The conference begins at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on March 12, 2020; you may join the conference 5 minutes prior.

Dial-in: 888-251-2949 or 215-861-0694
Access Code: 5384539#

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

• E-file volume remains up by approximately 2% year over year for the VITA/TCE Program
• We have some outstanding CA acks.  Our development team is working with CA on this (Issue 4550)
• Changes to the Kiddie Tax have been deployed for TS 2019
  • Taxpayers can now choose to elect to use their Parents Tax Rate when calculating the Kiddie Tax
• We do not have a deliverable date on when the retroactive extenders will be added to the prior year application
• MO acks were delayed earlier this week, but should be resolved now
  • Check the blog for this type of information
• We launched the new FSA Kiosk landing page this morning for those on the call with Fusion and Stand Alone URLs
  • If you start from the URL we sent you, this page displays and allows you to more easily use bookmarking and creating desktop shortcuts
  • If your taxpayer does not see this page, then you are starting from the wrong URL
  • Put the Best Practices guide and other FSA guides on the blog and under User Guides on the left navigation panel when you are logged into TaxSlayer
• Updated the 1042-S to the 2019 form
• Updated the User Interface on some of the pages outside of the return, but did not change the functionality

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Q1: Any update on Strike Benefits and how to report in the software properly?

• Software vendors are still waiting for additional guidance from the IRS to ensure there are no issues in the MeF (electronic submission) sent to the IRS.

Q2: Kiddie Tax ready for 2019?

• Yes, the extender update for Form 8615 was delivered to the 2019 software this morning.

Q3: Will preparers be notified of when kiddie tax may be applicable in a tax return?

• Currently, no warning is prompted. We do have a suggestion logged for this to assist the preparer when Form 8615 may be applicable.

Q4: Is there still an e-file block for Kiddie Tax?

• No, the e-file block has been removed.

Q5: Is there a way to assign a preparer to multiple returns at one time?

• No, there is not. However, with the intent of filtering Client List so your preparers no longer see accepted returns, they can select “Do Not Show Accepted Returns” from Client List menu.

Q6: Has Alimony Paid always required the Recipients SSN? What if no SSN is available?

• Yes, to deduct Alimony Paid, the SSN for the recipient is required. If no SSN is available, use 111-XX-1111 (X=0) and be sure to paper file the return. Also include a statement with the paper filed return to support why no SSN was available.

How do we file a MFS return when we don’t know spouse SSN?

• If no SSN is available, use 111-XX-1111 (X=0) and be sure to paper file the return. Also include a statement with the paper filed return to support why no SSN was available.

When will extenders be applied to 2018 program?

• Prior year extender work is captured in our backlogs, but we do not have an ETA when these items will be available in the prior year programs.

The conference begins at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on February 27, 2020; you may join the conference 5 minutes prior.

Dial-in: 888-251-2949 or 215-861-0694
Access Code: 2364004#

This an opportunity to hear from TaxSlayer about the software and the filing season.  Participants will have an opportunity to ask general software questions.  Keep in mind that TaxSlayer cannot answer tax return or site specific questions on this call.   TaxSlayer VITA/TCE Support is available to handle return and site specific questions.

 

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

 

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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.

 

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

E-file

• We had good participation in controlled launch last week.
  • Exposed some state rejects that we were able to get fixed
• All years of e-file are turned on
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
• The ability to send State Only e-files has been turned on
  • If you send the federal without the state, you will have to wait until the federal return ack is received back before you can edit the return
  • Remember that you must choose a federal electronic filing type even though you are just sending the state…marking the federal return paper will prevent the state from being sent
  • You MUST send “state Only” returns from the submission page
• Rejected Returns
  • You can manage them from rejected clients menu
    • Displays both Federal and State
• Validation Errors
  • You can manage them from the rejected clients menu, just change the drop down to validation errors
    • Things that need to be fixed on your side before we send the efile.
    • We do secondary validation and will kick the efile back if we know it is going to get rejected

Application

• We delivered the fix that allows you to edit or delete security templates that were created at either the site level or group level
  • The ADMINISTRATOR template the we assigned is now called ADMINISTRATOR (TS)
    • We recommend you do not create templates with the same name and capitalization as the ones we assign because both will show up in your list of templates when adding preparers

Federal

• Delivered the additional of the PMI field earlier this week
• Working to add back the Energy Credits pages
• Waiting on final instructions for the Kiddie Tax
• Delivered Medicaid Waiver changes
  • Added a question to W-2 if you want the amount entered for Medicaid waiver to be included in earned income (for credit purposes)
  • Added a box to enter Medicaid waiver payments to the 1099-Misc, as well as the questions
    • These will be added to prior years as well
• Strike Benefits
  • We have tax law guidance, but we are still waiting on e-file guidance

States

• Updating the blog with state issues that impact e-file and calculations
• Updating the blog when the states send us messages about their processes

Return Tags

• We strongly recommend you create a return tag and assign it to any return you need to go back and file at a later date due to outstanding changes in the app

Blog

• If you are not already getting daily blasts of updates, you can now register on the blog to have them sent to you.

Contacting Support

• What do you need?
  • EFIN
  • Exact error and where you were in the application when it happened (if applicable)
  • Last 4 digits of a return if you believe there is an issue and the return needs to stay in the state of potential error

 

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Q1: When will watermarks be removed from state returns?

• Watermarks are removed as we receive form approvals from state departments. All state returns can be electronically filed and it is safe to provide taxpayer copies with watermarks.

Q2: Is there a platform to practice preparing tax returns using the software?

• Yes, the Practice Lab. Visit www.vita.taxslayerpro.com and click on Practice Lab.

Q3: FSA Links – can they be shared publicly?

• No.

Q4: After a return is transmitted, we can no longer see our returns in Client List. Why?

• Client List view depends on the Security Templates assigned to users at your site(s). Check your Security Templates to make sure they are set up how you wish them to be set up.

Q5: Error when starting a return about EFIN not in database?

• Please reach out to VITA/TCE Support with EFIN so this can be reviewed.

Q6: Foreign students – can we e-file 1040-NR and Form 8843?

• Form 8843 can be electronically filed with a 1040-NR, but Form 8843 cannot be e-filed by itself.

Q7: Can FSA returns be printed and mailed by taxpayers?

• Yes, but when mailing, advise Taxpayer to physically sign their returns before mailing.

 

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

• Friday, January 17^th:  Turning on Start a New Return at the production site levels
  • We strongly recommend that you open each return and recheck the calculations for returns created between January 17^th and January 27^th
    • Screenshots are posted on the blog about how to do this
• Monday, January 27^th:  Turn on the ability to send federal and state e-files
  • Turn on after the mad rush of other vendors sending returns
  • Do not expect acks back within 8-15 minutes on day 1
  • If the return has an e-file block in it due to the extenders, make sure you use a return tag
  • Send state only will be turned off for a few days
• Controlled Launch:  TaxSlayer is currently participating in Controlled launch for the commercial offices.
  • Making changes as we find things during the e-file process
  • We will have a day next week where we will open e-file for a few hours so volunteers can send some returns
    • We will post information to the blog

States:

• All of the states are currently available in the Practice lab and will be available in your production sites
• All states are approved for e-file except Delaware
• If there is a “DO NOT MAIL” strip on the state form,  it is still OK to electronically file the return.
  • The strips will be removed once the state has given us print approval.
    • This is usually later than e-file approval

Blog:

• “What we Know” posts
  • List federal items that have been reported as issues that are open and those that are resolved.
  • There is also a link to a PDF of known state items
    • These are primarily issues that impact the tax calculation of the state
• Release Note posts
  • Currently and for the next couple of weeks, we are doing daily deploys so we can get updates out quicker
    • These deploys start at 5:00am ET and there is typically only a small window of time where the returns are in maintenance mode
  • We try to give you an idea of what changes are coming the night before
  • Craig updates the post with what has been delivered as soon as he walks through each one

Software Orders:

• All software orders that we have received have been processed
  • All sites that we have not received an order for have been marked as inactive.
  • All FSA Standalone links have been emailed out
  • All FSA Fusion links have been emailed out
• We recognize this leaves some sites without an active software order.
  • As soon as the IRS can send us the orders, they will be processed and marked as active
  • DO NOT be creative and add an inactive EFIN as an ERO to an active site…the returns will not pass validation and be sent to the IRS
  • Under no circumstances, should multiple EFINs be entered in ERO setup for Pro Online
• New Site Administrators
  • Review the instructions on the blog and send your requests to vita support
    • EFIN
    • Site Name
    • Site Admin Name
    • Site Admin phone number
    • Site Admin email

Groups

• All groups have been setup from the orders we have received
• AARP sites need to reach out to AARP Foundation if they are missing someone from their group.
• Relational Groups:  check your offices to ensure they are all there.  We have already assigned the required Relational consent to all sites.  If you are missing a site, they must be added prior to them starting returns because we have to add them to the group, assign the consent and the consent is  not retroactive

Virtual/Ad Hoc Site

• Review the Blog post titled “Pro Online 2019: Virtual/Ad Hoc Setup”
• The SIDN that goes in the e-file is the one assigned to the user via Preparer Setup
• Make sure you copy the Customer ID and Office Identifier to the new ERO when you are setting the Virtual/Ad Hoc sites to print on the return

FSA Fusion and FSA StandAlone

• All links have been distributed for the orders we have received
• Craig will be conducting a webinar on the TaxSlayer FSA program at 3:00 PM EST on Wednesday, January 22^nd.
  • Once we have a registration link, we will post to the blog if you wish to attend

Office Setup

• Site Administrators, we strongly recommend you go in and review the office configuration located under office setup.  We recommend the following be selected for all sites
  • Disable Third Party Designee Prefill
  • Offer 8888
  • Display Summary using 1040 View
  • Hide Preparer Name on 1040 Print
  • Always print Schedule A

Suggestion Box

• Open year around for software enhancement suggestions
• If you believe there is a defect in the software, you need to reach out to support
  • Recommend email with screen shots if applicable, detailed explanation of issue, EFIN and last 4 of the SSN
  • They will review this and put in an issue so the development team can review and resolve if applicable

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The following are questions and corresponding answers that we received on the Partner Call that was held on Thursday, January 16th. We are posting questions that are most applicable to all sites.

Q1: Our site opens Sunday the 26^th. Will TaxSlayer be open by then?

• Yes, Start New Return for 2019 will begin on January 17^th.

Q2: Can we e-file state returns attached to 1040-NR returns?

• No, state returns added to a 1040-NR return must be paper filed. The 1040-NR can be e-filed.

Q3: Can you go over what is starting on January 17^th vs January 27^th?

• January 17^th is when sites can begin to prepare 2019 tax returns. January 27^th is when the IRS opens for e-file and we will allow sites to transmit returns. We recommend opening any tax return prepared prior to January 27^th to ensure the latest updates are applied to the return before e-file.

Q4: What is the best way to send in long requests via the Suggestion Box that may include pictures?

• We recommend not including any pictures with your suggestion as we will reach out to you via e-mail for any additional information needed.

Q5: How do you receive the FSA URL?

• FSA/Fusion orders are placed by your SPEC RM. Reach out to them if you will operate a FSA/Fusion site.

Q6: Can prior years be e-file before January 27^th?

• No, they cannot. January 27^th

Q7: Do enhancements mentioned apply to prior years as well?

• Enhancements are generally applicable to the current year and forward.

Q8: Can you deactivate returns that have not been e-filed?

• Yes, if they are “In Progress” or “Review Failed” and you have a Security Template that supports deactivating returns.

Q9: Where can I access the VITA/TCE Blog?

• https://vitablog.taxslayerpro.com

Q10: 1040-SR – Is it going to be available to include in a print set?

• 1040-SR can be added to a custom print set created at the group or site level, but will not be supported in default print sets delivered with the software.

Q11: Does Site Admins need to do anything in prep of January 17^th?

• Just make sure all of your volunteers are set up with logins so they can hit the ground running!

Q12: How to set up consents?

• Prior year consents will still be available at your site, but edits/updates can be made within Configuration > Consents menu.

 

We want to thank Grace for sharing this partner spotlight with us.

• Area 3, Territory Manager Grace McKnight, Seattle Territory in Seattle, Washington – Our territory consist of WA, OR, ID, MT and WY.
  • Northwest Indian College/Lummi Tribe is located near the Victoria BC border West of Bellingham, Washington, in Western Whatcom county.
• Lummi Nation is the third largest tribe in Washington with more than 5,000 members and a 13,000 acre reservation.
• Traditions include:  the Lummi Nation Salmon Ceremony, the Lummi Nation Stommish Water Festival, which started in 1946 and the Tribal Canoe journeys/paddle which begin in 1989.
• The Lummi Nation recently poured $900,000 in charitable donations into the local and greater Washington economy.  Since 2002, the Lummi Nation has given more than $5 million dollars in community contributions to surrounding community and organizations.  Every dollar earned from tribal gaming is invested in public purposes.
• Northwest Indian College is a public college.
• It was established by the Lummi Nation Tribe and is the only accredited Tribal College or University serving reservation communities of Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
• Northwest Indian College has partnered with SPEC since December 2014.  They have one VITA site and one Facilitated Self Assisted (FSA) site.
• Northwest Indian College-VITA site is located at Lummi campus.  NWIC designates several of their private offices to assist and prepare tax returns during the season.  The number of volunteers vary from as many as 8 to 4.   NWIC marketing consist of advertising to the tribal community via flyers , bulletins and social media.
• NWIC set their first goal in 2015 to e-file 50 returns.  The next year, the plan was to increase by 5% and each year thereafter by 5%.
• Northwest Indian College offers benefit screening, Financial Education and Coaching throughout the year.   Their Financial Literacy program provides regular financial literacy education classes and workshops to students.
• One challenge for NWIC has been maintaining a core group of volunteers.
• Best practices:  The site is set-up to be “family friendly”, providing light snacks and beverages for the taxpayers and their children.  Another best practice is “Mentor the New Volunteer”.
• Future Plans:  Continue to open the site early in the season.  Add additional days.  Host events.  Start the volunteer recruitment early in the year.  Continue to advertise in surrounding communities.  Reach out to more tribal members.
• Partner with other tribes.
• In 2020, NWIC will partner with the Swinomish tribe on an Adhoc basis.  Then in 2021, the Swinomish tribe will have their own VITA program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The IRS published Tax Tip 2019-90 today. Below are details you can share with others in your community that may wish to become a volunteer for VITA/TCE for this upcoming filing season.

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“Every year, hundreds of people volunteer their time to help other taxpayers. IRS volunteers provide free tax preparation in communities across the nation. While it might seem like the distant future, people who want to volunteer in 2020 can start taking action now.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free tax help across the country. These programs help people with low-to-moderate incomes, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those who speak limited English. Last year, VITA and TCE volunteers prepared millions of federal tax returns for qualified taxpayers at no cost. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the sign-up page on IRS.gov.

Here are reasons people become an IRS-certified VITA or TCE tax volunteer:

• Flexible hours. Volunteers serve an average of three to five hours per week. The programs are usually open from mid-to-late-January through the tax filing deadline in April. Some sites are even open all year.
• VITA and TCE sites are often nearby. Each year there are thousands of sites set up in neighborhoods all over the country. These free tax help sites are in places like community centers, libraries, schools and shopping malls.
• No prior experience needed. Volunteers receive special training and often serve in a variety of roles. VITA and TCE programs want volunteers of all backgrounds and ages. They also want people who are fluent in other languages.
• Free tax law training and materials. Volunteers receive training materials at no charge. The tax law training covers how to prepare basic federal tax returns electronically. The training also covers tax topics like deductions and credits.
• Continuing education credits for tax pros. Enrolled agents and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn continuing education credits when volunteering as a VITA/TCE instructor, quality reviewer, or tax return preparer.

More Information:
IRS Free Tax Return Preparation Programs
Link & Learn Taxes
Tax Topic 101: IRS Services – Volunteer Tax Assistance, Outreach Programs, and Identity Theft”