2/17/2020 – The HI issue described from 2/14 update below is now resolved.

2/14/2020 — Issue 4454 getting an error when trying to load the Hawaii return.  We currently have this in development

What you can do?

• Edit and calculate the returns that were impacted by Issue 4438
• Print a copy of the state return
• Can file the federal return without the State if the state requires adjustments
• Create a return tag so you know which returns you need to go back and make state adjustments.

What you cannot do?

• Edit the Hawaii return to make adjustments

2/14/2020 – Issue 4438 is now resolved.

The fix for Issue 4438 is set to be deployed tomorrow morning (Friday, the 14th) during our deployment window. This will correct the issue some sites are having with generating a PDF or showing real-time calcs when a Hawaii return has been added to the Federal return.

The site will be placed in maintenance on Friday, February 14th beginning at 5:00am ET to release the below update. Note that deployments may take up to 3 hours to complete. During this time, access to the program may be limited.

1040-NR

• Correct an issue where Scholarship and Fellowship Income/Exclusions were not carrying to 1040-NR, Lines 5 and 8 (Issue 4418)

HAWAII

• Correct an issue causing the HI return to break the calc in some returns (Issue 4438)

KENTUCKY

• Correct a drop-down issue where the Spouse was not showing as a qualifying student for the KY Education Credit (Issue 4372)

MASSACHUSETTS

• Correct an issue resulting in Reject Code F1-1515 related to Excess PFML (Issue 4420)
  • Impacted MA returns can be resubmitted

MISSOURI

• Correct an issue where Box 19 of W-2 was not pulling to E1 – St. Louis return (Issue 4364)

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Correct an issue where the Retirement Deduction was not recognizing the SP as over age 65 (Issue 4414)

TAXSLAYER PRO ONLINE

• Correct issue that would allow for the “Change Tax Year” drop-down and other header items to disappear (Issue 4360)

Click here to download a PDF of our Cumulative Release Notes & Program Enhancements.

Below are bullet points from our opening presentation of the All Partner Call before opening up for Q&A from the field.

• We are running ahead of last year in terms of e-file volume
  • Support calls, emails and chats are significantly down

• Forms that have a “Do not mail” watermark
  • As we receive print approval from the state we remove the mark
  • The states are looking for very particular things, especially if they take advantage of bar codes
  • One update is the remaining CA forms with watermark are expected to be removed tomorrow (2/14/2020)

• Watch the blog for messages from the states regarding electronic filing
  • i.e. New York is currently delayed in sending acknowledgements

• Extenders:
  • We have implemented the Kiddie Tax in desktop
  • Working to get it implemented in online

Q1: When will the extenders be added to the 2018 program?

• Our priority for implementation is with the current year software (all but F8615 added). We do not have an ETA for 2018 implementation

Q2: In our print sets, how do we display Direct Debit information for our taxpayers benefit?

• Make sure you have “Client Form Listing Summary” added to applicable print set(s) being used. This is also available in the Quality Review print set.

Q3: Is there an update on the Refundable Portion of AOTC issue?

• The fix is already live and applicable blog posts have been updated as well.

Q4: Is there an update on when State Status from Client List will show the status of state returns?

• The fix has been made and is currently being tested through our pre-production environments. We expect the fix to be live early next week.

Q5: Is TaxSlayer Pro Online compatible with iPads?

• Yes.

Q6: Is the FSA available for free prior year return preparation?

• No, only for the current year.

Q7: How do we add Form 8888 to our site so we can split refunds?

• In “Office Setup” within “Configuration”, make sure “Offer 8888” is checked.

Q8: FSA Software – How to toggle to Spanish?

• We have opened Issue 4444 to address why the Spanish translation is not available.

Q9: FSA Software – Who do we (the volunteers) contact for support related questions?

• VITA/TCE Support

Q10: FSA Software – How do we get reports on our URL’s?

• Reporting information must be asked of through your IRS SPEC Relationship Manager.

The site will be placed in maintenance on Thursday, February 13th beginning at 5:00am ET to release the below update. Note that deployments may take up to 3 hours to complete. During this time, access to the program may be limited.

HAWAII

• Correct an issue where the carryover unused EIC from the prior year was not carrying to Schedule CR (Issue 4407)

MICHIGAN (2017)

• Correct an issue on Form 4884 where Section C was populated instead of Section D when TP born after 1/1/1953 (Issue 4384)

Click here to download a PDF of our Cumulative Release Notes & Program Enhancements.

Software vendors have received word from the New York Department of Taxation and Finance that they are experiencing delays in sending acknowledgements. They have also indicated that acknowledgements are not processed over the weekend. If your site(s) have outstanding acknowledgements for New York returns, it is likely an acknowledgement will not be issued until next week. No action is required on your end.

The site will be placed in maintenance on Wednesday, February 12th beginning at 5:00am ET to release the below update. Note that deployments may take up to 3 hours to complete. During this time, access to the program may be limited.

1040 VIEW

• Correct display issue where specific lines are out of alignment (Issue 4020)
• Correct a display issue on what is shown on Line 4b (Issue 4111)
• Correct an alignment issue in the 1040 Header when return is MFS (Issue 4317)

AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT (AOTC)

• Correct an issue specific to the refundable portion of the credit for taxpayers age 18 and over and provided more than half of their own support (Issue 4208)

CALIFORNIA

• Correct a calculation error when the allowed charitable contributions was overstated on Line 11a/b (Issue 4388)

FSA SOFTWARE (1040-NR)

• After beginning a 1040-NR return, returning to the Filing Status page does not show the 1040-NR filing statuses (Issue 4260)

MEDICAID WAIVER PAYMENT – 1099-MISC

• Correct an issue when a 1099-MISC, Box 3 amounts were not being included for EITC when checked as “earned” (Issue 4259)

MICHIGAN

• Correct an issue where Section D of Form 4884 was being completed instead of Section C for a specific return (Issue 4384)

Click here to download a PDF of our Cumulative Release Notes & Program Enhancements.

The site will be placed in maintenance on Tuesday, February 11th beginning at 5:00am ET to release the below update. Note that deployments may take up to 3 hours to complete. During this time, access to the program may be limited.

CALIFORNIA

• Form 3532, Line B not checking disabled box when applicable (Issue 4358)

FORM W-2

• Under State Area, update link to 2019 School Districts when Ohio selected for state (Issue 4300)

MICHIGAN

• Corrected an issue where a 3rd rental address for MI-1040CR was not populating under “Part 4: Renters” (Issue 4362)

MICHIGAN CITY FORM

• Correct a calculation error where CF-1040, Line 16, Column B amounts should be carried to Column C (Issue 4363)

Click here to download a PDF of our Cumulative Release Notes & Program Enhancements.

Update: 2/12/2020 – Issue 4208 is now resolved.

Update: 2/11/2020 – Issue 4208 is actively being worked. The update should be released this week. This blog post will be updated once the update is live.

Issue 4208:

Unable to Claim Refundable Portion of American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) for Students that provide more than half of their own support.

Workaround to Calculate Refundable Portion of American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC):

In Basic Information, check the box indicating the Taxpayer CAN BE claimed as a dependent on another return but IS NOT claimed as a dependent. Complete the Education Credit menu and answer YES to qualifying for the Refundable Portion of AOTC when asked. Continue to save the entry. Return to the Basic Information page and uncheck that Taxpayer CAN BE claimed as a dependent on another tax return. The Refundable Portion of AOTC will remain calculated on the return as long as the Education Credit menu is not accessed again.