This alert generates when the incoming W-2c only corrected Medicare wages or tips, and the correction is less than the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) wages or tips. The Detailed Earnings Query Response (DEQR) will reflect the W-2c posting and will electronically offset.

Cause:

Employer possibly entered the Medicare wages or tips incorrectly on the W-2c.

Action:

Perform an analysis of the available evidence and obtain additional evidence as necessary to determine the correct earnings. Prepare an internal adjustment to make the earnings for the Employer Identification Number (EIN)/Year correct.

Use the following instructions to process an Alert Code 6:

1. 1. 

   Access an Employer Report Query (ERQY) for the Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) shown to obtain an Employer Report Query Response (ERQR).

2. 2. 

   Access a Detailed Earnings Query (DEQY) for the Social Security Number (SSN) to obtain a Detailed Earnings Query Response (DEQR).

3. 3. 

   Obtain microfilm to verify the employer’s intent is to correct the Medicare.

   If …	Then …
   Employer’s intent is to correct the Medicare amount – SSA Error	• Make correction via Item Correction (ICOR). • Document the supporting statement in ICOR on Worksheet Remarks (ERMK) screen. • Annotate listing and release.
   Employer’s intent is to correct the Medicare amount – Employer Error	• Contact employer via telephone; follow instructions in RM 02032.075. • Document the response in ICOR on Report of Contact (EROC) screen. • Annotate the listing and release.
   Employer’s intent is not to correct the Medicare amount and the amount shown on the W-2c in the “Corrected Information” column agrees with the Master Earnings File (MEF)	• No action is necessary (NAN) for the specific SSN. • Annotate listing and release.
   Employer’s intent is not to correct the Medicare amount and the amount shown on the W-2c in the “Corrected Information” column does not agree with the MEF, and involves an SSA keying error	• Make the correction via ICOR—conforming to the employer’s intent. • Document the supporting statement in ICOR on Worksheet Remarks (ERMK) screen • Annotate listing and release.
   Employer’s intent is not to correct the Medicare amount and the amount shown on the W-2c in the “Corrected Information” column does not agree with the MEF and Medicare is under original FICA earnings – No SSA keying error	• Obtain microprints of W-2, W-3c, and W-2c. • Contact employer via telephone; follow the instructions in RM 02032.075. • Document the response in ICOR on Report of Contact (EROC) screen. • Annotate listing and release.
   Medicare wages reduced below FICA wage amount	• Obtain microprints of W-2, W-3c, and W-2c. • If unable to obtain the microfilm after three attempts, write a problem referral. • Review and determine if the statute of limitations (SOL) has been met: a.  If SOL is met: • No action is necessary (NAN). • Annotate listing and release. b.  If SOL is not met: Follow Direct Contact process in RM 02032.075.
   Tax year is in EM 1.5	Input a report of contact to document the action.