From SPEC Public Affairs:

Background: We recently became aware that some SPEC partners received emails claiming to be from Frank Nolden. The emails reportedly include a zip attachment and state: “Please see attached for your scanned document. Archive Pass 4937”

Please note that these emails are fraudulent. They were not sent by Frank.

Action:  If you receive this or similar emails, you should not open the attachment. As always, IRS employees and partners should carefully verify that emails are sent by legitimate sources (for example, senders with an actual @irs.gov email address) before opening any attachments or clicking on any links.

When will TaxSlayer start processing TY2020 orders?

We have received and processed the first order from the IRS.  We will receive orders on a weekly basis through December 31st and then on Tuesdays and Thursdays in January.

Returning Sites will receive the following email letting you know the order has been processed

There is no attachment to the email.  It is notifying  you that your site has been processed for TY2019.  Site Admins can use their existing login credentials to start getting your site ready for the upcoming filing season.  We currently do not have a date of when we will turn on the “Start New Return” feature at the production sites (we estimate mid-January).  However, you can access all items under configuration to setup new users, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Sites will receive the following two emails.

(1) Setting up your site administration credentials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setting up login credentials for Account Hub (where you can download the contingency software)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update 7:19 am:  If you have already downloaded the TY2020 installation MSI, you will need to uninstall it and download the MSI again.

If you have already downloaded and installed the TY2020 installation MSI, you will need to navigate to your Control Panel and do the following:

• Uninstall TaxSlayer 2020
• Verify services are stopped: Right-click on task bar > go to Task Manager > More Details > Services tab > Find TaxProgram2020 > right-click to stop services
• Navigate to the drive you installed the program to
• Select TaxSlayer
• Delete the 2020Net folder
• Install the newly downloaded MSI

New for TY2020:  When you are asked if you purchased the premium bundle, select No.  If you accidentally select Yes or selected yes out of curiosity, just close out of the page because there is no code for you to enter.

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We are currently experiencing an error when entering your 2020 EFIN Validation Code.  We have escalated this to our development team.  Tracking ID: 408988

Update 9:45 am:  The error has been resolved.

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We are currently receiving a 404 – Server Error when trying to create a new return or open an existing return in TaxSlayer Online 2018.  We have opened a ticket with our IT engineers.

Scenario:  An existing Pro Online site from 2019 now has a new Site Admin for 2020

Question:  How does the new site admin gain access to the site if they do not already have a login?

Solution:  Send an email to vita support ([email protected]) with the following information and subject line:

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Subject Line :  New Site Admin

Body:  I am the new site admin for the following site and need the link sent that allows me to create my admin credentials

EFIN: {Enter six digit EFIN}

Site Name: {Enter Site Name}

Site Admin Name: {Enter your name as the new site administrator}

Site Admin Phone: {Enter your phone number)

Site Admin Email: {this is the email address the link will be sent to}

 

Update 4:49 PM:  Calculations are working as expected.  You can print from the client list of e-file.

We are currently experiencing an issue when the return(s) is trying to calculate.  We are working to resolve

Update 4:00 pm

• We are still hearing challenges of the PDF not generating from Summary/Print…we are reviewing.  You can generate a PDF from the client list.

Update 1:20 pm

• Printing is now generating from Summary/Print…

Update 11:15 am

• Printing is available from the Client list.  We are still working to resolve the print generator from Summary/Print

Update 10:30 am

• 2020 calculations are now available
• We are working to resolve some issues with 2020 prints

 

2020 Calculations (Resolved as of 10:30 am…2020 calculations are working as expected)

We are still working to deploy the 2020 calculations.  You can currently start a new return and complete it through personal information.

Display Issue

No need to adjust your eyes or your browser settings, the left side of the check boxes are not displaying properly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Error printing from the client list

We are currently looking at the Print Operation Failed message when printing from the client list.  This is tied to the deploy of the 2020 calculations

We are currently working on the 2020 calculations.  Once this is complete you will be able to prepare 2020 and 2019 returns in the Practice Lab.

Reminder:  Your Practice Lab login is not a valid login for the site you typically volunteer and prepare returns and vice versa, the login you typically use to prepare taxpayer returns is not valid for the Practice Lab.

What does this mean at my production site where I typically prepare returns?

Once we push TaxSlayer 2020,the welcome page will default to TaxSlayer 2020.  You will still have access to create new returns and edit existing returns for TaxSlayer 2019, TaxSlayer 2018, TaxSlayer 2017, and TaxSlayer 2016 at your site.

Can I create returns in TaxSlayer 2020 at my production site where I typically preparer returns?

No, you will only be able to create new returns for TaxSlayer 2020 with your Practice Lab username.  We are currently scheduled to turn on the ability to Start a New Return at your production site on January 18th (subject to change).

Will all of the 2020 updated tax law changes be available?

No, as the IRS releases final instructions and forms, we will be updating the PL 2020.

When will 2020 states be available?

2020 states will not be released until January of 2021.  If you are training on states,  you will need to use PL 2019.

The login page has a new look

The login page has a new, modern look and feel. The same is true for other onboarding pages including Forgot Username/Password, MFA, etc.