NCTC To Assume Management Responsibility for EITC Platform in 2013

NCTC and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) are pleased to announce the transition of the EITC Platform from Aspen EOP to NCTC.

Available to the free tax preparation field since 2007, the EITC Platform was developed as a project of the Aspen Institute EOP with NCTC’s partnership, sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and powered by CCA Global Partners. Its track record of providing top quality and much-needed resources to VITA programs has proven it an invaluable tool in the ongoing effort to strengthen our members’ service to lower-income families.

Self Quality Review Is No Longer Allowed – Here’s How to Handle It

Self quality review is not allowed at VITA tax sites for the upcoming tax season and beyond.  This means each tax return must be reviewed by a quality reviewer independent of the tax preparer. Many tax sites will be affected by the policy, which will increase the burden  on VITA programs and strain their resources.

Those VITA programs affected must implement a method to complete an acceptable quality review when resources limit the ability to complete a “traditional” face‐to‐face review between the taxpayer and an independent quality reviewer.

NCTC has worked with our members and the IRS on Elimination of Self Quality Review Guidelines. These guidelines provide a list of “acceptable” alternative approaches, summarized below, that programs may employ in the upcoming tax season to complete an appropriate and acceptable quality review of a completed tax return.

Q&A on Volunteer Training, Certification Changes

A new questions-and-answers document can help resolve some of the confusion that many VITA programs are understandably encountering regarding delays in volunteer -training materials and products for the 2013 tax-filing season.

The IRS SPEC office (Stakeholder Partnerships, Education, and Communications) announced the delays in mid-October, as programs were preparing for a new tax season and volunteer training and certification. SPEC also outlined several changes in the way various aspects of training and certification are typically handled.

Back to School: Group Files Suit to Stop Continuing Education and Exam Requirements for Paid Preparers

Stronger regulations will mean higher quality tax returns

This week, a group called the Institute for Justice filed suit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for new regulations being implemented regarding paid tax preparers.  The self-described “libertarian, civil liberties, public interest law firm” says the regulations are unfair to paid preparers. We disagree.

Guest Post: Have You Taken the Pledge for Quality?

CEP President David Marzahl takes the Quality Pledge

Recognizing the need for quality tax assistance, the National Community Tax Coalition’s Quality Assurance Working Group has provided suggestions on quality practices to both the IRS and the field for several years.

Quality is essential in the preparation of any return; however, for lower income individuals dependent on receiving a timely refund, proper preparation is critical. Any delay in receipt of a refund can have a significant effect on the taxpayer’s financial condition.

Working Group Changes & Introducing Forums

Working Groups and Forums offer our members a chance to learn and network with each other while moving NCTC forward.

In September, the NCTC Steering Committee approved a new structure for our Working Groups. Since then, the Steering Committee and NCTC staff have worked diligently to implement the new structure and is we are happy to announce an expanded and more efficient system that allows for more greater participation on a more meaningful level.

The intent is to expand the scope of work that the groups address and more accurately define the role that they play within the organization. A chart of the new structure and a summary of the changes are included below.