4.82.3. Direct Pay Bonds

(1) Under IRC 6431(a), Issuers of DPBs are allowed a refundable credit for each interest payment under the bonds payable per IRC 6431(b).

(2) The table lists the refundable credit for these bonds:

(3) All DPBs must meet an information return filing requirement similar to the requirement for traditional tax-exempt bonds. Issuers of:

1. Build America bonds, beginning in February 2010, were required to file Form 8038-B, Information Return for Build America Bonds and Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds.

   Reminder: They were initially required to file Form 8038-G, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Governmental Obligations.

2. Specified tax credit bonds are required to file Form 8038-TC, Information Return for Tax Credit Bonds and Specified Tax Credit Bonds.

(4) To receive payment of allowed credits, Issuers of DPBs must file Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds. Form 8038-CP is:

1. A tax return filed for an interest payment or interest payments made or to be made under the DPBs.

2. Generally accepted by the IRS for processing before the related interest payment date so that the return can be processed and the credit payment made contemporaneously with the interest payment.

(5) The credit payment is made to the Issuer, or if so designated, any person who makes interest payments on behalf of the Issuer (IRC 6431).

(1) The table below outlines the authorities for direct pay bonds.

(1) The following roles are referred to in this IRM 4.82.3:

(1) The table lists commonly used acronyms and their definitions.

(1) For DPBs examinations, generally:

1. Initiate the exam on the information return on which the bond transaction was reported (such as, Form 8038-G, Form 8038-B, or Form 8038-TC).

2. Follow the exam procedures that generally apply to tax-exempt bonds (see IRM 4.81.5) considering the modifications and additional procedures in this section.

(1) Open a Form 8038-CP exam as a related case to the DBP exam. An adverse determination on the qualification of DPBs directly impacts whether the credits claimed on all related Form 8038-CP returns are allowable. Accordingly, we generally open an exam of related Form 8038-CP returns when we issue Form 5701-B, Notice of Proposed Issue, for the DPBs.

(2) You may open Form 8038-CP exams directly for examination without having an open exam on the related information return. In addition, you should open related Form 8038-CP returns established on the Reporting Compliance Management System (RCCMS) for exam when you determine statutes of one or more returns need to be protected by soliciting a consent to extend the period for assessment.

(3) You may also start exams of an individual Form 8038-CP return for matters related to the credit amount allowable for any interest payment date that doesn’t involve qualification noncompliance. Focus on the facts and circumstances requiring an adjustment of the credit requested on the affected Form 8038-CP return.

(1) If you’ve made taxpayer contact and documented both the date and taxpayer’s desire to fax documents, you can accept by fax:

1. Consents to assess additional tax (Form 4549-T, Form 870, and others).

2. Taxpayer closing agreements.

3. Consents to extend the time to assess tax (Forms 872-A).

(1) When opening a DPBs examination, the examiner identifies all Form 8038-CP returns filed for the DPBs information return under examination having 180 days or more remaining on the period for assessment.

(2) Examiner: request via secure e-mail to the TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator, a list of all Form 8038-CP returns for the Issuer’s EIN.

(3) TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator: provide, in an Excel worksheet, a list of all Form 8038-CP returns the Issuer filed (EIN matched) in the TE/GE DPB Compliance Review Function database.

(4) Examiner: Based on the information you receive from the TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator, prepare Form 14711-B, TEB Evaluation of Statute Expiration for Related Form 8038-CP Returns, for the DPBs information return under exam. Follow these Form 14711-B requirements:

1. Include, as an attachment, the debt service schedule filed with the information return for the DPBs. Form 8038-CP returns may be processed on the Issuer’s EIN or a designated payee’s EIN, as elected by the Issuer for each return filed. Form 14711-B should reflect the EIN of the payee, whether the Issuer or a designated payee.

2. If the original debt service schedule attached to the information return doesn’t agree with the credits requested on theForm 8038-CP returns, request a copy of the debt service schedule currently on file in the database.

3. The debt service schedule on file may have been updated.

   Note: More than one Form 8038-CP return may be filed and processed for an interest payment date.

4. Form 14711-B is a permanent part of a DPBs exam case file and is required to be updated every six months or more frequently, if necessary.

(1) Examiner: when you identify potential noncompliance that may result in an adverse determination for the DPBs qualification (the "Identified Qualification Issue"), establish case controls for all Form 8038-CP returns related to the DPBs information return under exam that have 180 days or more remaining on the period for assessment on RCCMS in status 10. See IRM 4.82.3.2.2 (2). The establishment of case controls for related Form 8038-CP returns:

1. Uses the AIMS and RCCMS systems to monitor and protect the statutory period of assessments.

2. Does not open an examination of the related Form 8038-CP returns. See IRM 4.82.3.3.2 for criteria for opening a related Form 8038-CP return exam.

(2) An Identified Qualification Issue:

1. Is the identification of potential noncompliance for consideration during the exam.

2. Must involve the qualification of the DPBs for the credit allowed under IRC 6431 and should be reasonably present in the case.

3. Is sufficiently present if you have a reasonable basis to believe that a violation of the qualification requirements has occurred, but haven’t fully developed it.

(3) You don’t have to prepare Form 5701-B, Notice of Proposed Issue, for an Identified Qualification Issue, but you should document sufficient information for a statutory notice of deficiency to be prepared, if necessary.

(1) Consider within 30 days whether, based on the information available, an Identified Qualification Issue is present when you open the DPBs exam. If an Identified Qualification Issue doesn’t exists at that time:

1. Document it on Form 14711-B by entering "None" in the Identified Qualification Issue(s) column.

2. Enter the date.

3. Electronically sign the form.

(2) Throughout the examination, consider whether sufficient information is present to constitute an Identified Qualification Issue.

1. At least every six months, document on Form 14711-B your consideration of any issues.

2. For cases in which you haven’t identified an Identified Qualification Issue, notate no issues identified on Form 14711-B and submit the form to your group manager for concurrence.

(1) When you identify an Identified Qualification Issue during an exam of DPBs, note it on Form 14711-B and send the form to your group manager for concurrence that there is a reasonable basis to believe that a violation of the qualification requirements may exist in the case.

(2) Group manager:

1. Discuss the issues with the examiner and consider whether there’s sufficient basis for a statutory notice of deficiency that would be supported by Division Counsel based on the existing information in the case file.

2. Electronically sign Form 14711-B if you agree and return to the examiner.

3. Discuss the additional development required before controls should be established, or explain why establishing case controls is not required.

(1) When you identify an Identified Qualification Issue and document your manager’s agreement, establish all related Form 8038-CP returns with 180 days or more (from the date your manager agrees) remaining on the statutory period for assessment of tax on RCCMS.

(2) Establish the related cases in status 10.

(1) Related Form 8038-CP returns established on RCCMS in status 10 upon an Identified Qualification Issue aren’t generally opened for examination until the examiner either:

1. Decides to issue Form 5701-B on the primary examination of the information return for the DPBs.

2. Solicits a consent to extend the period for assessment on one or more related Form 8038-CP returns.

(2) Discuss opening related returns with your manager and, upon concurrence:

• Document it in the case chronology record.

• Update Form 14711-B.

• Notify the DPB Compliance Coordinator that the related returns are now under exam.

• Issue Letter 5871-B, TEB 8038-CP Related Return Examination, to the Issuer of the DPBs indicating that the listed related Form 8038-CP returns will be opened in connection with the current exam of the DPBs information return. The letter briefly states the issue(s) identified during the exam of the related DPBs information return.

(3) The DPB Compliance Coordinator updates the approval status of the bond issue to "Exam" and refers any direct credit claims to ITG/TEB FO for consideration by the examiner.

(4) The examiner:

1. Prepares Form 4549-T (Revenue Agent Report or Adjustments to Credits Under Section 6431 for Certain State and Local Bonds).

2. Computes the proposed adjustment to the related returns opened.

3. Requests and documents group manager’s approval of Form 4549-T and any attachments.

4. Submits for group manager approval, Form 4549-T with Form 5701-B describing the matters concerning the DPBs qualifications for the credit allowed under IRC 6431 (see IRM 4.82.3.5 for RAR procedures).

(1) Close a Form 8038-CP return as disposal code 908, Survey After Assignment if it’s:

1. Established on RCCMS.

2. Not opened before you close the related DPBs information return exam with no changes, either with or without a closing agreement.

(1) Follow the Statute Control procedures in IRM 25.6.23, modified or clarified in this section, for procedures unique to DPBs to establish Form 8038-CP returns in RCCMS. Replace references to ERCS, EPIC, or EOIC (see IRM 25.6.23) with RCCMS for purposes of DPBs statute controls.

(1) To calculate assessment statute expiration dates, treat the period for assessment of tax on Form 8038-CP returns as three years from the date the return is filed.

(2) The delivery date of any return received after the prescribed filing date is deemed to be the postmark date (IRC 7502). However, the postmark date isn’t available from electronic copies of the return or from the information data retrieval system (IDRS). If the postmark date isn’t available, absent satisfactory evidence of the actual date the return was filed, compute the statute expiration date for Form 8038-CP returns by treating the return as filed seven days before the IDRS return received date.

(3) For unagreed cases closing from the group having an assessment statute period less than 450 days remaining and not extended by agreement, request the original return using the ESTAB IDRS command.

1. Evidence of the postmark date is generally included with the original return.

2. Update the assessment statute expiration date (ASED) field in RCCMS, if necessary, before closing the case from the exam group.

(1) An adverse determination may affect the availability of the IRC 6431 credit for DPBs. Therefore, you may need to protect the statute for the period of limitation to assess tax for affected Forms 8038-CP.

(2) Upon your manager’s approval of the establishment of related returns (see IRM 4.82.3.4.1), prepare Form 895 for each related Form 8038-CP return identified on Form 14711-B with less than one year remaining on the statute.

(1) Generally, follow the procedures in IRM 25.6.22, as clarified or modified in this section, when requesting an extension of the period to assess tax on Form 8038-CP returns.

(2) Use Letter 907 when consents are requested through the mail: Provide a copy of the correspondence to the authorized representative.

(3) Send Pub 1035, Extending the Tax Assessment Period, to the taxpayer whenever a consent is requested by mail.

(4) When a face-to-face request for a consent is made to the taxpayer or authorized representative, give the consent, Letter 907 and Pub 1035 to the taxpayer or authorized representative.

(1) Examiners will generally use Form 872-A to request an extension for the assessment period(s). The use of Form 872-A minimizes the administrative burden of statute controls with respect to Form 8038-CP returns during the remaining exam process and any potential action by the Office of Appeals (Appeals).

1. Form 872-A is used to extend the assessment period related to a return indefinitely.

2. Letter 907, Request to Extend Assessment Statute, will be used to explain and transmit Form 872-A.

3. Letter 1343, Transmittal Letter – Form 872-A, will be used to provide the fully executed Form 872-A to the Issuer.

4. Extensions pursuant to Forms 872-A end when tax is assessed or the extension is terminated by either the taxpayer or the IRS. Letter 1343, Transmittal Letter – Form 872-A, will be used to provide the fully executed Form 872-A to the Issuer.

5. For IRS initiated termination of Form 872-A, refer to IRM 25.6.22.7.1.

6. Letter 1344, Transmittal Letter – Form 872-T, will be used when an Issuer initiates the termination of Form 872-A.

(2) Form 872 is used to extend the assessment period related to a return to a specific date. Form 872 with a specific statute extension date may be used as an alternative to Form 872-A if requested by the Issuer. If a Form 872 is requested, the Examiner will advise the Issuer of the differences and advantages of each of these statute extension forms.

(1) The Issuer of the DPBs is the only party permitted to extend the period for assessment for Form 8038-CP returns, regardless of any payee the Issuer may have designated on Form 8038-CP. Accordingly, enter on Form 872-A, the Issuer’s:

• EIN

• name

• address

  Note: Don’t enter a designated payee’s EIN, name, and address in Part I of the Form 8038-CP return.

(1) Enter "Income" for the type of tax on the extension form. Credits under IRC 6431 are treated as overpayments of tax.

(1) Generally, the assessment period extended for the DPBs exam is restricted to those credits attributable to one or more specific DPBs issue(s) under exam. Because there may be insufficient space on Form 872-A to specify both the periods covered by the consent and the matters to which the consent applies, enter "See Attachment I for periods covered by this consent and the bond issues to which this consent applies" on the line following "for the period(s) ended" on the form.

(2) Prepare and attach a schedule titled "Attachment I to Form 872-A" when requesting an extension. Include the following:

1. Identification of the Issuer, including the name, address, and EIN as specified on Form 872-A.

2. A restrictive paragraph as follows: "The amount of any deficiency assessment is to be limited to that resulting from any adjustment to the credit or credits allowed under IRC 6431 with respect to the bond issue(s) specified below, any penalties and additions to tax attributable thereto, and any consequential changes to other items based on such adjustment."

   Note: If you change the restricted consent language, you need Division Counsel approval for the consent. (See IRM 25.6.22.8.6)

3. A complete description of the bond issue(s) covered by the extension, including the name of the issue, the issue date, and a statement "including CUSIP number _________" where the CUSIP of the last maturity is entered, if available.

4. The specific interest payment dates corresponding to all Form 8038-CP return periods covered by the extension.

(3) Generally, an initial statute extension:

1. Includes all periods with one year or less remaining as of the date the Identified Qualification Issue described in IRM 4.82.3.2.2 is initially identified.

2. May include, with the group manager and Issuer’s concurrence, additional interest payment dates when factors indicate the exam may not be concluded with at least 450 days remaining on the statutory period for assessment.

(4) The 450 day period is to allow:

1. Normal processing of the case

2. A minimum of one year remaining on the statutory period for assessment required by IRM 8.20.5.2.1(2) for consideration by Appeals.

(5) If more than one Form 8038-CP return was filed for a single interest payment date, but relate to the same information return (for example, BABs and RZEDBs in the same bond issue, fixed rate bonds and variable rate bonds in the same bond issue, or multiple maturity specified tax credit bonds) you only need to enter the interest payment date once on Attachment I. The period for assessment of each Form 8038-CP return with the same interest payment date is extended accordingly.

(1) Form 872-T is used to terminate the extension of the period for assessment and may be used by the Issuer or the IRS to terminate the Form 872-A agreement. For Issuer initiated terminations, Form 872-T must be delivered to the address specified by the IRS using Letter 1344, Transmittal Letter - Form 872-T. For IRS initiated terminations, examiners should use the Transmittal Letter - IRS, Termination of Form 872-T. For taxpayer initiated terminations:

1. The examiner should enter their group manager’s name and address (see format below) on Line 4 for where the taxpayer should deliver the executed Form 872-T.

2. The taxpayer must deliver the form to the line 4 address.

(2) If the address for delivery changes during the exam, the examiner should notify the Issuer by issuing Form 872-U. The change of delivery address may change due to the transfer of a case to another group or change in manager.

(3) For cases sent to Appeals, the assigned Appeals Officer issues Form 872-U. The examiner should indicate on Form 3198-A that Form 872-A is in the case file and that Form 872-U should be sent to the Issuer to update the Form 872-T address. If an examiner receives Form 872-T after a case has been transferred to another group or to Appeals, they immediately notify the group or Appeals, as applicable.

(1) Delegation Order 25-2 delegates Field Group Managers and the Program Manager, Technical (see IRM 1.2.52.3(f)) to sign on behalf of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service. The signature authority for Form 872-A is under the Commissioner’s Delegation Order 25-2 (Rev. 2) (formerly DO-25-2 and DO-42, Rev 28), dated March 24, 2014.

(1) Examiners must prepare a Form 872-T terminating the Form 872-A extensions for DPBs exams resulting in no change in the qualifications of the bond issue, when they’ve extended assessment periods for related Form 8038-CP returns using Form 872-A:

1. Include this termination information with the no-change closing letter.

2. Complete Attachment I (similar to the schedule described in IRM 4.82.3.4.8 with an appropriate modification to the restrictive paragraph) identifying the periods covered by the notice.

3. Enter "See Attachment I" in the Form 872-T “Tax Period(s) Covered by this Notice” box and attach the completed Attachment I to Form 872-T.

4. Prepare the cover letter for Form 872-T for an IRS initiated Form 872-A termination.

(2) See IRM 4.82.3.4.13 if :

1. The Form 872-A extension also includes periods for which an assessment or over assessment of tax may be made.

2. A statutory notice of deficiency is issued.

(1) The agreement to extend the period for assessment on Form 872-A is terminated when:

1. The assessment of tax or over assessment of tax is made representing the final determination of tax for a period.

2. The IRS issues a statutory notice of deficiency.

(2) The termination in paragraph IRM 4.82.3.4.12 (1) above is only for the period for which the assessment, over assessment, or statutory notice relates. Attachment I for Form 872-T should only identify those periods for which an assessment, over assessment, or statutory notice of deficiency is not required. If the Form 872-A covers periods with no changes, or periods that were not opened for exam, then you must issue a separate Form 872-T.

• Use Letter 1344 to mail Form 872-T for an Issuer initiated termination of Form 872-A.

• Use the appropriate cover letter to mail Form 872-T for an IRS initiated termination of Form 872-A.

(1) If an Issuer refuses to extend the period for assessment of tax on Form 8038-CP return(s) in order to allow the completion of the examination with more than one year remaining for the period of assessment, discuss with the Issuer the:

• Potential noncompliance identified in the exam

• Remaining case development required

• Notice of deficiency process.

(2) If the Issuer still refuses to extend the assessment period, follow the Notice of Deficiency procedures in IRM 4.82.3.9.

(1) Attach completed original Form 872, Form 872-A, and Form 872-T to the back of each Form 8038-CP return to which the statute extension applies. Include copies with the return in the electronic work paper file.

(1) Generally, qualification noncompliance for DPBs is addressed during the examination of the information return for the bond issue. As such, we discuss potential noncompliance and resolution procedures before opening the Form 8038-CP examination. You may use Form 4549-T to present the proposed tax adjustment for changes in the credit amount paid on Form 8038-CP.

(2) If you determine the bonds are not qualified, discuss the issues with the Issuer. If the Issuer agrees the bonds are not qualified bonds under IRC 6431 and requests a closing agreement to resolve the matter, follow standard closing agreement procedures.

(3) Closing agreements resolving examinations of DPBs:

1. Generally, follow the procedures for tax-advantaged bonds (currently in IRM 4.81.6).

2. Cover the subject bond issue and all related Form 8038-CP returns.

3. Have a closing agreement resolution amount generally based upon the refund previously received, penalty, and interest that would be due to adjust all related Form 8038-CP returns where the period for assessment is not barred by statute.

(4) The disposal code for closing agreements is used in RCCMS for the DPBs information return case and all related Form 8038-CP cases opened.

(1) If the Issuer doesn’t agree with the adjustments, IRS policy requires you to follow deficiency procedures for claims made on an original return.

(2) Follow the normal ITG/TEB procedures for proposing issues and proposed adverse determinations for the information return exam:

1. List the proposed adjustments to the credit amounts of related Form 8038-CP returns on Form 4549-T.

2. Attach a copy of the Explanation of Items (Form 5701-B or Form 886-A) prepared for the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter to Form 4549-T supporting the proposed adjustments.

3. Prepare Letter 5871-A, TEB Proposed Adjustments to Credits Under IRC 6431, 30 Day Letter, to include all related Form 8038-CP periods listed on Form 4549-T.

4. Submit Letter 5871-A with enclosures to group manager for review.

5. Upon group manager approval, group manager sends the examiner a dated and signed copy of letters issued for the case files and issues Letter 5871-A simultaneously with the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter.

(1) Potential noncompliance related to the qualification of DPBs is presented on Form 5701-B for the exam of the return reporting the DPBs transaction. If you’ve determined that the DPBs weren’t qualified:

1. Adjust the credit amount for each affected Form 8038-CP return on Form 4549-T.

2. If the only adjustment to the Form 8038-CP return account is the complete disallowance of the credit(s) previously claimed, explain the items which support the adjustments on Form 4549-T in the Explanation of Items (From 5701-B or Form 886-A) associated with the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter.

3. Submit the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter with Form 4549-T and all applicable enclosures to group manager for review.

4. Manager: Issue Form 4549-T with the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter.

(2) Compute adjustments to the credit amounts claimed on Form 8038-CP on Form 4549-T. You can use this form to adjust all Form 8038-CP accounts related to a specific DPBs information return.

1. The form has two pages and can include up to 25 related Form 8038-CP returns.

2. For cases having more than 25 Form 8038-CP returns, use additional Forms 4549-T and number “X of Y” in the Other Information section.

3. The Examiner and Issuer must sign each Form 4549-T included in multiple report cases.

(3) For adjustments of credit amounts claimed on Form 8038-CP returns related only to the computation or timing of the credit amount, don’t prepare Form 5701-B and a Proposed Adverse Determination Letter for the DPBs exam case file. However, you must attach an Explanation of Items (Form 886-A) including the facts, law, and arguments to Form 4549-T to support the adjustments included in the report.

1. Examiner: Prepare Letter 5871-B, TEB 8038-CP Related Return Examination

2. Examiner: Submit Letter 5871-B, with Form 4549-T, the Explanation of Items (Form 886-A) and all other enclosures.

3. Examiner: Submit to group manager Form 4549-T and Form 886-A.

4. Group Manager: Upon approval, issue Letter 5871-A with enclosures and send the examiner a dated and signed copy of letter issued for the case file.

(4) Agreed Adjustments: If the Issuer agrees to the proposed adjustments listed on Form 4549-T by signing, dating and returning Form 4549-T with full payment:

• Examiner: Prepare the closing letter, Agreed Adjustment to Credits, covering each Form 8038-CP return identified in the signed Form 4549-T.

• Examiner: Close the case file with disposal code RCCMS 102/AIMS 03 (Agreed).

• Group Manager: Review the case file and issue the closing letter.

(5) Unagreed Adjustments:

1. If the Issuer does not agree to the proposed adjustments listed on Form 4549-T, follow the procedures in IRM 4.82.3.5.6.

(1) Review instructions to complete Form 4549-T in Exhibit 4.82.3-1.

(1) The resolution amount reflected on the closing agreement should be paid via Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Verify the payment was made using the IDRS EFTPS command. If needed, request a copy of the EFTPS confirmation from the Issuer.

(2) Notify the TEGE Closing Unit that a payment has been made and request transfer of the payment to the information return (Forms 8038-G, 8038-B, or 8038-TC) period module.

(1) If the Issuer doesn’t agree:

1. Examiner: Prepare Letter 5871-A, commonly referred to as the 30-Day Letter.

2. Examiner: List all related Form 8038-CP periods included on Form 4549-T.

3. Examiner: Submit Letter 5871-A with applicable enclosures to group manager for review and approval.

4. Group Manager: Issue Letter 5871-A at the same time as the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter if the exam includes the information return.

(2) If the Form 8038-CP returns are examined without conducting an exam of the related information return, prepare an explanation of items to describe the facts, law, and arguments supporting the proposed adjustments (Form 886-A).

(3) Attach to Letter 5871-A: Form 4549-T, an explanation of the items (when a Proposed Adverse Determination is not issued), and Pub 1.

(1) Before you issue Letter 5871-A and Form 4549-T, request and document your group manager’s approval.

(1) Follow these procedures to notify the TEB DPB Compliance Review:

(2) When future credit amounts are modified from those originally expected based on the terms of the bonds, (such as, under terms of a closing agreement):

1. Complete Form 14711-C

2. Attach a modified debt service schedule for the remaining term of the bonds including credits expected and a copy of the closing agreement or proof for the modification.

(3) If the 30-Day Letter has been protested, complete Form 14711-C to indicate that the case is currently in Appeals and notify the TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator of any subsequent claim activity.

(4) Form 14711-C isn’t required for DPBs exam cases with no change to the qualification of bonds.

(5) Put Form 14711-C and all required attachments in a single .pdf file and secure email to the TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator as soon as you determine the exam resolution, but no later than when you close the case.

(1) TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator: when you receive Form 14711-C:

1. Review it for completeness and verify all required attachments are included.

2. Identify all approved transaction database records for the subject bond issue. Generally, this will be one record, but if the same bond issue had more than one type of qualified bond or both fixed and variable rate bonds, there could be more than one record.

3. Ensure that each identified record is modified by inserting the Form 14711-C and applicable attachments into the file. When TEB and GECU employees do their normal compliance checks on any future Form 8038-CP returns filed for these bonds, the Form 14711-C will notify them of:

The modified expected credit amounts. Whether the claim should be disallowed. Whether the case is currently in Appeals.

4. Update the debt service schedule on file in the database with a schedule indicating the approved amounts if the credit amounts indicated on the debt service schedule on file for the DPBs transaction have been modified, for example, by the terms of a closing agreement.

(1) If IRS receives and processes a new Form 8038-CP on a case pending in Appeals (IRM 4.82.3.8.1), the GECU establishes an RCCMS Compliance Activity case. The RCCMS case is transferred to the TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator, who:

1. Reviews the Form 14711-C attached to the debt service schedule file.

2. Posts a copy of Form 14711-C to the RCCMS case file documents.

3. Documents the case activity record that the return is related to cases currently in Appeals.

4. Requests transfer of the case to the listed Examiner’s group manager.

(2) Examiner: follow these procedures if you receive subsequent Forms 8038-CP:

(3) Because you may receive the referral before the Form 8038-CP return is processed, you may have to wait to establish case controls on AIMS. Confirm the master file account has been established on IDRS before establishing AIMS controls through RCCMS.

(4) Letter 5871, Proposed Adjustment to Credits under Section 6431 Associated with an Appealed Bond Determination,:

1. Advises the Issuer that we’ve opened an examination of a subsequent return.

2. Offers an expedited procedure to associate this return with the DPBs information return and related Form 8038-CP returns currently in Appeals without any additional protest required.

3. Serves as the 30-Day Letter if the Issuer does not request the expedited protest.

(5) If the Issuer returns the attachment to Letter 5871, requesting immediate Appeals consideration:

1. Notify your group manager.

2. Prepare Form 3198-A and list the key case associated with this return.

3. Close the case to Appeals using RCCMS closing code 601 Appealed – Protest to Appeals.

(6) If you haven’t identified new identified potential noncompliance on cases associated cases associated with the key case in Appeals, mandatory review is not required.

(7) The group manager:

1. Notifies the Supervisory Appeals Officer that ITG/TEB is closing a related return under expedited procedures to associate with a key case already under Appeals jurisdiction.

2. Ensures AIMS control has been established and the Assessment Statute Expiration Date was properly updated before closing the case.

(8) If the Issuer does not elect the expedited Appeals consideration option, follow the normal 30-Day Letter procedures.

(1) All cases that require a statutory notice of deficiency require an ITG/TEB Technical review of the unagreed issues. The case should be able to withstand the scrutiny of Appeals and potential litigation in the United States Tax Court.

1. The Examiner will prepare the case file(s) for the Notice of Deficiency case(s) as outlined in IRM 4.82.3.9.5.

2. Upon receipt of the case file(s), ITG/TEB Technical will review the case(s) to ensure the accuracy of the statutory notice and ensure it is legally sufficient.

3. The scope of ITG/TEB Technical case review will be sufficient to ensure the following:

1. Correct technical conclusions

1. Verify supporting workpapers support the examiner’s audit conclusions and are technically correct.

2. Proper consideration and computation of penalties:

1. All appropriate penalties should be asserted and computed correctly.

2. Supporting workpapers should comment on the assertion or non-assertion of applicable penalties. See IRM 4.82.3.10.6.

3. Accurate computation of tax deficiency

4. Proper completion of all procedural requirements.

1. Verify that all returns are controlled on AIMS and RCCMS.

2. Obtain current IDRS prints and include in the case file.

3. Review current IDRS prints to verify the following items:

• AMDISA to verify the applicable years are on AIMS and to verify if any freeze codes are present.

• INOLES to verify the taxpayer’s name and address.

• TXMOD to verify whether freeze codes are present and to get a complete history of the taxpayer’s account.

4. Confirm that all returns (original and amended) are in the case file.

5. Verify that Letter 5871-A (the 30-Day Letter) was sent to the taxpayer if adequate time remained on the statute(s).

6. Confirm that the statute of limitations is correctly reflected on AIMS.

7. Ensure that the Form 895, Notice of Statute Expiration, is properly completed, if required.

5. Proper managerial involvement

1. The case file should include a copy of the group manager’s written approval for the assertion of any penalty other than failure to file (FTF), failure to pay (FTP), or estimated tax penalties. Form 8278, Assessment and Abatement of Miscellaneous Civil Penalties, is available for use to meet the proper managerial involvement requirement. Examiners should complete the appropriate IRC 6676 penalty lead sheet and include it in the case file. Any managerial involvement should also be documented on the penalty lead sheet and/or related workpapers.

2. If the case file does not reflect written managerial approval, ITG/TEB Technical II must ensure this written approval is included in the case file prior to issuing the statutory notice of deficiency.

6. Proper protection of taxpayer rights:

• Adherence to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights

• Power of attorney (POA) requirements

• Confidentiality privileges – accountant/client privilege

• Notification of appeal rights

• Interest abatement

• Bankruptcy

• Consideration of collectability

• Early referrals to Appeals

• Confidentiality of taxpayer information/privacy requirements

• Unauthorized access (UNAX) requirements

• Third-party contact requirements

(2) TE/GE Division Counsel must review all cases closed for issuance of a notice of deficiency. Accordingly, ITG/TEB Technical II must submit a request to their manager for the assignment of a Division Counsel attorney to the case as soon as possible after they determine that a notice of deficiency is required.

(3) ITG/TEB Technical: Prepare and forward to group manager a Notice of Deficiency Package consisting of the following:

1. A copy of the notice prepared per IRM 4.82.3.9.8.

2. A copy of each return to which the notice applies.

3. A copy of the Letter 5871-A (30-day letter) (if issued) with Form 4549-T and an Explanation of Items (Form 886-A) for the issues raised. If Letter 5871-A was not issued, state the reason for not issuing the letter and provide Form 4549-T with an Explanation for the Items (Form 886-A) for the adjustments proposed.

4. A copy of any statute extensions (Form 872-A or Form 872) executed for any assessment period covered by the notice. Describe situations in which the taxpayer refused to extend the statutory period for assessment of one or more periods.

(4) The ITG/TEB Technical group manager reviews the Notice of Deficiency Package for completeness and sends it to the Division Counsel Attorney assigned for review.

(5) The reviewing attorney assigned may request information to review the case and coordinates with ITG/TEB Technical on any additional case development.

(6) TE/GE Division Counsel notifies the ITG/TEB Technical group manager that the notice of deficiency is approved/disapproved. If disapproved, the reviewing attorney describes the reasons.

(7) If the notice of deficiency is approved for issuance, the ITG/TEB Technical group manager instructs ITG/TEB Technical Reviewer to document Division Counsel’s approval and issue of the notice of deficiency. Update status code to 24.

(8) If the Issuer petitions tax court, send a paper copy of the electronic file to Appeals or Division Counsel. Print all electronic documents in the RCCMS case file to prepare a hard copy case file before you close it in RCCMS.

(9) If the notice of deficiency is not approved for issuance, the Division Counsel attorney discusses their position with the ITG/TEB Technical group manager. ITG/TEB Technical and the ITG/TEB Technical group manager discuss the case and decide if the case requires further development or normal closure.

(10) Division Counsel reviews and approves notices of deficiency before they are issued. However, for cases having less than two weeks remaining on the statutory period for assessment, notices of deficiency are issued regardless of whether the Division Counsel has reviewed them to protect the government’s interest.

(1) When the Examiner has identified one or more items of potential noncompliance that may result in an adverse determination (see IRM 4.82.3.3.1) and the Issuer has either refused to extend or terminated an extension and the period(s) will expire in less than one year, ITG/TEB will protect the government’s interests by issuing a notice of deficiency.

(2) First discuss with the Issuer the examination/appeals/notice of deficiency process noting the following:

1. ITG/TEB will open exams of Form 8038-CP returns (See IRM 4.82.3.3.2) related to the exam of the information return for the DPBs transaction (Form 8038-G, Form 8038-B or Form 8038-TC).

2. ITG/TEB will propose an assessment of tax based on the current development of specified potential noncompliance.

3. ITG/TEB Technical will prepare a notice of deficiency in order to protect the government’s interests.

4. The assessment of tax cannot be appealed directly to the IRS Office of Appeals without an extension of the statutory period.

5. If other material areas of potential noncompliance have not been fully developed, the ITG/TEB exam may continue for the information return and related Form 8038-CP returns not impacted by the short statute dates.

6. If a petition is filed with the U.S. Tax Court for cases where the taxpayer was not allowed an administrative appeal, Division Counsel will generally refer the docketed case to the IRS Office of Appeals for its consideration. The period for assessment is stayed while the case is docketed. Appeals has indicated that when they receive a docketed case involving Form 8038-CP cases, they consider that case based on the arguments and evidence included in the case files of the docketed case.

7. If a petition is not filed with the U.S. Tax Court in the time prescribed, once a notice of deficiency has been issued, the proposed tax, penalty, and interest will be assessed.

(3) Document in the case chronology record that the Issuer has been informed of the process described in IRM 4.82.3.9.2 (2) and doesn’t wish to extend the statutory period for assessment.

(4) Determine whether any material areas of potential noncompliance affecting qualification of the bonds have not been fully developed. If so, discuss the remaining areas of potential noncompliance with your group manager and determine if you should either:

1. Keep the case open to complete case development.

2. Issue a Proposed Adverse Determination Letter.

(1) If you determine that no material potential noncompliance remains undeveloped in the exam:

1. Issue a Proposed Adverse Determination Letter for the information return under examination regardless of whether a Form 5701-B has been previously issued.

2. Open the examination of all Form 8038-CP returns for which case controls have been established. See IRM 4.82.3.3.2.

3. Prepare Form 4549-T computing the adjustment proposed. See Exhibit 4.82.3-1.

4. If no timely response, close the RCCMS case files for all Form 8038-CP returns to your group manager and request the case(s) be transferred to ITG/TEB Technical assigned to issue a notice of deficiency.

5. If valid protest received, prepare Letter 2280-T, TEB Claim Notification: Transfer of Adverse Claim Determination to the Office of Appeals. Close the exam of the information return to Appeals. See IRM 4.81.5.19.2.

6. Group manager: Close case to Appeals. Issue Letter 2280-T, TEB Claim Notification: Transfer of Adverse Claim Determination to the Office of Appeals.

(1) If you determine that one or more material areas of potential noncompliance remain undeveloped in the exam:

1. Open the exam of all Form 8038-CP returns that have a period for assessment will have fewer than 450 days remaining by the expected completion date of the examination. See IRM 4.82.3.3.2.

2. Prepare Form 4549-T computing the adjustment proposed for all open Form 8038-CP periods. See Exhibit 4.82.3-1.

3. Prepare an explanation of items for the Identified Qualification Issue(s) and any additional potential noncompliance sufficiently developed supporting the Form 4549-T adjustments.

4. Close the RCCMS case files for all open Form 8038-CP returns to your manager (See IRM 4.82.3.9.5) and request transfer to the ITG/TEB Technical manager to issue a notice of deficiency.

5. Continue the exam of the DPBs information return as a priority case.

(2) Group manager: For cases in which case development continues:

1. Indicate the developments in the case and a projected closing date.

(1) Examiner: Prepare an electronic RCCMS exam case file for each Form 8038-CP return. Include the following:

1. Form 3198-A indicating "DPBs Related Return – Issuer Refused Statute Extension – Statutory Notice".

2. A copy of Form 8038-CP.

3. Form 895 (if applicable).

4. Form 4549-T with explanation of items for proposed adjustments for the periods.

5. A description of the Identified Qualification Issue(s) for which case controls were established under IRM 4.82.3.

6. Factual details developed during the exam for the issue(s).

7. A copy of Form 5464, Case Chronology Record, from the exam file of the related information return.

8. Copies of any correspondence or other evidence for the Issuer’s refusal to extend the period for assessment.

9. The TEB Statute Evaluation Form for the related bond exam.

10. A description of the current exam status including all remaining items of potential noncompliance and outstanding IDRS for the related information return exam.

(2) If Form 4549-T includes more than one Form 8038-CP return:

1. Include the case file above in the Form 8038-CP return case file with the earliest interest payment date.

2. Include in all other case files for Form 8038-CP returns: Form 3198-A, a copy of Form 8038-CP, and Form 895 referenced above.

3. Indicate on Form 3198-A: "See related case file for MM/DD/YYYY interest payment date for the exam case file."

(3) Examiner: Close the RCCMS case file(s) to group manager using disposal code 604 (Unagreed Without Protest).

(4) Examiner’s group manager: Update the case to status 20 and transfer the RCCMS case file(s) from group to ITG/TEB Technical II, (PBC/SBC/EGC = 400/25116/7211) for preparation of the Notice of Deficiency.

(1) Include a copy of the file from the related information return exam and a copy of the Final Adverse Determination Letter issued for the DPBs in the case file of the Form 8038-CP return with the earliest interest payment date in exam cases in which:

1. The assessment period is not in jeopardy.

2. A 30-Day Letter was issued per IRM 4.82.3.5.6.

3. A protest was not received in the time prescribed.

(2) Include Form 3198-Aindicating "DPB Related Return – No 30-Day Letter Protest – Statutory Notice" in the case file:

1. With the earliest interest payment date.

2. Of any additional related return that cross references its examination work papers.

(3) If the Issuer timely protests the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter, but fails to timely protest the Letter 5871-A (30-Day Letter) for the related Form 8038-CP returns, determine whether the failure was intended, or due to a mistaken understanding of the requirement to protest both the Proposed Adverse Determination Letter and Letter 5871-A (30-Day Letter). If unintended:

1. Determine a reasonable extension of time to allow the Issuer to file a valid protest to the Letter 5871-A (30-Day Letter).

2. With your group manager’s agreement, send a letter notifying the Issuer of such additional time to protest the Letter 5871-A (30-Day Letter.

(4) If you don’t receive a protest to the Letter 5871-A (30-Day Letter, close the RCCMS case files to your group manager who transfers to ITG/TEB Technical to issue a notice of deficiency. Use RCCMS closing code 604 (Unagreed –Without Protest). Manager will update the status code on RCCMS from 12 to 20 - Review and transfer the case to ITG/TEB Technical II for preparation of the Notice of Deficiency.

(1) For cases transferring from an Examiner’s group for issuance of a notice of deficiency where a final adverse determination is issued, Examiners should follow the notification requirements in IRM 4.82.3.8.

(2) For cases transferring from an Examiner’s group for issuance of a notice of deficiency where the exam of the information return remains open, the notification to TEB DPB Compliance Review Function is not required.

(1) Use the general procedures in IRM 4.82.3.9 to prepare, issue, suspense, and monitor an ITG/TEB notice of deficiency as modified in this IRM.

1. A notice of deficiency must be issued when there is a proposed tax deficiency with which the taxpayer does not agree and:

1. The statute of limitations is imminent and no extension can be obtained.

2. The taxpayer does not respond to, or file a valid protest to a 30-Day Letter (Letter 5871-A), or

3. The taxpayer requests the issuance of the notice in order to petition the case to Tax Court.

(2) ITG/TEB Technical: Prepare, per IRM 4.82.3.9.8(3), the notice of deficiency, including the explanatory paragraph described in IRM 4.8.9.6.

(3) ITG/TEB Technical:: Coordinate with Division Counsel to request assignment of an attorney for the review and approval of the Notice of Deficiency.

(4) ITG/TEB Technical: Assemble a package (Notice of Deficiency Package) to include:

1. Notice of Deficiency Letter addressed to the Issuer.

2. Form 4089-A, Notice of Deficiency Statement.

3. Notice 1421, How Bankruptcy Affects Your Rights to File a Petition in Tax Court in Response to a Notice of Deficiency.

4. Form 4089, Notice of Deficiency Waiver.

5. Explanation of Tax Adjustment (See IRM 4.82.3.9.9.

6. Letter 937 transmitting a copy to the POA, if applicable.

1. Form 4549-T (from the exam case file).

2. Form 870 (from the exam case file).

3. Copy of current IDRS command codes TXMODA and INOLES prints showing Issuer’s name and address on file.

4. Copies of any Form 2848 (from the exam case file.)

5. Copies of any statute extensions obtained for any period included in the notice of deficiency (from the exam file).

6. A description of the Identified Qualification Issue(s) for which case controls were established under IRM 4.82.3

(5) ITG/TEB Technical: Perfect the Notice of Deficiency Package as described in written advice from Division Counsel.

(6) ITG/TEB Technical: Prepare the following items:

1. Notice of Deficiency Package approval by Division Counsel.

2. Sufficient printed copies of items in IRM 4.82.3.9.8 (4) (a) through (h) Notice of Deficiency Package, including a file copy and any required copies for POAs.

3. Cover letters for each POA to receive copies of the notice of deficiency.

4. Addressed envelopes for issuance of the statutory notice of deficiency. (Address the package for the Issuer to the addressee and address from INOLES).

(7) ITG/TEB Technical: Send the items in IRM 4.82.3.9.8 (4) above, together with the IDRS prints, Form(s) 2848, and statute extensions in IRM 4.82.3.9.8 (4)(g), (h), and (i), and a copy of Division Counsel’s written approval to the Program Manager, ITG/TEB Technical or designee, using next day air mail service.

(8) Program Manager, ITG/TEB Technical or designee:

1. Review the Notice of Deficiency Package and upon approval, sign the letters, and mail the notice of deficiency to the Issuer using certified mail with return receipt requested.

2. Mail a copy of the notice to authorized representatives per Form 2848.

3. When you receive the return receipt evidencing delivery of the notice, send a copy of the notice, evidence of mailing, and copies of POA transmittal letters to ITG/TEB Technical to include in the RCCMS case file.

(9) ITG/TEB Technical: Update the status of each RCCMS case included in the notice of deficiency to status 24, 90-Day Letter.

(1) The explanation of tax changes will generally consist of a short paragraph explaining the adjustments proposed on Form 4549-T. This paragraph doesn’t require the statement of facts, law, and arguments generally included with Form 5701-B or a Proposed Adverse Determination Letter, but merely an explanation of the reason for the adjustment.

(2) Examples of IRC 6431 specific explanations:

1. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for qualified bonds you claimed because [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] are private activity bonds and are not qualified bonds.

2. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for qualified bonds you claimed because [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] are arbitrage bonds and are not qualified bonds.

3. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for qualified bonds you claimed because [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] were not issued before January 1, 2011 and are not qualified bonds.

4. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for qualified bonds you claimed because you did not make an irrevocable election to have the provisions of IRC 54AA apply to [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] and the bonds are not qualified bonds.

5. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for qualified bonds you claimed because the issue price has more than a de minimis amount of premium over the stated principal amount of [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] and the bonds and are not qualified bonds.

6. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for qualified bonds you claimed because proceeds of [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] required to be used for certain qualifying purposes were not used for such purposes and the bonds are not qualified bonds.

   Note: Violations related to nonqualifying use of proceeds may result from uses of proceeds to pay costs of issuance in an amount in excess of applicable limitations (for example, in excess of the 2% cost of issuance limit for purposes of determining the amount of available project proceeds under IRC 54A).

7. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for specified tax credit bonds you claimed because [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] are arbitrage bonds and are not specified tax credit bonds.

8. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for specified tax credit bonds you claimed because you did not make an irrevocable election to have the provisions of IRC 6431(f) apply to [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] and the bonds are not specified tax credit bonds.

9. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for specified tax credit bonds you claimed because the issue price has more than a de minimis amount of premium over the stated principal amount of [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] and the bonds are not specified tax credit bonds.

10. We have disallowed the IRC 6431 credit for specified tax credit bonds you claimed because proceeds of [NAME OF BOND ISSUE] required to be used for certain qualifying purposes, were not used for such purposes and the bonds are not specified tax credit bonds.

(3) Example of an IRC 6676 specific explanation:

(4) ITG/TEB Technical: For adjustments resulting from noncompliance not described in the examples above, including penalties under IRC 6662 or IRC 6663, provide an explanation which conforms to the:

• Guidance in IRM 4.8.9.8.6 on the explanation of adjustments.

• Examples in IRM 4.82.3.9.9 (2) and IRM 4.82.3.9.9 (3).

• Numerous examples inIRM 4.10.10 Exhibit 4.10.10-2.

(5) Include the following paragraphs in the notice of deficiency in cases where deficiency involves a credit under IRC 6431 that has not been paid by the IRS:

• IRC 6512(a) prohibits a refund suit by a taxpayer when the IRS has issued a notice of deficiency and the taxpayer has timely petitioned the Tax Court from that notice of deficiency. You may choose to treat this notice as your legal notice that we have fully disallowed your claim.

• To treat this notice as your legal notice of claim disallowance, you must either sign the Form 4089, Notice of Deficiency – Waiver, or fail to file a petition in the Tax Court within the 90-day period allowed by law. This will permit us to assess the deficiency, including any penalties or other additions to tax described in this notice.

• If you wish to bring suit or proceedings for the recovery of any credit under IRC 6431 for which this notice is issued, you may do so by filing suit with the United States District Court having jurisdiction, or the United States Claims Court. The law permits you to do this within 2 years from the mailing date of this letter. (Note: any penalties or other additions to tax that may be assessed may not be included in such suit for refund without first paying the amount, claiming a refund, and receiving a notice that we have disallowed your claim.

• If you wish to protest the denial of this claim, you may request an administrative appeal of your case to the IRS Office of Appeals. The Office of Appeals is separate and independent of the IRS office that determined that this claim should be disallowed. If you decide to request an Appeals review, you must submit your request in writing within 30 days of the date of this letter. Your request must include a detailed written response to the reason (described above) this claim was disallowed and include any further explanation of your position. The request for an appeal should be sent to the address in the heading of this letter.

(1) After issuance of the notice of deficiency, Issuers have 90 days to petition U.S. Tax Court. The IRS is barred from making an assessment before the expiration of this 90-day period, unless a waiver is received.

(2) ITG/TEB Technical II: follow these procedures:

1. Establish a 120-day follow-up (allowing 30 days past the 90-day expiration date to allow time for mailing and inputting the information) for each case placed in 90-day suspense per.

2. Review daily, the docket listing from the Director, Legal Processing Division, Procedure and Administration Office of Chief Counsel to determine if the U.S. Tax Court has been petitioned for any case in 90-Day suspense.

   Note: Division Counsel must respond to a petition within 60 days, so it is important to identify cases petitioned as soon as possible.

3. Notify the ITG/TEB Technical II group that closes petitioned cases on RCCMS using disposal code 603 (Unagreed – Petition to Tax Court) if the Issuer files a petition with the U.S. Tax Court. ITG/TEB Technical II ships the hard copy case file to Appeals by overnight mail to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service Boston
Appeals Office
10 Causeway Room 493
Boston, MA 02222-1047

4. Coordinate with the TEGE Closing Unit to close the case on RCCMS.

5. If a petition is not identified, upon expiration of the 120-day suspense period, research at www.ustaxcourt.gov (select Docket Inquiry) to determine if the Issuer has petitioned the Tax Court. If no petition has been filed, notify ITG/TEB Technical II. ITG/TEB Technical II closes the non-petitioned case on RCCMS using disposal code 604 (Unagreed – Without Protest). The hard copy case file may be destroyed to the extent all documents are included in the electronic case file.

(3) ITG/TEB Technical II: If you receive a Form 870 waiver authorizing the immediate assessment and collection of tax, review the waiver. Close any case for which a valid waiver was received using disposal code 102 (Agreed Tax or Penalty Changes).

(1) Refer to IRM 4.8.9.23 for procedures used to respond to protests, correspondence, or other requests for reconsideration after the notice of deficiency has been issued.

(1) Sometimes a notice of deficiency may need to be withdrawn.

(2) IRS can’t rescind a notice of deficiency until after a petition is filed to the U.S. Tax Court or the 90-day suspense period expires and may only do so if the Issuer and the IRS agree. A rescission requires you to consider a number of factors in IRM 4.8.9.28.

(3) To rescind a notice of deficiency issued for ITG/TEB cases:

1. Follow procedures in Rev. Proc. 98-54.

2. Use Form 8626.

3. Get the Director, Indian Tribal Governments/Tax Exempt Bonds’ approval.

(1) The GECU DPB Compliance Review Function establishes a case on RCCMS ("Referral Case") for each return referred to ITG/TEB for claims that meet certain conditions for referral. These conditions include:

1. Returns with an approval status of Final Adverse Determination, Final Return Filed, Other Nonqualified Bonds ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ .

2. The interest payment date is more than three years prior to the IRS received date.

3. First Form 8038-CP:

Issued as a BAB, RZEDB or QZAB Claim where the Issuer does not appear to be a government entity Claims that are large (over $500,000)

4. Potential duplicate return (in other words, Part 1 Payee is different from original filed return and Part II is the same).

5. Returns with potential badges of fraud (See IRM 4.82.3.10.1.4).

(2) An imaged copy of the return is posted to the Referral Case file along with an explanation of why the referral was made.

(3) The return will be edited with a computer condition code “O” that will create a -X freeze on the module for each Referral Case to prevent the refund from being released until the AIMS controls can be established which places an “L” freeze on the module. The “L” freeze prevents the refund from being released until the examination is closed and TC 290 or 300 is input.

(4) The Referral Case is transferred to ITG/TEB Technical II and assigned to a TLS. The TLS reviews the case file and determines if an examination of the Issuer’s books and records is required. If so, they request the Referral Case to be transferred to the Field Operations group with geographic responsibility for the Issuer’s location.

(5) The TLS does a compliance review for any other Referral Cases in which the claim is determined to be allowable. Close the case immediately as a survey after assignment. (See IRM 4.82.3.10.3.2).

(1) Expedite case closing for cases for which both:

1. You’ve determined to allow all, or any portion, of a claim amount.

2. The account module for the Form 8038-CP return is frozen during the compliance review process (computer condition code “O”) or as a result of exam controls being established.

(2) Expedited procedures are required to either:

1. Ensure contemporaneous payment of the credit with the interest payment date under that bond.

2. Avoid or limit any credit interest due for refunds paid more than 45 days after the later of the return due date, the correspondence received date, or the return received date for Form 8038-CP returns.

(3) Examiner or TLS: survey or close the RCCMS/AIMS case to the group manager to issue any closing letter, if you opened an exam within one business day of either:

1. Deciding to survey or no-change the case.

2. Receiving the signed Form 4549-T from the taxpayer agreeing to the proposed adjustment.

(4) Examiner or TLS: alert the group manager by separate email that you closed a case with expedite handling requirements on RCCMS. Indicate the date on which credit interest is to begin accruing on the return module.

(5) Group manager: process the closed RCCMS/AIMS case within two business days of receipt.

(6) Group manager: email the GECU mailbox and group manager identifying the case(s) closed on RCCMS with expedite handling requirements. Include the credit interest date (the date the IRS will begin computing credit interest) in the email to help the GECU prioritize the case closing.

(7) GECU: prioritizes the claim case and determines whether a manual refund is required under normal procedures. Follow normal procedures for claim cases to ensure any required adjustments are made and the refund is released or a manual refund is made.

(8) Expedited closing procedures are not required for cases in which the originally claimed refund has been paid or the claim is being totally disallowed.

(1) The GECU also refers Form 8038-CPs to ITG/TEB for certain compliance activities ("Compliance Activity Referral") including:

1. Returns with an approval status of "Bonds Under Exam" or "Bonds in Appeals".

2. Initial review of bond transactions (not described in IRM 4.82.3.10.1(1)(e) above).

3. Claims for IPD that don’t agree with the terms of the Bonds (in other words, IPD not consistent with normal IPDs).

4. Review of final Form 8038-CP return for a bond issue.

(2) GECU establishes each Compliance Activity Referral on RCCMS for returns referred to ITG/TEB similar to the procedure for Referral Cases, except the case isn’t established as an exam on AIMS and CCC “O” isn’t edited on the return. Accordingly, the return will be submitted for processing and the payment of the refund will not be frozen due to the referral.

(3) TLS: if during a compliance activity, you identify issues that require an examination of the Issuer’s books of account, document the case file, deselect the AIMS block on RCCMS, and request transfer of the case to the appropriate field group for examination.

(4) Compliance Activity Referrals assigned to ITG/TEB Field Operations for examination are worked similarly to Referral Cases. However, the examiner should determine whether a refund has been or will be paid.

(1) GECU keeps a record of each Form 8038-CP return processed to assign a unique report number and identify potential duplicate returns.

(2) ITG/TEB keeps a record of each bond issue evaluated for requirements of qualified bonds that GECU uses during the compliance review process.

(1) It is IRS policy to follow deficiency procedures for disallowed claims if the claim to be disallowed was made on an original return. For a claim made on an originally filed Form 8038-CP return that is determined to be unallowable before the claim, or any portion thereof, has been paid, the IRS follows deficiency procedures in IRM 4.82.3.9.

(2) Referral Cases are generally established on RCCMS before the Form 8038-CP is forwarded for processing. The Examiner should:

1. Verify a TC 150 was posted on the Form 8038-CP tax module for the Referral Case.

2. Verify AIMS examination controls are established.

3. Determine the amount of credit processed.

4. Determine whether any refund was paid or frozen.

(3) Examiner: prepare Form 4549-T reflecting the proposed adjustment to the credit amount processed on the tax module for the Form 8038-CP return per the instructions in IRM 4.82.3.5.2 as modified below.

1. If IRS hasn’t paid the refund reflected on a tax module, don’t compute interest under IRC 6601 on the credit decrease amount on Form 4549-T.

2. Following each period reported on Form 4549-T for which IRS hasn’t paid the refund pending on the tax module, label the row "Amount of Refund Pending on Tax Module".

3. For each row labeled "Amount of Refund Pending on Tax Module," enter in the column labeled "Amount Due or (Refund)" the unpaid refund amount shown on the tax module in brackets as a negative or refund amount; "($nn,nnn.nn)."

   Note: By not including deficiency interest and reflecting the unpaid refund as a negative amount, the Form 4549-T reflects the actual deficiency for each period and the total amount or (refund) due for all cases included in the form.

(4) Follow deficiency procedures in IRM 4.82.3.9 for unagreed cases. The statutory notice of deficiency also serves as the statutory notice of claim disallowance. Issuers can file a petition in Tax Court, U.S. district court, or the U.S. Court of Claims to protest the disallowance of the credit. However, they must petition any penalties associated with the proposed reduction in credit in Tax Court or pay the penalty, file a claim for refund, and receive a claim disallowance in order to file a petition in U.S. district court or the U.S. Court of Claims.

(5) Don’t issue Letter 105-A to notify the Issuer of any full or partial claim disallowance unless the claim is barred by statute ( See IRM 4.82.3.10.1.2) or was filed on an amended Form 8038-CP return (See IRM 4.82.3.10.6).

(1) Amended returns for Form 8038-CP are generally allowed only to adjust a prior return filed as a final return.

(2) Route all Form 8038-CP returns received with the amended return box checked to Accounts Management in the Ogden Campus.

(3) Accounts Management may:

1. Refer an amended claim case to the TEB DPB Compliance Review Coordinator for ITG/TEB Technical II consideration.

2. Determine an amended return requesting an additional refund should be allowed, denied in full, or in part.

(4) Coordinator procedures:

1. Establish the claim case on RCCMS on the account module of the Form 8038-CP return to which the amended return relates. Use source code 30 to designate the case as a claim.

2. If an exam is required to determine whether all, or a portion, of the claim should be disallowed, transfer the case to the appropriate ITG/TEB Field Operations group manager.

3. If you determine there is sufficient evidence to support the full or partial claim disallowance, document the case file to support the determination and request transfer to the appropriate FO group for examination.

4. If amended claim was referred to ITG/TEB by Accounts Management, notify Accounts Management of actions taken.

(5) Examiner: if the claim case is assigned to you, open the exam and develop the facts necessary to support a determination that the claim should be allowed, partially allowed, or disallowed.

(6) Examiner: For cases in which the additional amount claimed on the amended return is not allowed, prepare Letter 105-A to notify the Issuer of any full or partial claim disallowance. In addition:

1. Indicate in the Letter 105-A, Notice of Claim Disallowance, the reason for the disallowance, the amount of credit disallowed, and that the claim disallowance may be protested.

2. Clearly identify in the letter the Issuer’s options to file a protest or file suit in U.S. District Court or the U.S. Court of Claims. Taxpayers may file suit for refund within two years after the date on which the IRS denied their claim.

3. Enclose in the letter information on what is required for a valid protest: Pub 5, Your Appeal Rights and How to Prepare a Protest If You Don’t Agree, and Pub 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer.

4. Describe the Taxpayer Advocate’s role in resolving problems and how to contact the local TAS office.

5. Prepare and include Form 3363, Acceptance of Proposed Disallowance of Claim for Refund or Credit, for acceptance of the claim disallowance and Form 2297, Waiver of Statutory Notification of Claim Disallowance.

6. Prepare Letter 937, Transmittal for Power of Attorney, if applicable.

(7) Examiner: Consider whether penalties apply (See IRM 4.82.3.11).

(8) Examiner: If you assess a penalty under IRC 6676, follow procedures in IRM 20.1.5.16 to establish a civil penalty case and prepare Letter 4143-C, IRC 6676 Erroneous Claims Penalty Assessment Notification Letter, with Form 5838-EC.

(9) Examiner: Send Letter 105-A and all necessary attachments, Pub 5, Pub 1, Form 3363, Form 2297, Letter 937, Letter 4143-C and Form 5838-EC, as applicable, to your group manager to review and issue.

(10) The group manager mails Letter 105-A, using certified mail, and gives the examiner a dated and signed copy of letters issued for the case file.

(1) Consider the collectability for assessments made under IRM 4.82.3.5.3 or IRM 4.82.3.9.1.

(2) At the initial exam appointment, advise Issuers that we’ll discuss payment options and solicit payment during the closing conference if we recommend any deficiency.

(3) When you complete the exam and recommend an assessment, request payment of agreed deficiencies resulting from the exam.

(4) If the Issuer is unable to make full payment, explain payment options: installment agreements and Offers-in-Compromise (doubt as to collectability). You may use Publication Pub 594, The IRS Collection Process.

(5) TEB exam employees have the authority to accept streamlined installment agreements (See IRM 4.20.4.3, Streamlined Installment Agreements). If the taxpayer requests an installment agreement that does not meet TEB’s authority, refer to Collection for consideration. Collection has jurisdiction for Offers-in-Compromise, including doubt as to collectability and currently not collectible determinations. See IRM 4.18.1 through 7 for examination procedures on processing doubt as to liability offers.

(6) Document the case file and workpapers, when applicable, on the collectability discussion (tiered interview) as outlined in IRM 4.20.3.3, Securing Collection Information:

1. If collectability was an issue, was it considered?

2. Was payment received?

3. Was an installment agreement secured?

4. If the taxpayer asked for an installment agreement outside the Examiner’s authority, was the case referred to Collection?

5. If the agreed deficiency was not paid, was the case referred to Collection?

   Note: The case file documentation should enable the Reviewer to readily determine the above aspects. Include the requisite documentation in the payment and closing conference agenda workpaper.

(7) Complete Form 9440, Taxpayer Levy Source and Contact Information, and include in the case file in all unpaid cases (agreed and unagreed). See IRM 4.20.3.3 for details.

(8) If you don’t secure full payment or an installment agreement from the Issuer, (see IRM 4.20.4.2, Installment Agreements), referral to the Collection Territory Manager with jurisdiction over the Issuer is mandatory for assessments made on MFT 46 accounts.

(9) The referral consists of a memo from the Group Manager to the Collection Territory Manager including:

1. A detailed description of the assessment made (most Collection employees are unfamiliar with DPBs assessments).

2. An explanation that a manual referral is required because the Collection Integrated Collection System (ICS) doesn’t include MFT 46 accounts (again, Collection employees personnel may be unaware that their inventory system doesn’t accommodate MFT 46 accounts).

3. A description of the TEB collection efforts and Issuer response.

4. A copy of Form 4549-T and Form 870, if applicable.

5. A copy of Form 9440.

(1) Include in all unpaid cases (agreed and unagreed), financial data about the taxpayer and record on Form 9440, Taxpayer Levy Source and Contact Information, to help future collection efforts. Use the facts developed during the exam to complete the form. See IRM 4.20.3.3, Securing Collection Information, for more information on completing Form 9440.

(2) Attach the completed Form 9440 to the referral to Collection required for all unpaid assessments on MFT 46 accounts.