105Denial Code (CARC)Active
Effective 01/01/1995

OA 105 Denial Code: Tax Withholding Adjustment

Code 105 means that a tax withholding was applied to the payment. This indicates that a portion of the payment was retained by the payer for tax purposes. You’ll see this adjustment on the remittance when tax regulations require withholding from provider payments.

Who Pays: Group Code Liability

With code 105, the withheld amount is typically adjusted using the OA (Other Adjustment) group code. This represents a reduction that is not billable to the patient, as it’s a regulatory withholding.

Why Claims Get Code 105

  • The payer is required to withhold taxes from payments to the provider.
  • The provider's tax identification information on file may trigger withholding.
  • The claim was processed in a jurisdiction with specific tax withholding requirements.
  • The payer has flagged the provider for tax withholding due to compliance issues.
  • An incorrect tax identification number was used in the provider's profile.

How to Fix & Resubmit

  1. Verify the tax identification number and related information on file with the payer.
  2. Check if the withholding is in compliance with applicable tax regulations.
  3. Contact the payer to confirm the reason for the withholding if unclear.
  4. Ensure all tax-related documentation is current and submitted to the payer.
  5. If necessary, consult with a tax professional to address compliance issues.

Corrected Claim or Appeal?

For code 105, a formal appeal is generally not applicable as this is a regulatory withholding. Corrected claims are not appropriate; instead, ensure compliance with tax regulations to prevent future withholdings.

Preventing Future 105 Denials

  • Ensure the provider's tax information is accurate and up-to-date with the payer.
  • Review and understand the tax withholding regulations applicable to your practice location.
  • Regularly verify that all required tax documentation is submitted to the payer.
  • Consult with a tax advisor to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary withholding.