM 21.6.3.4.2.7.13.3, CP 54 Notices With Math Error Involvement. Freeze is due to an invalid SSN Refer to IRM 3.13.5.67, Processing Undeliverable CP Notices/Correspondence/Correspondex Letters, for further information. Refer to the relevant part of this IRM to resolve other freezes. Taxpayer’s return is not processable due to an invalid TIN Taxpayer does not qualify for an SSN Refer to IRM 3.21.263, IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Real-Time System (RTS), for further information. Refer to the relevant part of this IRM to resolve other freezes. Taxpayer TIN is invalid Data Master One (DM-1) File update has not been completed Refer to IRM 21.6.2.3.2, Determining Validity, for more information. Return is not processable due to missing information (i.e., missing IMF Schedule A, other missing schedules, etc.) Exception: If the only item missing is the signature, see procedures below. Obtain a copy of the missing information from the taxpayer. Have the taxpayer fax in the missing Information. Note: When available, the Enterprise Electronic Fax (EEFax) must be used in lieu of manual faxing. If taxpayer does not have access to a fax machine, have the taxpayer mail in a copy of the missing information to the address of the Accounts Management (AM) paper function within your directorate. Refer to Exhibit 21.1.7-1, Campus Address, for addresses to the Campuses. Inform the taxpayer to write "Copy" on all the pages and include a copy of the letter or notice. Verify all tax amounts and credits claimed with CC TXMOD and CC RTVUE. Adjust the account, using the date the missing information was furnished as the Return Processable Date (RPD). Refer to IRM 21.5.1.4.2.10 (3)(h), Late Replies, for further information. The RPD must be included to correct the "U" condition code. Note: If a reply is received with a previously missing signature after the return due date, you must correct the original Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED) posted on the taxpayer's account. Refer to IRM 21.2.4.3.40.1 (3)(a), Computer Condition Code (CCC) 3 or U- Coded Returns, for more information on updating the ASED. Missing signature ONLY and IRS has processed the return The taxpayer is willing to provide a faxed signature NOTE: Refer to IRM 10.5.1.6.9.4, Faxing, for more information regarding faxes. Validate that you are speaking to the taxpayer or the taxpayer's authorized representative. Follow the normal disclosure procedures as discussed in IRM 21.1.3.2, General Disclosure Guidelines, and in IRM 21.1.3.3, Third Party (POA)/(TIA)/F706) Authentication. Specifically advise the taxpayer "the faxed signature is treated as the taxpayer's original signature, and become’s a permanent part of the tax return" . Fax a print of the IDRS Letter 12C, Individual Return Incomplete for Processing: Forms 1040 & 1040-S, selective paragraph r (jurat) to the number provided by the taxpayer. Notate on the print above paragraph s, the form number, tax period, taxpayer's name from the return, and the TIN. Refer to IRM 10.5.1.6.9.4, Faxing. Give the taxpayer your fax number. Note: When available, the Enterprise Electronic Fax, (EEFax) must be used in lieu of manual faxing. Once you receive the faxed signature, determine if the received date is after the return due date. If it is, you must correct the original Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED) posted on the taxpayer's account per IRM 25.6.1.6.14 (2), Criteria for Establishing a Statute of Limitations Period, by inputting TC 560, using CC FRM77. Use the received date of the signature in the TRANS- DT field. Refer to instructions in IRM 20.2.4.5.1, Updating the RPD on Unprocessable Returns, for instructions to update the RPD and release the refund. Prepare Form 9856, Attachment Alert, or Form 10023-B, Attachment (To Be Associated With Return), to attach the jurat statement to the return. Missing signature ONLY and IRS has processed the return The taxpayer does not have access to a fax machine Tell the taxpayer to send a signed copy of his return to the return address shown on their notice. Advise them to write "Copy" on the top of the return. When the signature is received, follow directions 5-7 above. Freeze on an IMF or BMF account is due to the posting of TC 770 Release is not necessary because taxpayer has already received credit interest. Any subsequent refundable credit requires manual computation of interest. Adjusting an account I- freeze is present To avoid Unpostable 155-0: Include a TC 77X on your adjustment if there is already a pending action that has a TC 77X. If no pending transactions, include a TC 34X or TC 77X with your adjustment, or Enter the Return Processable Date. Refer to IRM 25.6.1.6.16, Processable - Unprocessable Returns, for more information. If a scrambled SSN indicator "20" is present on CC ENMOD, or an open control with category "SCRM" , or "SSA2" , prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to the Campus AM paper function that scrambled the SSN. If there is an open control, route Form 4442/e-4442 to the employee with the open control. For more information, refer to IRM 21.6.2.3.3, Telephone Inquiries Regarding Mixed Entity (MXEN) and Scrambled SSN (SCRM) Cases. For other reasons an I- freeze would generate, and the related release actions, refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.18 (12-18-2018) -I Freeze The -I (Debit Interest) freeze sets when a manual abatement or assessment requirement is placed on an account. The -I freeze is generated when a TC 340/341 posts or when CCC "Z" is placed on an account identifying combat zone taxpayers entitled to an automatic postponement of a deadline. You must manually compute interest on adjustments input on an account with the -I Freeze. Do not take any action to release the freeze. IF THEN Taxpayer asks about payoff balance Initiate a referral to the interest specialist to have interest recomputed manually. If you identify a -I freeze case while staffing the AM toll-free telephone line, and the inquiry requires manual computation of interest, prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and route it to the Campus AM paper function within your directorate. Exception: If there is an open control on the account, refer Form 4442/e-4442 to the employee who has the open control. Advise the taxpayer to expect a response within 30 days. Note: To enable the applicable period for payment described in IRC 6601(e)(3), see IRM 20.2.5.4, Notice and Demand and Underpayment Interest. The specialist/function responding to the referral computes the payoff to the 23C date of the adjustment made to manually update the interest on the module. Taxpayer was in a recognized combat zone Follow the Telephone Transfer Guide (TTG) for combat zone inquiries received on the toll-free line. Follow procedures in IRM 5.19.10.6, Combat Zone Accounts, for combat zone correspondence. 21.5.6.4.19 (05-03-2017) J- Freeze The J- freeze on IMF is set when a taxpayer claims fewer credits on the return than are available on Master File. Determine who the excess credits belong to. Verify the estimated tax payments were not included with the withholding claimed on the return. Refer to IRM 21.6.3.4.2.2.1, Withholding Adjustments. Note: Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48, for conditions which set/release J- Freezes on BMF modules. Information from the taxpayer determines whether and how you can resolve inquiries concerning discrepancies in estimated tax credits. Release the J- freeze by using one of these methods: IF AND THEN Taxpayer verifies payment(s) Furnishes logical reason for not claiming the credit Input TC 290 for .00 with priority code (PC) 8 to refund the overpayment. Taxpayer verifies payment(s) Provides questionable responses Refund must be requested in writing. Credits belong on spouse’s or ex-spouse’s account Taxpayer can provide information for normal disclosure and credit transfer Transfer payments to correct account. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. Taxpayer states payments are not theirs After research, you can determine where credits belong Transfer payments to correct account. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. Taxpayer states payments are not theirs or taxpayer cannot verify the payments After research, you cannot determine where credits belong Transfer excess credits to Excess Collections File (XSF) if more than one year old using Form 8758, Excess Collection File Addition. Refer to IRM 3.17.220.2.2.1, Preparation of Form 8758, for more information. If less than one year old, move to Unidentified Remittance File (URF) using Form 2424, Account Adjustment Voucher. Refer to Exhibit 3.11.10-19, Form 2424, Account Adjustment Voucher, for more information. Forward to the correct campus Accounting function. Reminder: If moving the credit to XSF or URF, input TC 971 AC 296 on the module payment/credit posted to. This indicates all research of the primary and related Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) was completed prior to the transfer to XSF or URF. 21.5.6.4.20 (11-25-2019) -J Freeze The -J (Math Error) freeze is set when a taxpayer disagrees, without substantiation, with the notice of a math error that increased his or her tax and/or decreased credits and the Service abates the change at the taxpayer’s request per IRM 21.5.4.5.5, Math Error Unsubstantiated Protest Processing. Credit on the account is frozen and the case is set up on the Audit Information Management System (AIMS) data base for review. The -J freeze is set by TC 470 with cc 94, converting a previously set -G freeze. The -J freeze prevents issuance of balance due notices or transition into TDA status prior to the adjustment posting. The -J freeze should only be on the module until the adjustment posts. Follow the procedures in the IRM 21.5.4.5.5, Math Error Unsubstantiated Protest Processing. Refer to IRM 21.5.3, General Claims Procedures, for more information. Exception: Toll-free assistors and TAC employees, to release freeze, send a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, using referral category "-J freeze" , to the AM Paper function within their Directorate. 21.5.6.4.21 (01-30-2018) K- Freeze The K- (Erroneous Credits) freeze is set when the module balance is a credit, but the credit is not entirely refundable. A debit clearance (TC 606) that posted prior to an additional credit frequently causes a K- Freeze. Release the K- freeze by taking one of the following actions: IF THEN Credit should have posted to another module Transfer the payment to the correct module. Note: Consider penalty adjustments if the transfer involves estimated tax or FTD payments. Refer to IRM 20.1, Penalty Handbook, if you need further information about penalty adjustments. TC 670 subsequent payment created the freeze and should be refunded Input TC 672 for the date of the payment and TC 670 for the amount of the payment and date of the TC 606. This action generates a TC 607, which releases the freeze. For more information to input the credit transfer, refer to IRM 21.2.4.3.33, Erroneous Credit Hold (02 K-). Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers, for credit transfer information. 21.5.6.4.22 (10-12-2021) -K Freeze The -K freeze is set by including a specified hold code (HC) in a Data Processing (DP) or Examination adjustment. Credit module balances are frozen from refund or offset when a TC 29X/30X posts with HC 1, 2 or 4. Question the taxpayer, then research IDRS/Corporate Files On Line (CFOL) to ensure: There are no open control bases The return is not missing essential forms or schedules Research indicates no manual refund is being issued Credit is not being transferred to Excess Collections or the Unidentified File Account does not need a credit elect TC 150 has not been moved to another tax year, but prepaid credits were left on the account. Request a copy of the correct return for the account from the TP and adjust the account No other liabilities or open Examination cases exist, and taxpayer is entitled to the credit If a scrambled SSN indicator "20" is present on CC ENMOD, or an open IDRS control category "SCRM" or "SSA2" is present, follow procedures in IRM 21.6.2.3.3, Telephone Inquiries Regarding Mixed Entity (MXEN) and Scrambled SSN (SCRM) Cases If the freeze should be released, input TC 290 for .00. Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48, for more ways to release a -K Freeze. Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) generally holds refunds by using a -R or P- freeze. If, however, an account has a -K freeze and RIVO indicators, the HC 1 or 4 may have been used to hold the refund because the RIVO issues have not been addressed. More research is needed to determine proper case resolution. For a listing of RIVO indicators, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35, -R Freeze and IRM 21.5.6.4.31, P- Freeze Overview. If there is an unresolved RIVO issue on the account, do not release the refund. Follow the chart below to advise the taxpayer: IF AND THEN The literal in the activity field of the adjustment is "GATTTOAQC" or "GATT2AQC" OR there is a control base with "AQC6X" or "AQC6XATAO" opened in conjunction with the adjustment It has been less than eight weeks since the date of the adjustment Advise the taxpayer to allow 6-8 weeks from the date of the adjustment to receive either a letter or refund. The literal in the activity field of the adjustment is "GATTTOAQC" or "GATT2AQC" OR there is a control base with "AQC6X" or "AQC6XATAO" opened in conjunction with the adjustment Eight weeks or more have passed since the date of the adjustmentAND A Letter 4800C has not been issued Initiate a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, to AQC using the "RIVO - AQC" queue. The literal in the activity field of the adjustment is "GATTTOAQC" or "GATT2AQC" OR there is a control base with "AQC6X" or "AQC6XATAO" opened in conjunction with the adjustment The taxpayer is stating they have not received the Letter 4800COR The taxpayer is stating they have received the Letter 4800C and responded Refer to IRM 25.25.7.9, Phone Calls Received via Toll-Free line 855–873–2100. A TOP Offset was reversed through the External Lead process The account has a TC 971 AC 134 or TC 972 AC 134 with a MISC field of "BKLD OFFSET" Refer to IRM 25.25.8.9.1, Responding to Offset Phone Inquiries. A RIVO notice or letter has been issued (CP 05/CP 05A, Letter 4464C, Letter 2645C) The account has an unreversed TC 971 AC 134 Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, -R Freeze Overview for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement. A RIVO notice or letter has not been issued (CP 05/CP 05A, Letter 4464C, Letter 2645C) The account has an unreversed TC 971 AC 134 Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.2, -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - No RIVO Letter or Notice Issued Follow procedures in IRM 13.1.7.3, TAS Case Criteria, to determine if taxpayers or cases should be referred to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), when you cannot resolve the taxpayer’s issue the same day. The definition of "same day" is within 24 hours. "Same day" cases include cases you can completely resolve in 24 hours as well as cases in which you have taken steps within 24 hours to begin resolving the taxpayer’s issue. Refer to IRM 13.1.7.5, Same Day Resolution by Operations. Do not refer these cases to TAS unless they meet TAS criteria or the taxpayer asks for a transfer to TAS. When you refer cases to TAS, use Form 911/e-911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance (And Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order), and forward to TAS per your local procedures. 21.5.6.4.23 (10-01-2013) L- Freeze This freeze is set on BMF when a Master File Tax (MFT) 60 module (Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return), has a credit balance of ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ The freeze prevents erroneous refunds The credits are recorded on the Form 2290 credit report, which is worked by the Centralized Excise Tax Group at the Cincinnati campus The module is frozen from refund and offset Route all MFT 60 L- freeze issues to the Excise Operation for resolution. Refer to IRM 4.24.22.3, Excise Tax Centralization, for more information. An L- freeze is also generated for IMF from input of a TC 971 AC 065 when Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief, is received. For resolution of this freeze refer to IRM 25.15, Relief from Joint and Several Liability, for Innocent Spouse procedures. Refer to IRM 21.7.1.4.4.4, Excise Taxes, for Form 2290 instructions. Also refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers, for credit transfer instructions. 21.5.6.4.24 (03-03-2014) -L Freeze The -L (Open Examination Indicator) freeze is set when a TC 420 or TC 424 posts to an account that has been referred to Examination. It does not freeze the account. Before making adjustments to the account, research the following IRMs for specific procedures: IRM 21.5.3.4.7, Processing Claims and Amended Returns With Examination Involvement IRM 21.5.4.5.4, Math Error Substantiated Protest Processing IRM 21.5.4.5.5, Math Error Unsubstantiated Protest Processing IRM 21.5.10.3.1, Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) Research Exam Issues Refer to IRM 21.5.10, Examination Issues, before adjusting the account. If this is a duplicate return, an IMF internal notice CP 93, Duplicate Filing Condition on Module Under Exam Investigation, is issued. A CP 293, Duplicate Filing Condition on Module Under Audit Investigation, is generated when a duplicate return posts to a BMF account with an open TC 420 present. No action is required to release a -L freeze. Note: Refer to Document 6209, Section 8C.2(4), Priority Codes, for more information concerning PC 1 guidelines. Initiate the necessary actions to correct entity information and input credit transfers even though a -L freeze is present. 21.5.6.4.25 (10-01-2010) M- Freeze The M- freeze is an account transfer freeze set by posting a TC 400. Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.26 (10-01-2010) -M Freeze The -M freeze indicates a Maritime Industry Filer. Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.27 (04-17-2006) N- Freeze The N- freeze is set if a module is in notice status. This freeze is on the IMF and the Automated Non-Master File (ANMF) until the balance becomes zero or a TDA. Refer to IRM 21.2.1.5, Non-Master File, for information on non-master file accounts. Refer to IRM 21.3.1, Taxpayer Contacts Resulting From Notice Issuance, for more information on notices. Refer to Document 6209, Section 9, Notices and Notice Codes, for a listing of notices and notice codes. 21.5.6.4.28 (10-01-2010) -N Freeze The -N freeze is set by the Appeals area on previously sustained penalties. Refer to IRM 20.1.1.3.5.1 (5), Subsequent Requests for Penalty Relief, and/or Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.29 (10-01-2010) O- Freeze The O- freeze indicates the re-establishment or account reactivated freeze set by the input of a TC 370 when a module is transferred from the Retention Register to the Master File. Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.30 (04-22-2019) -O Freeze The -O (Disaster Indicator) freeze is only input systemically by Information Technology Services (IT) at the request of the Disaster Program Office or on a case-by-case basis by Compliance personnel. Reminder: Taxpayers no longer self-identify for disaster relief by writing a disaster designation in red at the top of their tax return. The -O freeze allows for special penalty and interest calculations The -O freeze suppresses some Master File and IDRS notices The -O freeze does not freeze the module from refunding The -O freeze may be systemically set on identified taxpayer accounts in presidentially declared disaster areas The -O freeze is released when the current date is beyond the secondary date (disaster ending date) of the TC 971 AC 087 When performing account research, the -O freeze is seen on CC ENMOD, CC IMFOLE or CC BMFOLE. If you receive a call from a practitioner who is located in a covered disaster area and maintains records for several taxpayers located outside the disaster area, inform the practitioner to: Call the Special Service line 866-562-5227 Prepare an excel spreadsheet for 10 or more taxpayers and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Planning & Analysis Staff 4800 Buford Highway Stop 96C Chamblee, GA 30341 Refer the practitioner to the IRS website Tax-Professionals/Bulk-Requests-from-Practitioners-for-Disaster-Relief, for more information on completing the spreadsheet. If a practitioner calls for a single taxpayer account, third-party telephone contact requires IRS assistors to authenticate a practitioner’s authorized relationship to act on behalf of a taxpayer through Power of Attorney. The Centralized Authorization File (CAF) must have the POA before the relief is added to a taxpayer’s account, or the practitioner may ask the assistor if a POA may be faxed for processing. Refer to IRM 21.3.10.3, Authentication and Disclosure Guidelines, for more information. If a taxpayer calls who resides outside the Presidentially declared disaster area but whose records, principal place of business, or accountant/preparer were inside the Presidentially declared disaster area, take the following steps: Authenticate the taxpayer Request the zip code of the area where their records, principal place of business, or accountant/preparer is located Refer to the http://www.icce.irs.gov/fema to validate the covered disaster area using the zip code obtained from the caller Locate the state in which the disaster occurred. Using the zip code the caller provided, research the S and O freeze columns to determine which freeze to input If the zip code is located under the -S freeze, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.37, -S Freeze, to input, the TC 971 AC 688 and additional information If the zip code is located under the -O freeze, input the TC 971 AC 087 For input of the TC 971 AC 087: Use CC ENMOD of the affected taxpayers account Input CC REQ77 Line 2, literal "TC" enter 971 Line 3, literal, "TRANS DATE" input the disaster relief period start date Line 7, literal, "SECONDARY DT" input disaster relief period end date Line 8, literal "TC971/151-CD" input 087 Line 8, "FEMA-NUM" input the proper declaration number (i.e., FEMA-4062) For more disaster related information refer to: IRM 25.16.1.2, Federal Disaster Declaration Process, for disaster and emergency relief information on administrative guidance and cross-functional operating procedures IRM 20.1.2.2.2.2, Federal Disaster Area - IRC 7508A, and IRM 20.2.7.13, IRC 7508A, Presidentially Declared Disaster or Terroristic or Military Actions IRM 21.5.3.4, General Claims Procedures, for expedited processing of disaster claims 21.5.6.4.31 (05-21-2019) P- Freeze Overview The P- Freeze (Refund Repayment, Cancellation, or Deletion) is set by the following: A TC 720 (a portion of a refund returned by a financial institution or an erroneous refund repayment) A TC 841 when a taxpayer returns a paper refund check, a bank returns a questionable direct deposit refund, or a refund is stopped prior to issuance. The transaction credits the tax module for the amount of the returned, canceled, or deleted refund. Refunds stopped by RIVO have a blocking series of 77711, 77712, 77713, or 77714 and/or an open IDRS control with category code "PFRZ" and an IDRS number 148XXXXXXX. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.31.2, P- Freezes with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.5.10, Refund Intercept Command Code NOREF with Definer "P”, for more information about intercepted refunds A TC 842 (BMF only) refund deletion Note: For a list of transactions and blocking series that create the P- freeze, refer to Exhibit 3.17.80-9, Reason For Cancellation Codes (SF 1098). A TC 841 also follows a check claim initiated with reason for non-receipt code "H" , "X" , or when an undeliverable check is incorrectly coded by the Regional Financial Center as a returned check (returned by the taxpayer). Refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.6, Resolving Returned Expired Refunds Limited Payability, and IRM 21.6.4.4.15.3, Adjustment Considerations, for more information. 21.5.6.4.31.1 (12-14-2021) P- Freeze With No Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement To resolve P- freeze accounts with no RIVO involvement while staffing Accounts Management phones, see chart below: Note: Refund inquiry units work the Form 3913, Acknowledgement of Returned Refund Check, responses on paper from the taxpayer. Refer to IRM 21.4.3.5, Acknowledgment of Returned Check, for more information. IF AND THEN ADVISE THE TAXPAYER Taxpayer returns a refund believing there is an error Tax and refund amount are verified correct using IDRS Take the following steps: Input TC 290 and 770 for .00 or the amount of the original interest along with the CR-INT-TO-DATE of the original TC 776/770 (whichever applies) Use hold code (HC) 3 Use reason code (RC) 099, for IMF only Caution: In cases where IRS caused an error on the issuance of the refund, the taxpayer is entitled to more interest. Note: Refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.5, Resolving Returned Refunds (Unexpired Checks), for more information. The refund has been released. Provide the taxpayer with the applicable timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.4 (3), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures for processing timeframes. Taxpayer returns a refund check Refund was in error (taxpayer indicates the payment belongs on another module) Transfer the payment to the correct module. Follow procedures in IRM 21.4.3.5.1, Checks Returned to Regional Financial Center (RFC) by the Taxpayer or U.S. Postal Service. Note: If there is an open control base on the account with a TC 841 and a P- freeze, complete a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, with the information you obtain from the taxpayer. Refer the case to the Refund Inquiry employee or unit with the open control. The payment has been transferred to the correct module. Note: If you must complete a Form 4442/e-4442, advise the taxpayer of the proper timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.3.5.4, Referral Procedures, for more information. Taxpayer returns a refund check with correspondence Taxpayer states refund amount is incorrect Refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.5, Resolving Returned Refunds (Unexpired Checks), for more information. The actions taken on the account. Taxpayer returns a refund check Refund was correct when issued,AND IRS did not misapply the payment,OR credit elect was not requested on the original return,AND the taxpayer indicates the payment belongs on another module Transfer the payment to the correct module. Refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.5, Resolving Returned Refunds (Unexpired Checks), for more information. The payment has been transferred to the correct module. Note: If you must complete a Form 4442/e-4442, advise the taxpayer of the proper timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.3.5.4, Referral Procedures, for more information. Module has a P- freeze and the refund has been stopped Taxpayer received a math error notice for a missing Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TPNC 604) or invalid dependent TIN (TPNC 605),AND the taxpayer can supply a correct TIN Correct the math error on the account. Refer to IRM 21.5.4.4, Math Error Procedures Research, for correcting the account. The math error has been corrected and provide applicable timeframes. Refer to IRM 21.5.4.4, Math Error Procedures Research, for information on timeframes. Module has a P- freezeAND Notice Review has canceled the refund Review of control history and research of account indicates no pending action or unresolved TIN math errors on account Release the refund as in the first box above. The refund has been released. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.4 (3), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, for more information on timeframes. P- freeze resulted from undelivered direct deposit refund Refer to IRM 21.4.1.5.7, Direct Deposits — General Information, for more information. P- freeze resulted from non-receipt claim coded "H" or "X" (Block and Serial Number of TC 841 will be 88899) Release as instructed in first block above (if appropriate). Exception: If there is an open control to Refund Inquiry, complete a Form 4442/e-4442 with the information you obtain from the taxpayer. Refer the case to the Refund Inquiry employee or unit with the open control. If the refund has been released, provide the taxpayer with the appropriate timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.4(3), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, for processing timeframes. Note: If you must complete a Form 4442/e-4442, advise the taxpayer of the proper timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.3.5.4, Referral Procedures, for more information. P- freeze is present P- freeze resulted from Integrated Customer Communications Environment (ICCE) refund trace Refer to IRM 21.4.2.4.16, Automated Refund Trace Applications Integrated Customer Communications Environment (ICCE) Refund Trace, Internet Refund Trace (IRTRC), and Internet Refund Fact of Filing (IRFOF). P- freeze is present Economic Impact Payments (EIP1, EIP 2, or EIP3) is being held AND there are no deceased taxpayer indicators EIP1, EIP2, and EIP3 cannot be reissued. Note: If EIP1, EIP 2, or EIP3 has not been reversed, follow procedures in IRM 21.6.3.4.2.13.3, Economic Impact Payments - Manual Adjustments, to reverse the appropriate EIP. If a return has not been filed for 2020 (EIP1 and EIP2), or 2021 (EIP3) advise taxpayer to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their return. If a return has been filed, but has not yet posted on the account, advise taxpayer to file an amended return to claim RRC. If a return is posted on the account, follow procedures in IRM 21.6.3.4.2.14.1, Recovery Rebate Credit - Adjusting the Credit, to allow RRC. Refund was canceled by a function other than RIVO or Criminal Investigation (CI) Scheme Development Centers (SDC) in the campuses (CI-SDC) Refer to IRM 21.5.10.3.1, Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) Research Exam Issues, or Exhibit 21.5.10-1, Audit Information Management System (AIMS) Status Code Guide - Field Cases, and Exhibit 21.5.10-2, Audit Information Management System (AIMS) Status Code Guide - Campus Cases, for more information. The module contains a background control without an adjustment to the account Note: The controlling employee may be waiting for information from the taxpayer. The information can be used to resolve the account issue Prepare a Form 4442/e-4442. Include all of the taxpayer information and refer the case to the controlling employee. You are sending a referral. Provide the taxpayer with the proper timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.3.5.4, Referral Procedures. Note: When releasing refunds, more interest is allowed for a delay in the delivery of refunds due to IRS error. Refer to Rev. Rul. 76-74. Refer taxpayers to TAS when the contact meets TAS Criteria and you can't resolve the taxpayer's issue the same day. Refer to IRM 13.1.7.3, TAS Case Criteria, for more information. The definition of "same day" is within 24 hours. "Same Day" cases include cases you can completely resolve in 24 hours, as well as cases in which you have taken steps within 24 hours to begin resolving the taxpayer's issue. Do not refer "same day" cases to TAS unless the taxpayer asks for a transfer to TAS and the case meets TAS criteria. Refer to IRM 13.1.7.5, Same Day Resolution by Operations. Refer to TAS by completing Form 911/e-911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance (And Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order), and routing the form to TAS. For more information on routing cases to TAS refer to IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines. 21.5.6.4.31.2 (06-10-2022) P- Freezes With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement The Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) identifies and intercepts refunds from returns with questionable wage and/or withholding claims, which may be identity theft related. These accounts may have a P- freeze. Note: If there is a -A freeze on the account, work the case using normal procedures for the -A freeze. Adjust the account if needed. If the TC 841 has a blocking series of 77711, 77712, 77713, or 77714, the adjustment doesn’t release the refund. Only RIVO can release the P- freeze on those accounts. After inputting an adjustment on these accounts (blocking series 77711, 77712, 77713, or 77714), initiate a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, to RIVO using RIVO referral category, "RIVO-CP53X (TC841 DLN 77711/77712/77713/77714" . Inform the taxpayer to allow 60 days before calling IRS again. Refer to IRM 25.25.6.1.7, Taxpayer Protection Program Overview, for a listing of TPP indicators. If the account has unresolved Taxpayer Protection Program indicators, follow IRM 25.25.6.6, Non Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Telephone Assistors Response to Taxpayers, to assist the taxpayer. Follow the referral procedures in the chart below to resolve RIVO P- freeze accounts with no -A freeze: Note: On certain accounts, the CP 05 is being suppressed by RIVO (indicated by a TC 971 AC 617) and the Letter 4464C is being issued instead. Due to systemic and timing issues, in some instances, both letters have been issued. IF AND THEN ADVISE THE TAXPAYER The taxpayer is claiming identity theft Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.1, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement and the Taxpayer is Claiming Identity Theft. The account has an open IDRS control with category code "PFRZ" and an IDRS number 148XXXXXXX The taxpayer is calling about a refund No account action is required. The P- freeze posts the next cycle and a CP 05, Information Regarding Your Refund, or Letter 4464C, Questionable Refund 3rd Party Notification Letter, may be issued. Provide the normal processing timeframe. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.4(3), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, for processing timeframes. The module has a P- freeze initiated by a RIVO IDRS number (148XX), with a DLN blocking series other than 77711 Normal processing time HAS NOT PASSED Take no action to release the P- freeze Refer to the CP 05 or Letter 4464C for an explanation of the review. Document the call in AMS and include the caller's name and contact information. The refund is under review and they need to allow normal processing time plus 60 days before calling IRS again. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.4(3), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, for processing timeframes. The module has a P- freeze initiated by a RIVO IDRS number (148XX), with a DLN blocking series other than 77711 (with or without a TC 971 AC 134) Normal processing time HAS PASSED and NO letter has been issued Take no action to release the P- freeze. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.2, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - No RIVO Letter or Notice Issued. The module has a P- freeze initiated by a RIVO IDRS number (148XX), with a DLN blocking series other than 77711 Normal processing time HAS PASSED and a CP 05 or Letter 4464C has been issued Take no action to release the P- freeze. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.3, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Letter 4464C or Notice CP 05 Issued. Document the call in AMS. Include the caller's name and contact information. Caution: Do not issue a copy of the sanitized CP 05 from SNIP or reissue the Letter 4464C to the taxpayer. The module has a P- freeze initiated by a RIVO IDRS number (148XX), with a DLN blocking series other than 77711 Normal processing time has passed and RIVO has issued a Letter 2645C Take no action to release the P- freeze. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.4, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Letter 2645C/2644C Issued. The module has a P- freeze and a TC 841 DLN Blocking Series 77711, 77712, 77713, or 77714 which indicates a bank rejected direct deposit or has a TC 971 AC 123 with MISC field "TPP Recovery" A CP 53A, CP 53B, CP 53C, or CP 53D, has been issued Note: If a notice has not been issued, advise the taxpayer they will be receiving a notice within the next 2 weeks. Take no action to release the P- freeze. Only RIVO employees can release the refund. Refer to the CP 53A, CP 53B, CP 53C or CP 53D for an explanation of the review. Document the call in AMS and include the caller's name and contact information. Note: Do not issue a copy of the sanitized CP 53A, CP 53B, CP 53C or CP 53D, from SNIP to the taxpayer. Caution: Additional taxpayer authentication is required on accounts where there was a CP 53 Notice series issued with or without a letter, for the tax period in question. Follow the procedures in IRM 21.1.3.2.4, Additional Taxpayer Authentication and refer to IRM 25.25.12.7, Limited Direct Deposit Refund Procedures. If the taxpayer cannot authenticate, direct them to a TAC office for help. The refund is under review and the review may take up to 10 weeks, from the date of the letter, to complete. The module has a P- freeze and a TC 841 DLN Blocking Series 77711, 77712, 77713, or 77714 which indicates a bank rejected direct deposit or has a TC 971 AC 123 with MISC field "TPP Recovery" More than 10 weeks have passed Initiate a Form 4442/e-4442 to RIVO using RIVO referral category, "RIVO-CP53X (TC841 DLN 77711/77712/77713/77714)" . You are sending a referral. They should be contacted within 60 days from today. The module has a P- freeze due to TC 720/841 There is an open or closed control to RIVO (refer to Exhibit 25.25.8-2, External Lead Involvement Indicators) Refer to IRM 25.25.8.7, Responding to Taxpayer Inquiries, for more information. You are sending a referral. They should be contacted within 60 days from today. 21.5.6.4.32 (10-01-2010) -P Freeze The -P freeze is set on MFT 05 (Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts), to set a beneficiary offset freeze. Refer to IRM 21.7.4.4.1.12.3, CP 208, Potential Credit Transfer Action Form 1041, and/or Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.33 (04-21-2016) Q- Freeze The Q- (FTD Discrepancy) freeze (BMF) is set when a BMF return posts with unclaimed excess credits. The freeze prevents the computer from offsetting to a balance due module or from refunding to the taxpayer. The Q- freeze is set when a return has completed processing and excess FTD credits are available. The taxpayer is notified of the discrepancy in credits. Refer to IRM 21.7.11.4.9, CP 267, No Math Error - Credit Offset Notice, and CP 268, Math Error - Credit Offset Notice - Notices of Excess Credit, for procedures for working the Q- freeze on CP 267 notices. 21.5.6.4.34 (04-01-2014) -Q Freeze The -Q (Unallowable Refund) freeze is set by TC 576. The freeze holds the unallowable portion of the refund. The balance of the overpayment is issued. Usually, these accounts are Examination referrals or subject to special programs such as the Revenue Protection Strategy. The freeze is set when amounts claimed on a return are unallowable by law. For more information, refer to IRM 4.19.15.15.6.1, Resolving the -Q Freeze. Examination determines if the item causing the -Q freeze is allowable. DO NOT release the refund. Research CC AMDISA for the current AIMS status. Refer to Exhibit 21.5.10-1, Audit Information Management System (AIMS) Status Code Guide - Field Cases, or Exhibit 21.5.10-2, Audit Information Management System (AIMS) Status Code Guide - Campus Cases, for the correct procedures. See IRM 21.5.10.3.1, Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) Research Exam Issues, for more information. 21.5.6.4.35 (05-12-2022) -R Freeze The -R freeze is set when there is an additional tax liability pending and a TC 570 posts to a module. Note: A subsequent TC 570 prevents the -R Freeze from systemically releasing. Follow procedures in IRM 21.5.6.4.35.2, Resolving -R Freeze, for resolution. Refunds with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) involvement may have a -R freeze on the module. RIVO involvement can be identified by: A TC 570 with all fives in the blocking series and serial number of the DLN (e.g., XXXXX-XXX-55555-X) (BMF) A TC 971 AC 052 A TC 971 AC 122 A TC 971 AC 134 A TC 971 AC 140 A Computer Condition Code (CCC) "1" A CCC "3" and another RIVO marker A CC NOREF history with an IDRS control base (open or closed) containing an IDRS assignment number 148XXXXXXX Note: If RIVO was unable to stop the refund with the CC NOREF, follow normal refund inquiry procedures, refer to IRM 21.4.1.4, Refund Inquiry Response Procedures. A TC 971 AC 199 with a RIVO MISC field, refer to IRM 25.25.5-2, Transaction Code (TC) 971 Action Code (AC) 199 Miscellaneous (MISC) Field Literals for RIVO. This transaction is not reversed, therefore, if the refund has been issued, refer to IRM 21.4.1.4, Refund Inquiry Response Procedures A TC 971 AC 128 with MISC field "AQCPTC191" or "AQCPTC195" A TC 971 AC 522 with MISC field "WI RICS IDTCLM" (BMF) An open control to IDRS assignment number 1481055555, with a category code of "TPPI" , and a history showing potential IDT (BMF) Note: For any Employment Tax Series Returns (not all of BMF), if the activity code contains "POTENTIDT" , "NOTIDT" , and "REF2SBSE" , send Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, via secure email, to *SBSE ET WSD Referrals. In the subject line, notate "Form 4442 – REF2SBSE" . Unreversed Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) indicators. Refer to IRM 25.25.6.1.7, Taxpayer Protection Program Overview, for a listing of TPP indicators. Follow IRM 25.25.6.6, Non Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Telephone Assistors Response to Taxpayers, to assist the taxpayer Note: If the TPP indicators have been reversed, and the refund is being held by a RIVO freeze, continue with the procedures in IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1, -R Freeze Phone Procedures for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement, or IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2, -R Freeze Paper Procedures for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement, as appropriate. Thorough research is necessary to determine the proper actions needed. Follow procedures in IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, -R Freeze Overview For Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement. A -R freeze is set when an injured spouse claim is received with the original return. IDRS contains blocking series 92 and a TC 570. Follow procedures in IRM 21.4.6, Refund Offset, to resolve these issues. A -R freeze is set when a TC 670 posts to a debit module and creates a credit balance of ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡. Follow procedures in IRM 21.5.6.4.35.2, Resolving -R Freeze, for resolution. A -R freeze is set when a Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief, request is attached to a current year tax return. Refer to IRM 25.15.1.6, Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief, for more information. A -R freeze is set when a multiple (DUPTIN) filing condition occurs. Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4.5, Multiple Uses of Taxpayer Identification Numbers - TRNS36F (DUPTIN Filing Condition), for more information. A -R freeze is set when an IRC 965 Transition Tax on Unclaimed Foreign Earnings is claimed on a return for tax years 2017 and 2018. The module has a TC 670 with a Designated Payment Code (DPC) 64 and/or a CCC "3" for IMF or a CCC "X" for BMF. The account contains a TC 766 with Credit Reference Number (CRN) 263 (deferred amount) and a TC 971 AC 114 (total net tax liability under section 965). Refer to IRM 21.6.4.4.21, IRC 965 - Transition Tax on Untaxed Foreign Earnings, for more information. IF THEN A phone call is received referencing IRC 965, 965 election statement, repatriation tax, or the account contains one of the transactions shown above Transfer the call to: IMF Ext. 1171 (1172 for Spanish) BMF Ext. 1038 Correspondence or an Amended Return received referencing IRC 965, 965 election statement, repatriation tax, or the account contains one of the transactions shown above IMF reassign to 0134095088 BMF reassign to 0430478835 Note: For correspondence, use category code 965C. For an amended return, use category code 965X. The -R (Additional Tax Liability) freeze is set when the following conditions occur: IF THEN Payment is received after account is full paid A TC 570 input with the TC 670 (payment) ensures the payment posts to the account and doesn’t refund out. Research the account to ensure the payment was not misapplied to the incorrect tax period or incorrect TIN. If after research you cannot determine why the payment was made or if the payment was made in error, release the TC 570 with a TC 571. TC 570 posts in the same cycle as the TC 150 Information may be missing from the return (e.g., signature, Form 1310, Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer, if deceased taxpayer, or certificate showing court appointment, etc.). This is generated by the input of CCC "3" . Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.2, Resolving -R Freeze. If a scrambled SSN indicator "20" is present on CC ENMOD, OR an open IDRS control with control category "SCRM" or "SSA2" is present, refer case to the campus AM paper function that scrambled the SSN. Refer to IRM 21.6.2.4.3, Scrambled SSN Case Procedures, for more information. An open return delinquency notice or investigation on a prior year (but not more than 6 years) holds individual income tax refunds and credit elects when a current year return is filed with the established refund amount in IRM 25.12.1.2 (2), How to Identify Delinquent Return Refund Hold TC 570 with "999" in the Julian date field of the DLN appear on the frozen module. Follow procedures in IRM 21.5.6.4.35.2, Resolving -R Freeze, for processing when Taxpayer Delinquency Investigation (TDI) is present on the account. TC 570 with TC 971 AC 151 (indicates multiple TIN filing condition) A DUPTIN TRNS36F transcript has generated to Brookhaven Service Center (BSC) AM. Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4.5, Multiple Uses of Taxpayer Identification Numbers - TRNS36F (DUPTIN Filing Condition), for more information and IRM 21.6.7.4.5.2, Telephone Inquiries Regarding TRNS36F. TC 570 with a block series "55555" , and a TC 971 AC 804 and/or 805 Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.4, Refund Holds, for procedures. EIP is credited back to the 2020 module A REBATEREV transcript generates. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.2, Resolving -R Freeze. Follow procedures in IRM 13.1.7.3, TAS Case Criteria, to determine if taxpayers or cases should be referred to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), when you cannot resolve the taxpayer’s issue the same day. The definition of "same day" is within 24 hours. "Same day" cases include cases you can completely resolve in 24 hours as well as cases in which you have taken steps within 24 hours to begin resolving the taxpayer’s issue. Refer to IRM 13.1.7.5, Same Day Resolution by Operations. Do not refer these cases to TAS unless they meet TAS criteria or the taxpayer asks to be transferred to TAS. When you refer cases to TAS, use Form 911/e-911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance (And Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order), and forward to TAS per your local procedures. If the taxpayer calls to change their address, and they do not meet the oral statement authority for the change and there is NO Z freeze on the account, inform the caller to complete and submit a Form 8822, Change of Address. Inform the taxpayer they can obtain a copy of Form 8822 by going to www.irs.gov or offer to mail the information to them. If there is a Z freeze on the account, follow procedures in IRM 21.5.6.4.52.1, Address Changes with Z Freeze. For more information on Criminal Investigation-Scheme Development Center processing and when to refer to that function refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.52, -Z Freeze. Note: ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ 21.5.6.4.35.1 (03-18-2022) -R Freeze With Credit Card Payments The Service accepts electronic credit card payments for both IMF and BMF return series. See IRM 21.2.1.48.5, Credit or Debit Card Payments (Pay by Phone or Internet), for which return series electronic credit card payments can be accepted from. You can identify these payments by: The number "6" in the 4th position of the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) number A Document Code 19 TC 610, TC 660, TC 670 A TC 150 posted to the module Refer to IRM 21.2.1.48, Electronic Payment Options for Individuals and Business e-file Users, for procedures on balance due credit card payments. Refer to IRM 5.14.10.4, Direct Debit Installment Agreements, for installment agreement procedures. Refer to IRM 3.12.179, Individual Master File (IMF), Payer Master File (PMF) Unpostable Resolution, for unpostable procedures. A -R freeze is set if all the following occur: The payment creates a credit balance on the module The credit card payment exceeds the balance due on the tax return by ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ If the payment is in error, or the taxpayer did not authorize or intend the payment to be sent to the IRS, refer to IRM 21.4.4.7.2, Credit Card Chargebacks. If the credit card payment exceeds the balance due on the return and the taxpayer provides documentation verifying the payment, release the -R freeze to release the overpayment. If the taxpayer is unable to provide documentation verifying the payment: Note: Toll-free assistors send a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, to the Campus AM paper function within their Directorate. Use “-R freeze Other” as the referral type. Please indicate the IRM reference and request contact be made to EFTPS technicians to verify payment authorization. Suspend the case for 30 days Fax to the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) Technicians at ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ the page of TXMOD that has the payment needing to be researched The technician contacts the credit card company for the information and fax it back Upon receipt of documentation from the technician, if the taxpayer truly authorized the credit card payment(s), take any necessary action to release the -R freeze. If the payment belongs to another taxpayer, transfer the credit to the correct account. If the credit card processor could not provide any information within 30 days or was unable to provide enough information to identify the originator of the credit card payment, move the payment to the unidentified remittance file. Refer to IRM 21.2.4.3.10, Applying Unresolved Credits for AMRH, for more information 21.5.6.4.35.2 (03-04-2022) Resolving -R Freeze Determine why the freeze was set. Take the following action to resolve a -R Freeze: Exception: If there is RIVO involvement, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement, for more information. IF THEN Freeze is due to a payment Research to find out where the payment belongs. Payment was intended for another period Transfer the payment to the correct module. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. Payment belongs on module, but tax is not yet assessed Review CC AMDIS and check for TC 922. Do not release the freeze. Taxpayer made payment in error, creating overpayment that should be refunded Input TC 290 for .00, or if the account has a TC 570 holding the overpayment, input a TC 571 to release the freeze. Exception: If the overpayment is the result of a credit card payment, (i.e., TC 670 DLN with Doc Code 19 and the #6 in the 4th position of the EFT Trace number), refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.1, -R Freeze With Credit Card Payments, for more information. Freeze is set due to information missing from the IMF or BMF return Research CC RTVUE for CCC (CC CD: Field on RTVUE) "3" (also match lines on the first page of return to schedules attached) and CC TXMOD for a history item or case control indicating a missing signature or other element. Determine what is missing through research and probing. Note: Taxpayer may have been contacted via Letter 12C, Individual Return Incomplete for Processing: Form 1040 & 1040-S. CC ENMOD displays the selective paragraphs input on the letter. Note: If requesting a copy of the return or schedules, ask the taxpayer to write "Copy" on the return. If the inquiry can be resolved by the taxpayer faxing the missing information, take proper actions to release the freeze after receipt of the faxed information. Note: When available the Enterprise Electronic Fax (EEFax) must be used in lieu of manual faxing. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.17 (2), I- Freeze, under missing signature only and IRS has processed the return, for procedures on accepting faxed signature and IRM 21.5.3.4.2 (5), Tax Decrease or Credit Increase Processing, for more information on faxed signatures. Note: If the account cannot be resolved once the missing information is received, prepare a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to the Campus AM paper function within your directorate with the information attached. Refer to Exhibit 21.1.7-1, Campus Address, for addresses to the Campuses. Exception: If there is an open control on the account, refer Form 4442/e-4442 to the employee who has the open control with the faxed information. Adjust the account as necessary. Update the Return Processable Date (RPD) with the new documents received date. Note: If a reply is received with the missing information or signature after the return due date, you must correct the original ASED posted on the taxpayer's account. Refer to IRM 21.2.4.3.40.1 (3)(a), Computer Condition Code (CCC) 3 or U- Coded Returns, for more information on updating the ASED. Route the faxed information to the Image Control Team (ICT) to be scanned or attach to the original return using a TC 290 for .00. Note: Call sites without access to ICT use Form 9856, Attachment Alert, or Form 10023-B, Attachment (To Be Associated With Return), to attach the information to the return. If the issue cannot be resolved and you identify a –R freeze, CCC "3" , case while staffing the AM toll-free telephone line, provide the address of the Campus AM paper function to the taxpayer to submit the requested documentation. Input the necessary documentation on the account to show the taxpayer is mailing in the information. Freeze is set due to a missing or incomplete Form 1310, Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer Request a completed/signed copy of Form 1310 or certificate showing court appointment, be sent or faxed. Refer to IRM 3.11.3.10.3, Documentary Evidence on a Decedent Return, for procedures on identifying a correctly completed Form 1310. When Form 1310 is received, release the refund by inputting a TC 290 for .00. Update the RPD with the received date of the Form 1310. If no Form 1310 is received, refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.5 (6) and (11), Resolving Returned Refunds (Unexpired Checks), for procedures concerning the credit. Caution: A manual refund may be necessary. Refer to IRM 21.4.1.5.9.4, Deceased Taxpayers. Freeze is due to a refund hold that hasn't systemically released in the proper timeframe More research needs to be completed to determine why the refund has not released. If the case has an open control then prepare a Form 4442/e-4442 to the open control. Freeze is set due to ITIN has expired with or without name control change Research if ITIN is active and entity is updated. If it is, release freeze. If no other issues exist, i.e., refund schemes, see IRM 3.21.263.2.1, How to Identify Expired/Deactivated ITINs, for more information. To release the freeze input TC 290 for .00, or if the account has a TC 570 holding the overpayment, input a TC 571 to release the freeze. For math error correction, refer to IRM 3.21.263.8.7, Math Errors, for more information. Control base is closed and TC 840/571 has been input Freeze automatically releases when the transaction posts. TC 290 was input, with blocking series 98 or 99 Claim was disallowed and Letter 105C, Claim Disallowed, was issued. TDI is present on the account Refer to IRM 25.12.1.2, How to Identify Delinquent Return Refund Hold, for more information. Once it is determined the Toll-Free contact is a Delinquent Return Refund Hold, do not address the case in any way. Advise the taxpayer to call 866-897-3315, (hours of operation between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Central Time). This is the number provided on the CP 63, We’re Holding Your Tax Refund, Unfiled Tax Returns Being Requested, they receive. There is no indication the refund is part of the TDI Refund hold program (does not have the criteria in IRM 25.12.1.2, How to Identify Delinquent Return Refund Hold), explain no refund can be issued until taxpayer complies more fully. Inform the taxpayer they can obtain a copy of the forms by going to www.irs.gov or offer to mail the information to them. Further questions about the TDI issue should be referred to the proper function. Refer to IRM 5.19.2, Individual Master File (IMF) Return Delinquency, for more information on TDIs. Refer to IRM 25.12.1.12, Taxpayer Responses Received in Accounts Management (AM), for more information on delinquent return refund hold issues. Note: If taxpayer is claiming a hardship, do not address in any way, follow TAS procedures in IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines. The freeze is set due to an injured spouse claim filed with the original return (the TC 150 DLN has blocking series 92) Advise the taxpayer to allow 11 weeks for Electronic Filing (ELF) returns and 14 weeks for paper return processing, from the date the original return was received, for the injured spouse claim to be worked (unless extended timeframe of 18 weeks for e-file and 20 weeks for paper are in effect, research SERP Alerts). Note: Use the Julian date on CC TXMOD Refer to IRM 21.4.6.5.2, Injured Spouse Inquiries, for more information. Exception: If Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, was filed for any filing status other than Married Filing Joint (FS 2), release the refund with a TC 571. TC 570 with TC 971 AC 151 Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4.5, Multiple Uses of Taxpayer Identification Numbers - TRNS36F (DUPTIN Filing Condition), for more information. Freeze is due to either EIP credited back to the 2020 or 2021 module or AdvCTC credited back to the 2021 module creating a REBATEREV transcript AND there is an open control to an employee AM Employees: Add the information to the CIS case as a Case Note (CN). Advise taxpayer to allow 30 days for a response. NON-AM Employees: Prepare Form 4442/e-4442. Select "IRM" referral type and category "Open Control" . Print and fax IRM directed referrals to any area that does not have Account Management Services (AMS) access. Freeze is due to either EIP credited back to the 2020 or 2021 module or AdvCTC credited back to the 2021 module creating a REBATEREV transcript AND there is an open control to a clerical function or a team number DO NOT initiate contact with a clerical team.AM Employees: Put the control in "B" status and release the freeze by following procedures in IRM 21.6.3.6 (4) & (5), REBATEREV Transcripts. Close the control is appropriate. NON-AM employees: Apologize for the delay in processing the information and advise the taxpayer to allow an additional 30 days. If you question the taxpayer and research IDRS, and still cannot determine why the -R freeze is present, Advise taxpayer to send a complete return with all schedules and attachments (e.g., Form W-2, Schedule A, B, C, etc.) to the AM paper function within your directorate. The return must have original signature(s) and date(s), not a photocopy. For more information refer to Exhibit 21.1.7-1, Campus Address. It is very important that you instruct the taxpayer to write "Copy" or "Duplicate" on the top of the tax return the taxpayer is sending in. This prevents the return from being sent to Submission Processing Input a history item on AMS Upon receipt of the return, review the account and make the necessary adjustments to release the freeze If taxpayer does not send in the return in the proper timeframe for the response, input a history item on AMS and close your control. Do not release the R freeze 21.5.6.4.35.3 (01-13-2020) -R Freeze Overview for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement The Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) identifies and intercepts refunds from returns with questionable wage and/or withholding claims, which may include identity theft related issues. For a listing of RIVO indicators, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35, -R Freeze. If the return is verified at any point in the RIVO process, the refund is released. If RIVO has taken action to release the refund, indicated by a pending transaction (TC 290 for .00, TC 571, or a TC 972 AC 134) and the refund is not being held by another function, advise the taxpayer to allow four to six weeks to receive the refund. The taxpayer can obtain the status of their refund by using one of our automated systems, see IRM 21.4.1.4 (1), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, for more information regarding the automated systems. Note: If the return was selected as "Can’t Verify" (TC 971 AC 134 with MISC field: "CANT VERIFY" ) and the income verifies per CC IRPTR, advise the taxpayer to monitor Where’s My Refund for information regarding the refund issuance. If the return was zeroed out by RIVO (the address may have been updated to the service center address), prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, to RIVO, using category "RIVO - Complex Issue not ID Theft" . Advise the taxpayer not to call back before 9 weeks as no information will be available. 21.5.6.4.35.3.1 (03-04-2022) -R Freeze Phone Procedures for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement If Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) generated the -R freeze condition, and there is no -A freeze on the account, DO NOT release the -R freeze set by RIVO. If there is a Math Error on the account that needs to be corrected, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.2, -R Freeze Paper Procedures For Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement. If the taxpayer is calling about the status of their amended return, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.2, -A Freeze, for amended return processing timeframes. Proceed with caution before responding to the taxpayer. Reminder: All overpayments (original returns and amended returns) with EITC and/or ACTC for the current year cannot be refunded until February 15th. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.5, C- Freeze, for more information. If there is a -L freeze, in addition to the -R freeze on the account, research CC AMDISA for the status code. Refer to IRM 21.5.10.5, W&I Accounts Management Call Transfers to Exam. If action has been taken by RIVO to release the refund, indicated by a pending transaction (TC 290 for .00, TC 571 or a TC 972 AC 134) and the refund is not being held by any other function, advise the taxpayer to allow four to six weeks for receipt of the refund. If a RIVO letter has been issued to the taxpayer, apologize for the inconvenience and advise the taxpayer to ignore the letter. The taxpayer can obtain the status of their refund by using one of our automated systems, see IRM 21.4.1.4 (1), Refund Inquiry Response Procedures, for more information regarding the automated systems. Note: If the return was selected as Can’t Verify (TC 971 AC 134 with MISC field: "CANT VERIFY" ) and the income verifies per CC IRPTR, advise the taxpayer to monitor Where’s My Refund for information regarding the refund issuance. For all other calls where RIVO is holding the refund with a -R freeze, follow the guidance listed below to determine the proper actions. If multiple notices/letters or RIVO markers are present, follow the procedures for the last notice/letter or RIVO marker on the account: IF THEN The taxpayer is claiming identity theft Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.1, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement and the Taxpayer is Claiming Identity Theft. The account has Automated Questionable Credit (AQC) indicators: A TC 971 AC 140, TC 971 AC 122, TC 971 AC 128 (TC 971 AC 128 with MISC field "AQCPTC191" or "AQCPTC195" ) OR open control to IDRS number 1487877777 with an activity field of "AQC6X" or "AQC6XATAO" , see IRM 25.25.7.2, Automated Questionable Credit (AQC) Inventory Types Exception: A TC 971 AC 122 with a MISC field of "7S" , "7S1" , or "7V" are not AQC, unless a subsequent TC 971 AC 122 posts with another AQC inventory type in the MISC field. Do not refer the taxpayer to AQC. Follow the procedures in the boxes below based on whether a notice or letter has been issued. AQC assistors, refer to IRM 25.25.7.9, Phone Calls Received via Toll-Free line 855-873-2100 for guidance and procedures. Non-AQC assistors, advise the taxpayer to call AQC at 855-873-2100. Provide the hours of operation Monday through Friday - 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. CT. Exception: DO NOT refer the taxpayer to AQC if the account has an AQC indicator but the original refund was released, regardless of whether a letter was issued (Letter 4800C /Letter 3219C). The account has a TC 971 AC 052 with a MISC field of "FRIV FILER" AND it has been less than 45 days since the posting date of the TC 150 Exception: If the account has a -E freeze, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.10, -E Freeze. Advise the taxpayer to allow 45 days for IRS to review the return. The account has a TC 971 AC 052 with a MISC field of "FRIV FILER" AND it has been 45 or more days since the posting date of the TC 150 Exception: If the account has a -E freeze, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.10, -E Freeze. Prepare Form 4442/e-4442 using referral queue "RIVO -Frivolous Filer Program (FRP)" , Advise the taxpayer to allow 60 days for a response. A RIVO notice or letter has not been issued (CP 05, CP 05A, Letter 4464C, Letter 2645C) Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.2, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - No RIVO Letter or Notice Issued. A CP 05 or Letter 4464C has been issued Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.3, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Notice CP 05 or Letter 4464C Issued. A Letter 2645C has been issued Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.4, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Letter 2645C/2644C Issued. A CP 05A has been issued Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.5, -R Freeze with Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Notice CP 05A Issued. 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.1 (03-22-2019) -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement and the Taxpayer is Claiming Identity Theft A return is present on the account and the Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) is holding the refund (indicated by a posted TC 971 AC 134, a TC 971 AC 199, or a CCC "1" ) and the taxpayer is claiming identity theft. Follow the guidance in the chart below to advise the taxpayer: IF THEN The account has AQC indicators: A TC 971 AC 140, TC 971 AC 122, TC 971 AC 128 (TC 971 AC 128 with MISC field "AQCPTC191" or "AQCPTC195" ) OR open control to IDRS number 1487877777 with an activity field of "AQC6X" or "AQC6XATAO" , see IRM 25.25.7.2, Automated Questionable Credit (AQC) Inventory Types AQC assistors refer to IRM 25.25.7.9, Phone Calls Received via Toll-Free line 855-873-2100, for guidance and procedures. Non-AQC assistors, advise the taxpayer to call AQC at 855-873-2100. Provide the hours of operation Monday through Friday - 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. CT. The account has unreversed TPP indicators (TC 971 AC 121/124/129) Refer to IRM 25.25.6.6.3, Taxpayer Claims Identity Theft - Research. The refund is being held by RIVO (with or without the issuance of any RIVO letters) Prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, using referral queue "RIVO - ID Theft Issue" . Provide the taxpayer with the identity theft information, refer to IRM 25.23.12.2, Identity Theft Telephone General Guidance. Form 4442 was previously referred to RIVO, and it has been 60 days or more since the referral date and RIVO has not contacted the taxpayer Follow procedures in IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines. Inform the taxpayer you are going to refer their case to TAS. If your area does not have access to AMS to initiate an e-4442, or AMS is not available, follow paper referrals procedures: Prepare a Form 4442 using referral category “RIVO - ID Theft Issue”, and fax to ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡. Use activity code "4442TAP04" , (Ogden RIVO function works paper referrals) 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.2 (12-07-2021) -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - No RIVO Letter or Notice Issued A return is present on the account and the Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) is holding the refund (indicated by a posted TC 971 AC 134, a TC 971 AC 199, a CCC "1" or CCC "3" (accounts with a CCC 3 must have another RIVO marker), including accounts where RIVO has stopped the refund via CC NOREF. Research of the account indicates that RIVO has not issued any of the following letters: CP 05, We’re Holding Your Refund Letter 4464C, Questionable Refund Hold Letter 2645C, Interim Letter Letter 2644C, Second Interim Letter Notice CP 05A, We’re Holding Your Refund Until We Finish Reviewing Your Tax Return Advise the taxpayer that we select some returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are being reported accurately. Recommend the taxpayer review their return and all income information statements (e.g., Form W-2 ) to ensure all income and withholding matches the information reported on the return. If they determine they have made an error, file an amended return. Refer to IRM 21.5.2.4.3, Adjustments Requiring An Amended Return or Taxpayer Documentation, and follow the procedures in the chart below to provide more guidance to the taxpayer: IF AND THEN ADVISE THE TAXPAYER One of the following has posted to the account: a TC 971 AC 134, a CCC "1" , a CCC "3" , or a CC NOREF control to RIVO Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is present and posted after the posting of the return, see the proper row below. It has been less than 45 days since the posting date of the TC 150 or less than 9 weeks from the authentication date for prior Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) cases No account action is required. Their return is under review and to allow 45 days from the posting date of the TC 150 for additional review of the return or 9 weeks for prior TPP cases. One of the following has posted to the account: a TC 971 AC 134, a CCC "1" , a CCC "3" , or a CC NOREF control to RIVO Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is present and posted after the posting of the return, see the proper row below. It has been 45 or more days since the posting date of the TC 150 or 9 weeks or more from the authentication date for prior TPP cases Prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" . You are sending a referral AND they should be contacted within 60 days. One of the following has NOT posted to the account: a TC 971 AC 134, a CCC "1" , a CCC "3" , or a CC NOREF control to RIVO Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is present and posted after the posting of the return, see the proper row below. The account contains a TC 971 AC 122 with a MISC field of "7S" , "7S1" , or "7V" and It has been 60 or more days since the posting date of the TC 150 Prepare Form 4442/e-4442 and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" You are sending a referral AND they should be contacted within 60 days. The TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account It has been less than 120 days since the TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account No account action is required. Their return is under review and to allow 120 days from the posting date of the TC 971 AC 199. Note: If multiple TC 971 AC 199 are present, use the 23C date of the last posted TC 971 AC 199. The TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account It has been 120 days or more since the TC 971 AC 199 posted to the account Prepare Form 4442/e-4442 and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" . You are sending a referral AND they should be contacted within 60 days. Form 4442 was previously referred to RIVO It has been 60 days or more since the referral date and RIVO has not contacted the taxpayer Follow procedures in IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines. You are going to refer their case to TAS. If your area does not have access to AMS to initiate an e-4442, or AMS is unavailable, follow paper referrals procedures: Prepare a Form 4442 using referral category “RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only”, and fax to ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Use activity code "4442TAP04" , (Ogden RIVO function works paper referrals) 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.3 (01-12-2021) -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Notice CP 05 or Letter 4464C Issued A return is present on the account and Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) is holding the refund (indicated by a posted TC 971 AC 134, a TC 971 AC 199, a CCC "1" ). Research of the account indicates that RIVO has issued one of the following letters: CP 05, We’re Holding Your Refund Letter 4464C, Questionable Refund Hold Note: If the account has TPP criteria, refer to IRM 25.25.6.6.5, Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Issue Not Resolved. On certain accounts, the CP 05 is being suppressed by RIVO (indicated by a TC 971 AC 617). If both the CP 05 and the Letter 4464C have been issued, use the Letter 4464C issuance date to determine the timeframe. If multiple Letters 4464C have been issued, use the latest issuance date to determine the timeframe. For the CP 05, the issuance date can be determined by the posting date of the TC 971 AC 804 and the TC 971 AC 044. Advise the taxpayer that we select some returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are being reported accurately. Recommend the taxpayer review their return and each income information statements e.g., Form W-2, to ensure all income and withholding matches the information reported on the return. If they determine they have made an error, file an amended return. Refer to IRM 21.5.2.4.3, Adjustments Requiring An Amended Return or Taxpayer Documentation, and follow the procedures listed below to provide more guidance to the taxpayer: IF AND THEN ADVISE THE TAXPAYER The taxpayer states they have not received a letter The CP 05OR the Letter 4464C was issued less than 60 days ago No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, allow 120 days from the issuance date of the CP 05 or Letter 4464C, for a review of the return. Apologize for the delay. Verbally provide the taxpayer with the guidance in the CP 05 or Letter 4464C, as appropriate. The taxpayer states they have not received a letter Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is posted to the account after the issuance date of the notice or letter, see the proper row below. The CP 05OR the Letter 4464C was issued 60 days or more ago No action is required. Verbally provide the guidance in the CP 05 or Letter 4464C, as appropriate. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, they should be contacted within 120 days from the issuance date of the CP 05 or Letter 4464C. Apologize for the delay. The taxpayer states they have received the CP 05 or Letter 4464C Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is posted to the account after the issuance date of the notice or letter, see the proper row below. The CP 05OR the Letter 4464C was issued less than 60 days ago No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, we are holding their refund until we finish reviewing the tax return and to allow 120 days from the issuance date of the CP 05 or Letter 4464C Apologize for the delay. The taxpayer states they have received the CP 05 or Letter 4464C Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is posted to the account after the issuance date of the notice or letter, see the proper row below. The CP 05OR the Letter 4464C was issued 60 days or more ago No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, advise the taxpayer they should be contacted within 120 days from the issuance date of the CP 05 or Letter 4464C. Apologize for the delay. A TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account after the issuance of the CP 05 or Letter 4464C It has been less than 120 days since the TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, their return is under review and to allow 120 days from the posting date of the TC 971 AC 199. Note: If multiple TC 971 AC 199 are present, use the 23C date of the last posted TC 971 AC 199. Apologize for the delay. A TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account after the issuance of the CP 05 or Letter 4464C It has been 120 days or more since the TC 971 AC 199 posted to the account Prepare Form 4442 /e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" . You are sending a referral and they should be contacted within 60 days. The CP 05OR the Letter 4464C was issued It has been 120 days or more since the issuance date with no RIVO action Prepare Form 4442/e-4442 and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" . You are sending a referral and they should be contacted within 60 days. Form 4442 was previously referred to RIVO It has been 60 days or more since the referral date and RIVO has not contacted the taxpayer Follow procedures in IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines. You are going to refer their case to TAS. Reminder: An explanation of the Notice CP 05 and an example of the notice can be found on irs.gov. If your area does not have access to AMS to initiate an e-4442, or AMS is unavailable, follow paper referrals procedures: Prepare a Form 4442 using referral category "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" , and fax to ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Use activity code "4442TAP04" , (Ogden RIVO function works paper referrals) 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.4 (01-12-2021) -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Letter 2645C/2644C Issued A return is present on the account and the Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) is holding the refund (indicated by a posted TC 971 AC 134, a TC 971 AC 199, or a CCC "1" ) and a Letter 2645C, Interim Letter, and/or Letter 2644C, Second Interim Response, has been issued, as indicated by a TC 971 AC 123 with the letter number in the miscellaneous (MISC) field or by a history on CC ENMOD. RIVO initiates Letter 2645C, Interim Letter, on certain accounts when the verification process or referral process has been delayed. The Letter 2645C advises the taxpayer that RIVO needs an additional 60 days, from the date of the letter, to review the return. If RIVO is unable to complete the verification or referral process within the 60 days, they initiate a Letter 2644C, Second Interim Response, advising the taxpayer that RIVO needs an additional 60 days, from the date of the letter, to review the return. Advise the taxpayer that we select some returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are being reported accurately. Recommend the taxpayer review their return and each income information statement (e.g., Form W-2) to ensure all income and withholding matches the information reported on the return. If they determine they have made an error, file an amended return. Refer to IRM 21.5.2.4.3, Adjustments Requiring An Amended Return or Taxpayer Documentation, and follow the procedures listed below to provide more guidance to the taxpayer: Reminder: The Letter 2644C is only issued if the suspense timeframe for the Letter 2645C has passed. The procedures below are identical for both letters and actions can be repeated if both letters have been issued. Use the last letter issued to determine the beginning of the 60-day timeframe. IF AND THEN ADVISE THE TAXPAYER The taxpayer states they have not received a Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C The Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C was issued less than 60 days ago No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, we are holding their refund until we finish reviewing the tax return and to allow 120 days from the issuance date of the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C. Apologize for the delay. The taxpayer states they have not received a letter Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is posted to the account after the issuance date of either letter, see the proper row below. The Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C was issued 60 days or more ago No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, they should be contacted within 120 days from the issuance date of the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C. Apologize for the delay. The taxpayer states they have received the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C The Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C was issued less than 60 days ago No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, we are holding their refund until we finish reviewing the tax return and to allow 120 days from the issuance date of the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C. Apologize for the delay. The taxpayer states they have received the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C Note: If a TC 971 AC 199 is posted to the account after the issuance date of either letter, see the proper row below. The Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C was issued 60 days or more ago No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, they should be contacted within 120 days from the issuance date of the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C. Apologize for the delay. A TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account after the issuance of the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C It has been less than 120 days since the TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account No action is required. Due to continued Coronavirus impact, their return is under review and to allow 120 days from the posting date of the TC 971 AC 199. Note: If multiple TC 971 AC 199 are present, use the 23C date of the last posted TC 971 AC 199. Apologize for the delay. A TC 971 AC 199 has posted to the account after the issuance of the Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C It has been 120 days or more since the TC 971 AC 199 posted to the account Prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" . You are sending a referral and they should be contacted within 60 days. Letter 2645C or Letter 2644C was issued It has been 120 days or more since the issuance date with no RIVO action Prepare Form 4442/e-4442 and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only" . You are sending a referral and they should be contacted within 60 days. Form 4442 was previously referred to RIVO It has been 60 days or more since the referral date and RIVO has not contacted the taxpayer Follow procedures in IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines. You are going to refer their case to TAS. If your area does not have access to AMS to initiate an e-4442, or AMS is unavailable, follow paper referrals procedures: Prepare a Form 4442 using referral category “RIVO - Unresolved Module Freeze Only”, and fax to ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Use activity code "4442TAP04" , (Ogden RIVO function works paper referrals) 21.5.6.4.35.3.1.5 (04-27-2022) -R Freeze With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement - RIVO Notice CP 05A Issued A return is present on the account and Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) is holding the refund (indicated by a posted TC 971 AC 134, a TC 971 AC 199, a CCC "1" ). The account has a TC 971 AC 199 with a RIVO MISC field, see Exhibit 25.25.5-2, Transaction Code (TC) 971 Action Code (AC) 199 Miscellaneous (MISC) Field Literals for RIVO, and a TC 971 AC 804 with a MISC field of "CP 005A" and a TC 971 AC 044 with a MISC field of "CP 05A" . The notice section of CC TXMODA should indicate a CP 05A notice was issued and provide the cycle date of the issuance. The CP 05A instructs the taxpayer to respond to RIVO with documentation for the return they filed or RIVO may disallow all or part of the refund. Follow the guidance listed below to determine the proper actions: IF AND THEN ADVISE THE TAXPAYER The taxpayer states they have not received the CP05A OR states they have received the notice and have not responded No account action is required. Verbally provide the taxpayer with the guidance in the CP 05A, and explain to the taxpayer what is needed to substantiate the income and withholding. Advise the taxpayer to submit their documentation via the Documentation Upload Tool (DUT) at www.irs.gov/reply. Taxpayers must include their taxpayer identification number (TIN) and tax period on each page of their response. If the taxpayer states they do not have internet access or they attempted to access DUT but their browser is not supported, advise them to fax the documentation for the return to E-Fax number (855) 851-8440 or if they are unable to fax, mail to: Austin Service Center, Stop 6572 AUSC, 3651 S IH 35, Austin, TX, 73301. The taxpayer states they made an error on the return No action is required. File an amended return, refer to IRM 21.5.2.4.3, Adjustments Requiring An Amended Return or Taxpayer Documentation. The taxpayer has responded to the notice It is less than 60 days since the taxpayer sent in the requested information ( there may be an open control to RIVO (IDRS number 148XXXXXXX, category "CP5A" )) No action is required. Allow 60 days from the date they sent in the information or the received date of the correspondence if there is an open control to RIVO. The taxpayer has responded to the notice It is 60 days or more since the taxpayer sent in the requested information, the account is unresolved, and there is NO open or closed control to RIVO (IDRS number 148XXXXXXX, category "CP5A" ) No action is required. Resubmit the documentation for the return on DUT. If unable to access DUT, fax to E-Fax number (855) 851-8440 or if they are unable to fax, mail to: Austin Service Center, Stop 6572 AUSC, 3651 S IH 35, Austin, TX, 73301. The taxpayer has responded to the notice There is an open control to RIVO (IDRS number 148XXXXXXX, category "CP5A" )AND It is 60 days or more from the received date of the correspondence Prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to RIVO using referral queue "RIVO - WOW CP 05A" . You are sending a referral and to allow 60 days for a response. The taxpayer has responded to the notice RIVO has taken action on the account as indicated by any of the following: A closed RIVO control (IDRS number 148XXXXXXX, category "CP5A" ) A TC 29X A Letter 105C or Letter 106C or Letter 89C A pending or posted TC 840 or TC 846 No action is required. Exception: If the adjustment is deleted (DQ), refer the case back to "RIVO - WOW CP 05A" queue. If RIVO has issued a letter, advise the taxpayer that a letter has been issued and to follow the guidance in the letter. If RIVO has released the refund (in whole or in part), advise the taxpayer of the refund date based on the TC 840 or TC 846, if present. If not present, advise the taxpayer of an estimated refund date of four to six weeks from the input date of the TC 29X. Form 4442 was previously referred to RIVO It has been 60 days or more since the referral date and RIVO has not contacted the taxpayer Follow procedures in IRM 21.1.3.18, Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Guidelines. You are going to refer their case to TAS. If your area does not have access to AMS to initiate an e-4442, or AMS is unavailable, follow paper referrals procedures: Prepare a Form 4442 using referral category “RIVO - WOW CP05A”, and fax to ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Use activity code "4442TAP04" , (Ogden RIVO function works paper referrals) 21.5.6.4.35.3.2 (10-03-2022) -R Freeze Paper Procedures for Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement For accounts where the refund is being held by a RIVO -R freeze and no -A freeze is present, take the following actions: IF AND THEN A response is received to the Letter 4800C or Letter 3219C via the Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) The account contains AQC markers (TC 971 AC 122, 971 AC 140 or TC 971 AC 128 with MISC field) Fax correspondence to 855-855-0616, and close your CIS case. If an interim letter has been sent through CIS, send the taxpayer a Letter 86C, refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.2.1, Use of 86C Letter- Referring Taxpayer Inquiry/Forms to Another Office, advising the taxpayer that their correspondence is being transferred to RIVO for resolution and providing the AQC phone number, 855-873-2100. Provide a 60-day timeframe. A response to any of the following other RIVO letters is received via CIS: CP 05 Letter 4464C Letter 2644C Letter 2645C CP 05A There is a RICS/RIVO initiated -R freeze and no -A freeze Initiate a Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, using "RICS IVO Unresolved Module Freeze Only." If an interim letter has been sent through CIS, send the taxpayer a Letter 86C, refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.2.1, Use of 86C Letter- Referring Taxpayer Inquiry/Forms to Another Office, advising the taxpayer that their correspondence is being transferred to RIVO for resolution and providing the AQC phone number, 855-873-2100. Provide a 60-day timeframe. Close your CIS case. A response/inquiry is received for a non-RIVO issue (math error notice, Letter 12C, etc.) There is a RICS/RIVO initiated -R freeze and no -A freeze Resolve the inquiry as required per normal IRM procedures. If the resolution requires an adjustment (TC29X), input the adjustment using a hold code "1" . Respond to the taxpayer. Exception: In the case of a deceased taxpayer, DO NOT take any action to release the refund, including a manual refund. Follow the procedures in the box directly above. For accounts with a RIVO -R freeze and a -A freeze, process the IMF amended/duplicate return following normal procedures if the income and withholding can be verified per CC IRPTR as within RIVO tolerances. Refer to IRM 21.5.3.4, General Claims Procedures, for information on processing an amended return, and IRM 25.25.3.4, Income Verification Using Command Code (CC) IRPTR, for information on RIVO tolerances. For a BMF amended/duplicate return, refer to IRM 25.23.11.6.3, BMF Returns Selected for RICS Review, to see if the case needs referral to RICS or to process using normal procedures as found in IRM 21.7.9, BMF Duplicate Filing Conditions. The following exceptions apply: IF THEN You are working a duplicate return Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4.4.1, TRNS36 Control, and IRM 25.23.4.8.1.1, Identity Theft (IDT) with RIVO Involvement. Account has IDT indicators IMF: Refer to IRM 25.23.2, Identity Protection, and Victim Assistance General Case Processing BMF: Refer to IRM 25.23.11, Business Master File (BMF) Identity Theft Procedures for Accounts Management. Account has AQC indicators involving questionable credits, i.e., General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) prisoner returns or refundable credits, i.e., GATT11, AOTC27, AQC7F, 7R4. Refer to IRM 25.25.7.2, Automated Questionable Credit (AQC) Inventory Types, for AQC inventory types with questionable credits. Follow procedures in (4) below. Note: RIVO does not verify returns having Schedule C or HSH income only (no wages or federal withholding). See IRM 21.5.3-2, Examination Criteria (CAT-A) – General, for more information on referral criteria. Reminder: Claims involving Unemployment Compensation Exclusion (UCE) due to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, may be worked by Accounts Management, even if the account contains an unreversed TC 971 AC 123 with MISC field UCERECOVERY03112021. Refer to IRM 21.6.6.2.54.1, Account Adjustments for the UCE. Form 1040-X with RIVO and TAS involvement have "ICT/IVO" written in the top margin, and can be scanned into CIS using IDRS # 0634086689, category code "XIVO" and priority code (PC) 1. Austin AM is assigned these cases and they must be resolved on an expedite basis. Reminder: If a case is received with category code "XRET" that has a Form 1040-X with "ICT/IVO" written on it, or category code "MEFA" and there is RIVO and TAS involvement, change to "XIVO" category code, PC 1 and reassign to IDRS # 0634086689. Note: If a case is received with category code "XIVO" that does not have RIVO and TAS involvement, change to "XRET" or "MEFA" category code, PC 2 and resolve using normal Form 1040-X timeframes. For cases where income and withholding cannot be verified with CC IRPTR within RIVO tolerances: IF THEN RIVO case has no OAR/TAS involvement Adjust the account to the Form 1040-X/ duplicate return figures and use HC 4 to set the -K freeze. Open an IDRS control to: C#,AQC6X,A,AQC2 1487877777,* Send Letter 86C to advise the taxpayer their Form 1040-X is being transferred to Integrity and Verification Operation for resolution. Use phone number "855-873-2100" in the letter. Refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.2.1, Use of 86C Letter-Referring Taxpayer Inquiry/Forms to Another Office. Provide a 60 day timeframe. Close the CIS case. RIVO case has OAR/TAS involvement Adjust the account to the Form 1040-X/duplicate return figures and use HC 4 to set the -K freeze. Open an IDRS control to: C#,AQC6XATAO,A,AQC2 1487877777,* Return the OAR to TAS with an explanation that the income/withholding cannot be verified by AM and the case is being referred to AQC Close the CIS case. 21.5.6.4.35.4 (05-28-2021) Refund Holds There are conditions under which accounts do not reflect the refund transaction (TC 846) upon settlement of the account. IMF systemically prevent the refund transaction from generating. When the refund hold expires, IMF systemically generate the refund transaction (TC 846). Employees can input adjustments on the accounts during the time of the holding period of the original refund. If the adjustment results in an additional refund, this refund is also delayed. Employees need to notify the taxpayer that they will receive the additional refund in 4-6 weeks. Any time an adjustment is input on the account based on an amended return or correspondence and it results in a refund, the refund hold process takes place. There are two conditions resulting in TC 846 not being reflected on accounts upon settlement of the account. A refund hold is applied when the account meets Priority Refund Transcript criteria (Refund, Refund-E, Refund-S, $1M, and $10M) or the Compliance Review criteria (High Filter or Low Filter). The account reflects: A TC 570 with blocking series "55555" indicating the refund hold has been applied A TC 971 AC 805 (The miscellaneous field of the TC 971 AC 805 reflect the name of the transcript) The hold systemically expires 4 business days after the TC 971 AC 805 daily cycle. A refund hold is also applied when the account meets Notice Review criteria for certain Notices (CP 12, CP 21B refunds of $100,000 or more, and CP 24, Estimated Tax Credits Discrepancy - We Changed Your Return to Match Your Credits or Payments Posted to Your Account - You May Have a Credit or Overpayment). The account reflects: A TC 570 with blocking series "55555" indicating the refund hold has been applied A TC 971 AC 804 (The miscellaneous field of the TC 971 AC 804 reflect the CP number) The hold systemically expires 7 calendar days after the TC 971 AC 804 daily cycle. If the taxpayer’s payment is more than $50, and greater than the balance due amount or the taxpayer sends in two payments for the same amount and a refund will be issued for the second payment, then for both conditions see below: The account will show a 2-weekly cycle hold on electronic payments with TC 570 blocked 55514; systemic release of refund occurs after expiration of the 2 cycles The account will show a 4-weekly cycle hold on paper check payments with TC 570 blocked 55528; systemic release of refund occurs after expiration of the 4 cycles If both the TC 971 AC 804 and TC 971 AC 805 are present, the hold is for the 7 calendar days from the TC 971 AC 804 and TC 971 AC 805 cycle dates. For more information, refer to IRM 3.30.123.24, Processing Timeliness Criteria for CADE 2. 21.5.6.4.36 (11-25-2019) R- Freeze The R- (Remittance Processing System (RPS) Multiple TC 610) freeze is set when the module has one of the following conditions: More than one TC 610 is present on the same module when the TC 150 posts If another taxpayer’s payment (TC 610) posts to the wrong account or when a taxpayer submits multiple payments (TC 610) If a TC 610 posts with Doc Code 19, 70, or 76 resulting in a credit of $25 or more Release the R- freeze by one of these methods: IF THEN Freeze is due to subsequent payment Research to find out where the payment belongs. Refer to IRM 21.5.7, Payment Tracers. If you can determine where the payment belongs, follow procedures in IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. If the subsequent payment is for additional liability, and no Form 1040-X received, secure the Form 1040-X from the taxpayer. If the subsequent payment is for a penalty, research CC RTVUE for the TC 170 amount. Taxpayer states additional payment(s) is not theirs Caution: Do not credit the spouse’s account with a TC 610 if a TC 150 is already present. Use TC 670 for the payment amount instead. Ask whether a spouse or ex-spouse could have made them. Obtain the spouse’s SSN (if available), and research account. Check images are displayed on the Remittance Transaction Research (RTR) System. If you have access to RTR, the image may help determine who the payment belongs to. Refer to IRM 21.5.7.3.1, Remittance Transaction Research (RTR) System, for more information. Transfer payment, if account appears to be missing that exact amount (less interest and penalty). Input taxpayer’s SSN under the TC 612 and spouse’s SSN under TC 610. Refer to IRM 21.5.8, Credit Transfers. Taxpayer did not make payment and your call site is in the directorate where taxpayers return was processed Note: If not at your directorate, prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and route it to the Campus AM paper function to initiate research. Request document block to determine correct taxpayer. For more information on researching payments, refer to IRM 21.5.7.4.6.2, Mixed/Slipped Blocks, and IRM 21.5.7.4.7.1, Integrated Submission and Remittance Processing (ISRP) and Residual Remittance Processing System (RRPS). Transfer payment to correct account, if determination can be made. If after complete research you cannot make a determination and credit is more than one year old, prepare Form 8758, Excess Collections File Addition, to transfer credit to the Excess Collections file (XSF). Refer to IRM 3.17.220.2.2.1, Preparation of Form 8758, for more information. If after complete research you cannot make a determination and credit is less than one year old, prepare Form 2424, Account Adjustment Voucher, to transfer credit to the Unidentified Remittance File (URF). Refer to Exhibit 3.11.10-19, Form 2424, Account Adjustment Voucher, for more information. Route the form to the Accounting function in the proper campus. Reminder: If moving the credit to XSF or URF, input TC 971 AC 296 on the module payment/credit posted to. This indicates all research of the primary and related Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) was completed prior to the transfer to XSF or URF. Taxpayer verifies all payments and explains why multiple payments were submitted Input TC 290 for .00 to release freeze and allow extra payment to refund. MFT 31 / MFT 65 Refer to IRM 21.6.8.9.2, REFMFT31/REFMFT65 Transcripts. 21.5.6.4.37 (04-22-2019) -S Freeze The -S freeze has been added to IMF and BMF Master File processing for taxpayer accounts in Presidentially declared disaster areas. The -S freeze performs the same functions as the -O freeze for systemic penalty and interest relief. It does not, however, provide compliance relief. When the Internal Revenue Service decides to extend tax relief to taxpayers affected by a disaster, a notice is issued to the public outlining the relief that is being granted. The notice advises those taxpayers who reside outside the declared area but whose records, principal place of business, or accountant were inside the declared area to call the Disaster Hotline to self-identify. A chronological list, by FEMA number, of all the disaster declarations can be accessed to research the relief provided by the disaster office at IRS Disaster Assistance Program, http://www.icce.irs.gov/fema. Employees should research this website to validate the covered FEMA disaster area. If a practitioner is located in a covered disaster area and maintains records for several taxpayers located outside the disaster area, inform the practitioner to: Call the Special Service line 866-562-5227 Prepare an excel spreadsheet for 10 or more taxpayers and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Planning & Analysis Staff 4800 Buford Highway Stop 96C Chamblee, GA 30341 Refer the practitioner to the IRS website Tax-Professionals/Bulk-Requests-from-Practitioners-for-Disaster-Relief, for more information on completing the spreadsheet If a practitioner calls for a single taxpayer account, third-party telephone contact requires IRS assistors to authenticate a practitioner’s authorized relationship to act on behalf of a taxpayer through Power of Attorney. The Centralized Authorization File (CAF) must have the POA before the relief is added to a taxpayer’s account, or the practitioner may ask the assistor if a POA may be faxed for processing. Refer to IRM 21.3.10.3, Authentication and Disclosure Guidelines, for more information. If a taxpayer calls who resides outside the Presidentially declared disaster area but whose records, principal place of business, or accountant/preparer were inside the Presidentially declared disaster area, take the following steps: Authenticate the taxpayer Request the zip code of the area where their records, principal place of business, or accountant/preparer is located Refer to the http://www.icce.irs.gov/fema, to validate the covered disaster area using the zip code obtained from the caller Locate the State the disaster occurred. Using the zip code the caller provided, research the S and O freeze columns to determine which freeze needs to be input If the zip code is located under the -O freeze the CSR refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.30, -O Freeze, for more information on inputting the TC 971 AC 087 If the zip code is located under the -S freeze, input the TC 971 AC 688 For input of the TC 971 AC 688: Use CC ENMOD of the affected taxpayers account Input CC REQ77 Line 2, literal "TC" enter 971 Line 3, literal, "TRANS DATE" input the disaster relief period start date Line 7, literal, "SECONDARY DT" input disaster relief period end date Line 8, literal "TC971/151-CD" input 688 Line 8, "FEMA-NUM" input the proper declaration number (i.e., FEMA-4062) If taxpayers were assessed any penalties during the relief period, the penalties systemically reverse upon the posting of the TC 971 AC 688 from the 1st day of the relief period start date until the 1st day after the relief period end date. Refer to IRM 20.1.2.2.2.2 (7), Federal Disaster Area - IRC 7508A, for more information. More disaster information can be found in: IRM 25.16.1.2, Federal Disaster Declaration Process, for disaster and emergency relief information on administrative guidance and cross-functional operating procedures IRM 25.16.1.8.1, -S Freeze IRM 20.1.2.2.2.2, Federal Disaster Area - IRC 7508A, and IRM 20.2.7.13, IRC 7508A, Presidentially Declared Disaster or Terroristic or Military Actions IRM 21.5.3.4, General Claims Procedures, for expedited processing of disaster claims The -S freeze is released when the current date is beyond the secondary date (disaster ending date) of the TC 971 AC 688. 21.5.6.4.38 (10-03-2022) S- Freeze The S- freeze is the undelivered refund check freeze set when: The TC 740 generates when a check is returned as undeliverable by the post office A return with a refund due attempts to establish a module on Master File without an address. Instead of the overpayment refunding, an S- freeze generates. The S- freeze posts without a TC 740 posted to the account. For more information, refer to IRM 21.4.1.4.5, Return Processed But No Address On File If RIVO has changed the address on a suspected ID theft case to the service center address, do not change the address without researching the account and verifying the account belongs to the taxpayer. If the information is the taxpayer's, follow the procedures in IRM 21.4.1.4.5 (1)(c), Return Processed But No Address on File, to change the address and release the refund. If you cannot verify the information, refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, -R Freeze Overview For Accounts With Return Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) Involvement, for more information There is a cancellation of credits on an outstanding refund check 14 months after the date of issuance Note: When researching for all transactions on the module, make sure your research includes CC IMFOL, to determine if any transactions have posted to the module but have not updated to CC TXMOD. Release the S- freeze through one of the actions in the following chart. Also refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.3, Undeliverable Refund Checks. Note: For more reasons an S- freeze generates and the related release actions, refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. Exception: If there are unresolved TPP issues on any module on the account, do not release the S- freeze. TPP issues must be resolved first. TPP activity can be identified as outlined in IRM 25.25.6.1.7, Taxpayer Protection Program Overview. Follow instructions in IRM 25.25.6.6, Non Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP) Telephone Assistors Response to Taxpayers. IF AND THEN This is a manual refund due to Injured Spouse Return Do not release the freeze. Follow instructions for injured spouse returned refunds in IRM 21.4.6.5.22.1, Injured Spouse Returned Refunds. Taxpayer or authorized representative states they have moved or provides a reasonable explanation of why the refund was returned undeliverable Taxpayer or authorized representative is able to authenticate their identity as outlined in IRM 3.13.5.29 (6), Oral Statement/Telephone Contact Address Change Requirements Confirm the taxpayers current mailing address. If the address provided does not match the address on file, input CC CHK64 using the IAT tool to correct the address and reissue the refund to the new address. Refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.3 (6) and (7), Undeliverable Refund Checks, if you have questions regarding the input of CC CHK64. If the address provided matches the address on file, input CC CHK64 using the IAT tool with no change to the address to reissue the refund. If the address provided is a temporary address, a manual refund is required. Prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and route it to the Campus AM paper function within your directorate. Be sure to provide the temporary address on the referral. Advise the taxpayer/caller a refund will be re-issued in about 4 weeks. Note: If multiple freeze codes are present, CC CHK64 may not release the refund. Research conditions for each freeze code to determine what actions are needed. Taxpayer or authorized representative states they have moved or provides a reasonable explanation of why the refund was returned undeliverable Taxpayer or authorized representative is NOT able to authenticate their identity as outlined in IRM 3.13.5.29 (6), Oral Statement/Telephone Contact Address Change Requirements Instruct taxpayer/caller to file Form 8822, Change of Address. Advise taxpayer/caller to allow 6-8 weeks for Form 8822 to be processed and a refund check to be re-issued. Taxpayer states they discovered an uncashed refund check that was issued more than 12 months before and wants to cash it Note: After 12 months, the check expires and the credit is returned to the taxpayers account (TC 740, Blocking Series 66666). (These claims are subject to Limited Payability provisions. Refer to IRM 21.4.2.4.7, Limited Payability (LP) Rules.) Check is not a manual refund (TC 840) issued as a result of an injured spouse claim Research IDRS to determine whether the Service has reissued the refund or corresponded with the taxpayer on this issue. Release the freeze by inputting CC CHK64 per IRM 21.4.3.5.3, Undeliverable Refund Checks. Advise the taxpayer to destroy the check. Taxpayer states they discovered an uncashed refund check that was issued more than 12 months before and wants to cash it Check is a manual refund originating because of an injured spouse claim A manual refund must be reissued. Posting of CC CHK64 could allow the refund to be offset to a federal tax obligation and/or Debtor Master File, if the liability still exists. Refer to IRM 21.4.6, Refund Offset, and IRM 21.4.4.5.1, Preparation of Form 5792, IDRS Generated Refund, for more information. Taxpayer submits correspondence providing an updated address Input CC CHK64 using the IAT tool to correct the address and reissue the refund to the new address. Refer to IRM 21.4.3.5.3 (6) and (7), Undeliverable Refund Checks, if you have questions regarding the input of CC CHK64. Note: If there are multiple "S-" Freezes, CC "CHK64" input on any account with an "S-" releases all "S-" Freezes. 21.5.6.4.39 (01-08-2018) T- Freeze The T- freeze is a TDA status alpha indicator showing the account is assigned to Collection. The module is not frozen. T- freeze accounts are assigned to specific Collection functions which are indicated by the Status Code: Status 22 is in ACS (Automated Collection System), Status 24 is in the Queue, and Status 26 is in the Collection Field Function (CFF) a revenue officer assignment. Entity changes, record of account requests, etc. may be processed in the normal manner, however, be aware of the above codes when considering changes that affect the balance due. Status 22 Refer to IRM 5.19.1.4, Balance Due Research and Balance Due Collection First Read Process (CFRP), for any tax adjustment or installment agreement action on this account. For procedures involving amended returns or collection related correspondence, refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.9.2.1, Compliance Criteria for Amended Returns/Claims and/or Balance Due Correspondence Status 24 Follow normal Balance Due procedures. Refer to IRM 5.19.1, Balance Due. For procedures involving amended returns, or collection related correspondence refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.9.2.1, Compliance Criteria for Amended Returns/Claims and/or Balance Due Correspondence Status 26DO NOT take any tax adjustment or installment agreement action on this account. For telephone inquiries, if contact by the revenue officer (RO) has been received, instruct the taxpayer to call the RO assigned to the account (the telephone number is listed on correspondence issued by the RO). If the taxpayer does not wish to call, prepare and forward Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, to the RO group (SERP does not have individual RO TDA/TDI Assignment (TSIGN) numbers; only the group numbers.). The RO by TSIGN/ZIP/STATE is available under the Who/Where tab on the SERP Home Page. This listing provides the RO group assignment number, the zip codes related to it, including fax number, telephone number, and address. If the taxpayer has not been contacted by the RO, follow procedures in IRM 5.19.1.4, Balance Due Research and Balance Due Collection First Read Process (CFRP). Refer to IRM 5.19.1.4, Balance Due Research and Balance Due Collection First Read Process (CFRP), for exceptions to Status 26 RO assignment For procedures involving amended returns or collection related correspondence, refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.9.2.1, Compliance Criteria for Amended Returns/Claims and/or Balance Due Correspondence 21.5.6.4.40 (10-01-2006) -T Freeze ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ No special actions are required for a -T freeze account, follow normal processing procedures when a taxpayer inquiry is received. 21.5.6.4.41 (11-01-2021) -U Freeze The -U freeze (Erroneous Refund Freeze) is set when an erroneous refund is issued to the taxpayer. It is initiated by TC 844 and freezes the entire account from refunding or offsetting in or out. Research IDRS/CFOL to determine the necessary closing action. Note: If the caller is requesting a balance due payoff amount and the -U freeze is present on the account, DO NOT provide the payoff amount. Follow the instructions below: IF THEN Another employee has a control on the module Submit Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, to the controlling employee. Advise the taxpayer he or she will be contacted within 30 days. An outstanding unpostable TC 845 is present, and Unpostables has begun to work the case Submit Form 4442/e-4442 to the controlling employee. Refer to IRM 21.5.5.3.3, Responding to Taxpayer Inquiries on an Open Unpostable, for timeframe to provide taxpayer. An outstanding unpostable TC 845 is present, and Unpostables has not begun to work the case Input the proper information on CC UPCASZ. Refer to IRM 21.5.5, Unpostables, for more instructions and IRM 21.5.5.3.3, Responding to Taxpayer Inquiries on an Open Unpostable, for timeframe to provide taxpayer. It has been at least 30 days since TC 844 was input Send a secure email to the Submission Processing Accounting Erroneous Refund function with the open IDRS control base. If no open control on IDRS, send a secure email to the Submission Processing Accounting Erroneous Refund function that should have received the erroneous refund package. Refer to IRM 21.4.5.6.3, Routing Category D Erroneous Refund Packages, for email addresses. 21.5.6.4.42 (10-01-2011) U- Freeze The U- freeze, with status code 60, indicates a module freeze that is generated when CC IAORG or CC IAREV is input to an account. An active installment agreement is established. The status suspends all notices except those for installment agreements. The U- freeze is released when the status is updated to a status other than 60. Refer to IRM 5.19.1.6, Methods of Payment. 21.5.6.4.43 (06-20-2018) V- Freeze The V- freeze (outstanding liability) is generated when there is a liability on another account with the IRS. The freeze for an outstanding liability is set with the posting of TC 130 on the entity section. The TC 130 has a specific indicator to identify the agency with the outstanding liability. If the indicator is 99, the freeze is the result of a state or federal agency debt on the Debtor Master File (DMF). If the indicator is other than 99, it is the campus where the TC 130 was input. Research IDRS for Non-Master File (NMF) accounts to determine where the outstanding liability exists. Use CC TXMOD, CC SUMRY, and CC ENMOD with definer "N" after the TIN. Note: A TC 130, Offer in Compromise (OIC) hold, on the CC IMFOL indicator field indicates that the overpayment is being held due to the monitoring of an accepted offer. One of the terms/conditions of an OIC is that IRS keeps any refund, including interest, due to the taxpayer because of an overpayment of any tax or other liability, for tax periods extending through the calendar year in which the offer is accepted. Refer to IRM 5.19.7.10, Refund Recoupments, for more information. Refer to IRM 21.2.1.5, Non-Master File, for more information. Refer to IRM 21.4.6.4.2, Treasury Offset Program (TOP) Offset, for more information. No action should be taken to release a V- freeze, unless a credit transfer of misapplied payment(s) or an overpayment satisfies the issue. If a credit transfer of a misapplied payment(s) or an overpayment is needed, use the IAT Credit Transfer tool to transfer the payment(s). A CP 44, Refund Delayed Because You May Owe on Another Non-Individual (IMF) Account, is generated when an IMF overpayment of $25 or more is available for application. See IRM 21.3.1.6.30, CP 44 Credit Available For Application to Non-IMF Account, for instructions for responding to a CP 44. IF THEN V- freeze is for a liability on another account Advise the taxpayer of the balance due. Refer to IRM 5.19.1, Balance Due. V- freeze is due to a TOP Offset or DMF liability Refer to IRM 21.4.6, Refund Offset. There is no outstanding liability on IDRS or DMF, and there is an unreversed TC 130 Allow 6 to 8 weeks from the posting of the return to determine if there is a non-tax liability. After 8 weeks prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral, and forward to the Atlanta Campus Compliance Services Collection Operation (CSCO). Advise the taxpayer by telephone call or Letter 86C, Referring Taxpayer Inquiry/Forms to Another Office, the case is being routed to the Atlanta Campus for resolution. Refer to IRM 21.3.3.4.2.1, Use of 86C Letter - Referring Taxpayer Inquiry/Forms to Another Office. Injured Spouse claim Refer to IRM 21.4.6.5.8.3 (17)(h), Processing of Form 8379 Injured Spouse Allocation, for information on issuing a manual refund. Innocent Spouse Claim Refer to IRM 25.15.8.5.2.2, Processable Form 8857, and IRM 25.15.2.4.3, TC 130 Entire Account Frozen From Refunding, for more information. 21.5.6.4.44 (03-18-2021) -V Freeze The -V freeze enables IRS to comply with the automatic stay provisions of the Bankruptcy Code by "freezing" the pre-petition tax modules so collection actions do not take place. IRS employees, upon learning of a bankruptcy, generally should cease all demands and enforcement actions directed against the bankrupt taxpayer; e.g., a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) for pre-petition taxes should not be filed and no levy should be proposed or made for pre-petition taxes. But certain action may be necessary to comply with various standing court orders which allow assessments, offsets, or refunds to the debtor. Also, actions may be required under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) which is applicable to cases filed on or after October 17, 2005; the "Series 6" freeze codes (TC 520 with a cc 60-67) were created for these actions; e.g., they modify the -V freeze for post-petition modules and allow post-petition offsets of "mutual" credits and debts of pre-petition credits to pre-petition taxes. The -V freeze with a TC 520, cc 60-67, cc 83, or cc 85-89, on any module, indicates a bankruptcy freeze to ensure compliance with the automatic stay provisions. Do not automatically refer the taxpayer to the Centralized Insolvency Operation (CIO). First determine the reason(s) for the contact and address any non-insolvency related issues as appropriate. Note: Closing codes 86–89 have been retired, but open cases with unreversed TC 520 are processed pursuant to those codes. A TC 520 cc 81 and a cc 84 are bankruptcy freezes but they are set with a -W Litigation freeze. The cc 81 usually indicates that the Department of Justice is litigating a bankruptcy matter relating to the account. It may also indicate a court has issued a Refund Turnover Order which CIO executes and which requires a refund be turned over to the fiduciary of a bankruptcy estate The cc 84 indicates a Revenue Officer is maintaining the account during the bankruptcy stay. See IRM 21.5.6.4.46, -W Freeze, for guidance on the cc 84 When the Department of Justice (DOJ) litigates a case for the IRS and/or secures a judgment for collection of the debit, only DOJ has decision authority. The following defines a DOJ case: Any module in Status 72 and/or an unreversed TC 520 with cc 70, cc 75, cc 80 and cc 82 Any module with a TC 550 and definer code 04 (judgment) Note: Actions on cases where Department of Justice (DOJ) is litigating or has secured a judgment, without DOJ concurrence/approval, may have a negative and serious impact on the ongoing litigation or secured judgment. If the taxpayer is calling regarding a refund and a bankruptcy freeze is on an account: IF THEN TC 846 or a TC 840 is present Provide the caller with the expected refund date. Reminder: Do not contact CIO concerning a refund when TC 846 or TC 840 is present TC 810 with "RESP-U-CD>3" (Earned Income Tax Credit freeze) is present Advise the taxpayer a review for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) amount is in process. Both TC 846 and TC 810 with "RESP-U-CD>3" are present (partial refund is generating while an EITC freeze is on the account) Explain to the taxpayer the refund they initially receive is the amount not subject to EITC review. Neither a TC 846 nor a TC 840 is present and normal processing time has elapsed Refer the taxpayer to the CIO toll-free number at 800-973-0424, Hours of Operation are 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. ET, (Monday through Friday). AM must transfer to 1618. Certain closing codes do not prevent refunds to the taxpayer. For refund Inquiries, refer to IRM 5.9.5.6.1, Closing Codes, for types of closing codes and the effects of various codes. If the taxpayer is responding to a math error notice, do not contact the CIO. Follow procedures in IRM 21.5.4.5.4, Math Error Substantiated Protest Processing. If the taxpayer is calling to request an Installment Agreement (IA) refer the caller to the CIO toll-free number at 800-973-0424. AM must transfer to 1618. Refer the taxpayer to the CIO toll-free number, 800-973-0424, for questions regarding bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings, and if the taxpayer is outside the US (living abroad). For more information, refer to IRM 5.19.1.5.2.1, Contacts Regarding Insolvency Issues, or for Individual Master File (IMF) accounts refer to IRM 5.19.1.5.2, Insolvency Issues. Take no action to release a -W freeze set by a TC 520 cc 81 for bankruptcy litigation. Note: Insolvency (and generally Field Insolvency and not CIO) is the contact for the -W freeze for bankruptcy litigation. CIO is the contact for Refund Turnover Orders. Insolvency have to review the Automatic Insolvency System (AIS) "Referral" , "Classification" , and "History" screens to determine which freeze is in effect or whether both are in effect. If a TC 521 has already posted to the module and all closing codes are -W Litigation freezes (i.e., the cc is not a 60-67, 83, or 85-89), contact the proper Appeals Office or Advisory Group before making any account adjustments. See the Litigation Contacts listed in the IRM 21.5.6.4.46, -W Freeze. Do not simply refer the case to Appeals or Advisory to make adjustments. Exception: Insolvency is the contact for the cc 81 and generally for the cc 84; both of which set a -W freeze. See the Note under (9) above. But, it may be necessary to contact a Revenue Officer for the cc 84. 21.5.6.4.44.1 (02-05-2021) Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cases In certain Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases the IRS has been directed by the bankruptcy courts to forward a debtor's post-petition refund to the bankruptcy trustee. If a taxpayer in bankruptcy has not received a refund check and IDRS shows the check was issued over 14 days ago, advise the taxpayer to call Centralized Insolvency Operation in Philadelphia at 800-973-0424. Hours of operations are 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. ET, Monday through Friday. If the taxpayer is calling to request an Installment Agreement (IA), advise the taxpayer to call Centralized Insolvency Operation in Philadelphia at 800-973-0424. 21.5.6.4.45 (12-20-2016) W- Freeze The W- (Claim Pending) freeze is set by a TC 470 and is frequently input on a module when taxpayer files a claim for refund, or when payment tracer case is initiated, to prevent offsets into the module pending resolution of the issue. The W- freeze is also set with TC 840 if TC 150 without CCC "O" is present and no 29X/30X is present. A TC 976/977 posting to a module in a debit balance and Status is 22, 24 or 26. TC 470, cc 93 does not prevent offsets into the module. If the TC 470 was input for a claim or payment tracer and the actions have been completed; input a TC 472 to release the freeze or CC STAUP for zero (0) cycles to allow balance due notices to resume, if applicable. If a campus controls a case, the freeze is released automatically in 15 cycles or manually by the tax examiner. Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48 and Document 6209, Section 11.8(7), TC 470 Closing Code Chart for more information. 21.5.6.4.46 (10-03-2022) -W Freeze The -W freeze may be set in two ways: Litigation Freeze Codes: These are set by posting a TC 520 along with an appropriate closing code. Document 6209, Section 11.8(8), TC 520 Closing Code Chart, contains definitions for the TC 520 closing codes. IRM 25.3.7, Reconciling Non-Insolvency LAMS Reports, also contains background on TC 520 closing codes and the actions that result from posting them. Several organizations throughout the IRS use litigation freezes and their use services different types of litigation. IRM 25.3.8, TC 520 -W Freeze Servicewide Guide, is a servicewide guide to these types of litigation and the organizations responsible for them Failed Banks: Occasionally a financial institution fails and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) steps into a receivership for the institution. FDIC then submits Form 56-F, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship of Financial Institution, which when processed posts a TC 971 AC 076, setting a -W freeze. Insolvency then posts a TC 520 cc 84; see IRM 5.9.20.3.1, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Receivership Proceedings of Insolvent Financial Institutions. For amended returns received for insolvent financial institutions, follow procedures in IRM 21.7.4.4.4.13.3, Insolvent Financial Institutions/Failed Banks Exception: If the amended return is a Carryback claim, follow procedures in IRM 21.5.9.4.2.1, Carryback Applications/Claims from Financial Institutions in Receivership - Form 56–F Filed. When the Department of Justice (DOJ) litigates a case for the IRS and/or secures a judgment for collection of the debit, only DOJ has decision authority. The following defines a DOJ case: Any module in Status 72 and/or an unreversed TC 520 with any of the closing codes listed in (3) below Any module with a TC 550 and definer code 04 (judgment) Note: Actions on cases where Department of Justice (DOJ) is litigating or has secured a judgment, without DOJ concurrence/approval, may have a negative and serious impact on the ongoing litigation or secured judgment. Complete thorough research of the account and modules to identify a -W (Litigations) freeze status. Caution: Do not take any action on the module or the account without contacting the litigation contact for the identified function (refer to the If/THEN chart below). This includes an account that has a DUPF return. A DUPF return is not considered correspondence but do not take any action on the account. You must follow the table below. IF THE TC 520 CC IS THEN 70, 75, 80, 82 Contact the Advisory Group prior to taking account action. These accounts are initiated by the proper Advisory Group when litigation is pending.Do not send correspondence or amended returns to the Advisory Group when litigation is pending. Contact numbers can be found by selecting Advisory under the Who/Where tab on the SERP Home Page. 71, 73 Contact the proper Refund Litigation Coordinator (RLC) listed in the IRM 3.17.243.5.2, Refund Litigation Campus Contacts, prior to taking account action. These accounts are initiated by Campus Refund Litigation. 72, 74 Closing Codes 72 and 74 denote Tax Court, however, either Appeals or Counsel may control these case types For cc 72 cases - contact Appeals prior to taking account action. Send a secure email to the Appeals mailbox, *AP Inquiries, requesting contact information of the Appeals employee working the case. For cc 74 cases - prior to taking any account action check IDRS for an Appeals Location Code. Appeals Location Code - contact Appeals. Send a secure email to the Appeals mailbox, *AP Inquiries, requesting contact information of the Appeals employee working the case. No Appeals Location Code - check IDRS history section for information on cc 74 posting party and contact that party. 76, 77 Contact Appeals prior to taking account action. These accounts are initiated by Collection Due Process (CDP) appeals. Send a secure email to the Appeals mailbox, *AP Inquiries, requesting contact information of the Appeals employee working the case. 81 Follow the -V freeze instructions in IRM 21.5.6.4.44, -V Freeze. A TC 520 cc 81 is a Bankruptcy Litigation freeze but shows a -W freeze instead of a -V freeze. In January 2002, new bankruptcy closing codes became available; however, the closing code 81 continues to be used. Refer to IRM 5.9.5.6.1 (5) and (6), Closing Codes, concerning older closing codes. Note: Prior to revisions in June 2005, the cc 81 was also used by Advisory on all periods for which a proof of claim was filed in a probate case. Now cc 80 is used in probate cases when the CSED is suspended while assets are in the custody of a court. Note: A cc 81 may be used for compliance with a Refund Turnover Order (RTO) as well as for a litigation freeze. Refer to IRM 5.9.5, Opening a Bankruptcy Case. After complying with an RTO, check whether the -W litigation freeze should remain on the account before reversing the -W freeze for RTO compliance. Refer to IRM 5.9.6, Processing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Cases. 84 Generally, contact Insolvency prior to taking account action; but it may be necessary to contact the Revenue Officer as well or in the alternative. Contact information can be found on SERP at Field Insolvency Liaisons. The TC 520 cc 84 does not relate to bankruptcy litigation like the other -W Freezes. A cc 84 is input for bankruptcy cases requiring special handling. The account does not go into IDRS Status 72 (which generally indicates bankruptcy). The CSED is not suspended and collection actions are not prevented. Examples of accounts requiring special handling include: the account of a corporation in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to allow an assigned Revenue Officer to complete a TFRP investigation and assessment determinations; the account of a single member disregarded entity LLC to allow an assigned Revenue Officer to collection of income tax liability from the non-bankrupt single member owner. The Litigation Contact may inform you to do one of the following with a document: Adjust the account per usual procedures (with or without sending a copy to the litigation contact) Adjust the account and forward the document to the litigation contact unless the contact informs you to forward the document directly to Chief Counsel or the Department of Justice (DOJ) Forward the document to the litigation contact without taking action Suspend action while the litigation contact obtains guidance from Chief Counsel or DOJ 21.5.6.4.47 (11-25-2019) X- Freeze An X- freeze is set when a module credit is ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ or more for IMF or ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ or more for BMF. The freeze prevents any credits from systemically offsetting or refunding. Refer to IRM 21.5.6.4.24, -L Freeze, if an open TC 420 or -L freeze is present. If appropriate, take action to release the freeze and manually refund the credit if no open controls exist. If an open control exists, contact the employee/team with the case control. Caution: ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡A manual refund is required using Form 3753, Manual Refund Posting Voucher. Refer to IRM 21.4.4.5.2, Preparation of the Form 3753, Manual Refund Posting Voucher, for preparing the manual refund. If the taxpayer submitted Form 8302, Electronic Deposit of Tax of $1 Million or More, include it with Form 3753. Refer to IRM 3.17.79.3.10.1, Form 8302, Electronic Deposit of Tax Refund of $1 Million or More, for more information. The X- freeze is systemically released and the offset/refund restriction released in the cycle the module balance becomes zero or debit balance. 21.5.6.4.48 (10-03-2022) -X Freeze The -X (Manual Refund) freeze is set when one of the following conditions is present: A manual refund is issued (usually for expedite and/or hardship reasons) with no TC 150 posted on the account. (Usually no action is required to release the -X freeze, because posting the return releases it.) IF AND THEN Research shows the TC 840 was input on an incorrect module or TIN Move the TC 840 and applicable credits to the correct module and TIN. Refer to IRM 21.5.2.4.23.10, Moving Refunds. It has been 26 cycles since the TC 840 posted and research shows the TC 840 was input on the correct module and TIN The original return has not been processed Advise taxpayer to resubmit return to the proper processing center. A return is coded CCC "O" and the TC 150 posted without a TC 840 IF AND THEN Module has a TC 971 AC 664 (posted or pending) No TC 840 has posted or is pending Take no action to release the overpayment. Refer to IRM 21.4.4.6.1, Monitoring Manual Refunds, and IRM 21.4.4.5.2, Preparation of the Form 3753, Manual Refund Posting Voucher, for more information. It has been less than 6 cycles since the TC 150 posted The TC 840 is not yet showing on the module and there is no unpostable condition Inform the taxpayer that the time for the information to post to the account has not passed and to call back in 6 weeks. It has been at least 6 cycles since the TC 150 posted The TC 840 is not showing on the module and there is an open IDRS control to an employee with no unpostable condition Prepare Form 4442/e-4442, Inquiry Referral. Select "IRM" referral type and category "Open Control" . Print and fax IRM directed referrals to any area that does not have Account Management Services (AMS) access. Note: If the open control is for a Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) case and you have access to CIS, do not initiate a referral. Add the information to the CIS case as a Case Note (CN). If the open control is not for a CIS case or you do not have access to CIS, initiate a referral to the open control using "Open Control " as the referral type. It has been at least 6 cycles since the TC 150 posted The TC 840 is not showing on the module and there is an open IDRS control to a clerical function or a team number with no unpostable condition Apologize for the delay in processing the information and advise the taxpayer to allow an additional 30 days. It has been at least 6 cycles since the TC 150 posted The TC 840 is not showing on the module and the return was erroneously coded with CCC O. There is no open IDRS control present Release the refund to the taxpayer by inputting a TC 290 for .00 with a Priority Code 8. Refer to IRM 21.4.4.3, Why Would A Manual Refund Be Needed?, for more information regarding when a manual refund is required. Overpayment on a deceased taxpayer’s account IF AND THEN CC TXMOD shows a CCC/RCC L or W There is no open IDRS control present Refer to IRM 21.6.6.2.20.2, Processing Decedent Account Refunds, for more information on issuing refunds. Note: If a manual refund is required, Toll-Free Assistors send a Form 4442/e-4442 to the Campus AM paper function within their Directorate. Use "-X Freeze" as the referral type. CC TXMOD shows a CCC/RCC L or W There is an open IDRS control to an employee Prepare Form 4442/e-4442. Select “IRM” referral type and category “Open Control”. Print and fax IRM directed referrals to any area that does not have Account Management Services (AMS) access. Note: If the open control is for a Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) case and you have access to CIS, do not initiate a referral. Add the information to the CIS case as a Case Note (CN). If the open control is not for a CIS case or you do not have access to CIS, initiate a referral to the open control using "Open Control" as the referral type. CC TXMOD shows a CCC/RCC L or W There is an open IDRS control to a clerical function or a team number Apologize for the delay in processing the information and advise the taxpayer to allow an additional 30 days. CC TXMOD does not show a CCC/RCC L or W There is no open IDRS control present Refer to IRM 21.6.6.2.20.2, Processing Decedent Account Refunds, for more information on issuing refunds. Note: If a manual refund is required, Toll-Free Assistors send a Form 4442/e-4442 to the Campus AM paper function within their Directorate. Use "-X Freeze" as the referral type. CC TXMOD does not show a CCC/RCC L or W There is an open IDRS control to an employee Prepare Form 4442/e-4442. Select "IRM" referral type and category "Open Control" . Print and fax IRM directed referrals to any area that does not have Account Management Services (AMS) access. Note: If the open control is for a Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) case and you have access to CIS, do not initiate a referral. Add the information to the CIS case as a Case Note (CN). If the open control is not for a CIS case or you do not have access to CIS, initiate a referral to the open control using "Open Control" as the referral type. CC TXMOD does not show a CCC/RCC L or W There is an open IDRS control to a clerical function or a team number Apologize for the delay in processing the information and advise the taxpayer to allow an additional 30 days. There is a date of death on CC IMFOLE No SSA date of death on CC INOLES Toll-free assistors send a Form 4442/e-4442 to the Campus AM paper function within their Directorate. Use "-X Freeze" as the referral type. All others take the following steps: Research modules for TC 540 with transaction dates that match CC IMFOLE. This could involve numerous modules, including modules in retention. Reverse all TC 540s by inputting TC 542s using same date of death. Caution: A TC 540 with DLN 28277-111-11111-Y cannot be reversed. If TC 540 is in error, issue a manual refund to release the refund. Forward the TIN to your P&A staff to contact HQ analyst to reverse the TC 540. If CC IMFOLE has an unreversed TC 971 AC 524, reverse with a TC 972 AC 524. Monitor the account to confirm the date of death is cleared from CC IMFOLE. Issue a manual refund to release the refund. A TC 840 posts to a module creating a debit balance IF THEN There is an open IDRS control Prepare Form 4442/e-4442. Select "IRM" referral type and category "Open Control" . Print and fax IRM directed referrals to any area that does not have Account Management Services (AMS) access. Note: If the open control is for a Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) case and you have access to CIS, do not initiate a referral. Add the information to the CIS case as a Case Note (CN). If the open control is not for a CIS case or you do not have access to CIS, initiate a referral to the open control using "Open Control" as the referral type. There is no open IDRS control present Research for any missing credits. Transfer any misapplied credits. Input adjustment action, if necessary, to release the freeze. Take all necessary actions to resolve the debit balance before releasing the freeze and resuming notice issuance. Notify the taxpayer if the debit condition is correct. Taxpayer claims an overpayment of estimated tax credit of ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ IF THEN You can verify the payment belongs to the taxpayer Release the freeze with a TC 290 for .00 and PC 8. Refer to IRM 21.2.4.3.25, Processing EXES-TC 840 Transcripts (J-/-X Freeze), for further instructions. You cannot verify the payment belongs to the taxpayer Take no action. An EXES-TC 840 transcript generates. Refer to IRM 21.2.4.3.25, Processing EXES-TC 840 Transcripts (J-/-X Freeze). Note: Refer to Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48 for conditions that set the -X freeze. On accounts that taxpayers have filed a Form 1040-NR or Form 1040-NR-EZ and have a refund overpayment ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡, do not release the refunds. These returns can be identified with CCC O on CC TXMOD and the accounts must have TC 767 CRN 330. Refer to IRM 21.8.2.12.2.4 (8), FATCA- 1042-S Matching Program - General Information - Identifying Related Letters, Transaction Codes, Reason Codes, 1042-S Data Fields, for more information. Follow the procedures below if you are working TRNS41, Unresolved Manual Refund Freeze, transcripts. IF A TC 840 AND THEN Is input and TC 29X posts without a hold code on the corresponding adjustment A duplicate refund is generated on the Master File Follow erroneous refund procedures in IRM 21.4.5, Erroneous Refunds. Posted to the correct module The TC 150 posted to an incorrect module Reprocess the return. Make any necessary adjustments. Refer to IRM 21.6.7.4.2.7.1, Mixed Periods, and IRM 21.6.2.4.2, Mixed Entity Procedures. Posted to the incorrect module The TC 150 posted to the correct module Move the TC 840 and applicable credits to the correct module and TIN. See IRM 21.5.2.4.23.10, Moving Refunds. Posted to the correct module A TC 150 cannot be located Follow procedures in IRM 21.2.4.3.39.1(4), AM08 Resolution, based on if the taxpayer is required to file. Posted to the correct module The credits are located in another account Transfer the credits to resolve the "-X" Freeze. Delete the filing requirements, if the taxpayer is not liable to file a return. Posted to a module Created a debit balance Research for any missing credits. Transfer any misapplied credits. Input adjustment action, if necessary, to release the freeze. Take all necessary actions to resolve the debit balance before releasing the freeze and resuming notice issuance. Notify the taxpayer if the debit condition is correct. Is not posted to a module The return was erroneously coded with CCC "O" Release the refund to the taxpayer by inputting a TC 290 for .00 with a Priority Code 8. Refer to IRM 21.4.4.3, Why Would A Manual Refund Be Needed?, for more information regarding when a manual refund is required. Note: Only release the refund if 6 cycles has passed since the TC 150 posted. Research IDRS for open or closed controls. IF IDRS SHOWS AND THEN An open control in the Refund Inquiry Function with an activity code "841TOPOST" TC 840 posted without an offsetting credit from Bureau of Fiscal Services (BFS) Refile the return if no other adjustment is necessary. An open or closed control base from a prior refund inquiry (e.g., "3911 to RDCC" ) Forward the TRNS41 to the respective function. Refile the TC 840 document. DO NOT release the freeze. DO NOT allow the TDA to generate. An open or closed control base with a category code of "EXES" You can verify the payment belongs to the taxpayer Release the freeze with a TC 290 for .00 and PC 8. Refer to IRM 21.2.4.3.25, Processing EXES-TC 840 Transcripts (J-/-X Freeze), for further instructions. Compliance Service Collection Operation (CSCO), (formerly Service Center Collection Branch, (SCCB)) must be notified if the case cannot be closed prior to the issuance of a TDA. IF AND THEN The TDA was issued An erroneous refund was issued Notify CSCO to destroy the TDA. The TDA was issued There is still a balance due on the account Notify CSCO of the action taken. 21.5.6.4.49 (10-01-2016) Y- Freeze The Y- (Data Processing/Audit Adjustment) freeze is set by TC 29X/30X that has a HC 1, 2, or 4. Refer to IRM 21.3.1.7.29, CP 210 Audit/DP Tax Adjustment, and/or Document 6209, Section 8A.4, Master File Freeze Codes and IDRS Status 48. 21.5.6.4.50 (04-01-2014) -Y Freeze The -Y (Offer in Compromise) freeze is set by TC 480 when systemically uploaded through the Automated Offer in Compromise Program (AOIC) located in Brookhaven Customer Service Center (BCSC) or Memphis Customer Service Center (MCSC); or by Exam and Appeals located in the Area Offices, at the time the taxpayers offer is considered processable. Take no action to release this freeze. Respond to taxpayer inquiries by following the guidelines found on the Offer-in-Compromise (OIC) Centralized Service Center Locations, link located under the Who/Where tab on the SERP Home Page, or refer to IRM 5.19.7.2, Monitoring Offers in Compromise (MOIC), for more information. Take the following actions when a -Y freeze is present on the module: TC 480 indicates offer pending and assessments/adjustments are allowed. If there is an unreversed TC 480, DO NOT route original returns, amended returns, or penalty abatement requests to Centralized Offer in Compromise (COIC). Work the case following regular IRM procedures TC 780 indicates offer accepted. DO NOT ASSESS/ABATE. Return the original return, amended return, or penalty abatement request to the taxpayer using the proper letter informing them the offer has been accepted and no adjustment is permitted on the account. Suggested open paragraph to use in the letter to the taxpayer: "Because your account reflects an accepted Offer in Compromise, no further adjustments are permitted." For OIC Campus locations refer to the Who/Where tab on the SERP Home Page, Offer-in-Compromise (OIC) Centralized Service Center Locations. 21.5.6.4.51 (10-01-2009) Z- Freeze ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ 21.5.6.4.52 (10-03-2022) -Z Freeze ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Note: ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Exception: ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡"≡" ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Note: ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡"≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡" ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ 21.5.6.4.52.1 (03-01-2013) Address Changes With Z Freeze ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ Note: ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ More Internal Revenue Manual