What returns should I complete at my site?

We strongly recommend that you only complete production returns in your site (actual taxpayer returns).  The Practice Lab is a Super Site in the same production environment.  If you need to conduct training or just try out a scenario, you should continue to utilize the Practice Lab.

Have all forms been finalized?

No.  All software vendors are still waiting to receive final forms and instructions for several forms. This includes Federal and/or state forms.

Can I electronically file returns?

No.  We are currently scheduled to turn on electronic filing on January 27th when the IRS MeF opens.  We will have e-file stops on any applicable extenders that have not been updated in the IRS electronic system.

What happens to the returns I have created if the IRS issues form changes or TaxSlayer issues calculation changes prior to e-file opening?

We strongly recommend that you open each return and exit through the Submission screen of E-file by clicking the Save and Exit return button. This allows the most recent forms/calculations to be saved with the return.

You can then navigate to Client Status for the return by selecting Client Status from the Tools menu on the Client List.

Compare the AGI and Refund calculated today with the last time you were in the return before sending the file electronically (January 27th).

Background:  TaxSlayer software ordering season began on October 2, 2019. All orders under the existing procurement order were fulfilled.  Due to an issue impacting the procurement of additional software licenses, TaxSlayer has to delay the processing of the remaining 2019 software orders, pending IRS approval.  The IRS is working diligently to resolve this issue.  Please continue to submit your orders.  You can reach out to your SPEC Relationship Manager to check the status of software ordering submissions.  Volunteers for the sites can continue to use the Practice Lab for training purposes.

The following question was added to both the Pro Online and Desktop software to accommodate the Crypto/Virtual Currency question on Schedule 1

Please refer to Page 81 of the 2019 1040 Instructions on the definition and scenarios associated with Virtual currency.  These are located on IRS.gov but are still in draft form as of December 16, 2019. 1040 Instructions 2019

You should also refer to pages 8 and 9 of the 4012 for the “out of scope” policies surrounding Crypto/Virtual currency Publication 4012

Scenario:  An existing Pro Online site from 2018 now has a new Site Admin for 2019

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:

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}

Ad Hoc Site Scenario:

Site has a “main” site and also has one or more “ad hoc” site .

• The main site has an EFIN and SIDN (Snnnnnnn01)
• Ad Hoc site #1 has its own SIDN (Snnnnnnn02) because the IRS wants the returns prepared at the ad hoc site to report under the correct SIDN.
• Ad Hoc Site #2 has its own SIDN (Snnnnnn03)

Instructions for Setting up in TaxSlayer Pro Online:

• Create separate Preparers for the volunteers who work at the ad hoc site.
• Enter the SIDN of the Ad hoc site in the Preparer Setup. (The SIDN on the Preparer record is the one that carries to the PTIN field on Form 1040 and is captured in the e-file for reporting purposes)
• Best Practice: Use something in the user name to indicate the site where they will be preparing returns.  For example:  KrisMain for preparing returns at the main site and then KrisAdhoc1 for preparing returns at the ad hoc site.

Note:  If a volunteer prepares returns at the main site and each ad hoc site, they will need a username for each to ensure the correct SIDN is in the e-file.  The preparer can use the same email address in this circumstance.

Click here to download a PDF of complete instructions

Update 10:30 am EST:  Our telephone provider has resolved the issue and calls are being transferred through to the support team.

We are seeing disconnects on the VITA/TCE phone line.  We are currently working to resolve this.  You can always reach support via email.

IR-2020-02, January 6, 2020

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service confirmed that the nation’s tax season will start for individual tax return filers on Monday, January 27, 2020, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2019 tax year returns.

The deadline to file 2019 tax returns and pay any tax owed is Wednesday, April 15, 2020. More than 150 million individual tax returns for the 2019 tax year are expected to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the traditional April tax deadline.

“As we enter the filing season, taxpayers should know that the dedicated workforce of the IRS stands ready to help,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We encourage taxpayers to plan ahead and use the tools and information available on IRS.gov. The IRS and the nation’s tax community are committed to making this another smooth filing season.”

The IRS set the January 27 opening date to ensure the security and readiness of key tax processing systems and to address the potential impact of recent tax legislation on 2019 tax returns.

While taxpayers may prepare returns through the IRS’ Free File program as well as many tax software companies and tax professionals before the start date, processing of those returns will begin after IRS systems open later this month.

When will TaxSlayer turn on the ability to Start a New Return at the site level?

We will be turning on the Start New Return feature at the site level on Friday, January 17th.  This is in an effort to ensure the returns you prepare for the taxpayer do not change significantly between the time of return preparation and the ability to transmit an electronic file.

What returns should I complete at my site?

We strongly recommend that you only complete production returns in your site (actual taxpayer returns).  The Practice Lab is a Super Site in the same production environment.  If you need to conduct training or just try out a scenario, you should continue to utilize the Practice Lab.

Have all forms been finalized?

No.  All software vendors are still waiting to receive final forms and instructions for several forms. This includes Federal and/or state forms.

Can I electronically file returns?

No.  We are currently scheduled to turn on electronic filing on January 27th when the IRS MeF opens.  We will have e-file stops on any applicable extenders that have not been updated in the IRS electronic system.

What happens to the returns I have created if the IRS issues form changes or TaxSlayer issues calculation changes prior to e-file opening?

We strongly recommend that you open each return and exit through the Submission screen of E-file by clicking the Save and Exit return button. This allows the most recent forms/calculations to be saved with the return.

You can then navigate to Client Status for the return by selecting Client Status from the Tools menu on the Client List.

Compare the AGI and Refund calculated today with the last time you were in the return before sending the file electronically (January 27th).

I ordered a FSA Fusion or Stand Alone site, when will I receive the URL

We will be generating and issuing the URLs close to the time we turn on Start a New Return.

Update 7:55 am EST:  The issue causing the runtime error has been corrected.  We recommend you close all instances of your browser and start a new one to ensure the error is not stored in your cache.

The Practice Lab and all years are receiving a runtime error when trying to access.  Our IT team and development deploy team are currently working to resolve.