Post on 15-Jan-2016
1NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
ERO TRAINING
The ELECTRONIC RETURN
ORIGINATOR (ERO)
is the Transmitter in Tax-Aide
2NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
ERO QUALIFICATIONS
EROs must:
Be certified AARP Tax-Aide
volunteers
Be (or become) proficient with
IRS- supplied tax preparation
software.
3NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
ERO RESPONSIBILITIES
Security of taxpayer data
Transmission of e-file
returns
Record keeping
Communications
4NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
SECURITY OF TAXPAYER DATA
Tax-Aide Policy and IRS Pub 3189 Require all volunteers:
To be vigilant To physically protect
Printed data
Electronic data
Equipment
5NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
SECURITY OF TAXPAYER DATA
This means: Computers must be physically secured
OS and TW must be password protected
Taxpayer documents must be secured
When using TaxWise Desktop… Taxpayer data must be encrypted
Returns must be deleted from non-transmitting Computers regularly and from all computers at the end of the tax season
6NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
TRANSMISSION OF E-FILE RETURNS
Print and review Declaration Control Report (DCR)– verify that Refund/Due matches Form 8879
Transmit returns and get Acknowledgments (ACKs)
Update Filing Status reports
See PUB 3189
7NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
TRANSMISSION OF E-FILE RETURNS
Restore returns to transmitting computer,
if necessary (TaxWise Desktop only)
Check for errors, completed 8879s, and
required attachments
Re-create e-files, if necessary Tools> Make e-files – for all 8879s in hand
(TW Desktop only)
8NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Get Acknowledgements Federal ACKs
State ACKs
TaxWise e-mails
Print Acknowledgement Report And/or “export” to Excel or .pdf
Check for rejects
9NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Match to DCR or other tracking document and verify that Refund/Due matches DCR
Update Return Stage status (if used) If no acknowledgement from CCH after three
(3) days: Contact CCH and investigate Ensure problem is corrected
Follow-up for State Returns status later
10NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
11NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
HANDLING REJECTS
Look for reject code (TaxWise usually shows error in return –
with RED box)
Correct error If possible, retransmit If not possible, convert to paper Provide feedback to counselor and
quality reviewer
12NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
HANDLING REJECTSCAUTION
A new 8879 needs to be signed, if any of the following apply:
The taxpayer name or SSN changes
The difference in total income or AGI is over $50
The difference in the refund or amount owed is over $14
13NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
RECORD KEEPING
Ensure all completed returns are transmitted and all transmitted returns are accepted or converted to paper
Match site sign-in sheet to DCR
Record return status on log
Make use of sorting options in TWO
There are many methods for tracking
14NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
15NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
Returns sent: Returns Ack’d1000 1007 10001002 1008 10021003 1009 10041004 10111005
Check to see why 1001, 1006 and 1010 haven’t been transmitted.
Check to see why 1003 hasn’t been Ack’d (7 thru 11 transmitted later)
16NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
Modified Tax-Aide Site Sign-In Sheet
Docu
men
t Con
trol
Nu
mb
er
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RECORD KEEPING
Completed 8879s with required W-
2s, 1099Rs, etc….
DCRs (Document Control Reports)
ACKs (Acknowledgement Reports)
TaxWise reports, as requested by
DC
18NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
RECORD KEEPING Send 8879s to IRS SPEC
periodically, or all at end of season – check with your TCS or SPEC representative
Send 8453s, if required, immediately after returns are acknowledged
19NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
END-OF-SEASON CLOSEOUT
Both Desktop and TWO
Ensure that all prepared returns have been transmitted and accepted - or converted to paper and taxpayer provided a copy to mail to the IRS
Create any reports requested by your local SPEC office for year-end submittal
20NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
END-OF-SEASON CLOSEOUT
Desktop Version of TaxWise
Backup all returns Create files on removal media
for: IRS SPEC AARP (data retention)
Delete returns Clear Taxpayer Data – AARP Wipe Disk - IRS Laptops
21NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
END-OF-SEASON CLOSEOUT
TWO Version of TaxWise
Change status of most users to Inactive.
OR To allow access to the training website, change their role to Return Preparer and move the returns from their ‘account’ to Admin or another user that you want to have access to the returns to review and/or create amended returns during the off-season.
22NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
END-OF-SEASON CLOSEOUT
Both Desktop and TWO
IRS Depot Computers Run Wipe Disk - If not previously
run
Return the computers to the Depot
Prepare and store all AARP Equipment for the off-season
See specific recommendations in TMG
23NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
COMMUNICATIONS
VERY IMPORTANT!ERO should be sure to communicate
frequently with: Counselors Quality Reviewers Other EROs for advice and to share District and Local Coordinators Technology Coordinators and/or TCS
24NTTC/NTC ERO Training 2010
ERO TRAINING
QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS?