Scenario:  There is an $18 fee being displayed on the right panel in e-file

This is just a display issue, it DOES NOT impact the return.  This is a work item for our development team to resolve

Preparer’s uploading documents to scanned documents inside the application

• Must be a PDF
• Cannot use a period (.) in the file name
  • kim.my.file.pdf (not acceptable)
  • kim my file.pdf (acceptable)
  • kim_my_file.pdf (acceptable)

Note:  We are working to display a better validation message that explains the file name or format is not valid

Verified:  The taxpayer can upload a file with a period (.) in the file name and you will be able to access from scanned documents from inside the application

VITA/TCE sites that prepared tax returns prior to January 24, 2022 will need to open the returns prior to transmitting to TaxSlayer.  This will ensure these returns are re-calculated based on the updated forms and instructions released by IRS to software vendors. This will ensure previously prepared tax returns have the updated IRS and state forms calculations applied prior to transmission and reduce the need of VITA/TCE sites having to prepare amended returns.

Tips for identifying these returns:

(1) If they were marked complete, they will be listed in the transmission list.

(2) Run the Pro Web Returns – Detailed Return Report. It also includes the state abbreviation of any state listed on the return.  This is listed under Reports>>Management Reports  Make sure you select 2020 and select the EFIN even if you are running it at your site level.  If you run this list prior to opening the returns, the amounts listed will be based on the last edited date.

(3) You can utilize return tags to identify the returns.  This allows you to filter on the specific return tag to see the identified returns

We delivered the following enhancements to Customer Portal

• Removed the preparer email address from the Customer Portal link email
• Preparers that have access to Scanned Documents can  now upload a PDF (limit 5 meg) and make it available to the taxpayer via their established customer portal
• Any user that has the ability to see all returns can now message/chat with any taxpayer via customer portal
  • Note:  If the user can only their own returns, they can only chat/message  the taxpayers they created the returns for via customer portal

Question:  What email address should I use to setup the customer portal for a MFJ return?

Answer:  It doesn’t matter which one you choose.  Choose the one that is going to be the most accessible by the taxpayer and/or spouse.  Both will need to establish a signature once they register their customer portal account.  The key is that you can only create one customer portal per return because the portal is tied to the return.

Update:  You can now send correctly formatted portal links from any access point from within the return.  Reminder:  You can resend the link if the taxpayer is  having challenges registering their account.

Scenario:  You sent your taxpayer a customer portal link from the left navigation or taxpayer drop down from inside the return

Problem:  The taxpayer cannot get their account created through registration

Reason:  Incorrect link

Solution:  We will be correcting this with an update in the morning.  This update will also remove the preparer’s email address

Alternative:  Navigate to the e-file section and send the link to the taxpayer from there

We are scheduled to turn on Start New Return at the site level on Tuesday, January 18th.

Keep in mind, that these are considered live returns and will show in your reports and counts.  If you are having your volunteers complete practice returns, we strongly recommend you have them create practice returns in the Practice Lab (remember, it is a super site in the production system).

Once we turn on Start New Return, we will begin the process of turning on Scanned Documents for all sites.  This process could take up to 72 hours and should be completed for all sites by Friday, January 21st.  It is enabled in all of the security templates assigned by TaxSlayer on behalf of the IRS.  If you create your own templates, you will need to make sure it has Scanned Documents enabled (same goes for customer portal).

This post is for non AARP Tax-Aide sites that have requested either a MSA  or Relational Group during the ordering process.

• Multi-Site Group (MSA) = Allows a group administrator the ability to create and assign items from the Configuration menu
  • No  Consent is required because the group administrator does not have the ability to see taxpayer data at the sites
• Relational Group = Allows a group administrator the ability to create and assign items from the Configuration menu, review returns, transmit returns, access returns at the child site level, and run reports for the group of sites
  • A TaxSlayer Relational Consent is required and will be assigned to each site, including the group master, prior to Start New Return from being turned on (January 18, 2022)

When are new sites added to existing groups?

We add new sites to groups once the orders have been processed.  We do this on a weekly basis. (Note:  All groups have been created and/or modified against all existing orders)

When are new groups created and notified of their group login?

We create any new groups once the orders have been processed.  The group master location must be ordered prior to the group being created. (Note:  All groups have been created and/or modified against all existing orders)

How will I be notified of my group login?

You will be notified of your group login, default passwords and the sites associated with it via VITA/TCE customer support email.

I have a Relational Group that requires a consent, what is the deadline for adding a site?

You cannot add a site to a Relational Group after the site has started preparing returns.  Once we turn on Start New Return, each request will be verified against the returns created at the site level.  If the site has created returns, the request will be denied.  The relational consent is no longer valid if added to the return retroactively.

How do I change the group level administrator?

• AARP/TCE sites must submit the request to AARP Foundation
• Non AARP/TCE sites must submit an email to VITA/TCE Customer support that contains the old group level logins, along with the email address and cell phone (optional) of the new group admin

How do I make changes to the sites assigned to my group?

• AARP/TCE sites must submit the request to AARP Foundation
• Non AARP/TCE sites must submit all request to VITA/TCE Customer support via email that contains detailed information, including the EFIN, Site Name and SIDN