POMS Reference

RM 03870: Development of Earnings Records Inaccuracies

TN 10 (10-94)

A. Introduction

Scrambled SEI situations do not occur as frequently as scrambled wage situations, however if it is apparent that a scrambled SEI situation exists every effort should be made to credit the correct amount of SEI to the correct individual. The most frequent occurrence involves husband-wife partnership situations.

B. Procedure

Follow the procedures below to resolve scrambled SEI situations:

  1. Document information concerning the individuals' allegations, years in question, the amount of earnings, etc. in ICOR using the Earnings Development Worksheet (EDWR) screen, the Earnings Remark (ERMK) screen or the Earnings Report of Contact (EROC) screen.

    Obtain the individuals' signed statement concerning their earnings on either a Form SSA-795 or SSA-7008 and fax a copy and any additional evidence to NDRED for scanning and retention.

  2. Request a SEQY or DEQY for the years in question and surrounding years for the individuals involved.

  3. Obtain a copy of the individuals' Form 1040, Schedule C, or F and SE, and proof of filing.

  4. Query Suspense for all SSNs involved. (During validation, the SE may have been transferred to Suspense if the correct name and SSN could not be identified.) (MSOM EM 013.001)

  5. If the earnings are found in Suspense, reinstate the earnings to the NH IC (MSOM EM 014.001). Advise the NH that the earnings have been credited to his or her ER.

  6. If the NH(s) does not have a copy of the Schedule SE, or more complete information than scouting would provide is needed, request a microfilm printout of the SEI data. (RS 01804.096)

  7. If evidence of SEI filing is not available, contact IRS for any information they may have. (RS 01804.000)

  8. If years prior to 1978 are involved, request in IC feedback for all SSNs. Use the Special Instructions (ESPI) screen to advise OCRO that a partnership situation exists and provide the other SSN. (MSOM EM 016.001 )

  9. If years after 1977 are involved and the DEQY shows that scouting has been previously requested or that the ERs have been corrected, it is not necessary to scout. Otherwise, request scouting from OCRO, indicate that a partnership is involved and provide all pertinent SSNs.

  10. When development is complete, transfer (move) the earnings to the appropriate NH in IC.

  11. If the individual to whom the self-employment earnings belong cannot be located or identified, move the earnings to Suspense. Do NOT “delete” the earnings.

C. Reference