RS 01901: Coverage and Exceptions
TN 32 (09-05)
Citations:
Sections 210(a) and 233 of the Social Security Act;
Regulation No. 4, Sec. 404.1901 and 404.1914
A. Background
Section 233 of the Social Security Act authorizes the President of the United States to enter into agreements with other countries to provide for a limited coordination of the Social Security system of the U.S. and that of the other country. One of the purposes of these agreements is to eliminate coverage and taxation of the same earnings by both countries. The agreements establish rules for determining which country will cover the earnings. The earnings are then exempt from coverage in the other country.
B. Policy
1. Totalization v. Coverage Rules
The rules of a totalization agreement supersede the rules of coverage in RS 01800.000 and RS 01901.000 where there is a conflict.
2. Certificate of Coverage
The country whose laws govern the earnings that are covered and taxed in accordance with the provisions of the agreement issues a Certificate of Coverage. The certificate serves as proof of coverage under one system so that the earnings are exempt under the other system. Requests for certificates of coverage under the U.S. system may be submitted by the employer, employee or self-employed individual to SSA.
3. Totalization Agreements
The United States currently has international agreements with the following countries:
C. References
RS 02001.001, for coverage rules for employment or self-employment under totalization agreements.
For additional information on totalization agreements see:
SSA’s Publication No. 05-10180, How International Agreements Can Help You at
http://mwww.ba.ssa.gov/pubs/10180.html .SSA’s webpage at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/international/agreements_overview.html .
IRS Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch02.html .