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4.4.1  Introduction

4.4.1.1  (04-29-2005)
Introduction

  1. This handbook contains instructions for Examination personnel on the use of AIMS and the processing of cases.

  2. The AIMS IRM is divided into chapters based on topics such as Openings, Closings, Transfers, Updates/Corrections, etc. The very first chapter contains a Reference Guide, See Exhibit 4.4.1-1. which should be used as a starting point. The goal is to list all possible topics of interest in the Reference Guide which will then refer you to the appropriate IRM section.

  3. Examination managers are responsible for the timely implementation of all AIMS changes and manual revisions that affect their operation.

  4. Any changes or revisions where their effect/impact cannot be determined, will be referred to the AIMS coordinator for clarification.

4.4.1.2  (04-29-2005)
Description of AIMS

  1. AIMS, the Audit Information Management System is a computer system used by Appeals, Examination, and TE/GE to control returns, input assessment/adjustments to Master File and provide management reports. This IRM covers Examination’s use of AIMS.

    1. While the return is charged to Examination, the AIMS data base tracks its location, age, and status.

    2. Information on the management reports can be found in IRM 4.4.27, AIMS/Processing Handbook - Reports.

  2. The AIMS base has been consolidated into one IMF data base and one BMF/NMF data base. It appears to the user that there is only one data base. You can view all returns on AIMS using CC AMDIS(A) without having to route the command code.

4.4.1.3  (04-29-2005)
AIMS/Master File

  1. Changes to AIMS causes the following changes to Master File.

    If you: Then Master File is updated with a:
    Input an AM 424 TC 424 & –L freeze
    Receive an opening record TC 420
    Update a statute date using AMSTU or AMCLS TC 560 and/or new ASED
    Input an AMSOC, transfer New PBC code in the first 2 digits of the DLN of the most recent TC 42X.
    Input an AMSOC, non-examined TC 421 - in some cases a TC 59X is generated if certain disposal codes are input.
    Input an AMCLSE with a closing disposal code TC 30X which generates a TC 421

4.4.1.4  (02-08-1999)
AIMS Quality Control Responsibilities

  1. Every Examination employee is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the AIMS data base.

4.4.1.4.1  (02-08-1999)
Examination Group Managers

  1. Group Managers are responsible for ensuring that;

    1. an AIMS manual is maintained in each group

    2. AIMS procedures are timely followed

    3. AIMS monitoring reports are analyzed to identify group problems

    4. corrective action is initiated when appropriate

    5. employees are evaluated on their use of AIMS

    6. the AIMS Coordinator is consulted in solving non-routine problems

4.4.1.4.2  (02-08-1999)
Field Territory Managers, Area and Campus

  1. Field Territory Managers are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the AIMS data base and ensuring that appropriate actions are timely.

4.4.1.4.3  (02-08-1999)
Area Directors

  1. Area Directors are responsible for the coordination of AIMS quality control procedures within each area, and to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the AIMS data base.

4.4.1.5  (09-01-2003)
AIMS Problem Resolution

  1. Report day-to-day problems to your immediate manager for resolution.

  2. Refer problems that cannot be resolved to the AIMS Coordinator. Include documentation on previous actions taken.

  3. The AIMS Coordinator will try to resolve problems through additional research and assistance from Centralized Case Processing, Campus IDRS Control Staff, Campus AIMS Coordinator and the AIMS Help Line at 202-283-2256.

4.4.1.5.1  (02-08-1999)
Procedural, Systemic or Editorial problems

  1. If the AIMS Coordinator cannot resolve the problem because:

    If the problem you have is: Then submit a:
    a change in procedures or systems, Form 5391, Procedures/Systems Change Request
    systemic; the program is not doing what it should be doing, Form 5715, System Production Evaluation Report
    editorial, Form 934, Editorial Change Request

4.4.1.6  (02-08-1999)
Sources of Reference

  1. The following resources are available for research or reference.

4.4.1.7  (09-01-2003)
Internal Revenue Manuals

  1. Following is a list of related IRMS:

    IRM 1.10.1 The IRS Correspondence Handbook
    IRM 1.15.23 Records Control Schedule for Tax Administration - Examination
    IRM 2.3 IDRS Terminal Responses
    IRM 2.4 IDRS Terminal Input
    IRM 2.8 AIMS Input
    IRM 3.5.61 Files Management and Services
    IRM 3.12.32 General Unpostables
    IRM 3.12.179 Unpostable Resolution
    IRM 3.27.68 ADP Systems Code
    IRM 4.14.1 Statutory Notices of Deficiency
    IRM 20.1 Penalty Handbook
    IRM 20.2 Interest
    IRM 25.6 Statute of Limitations
    IRM 25.6.23 Examination, TE/GE and Service Center Examination Statute Controls
    IRM 25.15 Relief from Joint and Several Liability (Innocent Spouse)
    IRM 25.16 Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief

4.4.1.8  (04-29-2005)
Documents

  1. Document 6036, Examination Division Reporting System Codes Booklet.

  2. Document 6209, ADP and IDRS Information.

4.4.1.9  (09-01-2003)
AIMS Web Page

  1. The AIMS web page can be found at: http://psp.web.irs.gov/AIMS.html.

4.4.1.10  (04-29-2005)
Training Packages

  1. The AIMS Coordinator will be available to assist the area training and development function in conducting formal AIMS training for Examination personnel.

  2. The AIMS Coordinator will initiate and provide any necessary informal training such as workshops, seminars, and presentations at meetings.

  3. The ACES web site "http://aces.web.irs.gov/crs_main2.asp " contains listings of courses. Enter the topic that interests you in the Course Title block and click submit. You will get a list of all courses pertaining to the topic entered.

  4. Various AIMS training packages are:

    Title Course #
    Training for AIMS/ERCS/SETTS Changes 3106a
    AIMS/ERCS Coordinator Training 3106e
    AIMS Training for Exam Group Managers 3112
    Case Processing - Examination Clerk 5740c
    Case Processing - Examination Tax Examiner 5740a
    Case Processing - Examination Data Transcriber 5740b
    Case Processing - Examination On-The-Job Instructor Training 5740f
    Closing Procedures for Tax Examiners - Phase I 3305b
    Closing Procedures for Tax Examiners - Phase II 3305c
    Closing Procedures for Tax Examiners - Phase III 3305d
    Completing Form 5344 6711
    Computing Basic Interest 5001a
    Examination Group Secretary Training 3179
    IDRS Command Codes for Examination 2545d
    Modifications to MFT 31 2293 001/002
    Report Generation Software (RGS) VER 5.2 LAN-Case Processing Examiners 5757 111
    Restricted Interest (Intermediate) 5001 102
    Restricted Interest (Advanced) 5001 201
    SB/SE IDRS Command Code for Compliance Services 2464 001
    SB/SE IDRS Command Code Job Aid 2464 002
    Statute Awareness 6685
    Tax Examiner Training—Foundation Phase 3305a
    Training For AIMS/ERCS/SETTS Changes 3106a

Exhibit 4.4.1-1  (04-29-2005)
Reference Guide

The following "REFERENCE GUIDE" is where the user should look first for definitions or listings of terms used by Examination. The REFERENCE GUIDE is in alphabetical order based on the term being explained. While reading the IRM, if you come upon a term that needs clarification, refer to the REFERENCE GUIDE.

— If the field is displayed on the Form 5546, Examination Charge-Out the literal L=line number and E=element number will be displayed after the definition. (LX–EX)

— If the field is displayed on an AMDIS or AMDISA the literal P = AMDIS(A) page number and L = AMDIS(A) line numbers will be displayed after the definition. (PX–LX)

— If there is a related exhibit, EXHIBIT will be displayed after the definition. (EXHIBIT)

90-Day Letter — See IRM 4.14.1, Statutory Notices of Deficiency, and IRM 4.19.1, Campus Operations, for information on 90-Day Letters.

Abstract Code — The abstract code represents the 2 digit IRS No. that is found on Form 720, Excise Tax Return, preceded by a 0 for AIMS. It is displayed on AIMS in the Activity Code field. When excise tax returns are examined and there is an adjustment to the amount reported under an abstract code, Item 15 on Form 5344, must be completed to update the Master File Abstract field. Item 404 on Form 5344, must be completed to update AIMS for every abstract code examined. The code that is displayed on the AMDIS is based on the first abstract code that was input when the original return was filed. (L14–E20/P1–L7) See Exhibit 4.4.1-2.

Account Receivable Dollar Inventory (ARDI) Code — Code used by Appeals and TE/GE to record the type of advance payment received for the tax period being closed. (P2–L19)

Activity Code (ACTY-CD) — A 3 digit code that categorizes classes of returns (referred to as the Abstract Code for Forms 720). When establishing a return on AIMS, enter an estimated activity code. If it’s a filed return, the opening record sent to AIMS from Master File will overlay the estimated code with the correct code. For non-filers, update the activity code after the examination is completed based on the new income figure. Activity Codes 224, 287-290, 480-483, 489 and 992 are for non-taxable returns. EGC 2XXX can only control the following activity codes, Form 1040-All, Form 1041-495-496, Form 1065-473, 480-483, Form 1120-203, 209, 213, 215, 217, Form 1120S-202, 287-289. (L14–E20/P1– L7) See Exhibit 4.4.1-2 for a complete list of Abstract/Activity Codes.

Activity Indicator (ACT-IND) — If present, it means that an update of some kind has been done on the module since the last weekly analysis and extract. (P1–L21)

Adjustment Amount — See Examination Adjustment Amount.

Aging of the AIMS data baseSee Exhibit 4.4.1-3.

Aging Reason Code (AGING-RSN-CD) — 2 digit code used to identify special cases on AIMS and is sometimes used in local computer program runs. Can be input/updated using CC AM424, AMSTU, AMCLSE, AMAXUE. See Exhibit 4.4.1-4.(L17–E70/P1–L17)

Agreements — See IRM 4.4.12 for information on agreements.

AIMS Assignee Code (AAC) — The AAC is the coding mechanism that Examination uses to assign work. It is a 12 digit field made up of three parts. The first three digits represent the Primary Business Code (PBC). This identifies the operating division such as Appeals, LMSB, SB/SE, TE/GE, and W&I. The second five digits represent the Secondary Business Code (SBC). The last 4 digits represent the Employee Group Code (EGC). See Document 6036, Examination Division Reporting System Codes Booklet, for a complete list of PBC’s and SBC’s. For a complete listing of EGC’s, visit the AIMS web site: http://psp.web.irs.gov/AIMS.html.

AIMS Control Number — For Master File AIMS opening, the AIMS Control Number is a 9 digit computer generated number - the first 3 digits are the PBC of the case. The remaining numbers are sequential starting at 000001 for IMF and 500000 for BMF. For NMF Records (CC AMNON), it is computer generated using the input PBC and the form number. Example: If Area 215 established a Form 1042 on AIMS using AMNON, the AIMS Control Number would be displayed as: 215104200.

Exception:

If no return is requested an AIMS Control Number is not generated. Returns in Centralized Files and Scheduling are filed on the shelves in ascending AIMS control number sequence. The AIMS Control Number was previously displayed on IDRS command codes such as IMFOL and BMFOL. Since the implementation of the AIMS Assignee Codes, the AIMS Control Number is only displayed on CC AMDIS(A) and the Form 5546. (L4–E9/P1–L17).

AIMS/Exam-Results — See Exam Results

AIMS Freeze Code — A freeze code is used to prevent the update and closing of AIMS bases until the freeze code is removed. The freeze code field is two spaces. The first space contains all freeze codes with the exception of bankruptcy codes. The second space contains an "X" or "Y" which are the two valid bankruptcy codes. Both fields may be present. Further instructions about AIMS freeze codes appear in IRM 4.4.34, Updating/Correcting AIMS Data Base. Instructions about Master File freeze codes can be found in Doc. 6209, ADP and IDRS information. (L13–E17/P1L14/ See Exhibit 4.4.1-5)

AIMS Serial Number (AIMS-SER-NUM). (Also known as the AIMS OPEN CONTROL NUM). See AIMS Control Number.

Alpha Statute Codes — 2 digit alpha codes located in the "day" portion of the ASED that indicate special circumstances surrounding the statute. If there are alpha codes on a skeletal record, when a full record comes down from Master File the MM and YYYY portion of the ASED will be populated. The Master File ASED will only overlay the DD field of the AIMS ASED if the Alpha Code is "EE" . Can be updated using CC AMSTU and AMCLS. See IRM 25.6.23 for instructions on the use of Alpha Statute Codes. (L13–E17/P1–L3)

AMDIS(A) Screen Prints — See: http://psp.web.irs.gov/docs.

Amended Return — Amended returns may be referred to Examination for consideration. All assessment (overassessment) documents are usually in the administrative file. However, the file must be checked to determine if a change in tax liability has previously been made as evidenced by a CP–36 or CP–193, notices with transaction codes (TC) 290 or 291, or computer notices indicating an adjustment has been made. If these forms are not included and doubt exists, a transcript of account should be secured. Any necessary adjustments to refundable credits on individual or corporate returns, except estimated tax payments or credits should be reflected in the examiner’s report.
If an amended return is filed with the examining officer and an examination is not warranted, process the amended return directly to the campus for input to the master file following delinquent return procedures. Do not establish on AIMS.

Note:

Exam Results — When the taxpayer sends a taxable amended return to the campus and the tax is assessed as a TC 290, Examination is to enter in Item 414, Amended Return Amount of the Form 5344, the amount of the tax assessed adjusted by credits, IF the return was filed as a result of an ongoing examination. Before 1/1/1999, Examination did not receive "credit" for this adjustment.

Amended Return Amount — Form 5344, Item 415. See IRM 4.4.12, Examined Closings. (P2-L21)

Amount Claimed — See Claim Amount

Appeals Office Code — 3 digit code that is required when closing returns to Appeals as appealed (1XX) or petitioned (2XX). (P1–L12/ See Exhibit 4.4.1-9.)

AMSOC Transfer Date (AMSOC Transfer Date) — The date that the transfer was input (CC AMSOC DC 30). (P1-L10).

Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED) — The date that the assessment statute expires. An " X" after the date indicates that the statute has been updated using CC AMSTU. An "R" indicates a restricted consent. If the statute date is input using CC AMSTU and the statute does not contain alpha codes, and it does not match the current AIMS ASED, a TC 560 is generated and sent to Master File. If the TC 150 at Master File is an SFR, the TC 560 will post but it will not update the Master File ASED field. (L13– E17/P1–L3)

Audit Category Codes — See Exhibit 4.4.1–10.

Audit Codes — Entered on tax returns by campus personnel. Some audit codes cause automatic AIMS openings while other audit codes are just displayed on the F5546. (L22–E34/ See Exhibit 4.4.1-10).

Audit Information Management System (AIMS) — The system used by Appeals, Examination, and TE/GE to control returns, input assessment/adjustments to Master File, and provide management reports.

Backup Withholding Indicator — In some instances it is necessary to remove the backup withholding indicator prior to the input of the Examination closing command codes. These cases will be received in the processing function with Form 3198 annotated "Delete BWH Indicator" .

 (1) The processing function is responsible for preparing Form 8408 as follows.

  1. Initiated by Employee No./Org.—Enter your ten digit employee identification number without hyphens. For the organization enter "EXAM" .

  2. Tax Period

  3. Action Code—Enter "7" .

  4. Action Date—Enter current date in MMDDYYYY format. For example, enter March 14, 2004 as "03142004" .

  5. Name Control—Enter four digit primary taxpayer name control from information in case file.

  6. Primary or Payee SS Number—Enter primary taxpayer SSN from information in case file. Enter numerics only. Do not use hyphens.

     (2) Annotate in the case file that Form 8408 was prepared. Route completed forms to the campus Receipt and Control Branch, so they can be batched and numbered for DIS input.

Bankruptcy Processing Procedures — If bankruptcy proceedings are against both Joint Return Deficiency taxpayers, research the Master File to ensure that transaction code (TC) 521 has been input to release the bankruptcy freeze. If the TC 521 has not been input and the taxpayer is still in bankruptcy, any assessment made could be illegal. If TC 521 is not present on the module, coordinate with Technical Services

Bankruptcy Indicators — There are two fields on AIMS that identify taxpayers in bankruptcy. See AIMS Freeze Codes U and X and Collectibility Indicator Code (1=Bankruptcy). (P1/L22)

Beginning Overlapping Period - The beginning date of the overlapping interest period used in the net rate computation. Item 53 on the Form 5344. See IRM 4.4.12, Examined Closings.

Block — Returns or documents grouped together for filing purposes. The ninth, tenth and eleventh digits of the DLN indicate the blocking series where the return is filed.

Blocking Series — A 3 digit number required for all examined closures (P36–38 on Form 5344) that identifies the type of source document filed under the DLN. Master File uses the blocking series to determine whether to generate CP notices and the control DLN indicator "X" . (Exhibit 4.4.1-11)

Business Master File (BMF) — The file containing information about taxpayer’s business, estate, gift and trust returns and related documents.

"C" Corp Indicator — Indicates whether or not a module is part of an account which is classified as a "C" corporation. This indicator is necessary to inform the processing personnel that the taxpayer may be subject to 2% interest. (L24/E77)

CAF Indicator (CAF-IND) — This indicator is displayed on AMDISA if there is a Power of Attorney on the Centralized Authorization File. This file contains both taxpayer and representative records. Taxpayer records contain information about modules for which the taxpayer has delegated authority. The representative records contain name and address information for the representative. CC CFINK is used to access the CAF. (L3-E58/P1–L17)

CAU - AMDISA — Displayed on AMDISA if the Potentially Dangerous Taxpayer Indicator per Master File is set to a "2" . (P1-L1)

Campus Codes

Andover AN 08
Atlanta AT 07
Austin AU 18
Brookhaven BR 19
Cincinnati CI 17
Fresno FR 89
Kansas City KC 09
Memphis ME 49
Ogden OG 29
Philadelphia PH 28

Case Assembly — See Exhibit 4.4.1–12

Case File — The return (may have multiple tax periods), related workpapers, correspondence, etc.

Centralized Authorization File — See CAF Indicator

Centrally Processed Returns — Some returns are only processed at certain campuses. (See Exhibit 4.4.1–13)

Check Digit (CD) — A two letter code determined by the computer applying a mathematical formula to the TIN. The check digit can be found on the tax return label, the AIMS labels and Exam Charge-Out. The check digit ensures that the correct TIN has been input and should always be used if available.(P1-L1)

Claim Amount (CLAIM-AMT) — The dollar amount of the claim input with CC AM424, AMSTU, AMAXU, or AMCLS. The amount should always be a positive amount. See IRM 4.4.4, Claims (L17–E24/P1–L5)

Claim Date (CLAIM-DATE) — The claim date can be input when a claim is established on AIMS using CC AMSTU. If a date is not input the current date is generated. The Claim Date cannot be input if a claim is established using AM424. The current date is generated. If CC AMAXU is used to input the Claim Amount, the current date is generated in the Claim Date field. This field cannot be corrected although the claim date is automatically deleted if the claim amount field is deleted. (P1–L5)

Claim Rejection Date (CLAIM-REJN-DT) — Date entered in Item 20 of Form 5344. Is displayed on a Master File transcript next to the TC 300. The claim rejection date that is displayed on AIMS can be corrected using CC AMAXU but the date at Master File cannot be corrected. (P2–L15)

Claim Type — Used to define the type of claims filed. (P2–L15)

A—Joint Committee (Returns that meet Joint Committee criteria—Project Code 077)
B—Form 843, Claim
C—Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
E—Additional Documentation/Informal Claim (Qualifies as Revenue Base Protection only if the liability has been paid)
F—(Reserved) No longer being used to identify NOL cases
G—Form 1139, Corporation Application for Tentative Refund, (Only when the amount requested has not been refunded)
H—Form 1045, Application for Tentative Refund, (Only when the amount requested has not been refunded)
I—Return filed
J—Affirmative Issue (If the taxpayer recomputed the tax)
K—Form 1120X, Amended U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
L–Y (Reserved)
Z—Other (Not identified above)

Closing PBC (CLS-PBC) — The area office that received credit for the closure. This is the only area that can correct the AIMS data base even if the case is now in Appeals. It is also the area that the computer will automatically default to if a case is returned from Appeals or reopened. See IRM 4.4.34, Updating/Correcting AIMS data base. (P1–L15)

Collectibility Indicator Code — Indicator retrieved from the Accounts Receivable Dollar Inventory System to be used in determining whether the Examination should be limited due to collectibility. (L19–E74/P1–L22)

1 = Bankruptcy — Indicates that a TC 520/Closing Code 81, 83 or 85–89 has posted at Master File for ANY tax period.
2 = Currently not Collectible — Indicates that the CNC indicator has been set at Master File for any tax period. See IRM 5.16.1.
3 = TDA Status 26 — Indicates that a tax period (not necessarily the tax period under examination) is in Collection Status Code 26. Coordination with Collection is necessary. Generates an AIMS Weekly Update Code 28.

Combat Zone Procedures — See Exhibit 4.4.1–14

Consent Code— Used to identify restricted statute extension consents. On Line 1, Position 29 of CC AMSTU, (Line 1, Position 23 of CC AMSTUB) Consent Code of R or U can be input. The R sets the restricted consent indicator that will be displayed on the AMDIS and other reports that currently display the statute date. The U removes the restricted consent indicator. The ASED must be input along with the consent code when setting or removing the code. Alpha codes " EE" is not valid with Consent Code "R" . (P1/L3)

Control DLN — The Control DLN is identified by an "X" following the DLN. Examination uses Blocking Series 000–099, 200–249, 400–499, 600–679, and 900–999, to generate a control DLN. Appeals uses Blocking Series 700–799 to generate a control DLN. Generally the original return is filed under the Control DLN. An exception to this is when Examination uses an RTVUE, BRTVU or MACS print to close a return off of AIMS. Although the DLN will have an "X" , the original return is not associated with the closed file. No CP notice generated since an original return blocking series is used for these closures. See Exhibit 4.4.1-11, Blocking Series, to see which disposal codes generate a control DLN.

Coordinated Industry Case (CIC) — The name given to the program that conducts the examination of large corporations that are pre-identified based on special selection criteria. See Aging Reason Code and Large Case Condition Code which is being renamed CIC Indicator in January 2006. (P2-L10)

Copies of Returns — Special rules apply when closing cases if the examination was conducted using a copy of the return or an RTF print (RTVUE/BRTVU/MACS).

Examined Closings: When a case is closed on the basis of a copy the examiner must take the following actions.

  1. Enter the words "Copy Secured by Examination" in bold print in upper margin on the face of the copy. If a BRTVU/RTVUE print is used, annotate in red at the top of the print "BRTVU/RTVUE print used by Examination" .

  2. Verify the statute of limitations using the TC 610 date.

  3. Tax payments and credits claimed must be verified. A transcript must be secured and retained in the case file to expedite processing.

  4. For cases that are being closed on an actual copy (blocking series 9XX) as changed cases, the amount of "Tax Shown on Return or as Previously Adjusted" from RAR must be entered in Item 10 of the Form 5344. If the amount in Item 10, Form 5344, and the settlement amount on Master File differ beyond $10.00, the case unposts.

  5. Attach a Form 3198 to the case file to identify the case as being closed on a copy.

Closings to Appeals : See IRM 4.4.5, Closings to Appeals.


Non-Examined Closings: You cannot survey a copy of a return, therefore the case should not be established unless the return will be examined. If a copy is established on AIMS in error, use DC 33, Error Account, to remove the record from AIMS.

Credit Carryforward Disallowed Amount (CR-CF-DISL) — Form 5344, Item 46. See IRM 4.4.12, Examined Closings. (P2/L20)

Credit Type — Form 5344, Item 46. See IRM 4.4.12, Examined Closings. (P2/L20)

A = Reserved
B = Business Energy Credit
C = Reserved
E = Experimental Credit; Research and
F = Foreign Tax Credit
G = Reserved
H = Historical Restoration Credit
I = Investment Tax Credit
J = Reserved
K = Reserved
L = Low Income Housing Credit
M = Multiple
N = Reserved
O = Other
P = Reserved
Q = Reserved
R