Below are bullet points from our opening presentation of the All Partner Call before opening up for Q&A from the field.
E-file opening Day 2/12
- We received over 1,400 e-files during our controlled launch window
- Transmitted and received acks for 101 returns
- The rest will be submitted to the IRS on Friday
- We will monitor IRS volumes and turn on 2020 e-file late morning (ET) on the 12th.
- You will have to open returns created prior to the 12th in order to electronically file them
FSA URLs
- E-files submitted by the taxpayers will be sent to the IRS on the 12th
Scanned Docs
- We have turned on the scanned document feature for all orders we have received
- If your site is not turned on, please reach out to your SPEC RM
- Scanned Document mini guide under VITA/TCE User guides and on the Practice Lab (section 6)
- Video on the Practice Lab
Trending Rejects
- Name/SSN Mismatch
- EIN/Company name mismatch
- EFIN not active
- Biggest is IPPIN
- IRS opened up for anyone to apply for get an IP PIN
- May not understand they need to give it to their preparer
- May not understand it changes every year
Customer Service Opportunities
- Monday – Friday 8am – midnight ET
- Saturday/Sunday – 8am – 8 pm ET
- Phone
- Chat
- Phone number and email address is located on the VITA/TCE Springboard
When will Phase II of 8915-E be implemented?
- There is not a specific ETA for Phase II, however, as additional F8915-E updates are released, they will be included in Release Notes.
Do you need to use both the 8915-E and 5329 to remove an early distribution penalty?
- No, if the early distribution is COVID-19 related, electing to use Form 8915-E will remove the early distribution penalty (up to $100,000).
Can you edit existing security templates to use scanned documents?
- Yes, if your site is using Scanned Documents, you can edit existing Security Templates to allow scanned document feature access.
What will be included in additional 8915-E updates?
- Additional updates will include, but not limited to:
- Election to NOT spread the taxable amount over 3 years (Line 9 checkbox)
- The option to utilize Form 8915-E for any 1099-R distribution and not just for early distributions as it is currently
Form 8915-E and withholdings: Do withholdings from the 1099-R get spread over 3 years?
- Form 8915-E instructions do not specifically mention how 1099-R withholdings should be (or could be) handled if electing to use Form 8915-E. Any 1099-R withholdings reported appear to be counted in the first year as they normally would be. We recommend consulting with your SPEC Relationship Manager for further guidance.