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Dear John

Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure and honor of testifying before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight about the VITA program [[link removed]] and all the great work that you, our partners, have done to continue to deliver free tax preparation services, even during the pandemic. Even now, it is amazing to learn about all the innovative approaches you are undertaking to help low-income households safely and securely file their taxes for free this year.

Each filing season comes with its own unique obstacles. This filing season will be particularly challenging with the introduction of the Recovery Rebate Credit, EITC lookback and additional changes to the tax laws. TON will be here every step of the way to provide relevant updates via this newsletter and the TaxRoundtable listserv.

Our hearts go out to our partners across the country who have experienced the devastating effects of the winter storms this week. Please stay safe, and know that this, too, shall pass.

Many Happy Returns!

Rebecca M. Thompson, Director, Field Engagement & TON

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it.”

– Michael Jordan

Spotlight: Filing Season Launch

After a three-week delay, the 2021 filing season has finally begun. Here are a few resources to help guide you through what you need for the rest of the filing season.

Check out our newest Knights of the Tax Roundtable video [[link removed]] on the start of the filing season featuring Cara Cardotti, TON NSC Chair, and Courtney O'Reilly, NSC Vice Chair. They cover what to expect and share insights on potential challenges and opportunities for success.Alternative service delivery is the phrase of the season. Our Virtual VITA Toolkit [[link removed]] provides resources to help support your program through the process, from start to finish. Learn more about the financial health of your clients by participating in our Enhanced Data Collection program [[link removed]]. It’s not too late. Sign up today.

These are just a few of the tools and resources to help you navigate this unique filing season. For more resources, including the Alternative Tax Prep Options Resource Page and VITA-Train, visit our website [[link removed]]. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and connect with your peers on the Tax_Roundtable listserv [[link removed]].

Updates from the Network

VITA Awareness Day Story Collection

We want to hear from you! The TON team needs your help to gather stories and testimonials [[link removed]] for VITA Awareness Day. We want to hear how VITA is impactful for yourself, your community, and how it has changed during the pandemic. Click on the questionnaire link [[link removed]] and fill out as many responses as you wish. The VITA field continues to grow but we always want to hear from a personal perspective!

Virtual VITA Resources

Need help tackling the Virtual VITA process? Prosperity Now is here to provide a new toolkit [[link removed]] with all of the elements you’ll need for Virtual VITA. The toolkit tackles the process of Virtual VITA from both the client and volunteer perspective. Check it out.

Enhanced Data Collection

Are you interested in learning more about your clients and how the COVID-19 public health crisis has impacted their sense of financial well-being? Sign up for our Enhanced Data Collection [[link removed]] project to receive survey questions [[link removed]] that will help you learn more. This year, the survey will be available online and via printable format.

All aboard! The VITA-Train is here [[link removed]]! The revamped platform provides training at the Advanced Level certification through our modular learning process. In addition, modules feature conversations with the updaters to share their thoughts on the module and what volunteers can expect. Feel free to explore the modules and to supplement your training where you see fit. We’ll be updating the VITA-Train for new content (Extenders, Practice Returns, etc.), so be sure to stay tuned for any update releases.

MyFreeTaxes is Live!

MyFreeTaxes is now live for 2021. You can use the link for the direct MyFreeTaxes site [[link removed]] and the partner portal [[link removed]]. Check out the new links today.

Second Stimulus Check FAQs

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ Get It Back Campaign has new resources on the second stimulus checks [[link removed]], stimulus eligibility for immigrants [[link removed]] and what to do if someone didn’t get their first or second stimulus checks [[link removed]]. Stay tuned for additional stimulus/Recovery Rebate Credit materials.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau published a blog [[link removed]] on the Recovery Rebate Credit, EITC lookback and reasons to file. Be sure to pass this on to your partners.

RideShareTaxHelp is Now Live!

RideSharetaxHelp.com [[link removed]] is updated for the 2021 tax filing season. This project of the Get It Back Campaign and CASH Campaign of Maryland provides comprehensive guidance on tax filing for Uber and Lyft drivers. Tax info for food couriers will be added soon.

Unemployment Benefits & Taxes

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ Get It Back Campaign has new resources to help people understand taxes and unemployment benefits: a guide to paying federal, state, and local taxes on unemployment benefits [[link removed]] and a guide to the 1099-G Form and how different states deliver it [[link removed]].

Self-Employment Tax Calculator

The Get It Back Campaign and CASH Campaign of Maryland have updated their estimated payments calculator [[link removed]] that is part of the Roadmap to Rideshare Taxes project. [[link removed]] This tool helps self-employed workers calculate their estimated tax payments.

Lookback Resources

Our partners at Commonwealth developed a brand-new messaging toolkit [[link removed]] on the “lookback.” These messages are perfect to promote and plug into your program and come in both English and Spanish. Check out the new toolkit and pass on the latest information to your stakeholders.

Knights of the Tax Roundtable

You don’t want to miss out on the most recent Knights of the Tax-Roundtable [[link removed]] on the tax season kickoff. Knights of the Tax-Roundtable [[link removed]] puts a face to the names you see on the Tax-Roundtable and brings answers to your burning tax questions.

Tools and Information for the FieldUpdates from the IRS and SPEC

TaxSlayer Support Info

If you need to call in a support ticket to TaxSlayer this filing season, use the following information:

Phone Number: 1-800-421-6346

Email: [[email protected]]

Support Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to Midnight ET

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Link and Learn is Now Live!

The online certification and tax law curriculum from IRS SPEC is now live and available for use for VITA/TCE programs. Check out the Fact Sheet [[link removed]] and the Volunteer Tax Alert [[link removed]] to get the information necessary for certification.

TaxSlayer Partner Call Information

Join in on the February call with IRS SPEC and other field partners:

February 25, 2021

1-2 p.m. ET Dial-in: 888-251-2949 or 215-861-0694

Access Code: 1329665#

Get Ready for Taxes

The IRS has created a special page [[link removed]] on IRS.gov, outlining steps taxpayers can take now to prepare for the 2021 tax return filing season ahead.

News Updates: Form 1040-X E-File

Taxpayers will now be able to file the Form 1040-X for amended returns. Given the current environment, this is invaluable for clients. Please read the IRS press release here [[link removed]].

IRS SPEC Partner Webcast Schedule

Click here [[link removed]] to get the full 2021 schedule for IRS SPEC Partner Webcasts to ensure that you stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources from IRS SPEC.

TaxSlayer Suggestion Box [[link removed]]

Do you have thoughts or ideas on how TaxSlayer could be improved to help you run your sites more efficiently and make it easier to prepare and file more quality returns? Share them in the  VITA/TCE Suggestion Box [[link removed]]. Your feedback is needed for both federal and state returns, as well as reports.

Learning

OpportunitiesUpcoming Learning Opportunities

Four-Part Advocacy Network Calls

Beginning Tuesday, January 26, Prosperity Now policy experts launched a series of one-hour calls [[link removed]] to discuss our 2021 federal policy priorities and what these policies would mean for your community and hear your thoughts and questions. The schedule for the calls is as follows:

Tuesday, January 26, at 2 p.m. ET: Right-Side Up Tax policy priorities (past event)

Tuesday, February 9, at 2 p.m. ET: Financial Security policy priorities (past event)

Tuesday, February 23, at 3 p.m. ET: Affordable Homeownership policy priorities

Tuesday, March 9, at 2 p.m. ET: Consumer Protections policy priorities

Don’t delay and sign up [[link removed]] for the remaining sessions!

Tax Time Allies Webinar

March 3, at 1 p.m. ET

Join the Tax Time Allies [[link removed]] to learn about the top three actions all low- and moderate-income taxpayers should take this year so that they can maximize their refunds and quickly receive federal benefits like EIPs. We will also share new tools that are available to you to spread the word about programs that will help your constituents get their taxes done safely and for free.

Virtual Advocacy

Want to get started on virtual advocacy, but don’t know how to start [[link removed]]? Join our advocacy campaign [[link removed]] to thank legislators for the full VITA funding at $30 million. Let your members of Congress hear from you and how important VITA is to your community. Every dollar counts for VITA programs, so please sign on today [[link removed]]. To find out more, check out our blog post [[link removed]] on the VITA funding effort.

If you have ideas for future learning events, stories or resources, contact us at  [email protected] [[link removed]].

Recent Webinars and Events

VITA Leadership Institute Year One Analysis [[link removed]]

October 22, 2020

After a successful VITA Leadership Institute, we want you to join us in sharing our results and how we plan on moving forward. This is a can’t-miss event for newer programs wanting to get an inside look at all aspects of a great VITA program.

TON COVID-19 Listening Session [[link removed]]

April 28, 2020

We’ve broken down the most impactful resources from our national partners around COVID-19 as well as the new GetYourRefund.org virtual VITA pilot.

Evaluating Tax Time Savings Behaviors [[link removed]] 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.

Latest Tax Prep Dispatch

The Shrinking Offseason [[link removed]]

July 1, 2020

Reset Button [[link removed]]

May 1, 2020

Non-Filers 101 [[link removed]]

April 15, 2020

Alternative Service Delivery Tips [[link removed]]

April 6, 2020

Signed, Sealed, Delivered? [[link removed]]

March 30, 2020

The Drop-Off Process [[link removed]]

March 19, 2020

COVID-19 and VITA [[link removed]]

March 13, 2020

Browse older editions of the Dispatch [[link removed]]

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