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TAX-AIDE Tech Update Consumables, Equipment, and Security Modified for NY3.

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Presentation on theme: "TAX-AIDE Tech Update Consumables, Equipment, and Security Modified for NY3."— Presentation transcript:

1 TAX-AIDE Tech Update Consumables, Equipment, and Security Modified for NY3

2 TAX-AIDE 2015 Consumable - New Policy  Effective for the upcoming tax season (TS2015) all printers purchased or donated to the Tax- Aide program must be compatible with and use toner cartridges available from GraceWorkz at the time they enter the program.  Printers currently listed on the inventory as "OK", but do not take GraceWorkz toner cartridges, are still eligible to receive reimbursement. 2015 Regional Meetings2

3 TAX-AIDE Limited Local Repair and Replacement ● There should not be any local repair of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide owned equipment except for the following: AC Power Adapters – local purchase authorized External Batteries – local purchase authorized **These are the only repairs that can be expensed. 2015 Regional Meetings3

4 TAX-AIDE No cosmetic Repair and Replacement ● By contract, cosmetic issues will not be repaired or replaced by GraceWorkz (example: broken screen, spills) 2015 Regional Meetings4

5 TAX-AIDE What about Stolen Computers? ● Stolen - Provide National Office with Police Report to be eligible for Replacement If no police report, computer(s) are not eligible for replacement ● Storage – If kept at Site, store in locked area or cabinet. Do not leave unattended visibly in a car. 2015 Regional Meetings5

6 TAX-AIDE Computer Repair and Replacement Process (NEW) ● New for TY2015 All replaced computers MUST be returned to GraceWorkz after replacement (except those under warranty) **Not returning a replaced computer may make the State ineligible for a replacement the next season 2015 Regional Meetings6

7 TAX-AIDE New Computer/Printer Repair and Replacement Process ● Computer and Printer Repair and Replacement will use the same process directly through GraceWorkz. ● Only Computers and Printers marked as “OK” (working) on the last submitted inventory will be eligible for GraceWorkz repair or replacement 2015 Regional Meetings7

8 TAX-AIDE New Computer/Printer Repair and Replacement Process ● To Request Computer or Printer Repair and Replacement send an email to service@graceworkz.com with cc: hmriggert@verizon.netservice@graceworkz.com ● Or call 866-448-0420 or 608-467-4086 ● Requests must include the following information: 2015 Regional Meetings8

9 TAX-AIDE New Computer/Printer Repair and Replacement Process ● When requesting service via e-mail, please include the following in your subject line: ● “NY3”, type of equipment (“Computer” or “Printer”), “Brand”, “Model”, “Serial Number”, “Asset Tag” ● Example 1: NY3, Computer, HP, 6735s, 123vx3, 2000123456 ● Example 2: NY3, Printer, Brother, HL- 5370, 654tx2, 2000123456 2015 Regional Meetings9

10 TAX-AIDE New Computer/Printer Repair and Replacement Process ● CUSTODIAN NAME: ● Address: ● Phone Number: ● Computer or Printer Model: ● Computer or Printer Serial Number: ● Asset Tag: ● State: NY3 TCS: Howard Riggert ● Computer or Printer Problem: 2015 Regional Meetings10

11 TAX-AIDE New for TWO ● AARP Tax-Aide program no longer allows ordering of TaxWise Desktop software. IRS SPEC has been made aware of the new policy, they will enforce at the local levels. ● TWO enhancements Template management in Chrome Bulk User activation, deactivation Enhanced setup assistant for managing roles Regional Meetings Sep 201511

12 TAX-AIDE Windows 10 ● Mainstream NTC program support for Windows 7 IE11 only. Win 7 IE11 perfect for Tax Preparation ● Do not accept the Windows 10 upgrade offer currently on AARP or IRS comp. ● If a host site uses Windows 10 there will likely be no issues. ● NTC has to work through network, printer, imaging, CCH and IRS support, documentation for Windows 10 12Regional Meetings Sep 2015

13 TAX-AIDE APS Basics ● Alternative Preparation Solution (APS)​ ● APS allows volunteers to prepare returns in the TaxWise desktop program if interactive TWO is not available.​ ● Returns must transfer to TWO for e- filing​ ● APS is also known as “Safety Net”​ 13Regional Meetings Sep 2015

14 TAX-AIDE When to use APS? ● Perhaps Never – When TW is down or at a Site with limited or no internet Requires complete TWD setup for a site (Templates, Print packets, Printing, TWD networking, and updating). Do not use Client Letters (Not compatible with TWO) Recommended for experienced TWD people. Success will be assured with pre-season planning and dry runs. 14Regional Meetings Sep 2015

15 TAX-AIDE NTC Positions ● Stick with Windows 7 and IE 11 – Host sites with Windows 10 may not be a problem. ● Network Printers (rather than share or move) ● No TaxWise Desktop in TY 2015 except APS ● Minimize “spares” computers, printers and hotspots ● Avoid the use of personally owned computers of any kind unless there is no other choice. Security risk to the program 15Regional Meetings Sep 2015

16 TAX-AIDE System Geolocation ● All AARP systems ship with a software agent installed. TIA in prior images automatically update ● This agent feed inventory and reports system location ~ monthly. Location intended to allow finding of lost or misplaced systems ● Example Location: Across street from my house 16Regional Meetings Sep 2015

17 TAX-AIDE Security – What You Can Do ● ALL computers used for Tax-Aide must be password protected. Passwords must not be shared outside the program. Written password reminders must be kept away from the computers. If desktop or Alternate is used, run ClearTaxpayerData program at end of season. 2014 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas17

18 TAX-AIDE Data Security Password ● Password guidelines: ● Minimum length – eight (8) characters for Windows, and TaxWise™ accounts. ● At least one letter and one number in the password. ● Choose a password that is not a dictionary word or someone’s name. ● Do not use TaxWise, TW, Tax-Aide, AARP or any word in the password similar to something that is obviously related to the program. 2014 SMT/TCS Training - Dallas18

19 TAX-AIDE What Can Be Done? ● Do all Windows, Adobe updates immediately ● Use anti-malware software like MSE and MalwareBytes ● If installed, remove Java ● Stick to mainstream, branded websites on Tax-Aide systems ● Re-Image systems regularly ● Run as a “standard” user – see later 19NLT Meeting Aug 2014 Too much effort for many – we have infected systems in the program right now!!

20 TAX-AIDE What else can be done? ● A policy change Windows user account passwords must be changed yearly – AARP images include a feature to require password changes annually. ● 90% plus of malware will be stopped by using a “standard” Windows account!! – this includes silent key logger installation!! 20NLT Meeting Aug 2014

21 TAX-AIDE Windows Users ● Administrative User Our initial default for all users, allows easy program and update installation ● Standard User Recommended for Volunteer Allows all usage of TaxWise and other software Does NOT allow any software installation or updating to be done. An Administrator user password must be entered to allow installation and updates 21NLT Meeting Aug 2014

22 TAX-AIDE Are There Any? Questions ??? 2015 Regional Meetings22


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