Inside: Lunch and Learn, New Form W-4 and more!
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From the Editor
Dear John,
We’re almost at VITACon 2019 and we can’t wait to see you! Hopefully, you’ve already saved your spot for this unique two-day learning opportunity. You can find the agenda and topics on our website as well as hotel and accommodation information.
But the fun won’t end with VITACon 2019. Prosperity Summit 2020 is just around the corner and we’ll be having the fourth VITACon there next year! Keep your eyes and ears open for the future information on the Prosperity Summit!
You make TON the robust and exciting network it is today—so here’s to you! Can’t wait to see you at our next event!
See you September!
Rebecca M. Thompson
Project Director, Taxpayer Opportunity Network
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
- Nelson Mandela
Spotlight: Lunch and Learn: Volunteer Management Software
We’re continuing our series on Volunteer Management Software this month! We’ve gotten halfway through our five-part series focusing on volunteer management software. We have two more sessions this month on August 14 and 21 from 12 to 1 PM ET, so you still have time to join the conversation!
Each hour-long session focuses on both a peer-led lens and a presentation from the software vendor, culminating in an interactive question and answer session with attendees. If you want to register for the rest of the series, you can find the registration link here. If you want to find out more about each volunteer management software and the recordings of each session, you can check out our event page here.
Updates from the Network
VITA Permanence Update
I’m sure you have already heard, but we finally did it! VITA Permanence is officially codified into law, allowing for up to $30 million in finding. A special thanks to our TON partners who advocated for VITA on the Hill during our NSC meeting and for your dedication to advocating for VITA throughout the years. We couldn’t have done this without you. Check out the newest blog post from our Field Engagement Intern about her experience advocating for VITA on Capitol Hill.
All Call for VITA-Train Updates
We need your help! After the success of the VITA-Train, we need volunteers to help update the content and flow of the training program. If you're interested, please email us at [email protected].
America Saves Summit Save the Date
Taking place on November 6, 2019, The America Saves Summit: Attacking the Savings Crisis will feature prominent representatives from the government, private industry, financial services, academia, the military, the nonprofit sector and the media for an in-depth conversation about the current status of saving in the United States.
Tools and Information for the Field
New W-4s
The draft W-4 is live! If you’re trying to figure out what that means for VITA clients, read the latest Tax Prep Dispatch!
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
The Center on Budget & Policy Priorities’ Get It Back Campaign and CASH Campaign of Maryland launched a new tool to help self-employed workers calculate their estimated tax payments. A part of the Roadmap to Rideshare Taxes project, the tool presents a snapshot of the user’s upcoming tax year after asking eight questions.
Updates from IRS and SPEC
IRS SPEC Partner Webcast Schedule
Click here to get the full 2019 schedule for IRS SPEC Partner Webcasts to ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources from IRS SPEC.
Reminder: TaxSlayer Suggestion Box
The VITA/TCE Suggestion Box is designed for you to share your feedback and ideas on the software that will assist you in servicing your taxpayers. Click here to submit your suggestions.
Latest Tax Prep Dispatch
What's Going on with Form W-4?
July 25, 2019
Foreign Student Returns
June 28, 2019
Can You Complete This VITA Crossword Puzzle?
May 10, 2019
Tax Triage 2019
April 12, 2019
Learning Opportunities
Lunch and Learn Series: Volunteer Management Software
In this special six-week Lunch and Learn series, TON will give you the opportunity to explore each management software while hearing from the vendor and your peers in the field on how they use it to maximize the volunteer experience!
Here are the dates in August!
- August 7 | 12 - 1 PM ET
- August 14 | 12 - 1 PM ET
Save the Date for VITACon 2019!
VITACon 2019 will be here before you know it! Save the date for September 10-11 in Denver, CO. This two-day event will bring together new promising practices, tools and resources. Plus, we’ll have a party to celebrate VITA’s 50th anniversary so you don’t want to miss it!
Recent Webinars and Events
Q Is for Quality
January 17, 2019
The Taxpayer Opportunity Network team is committed to providing the crucial quality tips and solutions to help you maximize your quality rates going forward! Check out this webinar and see how new forms impact your tax season.
Slides | Recording
Looking Ahead: The Future of EITC and Working Families
November 15, 2018
During this peer discussion, we heard from field and institutional leaders who have pushed EITC state initiatives forward.
Slides | Recording
