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IRS-Martinsburg Computing Center Information Reporting Program Attn.: Electronic Filing Coordinator P. O. Box 1359 Martinsburg, WV 25402-1359

Note: The ZIP Code has changed from 25401-1359 to 25402-1359 for the IRS P.O. Box addresses for Martinsburg, WV.

If by air or truck freight:

IRS-Martinsburg Computing Center Information Reporting Program Attn.: Electronic Filing Coordinator Route 9 and Needy Road Martinsburg, WV 25401

March 30, 1998 34 1998–13 I.R.B.

.16 A signed Form 6466 submitted for electronically filed Forms W–4 may be faxed to IRS/MCC at the following number: 304- 264-5602. Faxed transmittals will allow IRS/MCC to begin processing the file immediately. .17 The IRP–BBS is an electronic bulletin board system available to filers of Forms W–4. In addition to filing Forms W–4 elec- tronically, the IRP–BBS provides other capabilities. Some of the advantages of IRP–BBS are as follows:

(1) Notification within two weeks as to the acceptability of the data transmitted. (2) Immediate access to the latest changes and updates that affect the Information Reporting Program at IRS/MCC (program,

legislative, etc.). (3) Access to publications such as the Publication 1245 as soon as they are available. (4) Capability to communicate with IRS/MCC personnel. (5) Ability to retrieve information and files applicable to the IRP–BBS. .18 The IRP–BBS is available for public use and accessible using various personal computer communications equipment; how- ever, electronic submission of Forms W–4 is limited to holders of valid TCCs. A TCC is not needed to access those portions of the IRP–BBS that contain forms and publications or to leave questions or messages for IRS/MCC personnel.

.19 Filers using IRP–BBS can determine the acceptability of files submitted by checking the file status area of the bulletin board. These reports are not immediately available but will be available two weeks after the transmission is received by IRS/MCC.

.20 Contact the IRP–BBS by dialing 304-264-7070. The communication software settings for IRP–BBS are:

– No parity

– Eight data bits

– One stop bit

– Full duplex The communication software should be set up to use the fastest speed allowed by the filer’s modem. .21 Due to the large number of communication products available, it is impossible to provide specific information on a particular software package or hardware configuration. Filers should contact their software or hardware supplier for assistance.

.22 IRP–BBS software provides a menu-driven environment allowing access to different parts of IRP–BBS. Whenever possible, IRS/MCC personnel will provide assistance in resolving any communication problems with IRP–BBS.

.23 IRP–BBS can be accessed at speeds from 1200 to 28,800 bps. The speed is automatically negotiated for connection at the speed of the calling modem. The communication standards supported include Industry Standard 212A, V.22bis, V.32, V.32bis, V.34, and V.FC. Point-to-point error control is supported using the V.42 ITU-T standard or MNP 2–4. Data compression is supported using V.42bis ITU-T standard or MNP5.

.24 The following information will be requested to set up the filer’s user profile when logging onto the IRP–BBS for the first time.

(1) Enter the letter, that corresponds to the filer’s terminal, from the following:

IBM PC IBM w/ANSI Atari ADM–3 H19/Z19/H89 Televid 925 TRS–80 Vidtex VT–52 VT–100 if none of the above

Most personal computers, clones, etc., will select the IBM PC emulation. Machines with color, CGA, EGA, or VGA should select IBM w/ANSI. (2) Upper/lower case, line feed needed, O (zero) nulls after each , do you wish to modify this? (Most users answer no.)

Common User Problems

Problem Probable Cause Solution

File does not upload/download Not starting communication when Start upload/download on filers end prompted by ‘Awaiting Start Signal’

All files not processed Compressing several files into one Compress only one file for every filename filename

Replacement needed Original data does not meet Replacement must be submitted within 45 processing and/or format requirements days of original transmission

Cannot determine file status Not dialing back thru IRP–BBS to check Two weeks after sending a file, check the status of the file under (F)ile Status for notification of ac- ceptability

Transfer aborts before it starts Transfer protocol mismatch Ensure protocols match on both the send- ing and receiving ends

1998–13 I.R.B. 35 March 30, 1998

IRS Encountered Problems

Problem Probable Cause Solution

Loss of carrier during session Incorrect modem settings on user’s end Reference your modem manual about in- creasing the value of the S10 register

Unreadable screens after selecting ANSI.SYS driver not loaded in the Select non ANSI under (Y)our settings IBM w/ANSI user’s PC

IRS cannot complete final processing User did not send the Form 6466 Send completed Form 6466 the same of data day as the electronic transmission

IRS cannot determine which file is User did not indicate which file is Must enter the filename that is being re- being replaced being replaced placed under the replacement option

IRS cannot determine the type of file User incorrectly indicated P, C, or R When prompted, enter the correct type being sent for the type of file of file data being sent

Replacement file not replaced within User did not dial back thru IRP–BBS Two weeks after sending file check under 45 days to check status of file (F)ile Status for notification of accept- ability

Duplicate data Transmitter sends corrections for Only submit corrections for incorrect entire file records