AccessibilitySkip to Top NavigationSkip to Main ContentHome  |  Contact IRS  |  About IRS  |  Site Map  |  Español  |  Help  

Part 2. Information Technology

Chapter 3. IDRS Terminal Responses

Section 16. Command Code RFINK

2.3.16  Command Code RFINK

2.3.16.1  (01-01-2006)
Overview of the Reporting Agents File (RAF) Research

  1. The Reporting Agents File contains information regarding the type of authorization that taxpayers have given to their reporting agent for the employment tax modules and/or the payment modules in their account. This authorization allows the reporting agent to file certain forms for the taxpayer on magnetic tape or electronically or make magnetic tape or electronic submission of federal tax deposits. The information from the authorization is used to direct copies of notices and correspondence to reporting agents when this has been authorized. It can also be used to determine whether an individual claiming to be a reporting agent for a taxpayer is, in fact, authorized to receive the information he/she requests. CC RFINK is the only command code needed to research the RAF.

2.3.16.2  (01-01-2007)
Command Code RFINK

  1. This command code is used to research the RAF. Different information will be displayed based on the input.

    1. When CC RFINK is input with a Taxpayer EIN only, a list of MFTs and beginning tax periods present for the taxpayer will be displayed along with reporting agent's name, EIN and authorization information. Authorization remains valid until terminated by the Taxpayer or Reporting Agent.

    2. When CC RFINK is input with the Taxpayer EIN and module information (MFT code, form definer, payment type, and tax period), all information for that module will be displayed if it is present on the RAF.

    3. When CC RFINK is input with Taxpayer EIN, module information, and Reporting Agent EIN, all specific information for that module will be displayed if the reporting agent has an authorization for that module.

    4. When CC RFINK is input with the definer "R" and reporting agents EIN, specific information about that reporting agent (name, address, and telephone number) will be displayed.

    5. When CC RFINK is input with the Taxpayer EIN, information for that taxpayer will be displayed if it is present. RFINK can then be entered with the definer "L," taxpayers EIN, and reporting agent's EIN, to display information about that taxpayer with that reporting agent.

    6. If one or more of the input fields is invalid, messages will be displayed which will indicate which fields were invalid.

    7. When CC RFINK is input with Taxpayer EIN and the definer "L," a year can be viewed which shows the beginning year a Reporting Agent has authorization to exchange information pertaining to a Taxpayer's Form W2 and Form 1099

    8. If the taxpayer data on RAF needs to be associated with the add/delete listing created from the reporting agent tape, the reel number can be used to locate the listing associated with that tape. The reel number appears on the add/delete listing and on the IDRS terminal screen. It displays whenever CC RFINK is input with a taxpayer EIN only. A numeric value will appear in this field only when the taxpayer is added by tape. Otherwise, the reel number field will be blank or zeroes.

    9. If Forms 8655, Reporting Agent Authorizations, are requested from the RAF Unit at the Ogden campus, the reporting agent name and receipt date should be used to request them. All Reporting Agent Authorizations will be filed by the reporting agent's name and receipt date.

    10. See IRM 2.4.40 for a complete description of command codes used for RAF updates: RFRTM, RFADD, RFUPT, RFRMA, AFADT, AFUPT, RFMRG.

2.3.16.3  (01-01-2006)
Terminal Responses — CC RFINK

  1. Error Messages are displayed on line 24.

    1. PLEASE CORRECT INVALID DATA — one or more of the input data fields is invalid. An asterisk will be displayed immediately to the right of any invalid field. Correct and re-enter.

    2. NO DATA AVAILABLE — This indicates that there is no Taxpayer or Reporting Agent on the RAF file which matches the number input on the screen.

    3. N/R OF T/P ACCOUNT-RA ON RAF — The Reporting Agent is present on the files, but, the Taxpayer is not.

    4. N/R OF T/P MOD-T/P AND RA ON RAF — The Taxpayer and Reporting Agent are on file, but not with the module you have requested.

    5. N/R OF T/P MOD-T/P ON RAF-N/R RA — The Taxpayer is on file, but not with the module you have requested.

    6. N/R OF TAXPAYER MODULE-T/P ON RAF — The Taxpayer exists, but not with that module.

    7. FILE ERROR — An unidentified error occurred in attempting to access the data base. This maybe a system error, re-enter. If problem recurs, notify DCC CAF/RAF Section.

    8. NO RECORD OF T/P ACCOUNT — The taxpayer does not currently exist on RAF files.

    9. TAX MOD HAS DIFF RA-RA ENTERED ON RAF — The Reporting Agent entered has no authorization for this MFT/TAX PERIOD, but he/she is present on RAF.

    10. TAX MOD HAS DIFF RA-N/R RA ENTERED — The Reporting Agent entered has no authorization for this MFT/TAX PERIOD and he/she is not currently on RAF.

    11. N/R OF T/P WITH THIS AGENT — The taxpayer does not currently exist on the RAF files with this agent.

    12. BEG/END QUARTER NOT VALID — The beginning or ending quarter not valid as entered.

    13. BEG/END QUARTER NOT PRESENT — Both the beginning and ending quarter must be entered for this request.

    14. BEG/END QTR NOT VALID FOR TP/RA — The taxpayer does not currently exist on the RAF files with this agent for the requested quarters.

2.3.16.4  (01-01-2006)
Subsequent Command Code Usage — CC RFINK

  1. CC RFINK is a prerequisite for CC RFRTM which requests the formats of the RAF update command codes RFADD and RFUPT.

  2. CC RFINK input with the taxpayer EIN only may be followed by CC RFRTM, provided a record for the taxpayer is found on the RAF. This will bring up the RFUPT format.

  3. CC RFINK input with the taxpayer EIN, module information, and reporting agent information may be followed by CC RFRTM. This will bring up the appropriate RFADD format based on the response to the RFINK input.

  4. CC RFINK is a prerequisite for CC RFRMA which requests the formats of the RAF update command codes AFADT, AFUPT, and RFMRG.

  5. CC RFINK input with the reporting agent EIN may be followed by CC RFRMA, provided a record for the reporting agent is found on the RAF. This will bring up the AFUPT format.

  6. CC RFINK input with the reporting agent EIN may be followed by CC RFRMA. This will bring up the AFADT format based on the response to the RFINK input.

  7. CC RFINK input with the reporting agent EIN followed by CC RFRMA and the proper definer will bring up the RFMRG format.

Exhibit 2.3.16-1  (01-01-2009)
Command Code RFINK — Input Format

  1. **NOTE** — Colon Signs (:) are used only to denote beginning and end of fields. They are not part of the actual data entered.

Input Format — all options shown

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.

(b) Record Element Description:

Item Line Position Description and Validity
Required Fields
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
2 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
3 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN/Reporting Agent EIN
The RAF contains modules for MFT codes 01, 09, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 (Return Authorizations), and MFT codes 01, 02, 03, 05, 09, 10, 11, 14, 16, 12, 33, 34, and 44 (Payment Authorizations), the only valid format for the taxpayer EIN is: nn-nnnnnnn (no File Source is required). The reporting agent's EIN will be used as his/her identifying number. The correct format is: nn-nnnnnnn (no File Source is required).
Optional Fields
4 2 1 - 2 MFT Code
5 2 4 - 6 Form Definer
Blank or
PR — 940, 941, 943, 944 or
SS — 941, 944 or
C — 990 or
T — 990 or
PF — 990
6 2 8 Payment Indicator
blank — Authorized to Sign and File Returns
P — Authorized to make Deposits and Payments
7 2 10 - 15 Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
8 3 1 - 10 Reporting Agent's EIN (see format above).
9 24 1 - 38 Message Line

Exhibit 2.3.16-2  (01-01-2009)
Command Code RFINK — Output Format

  1. This format will be displayed when there is a full match on a specific request (all options input).

  2. **NOTE** — Colon Signs(:) are used only to denote beginning and end of fields. They are not part of the actual data entered.

Output Format - Full Match Display

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.

(c) Record Element Description

Item Line Position Description and Validity
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
2 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
3 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN
4 1 25 - 26 MFT
5 1 36 - 38 Form Definer
PR — 940, 941, 943, 944 or
SS — 941, 944 or
C — 990 or
T — 990 or
PF — 990
6 1 50 - 55 Beginning Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
7 1 69 - 72 Ending Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
8 2 11 - 13 Taxpayer Name Control
9 2 32 - 47 Sequence Number
      Positions 1 - 2, campus:
AN — Andover
B — Brookhaven
F — Fresno
M — Memphis
P — Philadelphia
Positions 3 - 12, numeric digits 0 - 9
Positions 13 - 16, Century/year digits or
Positions 1 - 2, campus: (1/2002)
29 — Ogden
Positions 3 - 12, numeric digits 0–9
Positions 13 - 16, Century/year digits
10 2 55 - 56 Service Center Code
11 2 69 - 74 Reel Number
12 4 13 - 47 Taxpayer Name
13 6 9 - 43 Reporting Agent Name
14 7 14 - 17 Reporting Agent Name Control
15 8 8 - 17 Reporting Agent EIN
16 9 11 - 30 Reporting Agent Street Address
17 10 9 - 19 Reporting Agent City
18 10 44 - 46 Reporting Agent State
19 10 61 - 74 Reporting Agent Zip Code
20 12 8 Notice Indicator
Y — Authorized to receive copies of notices
N — Not Authorized to receive copies of notices
21 12 26 Action Code
A — Add
D — Delete
E — End Dated
R — Revoked
U — Updated
22 12 48 Payment Indicator
blank — Authorized to Sign and File Returns
P — Authorized to make Deposits and Payments
23 12 65 Disclosure Indicator
Y — Authorized to request additional information
N — Not Authorized to request additional information
24 14 12 - 21 Received Date
Format — MM-DD-CCYY

Exhibit 2.3.16-3  (01-01-2006)
Command Code RFINK — Input Format

  1. Example of input with Taxpayer EIN only

Input Format - EIN Only

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.

(b) Record Element Description

Item Line Position Description and Validity
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
3 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
4 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN
5 24 1 - 38 Message Line

Exhibit 2.3.16-4  (01-01-2007)
Command Code RFINK — Output Format

  1. Example of a valid response to a command code RFINK input with the Taxpayer's EIN only. ( See IRM 2.3.16.3. for error messages.)

Output Format - EIN Only

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.
Item Line Position Description and Validity
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
2 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
3 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN
4 1 69 - 72 Taxpayer Name Control
5 2 62 - 63 Service Center Code
6 2 74 - 80 Reel Number
7 3 31 - 65 Taxpayer Name
8 6 - 22 1 - 17 Sequence Number ( See Exhibit 2.3.16-2.)
9 6 - 22 19 - 20 MFT
10 6 - 22 24 - 26 Form Definer
11 6 - 22 30 - 35 Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
12 6 - 22 37 - 64 Reporting Agent Name
13 6 - 22 66 - 75 Reporting Agent EIN
14 6 - 22 77 Notice Indicator
Y — Authorized to receive copies of notices
N — Not Authorized to receive copies of notices
15 6 - 22 78 Action Code
A — Add
D — Delete
E — End Dated
R — Revoked
U — Updated
16 6 - 22 79 Payment Indicator
blank — Authorized to Sign and File Returns
P — Authorized to make Deposits and Payments

Exhibit 2.3.16-5  (01-01-2006)
Command Code RFINK — Input Format

  1. Example of Command Code RFINK input with Taxpayer EIN and Module information

Input Format - Module

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.

(b) Record Element Description

Item Line Position Description and Validity
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
2 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
3 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN
4 2 1 - 2 MFT
5 2 4 - 6 Form Definer
6 2 8 Payment Indicator
blank — Authorized to Sign and File Returns
P — Authorized to make Deposits and Payments
7 2 10 - 15 Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
8 24 1 - 38 Message Line

Exhibit 2.3.16-6  (01-01-2007)
Command Code RFINK — Output Format

  1. Taxpayer EIN and module response. The valid response is a display of the Authorized to the taxpayer record for the input module. ( See IRM 2.3.16.3. for error messages.)

Output Format - Module

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.

(b) Record Element Description

Item Line Position Description and Validity
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
2 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
3 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN
4 1 25 - 26 MFT
5 1 36 - 38 Form Definer
6 1 50 - 55 Beginning Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
7 1 69 - 72 Ending Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
8 2 11 - 14 Taxpayer Name Control
9 2 32 - 47 Sequence Number
10 2 55 - 56 Service Center Code
11 2 69 - 74 Reel Number
12 4 13 - 47 Taxpayer Name
13 6 9 - 43 Reporting Agent Name
14 7 14 - 17 Reporting Agent Name Control
15 8 8 - 17 Reporting Agent EIN
16 9 11 - 30 Reporting Agent Street Address
17 10 9 - 19 Reporting Agent City
18 10 40 - 41 Reporting Agent State
19 10 50 - 62 Reporting Agent Zip Code
20 12 8 Notice Indicator
Y — Authorized to receive copies of notices
N — Not Authorized to receive copies of notices
21 12 26 Action Code
A — Add
D — Delete
E — End Dated
R — Revoked
U — Updated
22 12 48 Payment Indicator
blank — Authorized to Sign and File Returns
P — Authorized to make Deposits and Payments
23 12 65 Disclosure Indicator
Y — Authorized to request additional information
N — Not Authorized to request additional information
24 14 12 - 21 Received Date
Format — MM-DD-CCYY

Exhibit 2.3.16-7  (01-01-2006)
Command Code RFINK — Input Format

  1. Example of "Specific" request — Command Code RFINK Input with Taxpayer EIN, Module Information and Reporting Agent's EIN.

Input Format - Specific Request

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.

(b) Record Element Description

Item Line Position Description and Validity
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
2 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
3 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN
4 2 1 - 2 MFT
5 2 4 - 6 Form Definer
6 2 8 Payment Indicator
blank — Authorized to Sign and File Returns
P — Authorized to make Deposits and Payments
7 2 10 - 15 Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
8 3 1 - 10 Reporting Agent EIN
9 24 1 - 38 Message Line

Exhibit 2.3.16-8  (01-01-2007)
Command Code RFINK — Output Format

  1. Example of "Specific" (all options input) response. The valid response is a display of matching data on the RAF for the module requested. ( See IRM 2.3.16.3. for error messages.)

Output Format - Specific Request

This image is too large to be displayed in the current screen. Please click the link to view the image.

(b) Record Element Description

Item Line Position Description and Validity
1 1 1 - 5 Command Code RFINK
2 1 6 Command Code Definer (blank)
3 1 7 - 16 Taxpayer EIN
4 1 25 - 26 MFT
5 1 36 - 38 Form Definer
6 1 49 - 54 Tax Period
Format — CCYYMM
7 2 11 - 14 Taxpayer Name Control
8 2 32 - 47 Sequence Number
9 2 55 - 56 Service Center Code
10 2 69 - 74 Reel Number
11 4 13 - 47 Taxpayer Name
12 6 9 - 43 Reporting Agent Name
13 7 14 - 17 Reporting Agent Name Control
14 8 8 - 17 Reporting Agent EIN
15 9 11 - 30 Reporting Agent Street Address
16 10 9 - 19 Reporting Agent City
17 10 40 - 41 Reporting Agent State
18 10 50 - 62 Reporting Agent Zip Code
19 12 8 Notice Indicator
Y — Authorized to receive copies of notices
N — Not Authorized to receive copies of notices
20 12 26 Action Code
A — Add
D — Delete
E — End Dated
R — Revoked
U — Updated
21 12 48 Payment Indicator
blank — Authorized to Sign and File Returns
P — Authorized to make Deposits and Payments