

Part 5. Collecting Process
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.14.2 Partial Payment Installment Agreements and the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED)
Before a PPIA may be granted, equity in assets must be addressed and, if appropriate, be used to make payment. In most cases taxpayers will be required to use equity in assets to pay liabilities. However, as discussed below, complete utilization of equity is not always required as a condition of a PPIA. Consider levy or seizure in accordance with IRM 5.10 and 5.11.1.1.2 if there is significant equity in assets. If enforcement action is appropriate, a PPIA will not be granted. Follow rejection procedures in IRM 5.14.1.3 and 5.14.9.3. In cases where PPIAs are granted after consideration of seizure, document the case file as indicated in IRM 5.14.2.1.2(6). 5.14.2.1.1 (09-26-2008) For all IMF accounts less than or equal to the amount in LEM 5.14.2.1.1(2) the following minimum verification is also required: CFOL, IRP & RTVUE For IMF accounts above the amount in LEM 5.14.2.1.1(3), or if there is significant equity that cannot be liquidated, the following minimum verification is required: Real property records, DMV, personal property, full credit report, AMDIS when there is open examination activity, RAR or SAR if the assessment originated in Examination or CI. Conditional expenses are not allowed for PPIAs. Only necessary expenses are permitted. For in-business trust fund accounts use the guidelines in IRM 5.14.7.3.1(7), (IBTFIA guidelines), which state that at a minimum you should: Verify income and expenses. Use bank statements to verify both income and expenses; Request documentation if assets, liabilities, expense or income appear questionable; Complete record checks to determine ownership and equity in real and personal property, including motor vehicles; If appropriate, request that taxpayers sell assets or borrow on equity in assets in order to make payment on the delinquent taxes; As noted in IRM 5.14.7.1(4)(b), ensure that the taxpayer has the ability to pay current operating expenses as well as current taxes. For out-of-business trust fund accounts use the guidelines in IRM 5.14.7.3.1.1(15). Note: The taxpayer must agree to pay the maximum monthly payment based upon the taxpayer’s ability to pay. File or ensure that a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) was previously filed on all aggregate liabilities greater than the amount in LEM 5.14.2.1.1(8). Follow NFTL procedures in IRM 5.12.2.4.1 unless it meets criteria in IRM 5.12.2.4.2. The Campus will refer cases for revenue officer assignment in some situations. See IRM 5.14.2.1.10. 5.14.2.1.2 (09-26-2008) Asset Cases: A PPIA may be granted if a taxpayer does not sell or cannot borrow against assets with equity because: the assets have minimal equity or the equity is insufficient to allow a creditor to loan funds; Example: the taxpayer is unable to utilize equity; Example: the asset has some value but the taxpayer is unable to sell the asset because it is currently unmarketable; Example: the asset is necessary to generate income for the PPIA and the government will receive more from the future income generated by the asset than from the sale of the asset; it would impose an economic hardship on the taxpayer to sell property, borrow on equity in property, or use a liquid asset to pay the taxes. Economic hardship is defined in 26 C>F>R 301.6343-1 as not meeting reasonable basic living expenses. Example: The taxpayer’s loan payment would exceed the taxpayer’s disposable income and they would not qualify for a loan. The taxpayer will normally be required to make a good faith attempt to utilize equity before the Service will approve a PPIA. This includes applying normal business standards when applying for loans using equity as collateral. Taxpayers will also be required to submit copies of all documents that are used in the loan application process. If the taxpayer does not comply with the requirement of making a good faith attempt to use equity in assets or is not willing to make monthly payments consistent with ability to pay, the taxpayer will be considered a "won’t pay" and seizure/levy action may be appropriate. If enforcement action is appropriate, a PPIA will not be granted. If the taxpayer is in pending IA status, follow rejection procedures in sections 5.14.1.3 and 5.14.9.3. The case history should be documented with a statement as to why the PPIA was not granted. If the taxpayer is unable to secure a loan or liquidate an asset following a good faith attempt to do so, the revenue officer will need to make a seizure/levy determination (See IRM 5.10.1.3). If it has been determined that enforcement action is not appropriate, a PPIA can be granted. The case history should be documented as follows: "Seizure (or levy) of (name of asset) has been considered, but it is not the appropriate resolution because (provide reason)" . 5.14.2.1.3 (09-26-2008) There is an asset that will come into the possession of a taxpayer after the CSED and liquidation of that asset offers the best case resolution (in lieu of liquidating existing assets to partially pay the liability). Example: Example: A waiver is no longer required to be secured when the taxpayer’s only ability to satisfy the tax liability after the CSED expiration is through a continuation of the installment agreement and there is no significant change in ability to pay as identified through the two year financial review process. Example: Example:
The waiver can only be secured at the inception of the PPIA and not during the two year review process, unless a new PPIA is executed at that time. The length of the extension must be based on the time that it will take to make payments and cannot exceed five years plus one year to provide for other administrative actions. Note: When a Form 900 waiver is secured, the CSED must be updated on ICS for all periods that are extended by the waiver by: Selecting the module to be updated and pressing <Enter>; then selecting <F5 DETAIL>, selecting <B. UPDATE MODULE DATE>, selecting <A. NEW IDRS CSED DATE (TC 550)>, and updating the CSED date, and selecting the appropriate definer code from the drop down list. Note: 5.14.2.1.4 (09-26-2008) Document ICS with the justification for the PPIA as the best case resolution. Include all balance due accounts including pre-assessed modules. Use installment agreement closing option A or B on ICS. Agreement Locator Numbers (ALNs) are four digit codes (XXYY) that indicate specific types of processing will occur at the Campus level. ICS selects the proper ALN for PPIAs. For PPIAs granted to taxpayers who accounts are not on ICS, choose the proper ALN for PPIAs as follows: use ALN "12" in the "YY" position of the ALN; generally use "02" in the "XX" position unless one of the conditions in IRM 5.14.1-2 or in the chart below, are present; generally use "12" in the "XX" position of the ALN for multiple condition PPIAs (see table below for exceptions, including for Direct Debit and Payroll Deduction Agreements.) Type of PPIA ALN Required IDRS History Entry Caution: For PPIAs not granted on ICS use as many IDRS history entries as necessary on multiple condition PPIAs. Example: Review Suppress Indicators (RSI) instruct Campuses to reissue installments agreements under certain conditions after the two year review. ICS selects the proper RSI for PPIAs granted using ICS, however for PPIAs granted to taxpayers whose accounts are not on ICS, use RSI "5" , and choose a review cycle two years in the future. Example: Mark the top of the Installment Agreement Form, Form 433D, in red as "PPIA" . Process PPIAs immediately after approval and forward the case file to Centralized Case Processing. 5.14.2.1.5 (09-26-2008) thorough analysis of financial statement(s) consideration of other available means of collection the rationale for allowing the taxpayer to retain assets with equity If a manager does not believe that the PPIA is the appropriate resolution follow the procedures in IRM 5.14.9.3. The case history should be documented with a statement as to why the PPIA was not granted. 5.14.2.1.6 (09-26-2008) PPIA's will be systemically monitored in collection status 60 to ensure that: payments will be directed to Campuses, monthly reminder notices are sent to taxpayers (CP 521) the two year financial review will be conducted (CP 522) In situations where taxpayers respond to the notice for more financial information, CP522, Centralized Case Processing will review new financial information. Centralized Case Processing when conducting the two year review, must consider the taxpayer’s income and expenses as well as assets and equity to determine if: the balance can be fully paid; or adjustment to the payment amount is necessary; or agreements should continue without change. If there are increases to either the taxpayer’s income or equity in assets, and the taxpayer now has the ability to full pay, demand will be made for full payment. If the taxpayer has newly acquired assets or increased equity in assets which can be applied to the liability in part, the taxpayer will be required to utilize the equity before a new PPIA will be allowed on the remaining liability. If the financial review indicates the taxpayer’s ability to pay an amount that is different from the existing agreement and the payment amount needs to be increased, these changes will be proposed to the taxpayer: verbally, on the phone; or with the letter provided in IRM Exhibit 5.14.4 – 1 or other Campus approved correspondence. If there is no significant change to the taxpayer’s financial situation, the agreement will continue. The taxpayer will be notified that there is no change in the agreement. If Centralized Case Processing is unable to revise the agreement, terminate, re-input or take other actions necessary to resolve cases, the agreement will be forwarded as follows: ACS (0012) cases will be returned to ACS Campus (0112) cases will be issued to ACS Field (0212) no equity cases will be forwarded to ACS Field Asset cases will be forwarded to the field If it is determined that field action is necessary, courtesy investigations will be generated and sent for assignment to field revenue officers. 5.14.2.1.7 (09-26-2008) Because PPIAs are monitored in status 60, they will be defaulted if taxpayers do not make payments, or if new accounts are assessed. Campus functions send CP 523 to taxpayers when agreements default for these two reasons. Centralized Case Processing also monitors the status of certain PPIAs (MMIA and IBTF-IA). If there is an IDRS default of an MMIA or IBTF PPIA, Centralized Case Processing employees should verify CP 523 notice was sent by the Campus. If CP 523 notice was not sent, input command code IADFL. This will cause: the account to update to status 64; and issuance of the default notice CP 523. Note: If payment was received from the taxpayer, note the case history and verify the case was reinstated to status 60. If, after receipt of payment, the case was not reinstated to status 60, verify there is no other reason for the default condition, then request reinstatement of status 60. If payment was not received, attempt to contact the taxpayer and request payment. If no payment is received within 45 days from the date of CP 523 and the agreement has not been reinstated or a new agreement reached, the agreement will be automatically terminated on the 46th day: Letter 1058(DO), may be issued if it has not been issued previously. (See IRM 5.14.11.6 and IRM 5.11.1.2.2.2(4) regarding issuance of Letter 1058(DO).) or if Letter 1058 has previously been issued and 180 days have passed, Letter 3174P should be used. (See IRM Exhibit 5.11.1-3.) If taxpayers do not respond within 90 days from issuance of notice CP 523, follow the procedures provided in IRM 5.14.11.6 (4). After input of the TC 971 AC 163, transfer the case to the appropriate field group pursuant to zip code and grade level using the ICS parameter tables. (See IRM 5.14.11.5(7)(b).) If an Other Investigation (OI) is currently assigned to a field employee, transfer the case to that employee. Ensure the ICS case history is documented with the actions taken, including a record of responses received from taxpayers and third parties. If the taxpayer did respond to the default notice follow the procedures IRM 5.14.11.7, IRM 5.14.11.8, and IRM 5.14.11.9. If not resolved pursuant to the procedures listed in IRM 5.14.11.5(8), cases should be transferred to appropriate collection field groups pursuant to zip code and grade level using ICS parameter tables. If there is currently an OI assigned to Collection, transfer the case to that employee. (See IRM 5.14.7.5 regarding OIs and IRM 5.14.8.4 regarding monitoring.) If Appeals is conducting an investigation and or hearing on an unrelated issue, the case should be held in Centralized Case Processing until Appeals makes a determination. (See IRM 5.14.11.5(16)(e) regarding appeals of installment agreement terminations.) If assistance is needed from the collection field group prior to the case being transferred to the field, an OI may be sent to the collection field function to perform specific requests. If Appeals determines an installment agreement is not the proper case resolution, or if the resolution cannot be completed within Centralized Case Processing, forward the case to the appropriate collection field group pursuant to the zip code and grade level of the case listed in the parameter tables located in ICS. If there is currently an OI assigned to field Collection, transfer the case to the proper employee. Before transferring it to collection field function, the Case Processing employee should ensure that 30 days have passed since termination of the installment agreement and the case is ready to proceed with collection action. The employee should also ensure that all actions taken are documented in the case history and TC 971 AC 163 is input on appropriate modules. Before sending cases back to collection field function, the direction in IRM 5.14.11.5(10)(b) should be followed. The procedures provided in IRM 5.14.11.5(13) through (16) should be followed for agreements defaulted because taxpayers fail to make required federal tax deposits or fail to file Form 941 returns at the time such returns are due, after contact by the case processing employees. Verify federal tax deposits were required. This may be verified by taxpayer contact, or summons of bank records, or Other Investigation to the collection field function to verify. If the taxpayers file the required Form 941 returns or make delinquent federal tax deposits, leave the agreement in status 60 and monitor as before. If it is verified that taxpayers are no longer required to file form 941 returns or make federal tax deposits, notate cases accordingly and continue monitoring. If taxpayers do not file required Form 941 returns or make delinquent federal tax deposits, and it was verified such returns or deposits were required, then: on the first day after the due date of the return, follow the 6020(b) procedures provided in IRM 5.1.11.6 including completion of Letter 1085 or 1616. mail Letter 1085 or 1616 along with Letter 2975 proposing termination of the installment agreement. Note: if the taxpayer has not responded after the 30 day period provided in Letter 1085 or 1616 (plus 15 days for mail time), check IDRS to ensure taxpayers have not filed the returns. If returns have not been filed, immediately process proposed returns in accordance with IRM 5.1.11.6. Note: If the taxpayer has not made the required deposits, or fully paid the amount due on the return proposed (or assessed) under IRC 6020(b) after the default period (30 days from Letter 2975 plus 15 days for mailing), then the agreement is considered terminated. Note: (See IRM 5.14.11.5(10) regarding Appeals involvement on cases in which appeals regarding other issues are ongoing.) Taxpayers may appeal proposed terminations (defaults) of agreements. The appeal period is 30 days, plus 15 days for mail time from the date Letter 2975/CP 523 was sent. Taxpayers may appeal terminations of agreements. The appeal period is 30 days plus 15 days for mail time from the date of termination. (see IRM 5.14.11.5(11)) Timely appeals must be resolved prior to levy action on balance due accounts included in terminated installment agreements. This requirement also applies to "Partial Payment Installment Agreements" - IRM 5.14.2.1), and accounts for which appeals have been initiated, but not resolved (see IRM 5.14.1.5.) No levy may be made, or proceeding in court begun, until 30 days after the installment agreement is terminated. 5.14.2.1.8 (09-26-2008) 5.14.2.1.9 (09-26-2008) The campus will also be responsible for ending direct debit and payroll deduction agreements when the last CSED expires. 5.14.2.1.10 (09-26-2008) Note: These referrals from campus will be subcoded on ICS depending on where the case originated: ICS Sub code 904: POTENTIAL SIGNIF EQTY – FRM CAMPUS ICS Sub code 903: POTENTIAL SIGNIF EQTY – FRM ACS Significant Equity Thresholds Used By Campus for Transfers to Revenue Officers: For property values up to the amount in LEM 5.14.2.1.10(3) and equity of at least the amount in LEM 5.14.2.1.10(3) ; or For property values of the amount in LEM 5.14.2.1.10(3) or greater and equity of at least the amount in LEM 5.14.2.1.10(3) ; and, at least 30% of the value of the property. 5.14.2.2 (09-26-2008) The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 amended Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 6159 to provide the authority for the Service to enter into partial payment installment agreements (i.e. installment agreements that do not provide for full payment of the liabilities.) If full payment cannot be achieved by the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED), and taxpayers have some ability to pay, the Service can grant Partial Payment Installment Agreements (PPIAs). IRC 6502(a)(2)(A) provides that statutory periods for collection may be extended in connection with granting installment agreements. It is the policy of the Internal Revenue Service that CSED extensions are permitted only in conjunction with PPIAs and only in certain situations (See IRM 5.14.2.1.3). It is the policy of the Internal Revenue Service that CSED extensions are limited to five (5) years beyond the original CSED for each tax account (plus up to one year – see IRM 5.14.2.2(7).) Group Managers will approve CSED extensions – see IRM 5.14.2.2(18). The CSED may be extended more than once for each balance due account as specified in IRM 5.14.2.2(6). Be aware of the CSED when granting installment agreements. Use IDRS CC ICOMP to verify that the agreement will fully pay all liabilities prior to the CSED and include a copy with the case file (the "Decision IA" application that is available on the SERP website is also acceptable). If the projected date for full payment is prior to the CSED the agreement may be approved. If the projected date for full payment is not prior to the CSED a Partial Payment Installment Agreement may be considered (See IRM 5.14.2.1). The Internal Revenue Service limits the length of installment agreements to the 10-year statutory collection period except in connection with PPIAs. IRC 6502(a)(2)(A) provides that statutory periods for collection may be extended in connection with the granting of an installment agreement. It is the policy of the Internal Revenue Service that CSED extensions are permitted only in conjunction with Partial Payment Installment Agreements in certain situations (See IRM 5.14.2.1.3). Until its revision on December 21, 2000, Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 6331(k)(3) by reference to IRC 6331(i)(5) provided for suspension of the statutory period for collection for tax periods in installment agreements. Despite this statutory suspension, the Service, by policy, limited the length of installment agreements to the 10–year statutory collection period except when CSED waivers were secured. On December 21, 2000, the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 revised the Internal Revenue Code such that the statute of limitations for collection is no longer suspended during installment agreements. Do not secure Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) waivers on non-PPIA agreements. Generally, do not secure waivers on PPIAs; however, a form 900 waiver may be secured only in connection with partial payment installment agreements that extend beyond the CSED in certain situations (See IRM 5.14.2.1.3). CSEDs may not be extended during installment agreements. CSEDs may be extended only in connection with new PPIAs after mailing CP 523 or Letter 2975, during the default period, or after agreements are terminated. CSED waivers may be secured for any or all of the balance due accounts: included in the original agreement; and not included in the original agreement. (See IRM 5.14.2.2(16); Exhibit 5.14.11-1, and IRM 5.14.9.2(7) regarding the manner in which a "new" agreement can include the balances due in an "old" agreement; and IRM 5.14.11.7(4) regarding defaults, terminations and CSED extensions.) The period for collection may be extended more than once per tax period in connection with a PPIA if the total of the extensions is not longer than 5 years from the original CSED, plus the periods described in IRM 5.14.2.2(7) through (9). Note: Extensions of the statutory period for collection are limited to no more than five years, plus up to one year to account for changes in the agreement. (See IRM 5.14.2.2(9).) Prior suspensions of CSEDs due to offers in compromise or legal proceedings do not: bar extensions of CSEDs with PPIAs, change the length of extensions beyond the limits provided in this section. Therefore, CSED suspensions may result in longer periods for collection than provided otherwise by this section (as illustrated in Exhibit 5.14.2–1.) Reasons for CSED suspension include, but are not limited to: Bankruptcy Collection Due Process Appeals Litigation Offer in Compromise See 26 USC 6503 for other examples Requests for joint and several liability relief under IRC Section 6015 Example: All tax modules must be included in extension calculations on CC ICOMP. (See IRM 5.14.2.2(12) regarding ICOMP calculations.) Extensions will be calculated from the latest CSED balance due account modules, but the waiver extends the CSED for all assessments on the tax module. If there is more than one assessment on tax modules, and part of the balance due is from the earlier assessment(s) list these assessment dates on the waiver, along with the latest assessment date. Note: All tax modules may be combined on one Form 900. Ensure it is clear which tax periods and assessment dates correspond to which CSEDs on the form. Form 900 Waiver will only be executed in connection with PPIAs. (See IRM 5.14.2.1 for additional information.) Use IDRS CC ICOMP to determine payment schedules, and share the results of ICOMPs with the taxpayers. Provide taxpayers with information regarding the manner in which penalty and interest are computed. Using CC ICOMP, two methods – described in (a) and (b) immediately below – may be used for determining the length of CSED extensions. Method (a) provides for computation of separate CSEDs for each module. Method (b) provides for extending CSEDs to one date for all modules. For both methods: Include all tax modules in the computation; Compute the extension separately for each module; Begin the computation using the module with the earliest CSED; and, Add additional modules to the computation until all are included. Method (A) – Extend CSEDs on all modules to separate dates (for each module) up to one year past the latest CSED on the module, ensuring no CSED extension is longer than five years (plus one year as specified in IRM 5.14.2.2(6).) Method (B): Extend CSEDs to the same date for all modules, ensuring no CSED extension is longer than five years, plus one year. CC ICOMP does not work on MFT 55, NMF, Status 72, or accounts on which maximum failure to pay penalty has been assessed. For these types of accounts the Decision IA tool may be used. The Decision IA tool can be found on the SERP website at: http://serp.enterprise.irs.gov/databases/irm-sup.dr/e-acsg2.dr/index.html. Form 900 waivers may be requested only with regard to certain PPIAs (See IRM 5.14.2.1.3 for examples where a waiver would be considered). Notify taxpayers they have the right to refuse to sign a waiver. If an installment agreement request is being considered and a taxpayer refuses to sign a waiver, inform the taxpayer the request will be considered and recommended for rejection, then refer the case to the independent administrative reviewer. Unless some other factor allows for acceptance of agreements, independent reviewers should concur with these rejection decisions. Taxpayers whose agreements were previously terminated, with all appeal timeframes exhausted regarding the termination, (see IRM 5.14.11.4) may be granted new installment agreements (not reinstatements). CSED waivers may only be secured along with new partial payment installment agreements and only in certain situations (See IRM 5.14.2.1.3), even if there were prior extensions of CSEDs. If installment agreements are in default (but 90 days have not passed since issuance of CP 523/Letter 2975– see IRM 5.14.11.4 and Exhibit 5.14.11–1 below) reinstatements may include new periods. (See IRM 5.14.2.2(4) regarding securing waivers with new agreements.) Partial payment installment agreements that extend beyond the original CSED require group manager approval. Servicewide Delegation Order 42 delegates authority to execute Form 900 waivers to Compliance Area Directors. SB/SE Delegation Order 145.19 re-delegates this authority — to execute waivers — to revenue officers. In addition, Servicewide Delegation Order 42 provides authority to approve Form 900 Waivers. Effective immediately, the authority to approve Form 900 (Collection Waivers) associated with Installment Agreements is delegated to Revenue Officer Group Managers, Case Processing Managers and Technical Services Managers. The approval authority reflected in Del Order 42 will be revised to reflect this change. Caution: Revenue Officers will: complete Form 900 Tax Collection Waiver, including printing the Area Director’s name on the line titled "Area Director’s name" ; print the group manager’s name and title in the "By Delegated Representative" block (leaving room for manager’s signature); submit the Form 900 and agreement together for Group Manager approval. Group Managers, Case Processing Managers or Technical Services Managers will: ensure extension computations are accurate when reviewing Forms 900 for approval; indicate approval of Form 900 by signing in the "By Delegated Representative" block; approve Forms 900 and related installment agreements on the same date. When the Form 900 is approved, update the IDRS CSED date on ICS using the "Update Module Date" section and the TC 550 is uploaded to IDRS. 5.14.2.2.1 (09-26-2008) extension dates are the same on Forms 900 and IDRS; and status 60 was also input (or Centralized Case Processing is monitoring agreements.) Note:
After review, Forms 900 and accompanying partial payment installment agreements will be kept in accessible files in Centralized Case Processing for three years beyond dates to which CSEDs were extended. Waivers must be accessible for research and accountability. (IRC 6511(a) provides the right to make claims for refund within 2 years from when taxes are paid). (See IRM 5.14.2.2.1(4) for an exception to the storage location.) Maintain Waivers in Centralized Case Processing. 5.14.2.2.2 (09-26-2008) Appeals will attempt to resolve all issues prior to CSED expiration. If Appeals returns balance due accounts with CSED(s) that expire within 120 days (to referring functions) it will notify the function(s) of the imminent CSED(s). Cases will not be considered transferred to other functions (by Appeals) unless confirmation of transfer is received and documented by Appeals. (See IRM 5.14.9.4 for additional Appeals information.) 5.14.2.2.3 (09-26-2008) whether agreements fully pay taxes, and lengths of extensions. For CSED extensions/waivers not secured with installment agreements, the statutory period for collection will expire December 31, 2002, or at the end of the original ten year statutory period for collection if after December 31, 2002. [See IRC 6502(a)(2), and proposed Treas. Reg. ss 301.6502-1(c)]. Exhibit 5.14.2-1 (07-12-2005) |


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