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From the Editor
Dear John,
2020 has proven to be an eventful year - and we’re only in April. Before we dive in, I want to give a special thank-you to each member of the network. COVID-19 has greatly impacted our lives, and those of our country’s most vulnerable citizens in unprecedented ways. Your dedication to the field has led to a record number of advocacy actions, increased engagement with VITA clients, and more. Inspiring would be too small a word to describe all the work being done by all of you. The Taxpayer Opportunity Network will continue to be here to provide the most up-to-date information as we advocate with you on issues, and guide you to the resources you need to navigate this uncertain landscape. Let’s keep pushing forward together!
Stay safe! Wash your hands!
Rebecca M. Thompson, Project Director, Taxpayer Opportunity Network
“Even in the most difficult and darkest of times, there is light and goodness all around us.”
-Elder Bragg
Spotlight: Alternative Tax Prep Options Page Live!
In light of the many VITA/TCE site closures, the Taxpayer Opportunity Network created the Alternative Tax Prep Options page to help create a single hub of tools and resources to help expand your program service beyond face-to-face interaction. This living resource page includes topics such as drop-off, facilitated self-assistance, and virtual options including virtual intake and presentations from our field experts. These resources also include implementation guides for your programs and a FSA portal for your clients to file directly.
As a living resource page, the Taxpayer Opportunity Network team will be working diligently to update it with the most up-to-date resources as they become available. With the formalization of the stimulus package and the taxpayers at its center, the community tax preparation field will be vital to ensure the financial stability for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Please check out our page and stay tuned to our mailings for updates!
Updates from the Network
Census Update
Did you know you can complete the Census electronically? With the outbreak of COVID-19, you can help direct your clients to take the Census online here. In addition, you can view the toolkit created by Community Action Partnership on the merger of VITA and the Census.
We Want to Hear From You!
Answer our survey on some of the new tax prep models you've been trying, client disruption and other questions for the Taxpayer Opportunity Network team. We're collecting your responses and will soon launch several peer-to-peer call-in sessions where you can share your best and model practices later this month so stay tuned!
Tools and Information for the Field
Updates from the IRS and SPEC
IRS Coronavirus Updates
To stay informed on the most recent IRS updates on the COVID-19 outbreak and the associated Economic Impact Payments, you can go directly to their tax relief page!
IRS SPEC Partner Webcast Schedule
Click here to get the full 2020 schedule for IRS SPEC Partner Webcasts to ensure that 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.
Learning Opportunities
Latest Tax Prep Dispatch
Alternative Service Delivery Tips!
April 6, 2020
Signed, Sealed, Delivered?
March 30, 2020
The Drop-Off Process
March 19, 2020
COVID-19 and VITA
March 13, 2020
An Ode to Form 8888
March 6, 2020
Tuition and Fees Deduction Review
February 28, 2020
Browse older editions of the Dispatch
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Got an Idea?
If you’ve got a great idea for us to use as a new learning opportunity, or if you've got a learning opportunity coming up, please do not hesitate to email us directly at [email protected]. Your ideas help fuel the projects and bring them to life.
Recent Webinars and Events
Evaluating Tax Time Savings Behaviors
Have you ever wondered what tax time savings and behaviors look like on the national scale? Well, wonder no more because the Taxpayer Opportunity Network is here to provide you with the answers!
2020 Prosperity Now Scorecard Data Launch
This webinar kicked off the 2020 Prosperity Now Scorecard now complete with city, county, metro area, Congressional District and tribal area levels!
