The latest news from the IRS, TaxSlayer and our national network of Free Tax Prep Partners

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Tax Prep Digest - February 28, 2023

Dear John,

We are excited to share the filing season’s first edition of the Tax Prep Digest, a bi-weekly update from Prosperity Now's Taxpayer Opportunity Network that brings you the latest news from the IRS, TaxSlayer and our national network of Free Tax Prep Partners. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities from the Network!

Latest VITA Numbers from IRS SPEC

VITA/AARP/TCE/Military Free Tax Prep Production as of 2/21/23

Federal Returns Accepted = 538,464

Federal Refunds Claimed = $706,568,972

New from Prosperity Now

Build Back Savings: Using VITA to Restart Emergency Savings [[link removed]]

As service delivery providers continued to help families recover from the pandemic, Prosperity Now partnered with Wells Fargo to create an emergency matched savings program to help families recuperate savings spent during the pandemic. In partnership with two VITA-service organizations, we sought to increase the savings and financial capability of families during this critical recovery time.

Alternative Tax-refund Products, A VITA Program Opportunity? [[link removed]]

One of the main challenges VITA practitioners face is convincing eligible clients to complete their tax prep with a free VITA program. Instead, some go to competing paid tax preparation services because those services incentivize clients with immediate access to a portion of their refunds. In partnership with Wells Fargo, Prosperity Now undertook a research project in the summer of 2022 to understand if an opportunity existed to support clients in accessing safer refund anticipation loans through VITA sites.

Tax Tuesday is Here! [[link removed]]

Now that we are in the midst of tax season, and community tax preparers across the country are working hard to help families file their taxes, we’re excited to launch our #TaxTuesday campaign, expanding on a different tax topic each week. Follow along on social media @ProsperityNow [[link removed]]!

Upcoming Webinars and Opportunities

CFPB’s webinar on Free Tax Assistance for Lower Income Taxpayers – Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 1:00-2:00 PM ET [[link removed]]

This webinar is designed for frontline service providers and program managers who want to know more about free filing options that use IRS-certified tax preparers. The webinar will highlight ways to encourage consumers to access those services and keep more of their money at tax time. Register for the webinar here. [[link removed]]

Tax Time Thursdays with the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities' Get it Back Campaign - March 9-May 4, 2023, 2:00 PM ET [[link removed]]

Join the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities’ Get it Back campaign [[link removed]] for Tax Time Thursdays! Each session will feature a brief presentation (about 20 minutes) where partners working with different communities will share their insights, best practices, and unique experiences. The rest of the time will provide space for you to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others. Learn more here. [[link removed]]

TaxSlayer Updates

TaxSlayer Pro Online: What We Know – Updated 2/27/2023 [[link removed]]

A listing of all the technical issues that TaxSlayer is aware of. This is a good page to bookmark and check if you run into an issue with the software.

TaxSlayer VITA/TCE Customer Support Information

Phone: 1-800-421-634

Email: [email protected]  [mailto:[email protected]]

Note: This is the first place to go with software questions or to report software issues!

1200 G Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC xxxxxx

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