1. ERO/Transmitter Training
TY2018

2. ERO/Transmitter Training
TY2018
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3. Please Be Aware That TaxSlayer Pro is still an evolving program
Please Be Aware That TaxSlayer Pro is still an evolving program. Some of the screens used in this presentation may have changed by the time you use the program.

4. ERO Definition - TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer uses the acronym ERO as the designator for the site where returns are prepared.
You will see this as you proceed through the site configuration.
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

5. ERO Setup
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6. ERO Setup NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018 A-1 Senior Center 7000040050065
Physical AARP Street Anytown CA
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7. ERO Definition - AARP/IRS
AARP and IRS use the acronym ERO as the designator for the Electronic Returns Originator who is the person who transmits returns.
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8. Local Coordinator / ERO
The Local Coordinator (LC) has the overall responsibility for a Site’s Operation.
At some sites the LC is also the ERO for that site.
At other sites the ERO is appointed by the LC.
This presentation addresses the responsibilities of the ERO whether or not they are also the LC.
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9. ERO Qualifications
Certified as an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Volunteer Counselor.
Proficient with TaxSlayer Pro Online.
Basic knowledge of computers, software, and site procedures.
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10. ERO Must Meet These Timely Filing Requirements
Both IRS and State taxing agencies require all returns be filed within three days after completion.
Completion includes
The return having been quality reviewed by a second tax counselor.
Reviewed with the taxpayer(s).
Appropriate 8879’s have been signed.
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11. Site Best Practices – Summary
Track all CLIENTS, including those whose returns were NOT prepared (Out of scope, etc.)
Track all RETURNS prepared through acceptance by IRS and state 
LC responsible for putting procedures in place and ensuring all site volunteers understand how to implement them
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12. Client Tracking (1)
Every site must have a procedure in place to know the current status of the return of every client who visits our sites.
Was it OOS or was tax service denied for some reason?
Why?
On Hold?
IRS Accepted/Rejected.
State Accepted/Rejected.
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

13. Client Tracking (2)
Return Tags or Notes can be used in TSO for returns that were started.  
Other tracking system must be used for clients whose returns were not started. 
Activity log example shown later.
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14. Client Tracking Responsibility
The LC is responsible for ensuring that:
A tracking procedure is in place, 
All site volunteers are aware of the procedure and understand their role in implementing the procedure,
The ERO is tracking any abnormal returns
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

15. ERO Transmitting/Return Tracking
Establish a process to insure all returns are submitted within three days.
Track status of all returns from creation to acceptance.
Receive & review return acknowledgments.
Ensure all Rejected returns are promptly corrected, re-submitted and accepted, or are converted to paper returns for the taxpayer to mail.
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16. Best Practices - ERO QR
Consider setting up a QR routine for the ERO process to verify that every client’s tax return has been transmitted and accepted by all taxing agencies.
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17. Track Returns until Accepted
Use Return Tags in TSO, or
Use Paperless Tracking with TSO, or
Use Activity Reporting & Quality Review Tracking Log, or
Any combination of the above (optional)
Prior year returns must be tracked separately from current year returns
Caution: Paper logs may not contain Taxpayer data, SSN, phone numbers or other personal information
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18. TSO Return Tags Tags are defined by the site Admin
Volunteers apply (or remove) a Tag to define return’s status
Returns can be filtered according to the Tags applied to them
Examples of Tags: Hold for More Info, Amended Return, 8879 not signed, State only return, etc.
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

19. Paperless Tracking in TSO
A return’s current status is automatically changed by TSO at each stage
All returns of the same status can be grouped together
Filter the client list by a specific status, or click on the Status column to sort the client list.
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20. Using a Tracking Log
A tracking log can be found at the Portal’s Library [Site Activity Log Form].
The log may be used to track federal and state return status, questions asked, paper returns and amended returns.
Sites may modify the form to meet local needs.
Note: Activity reporting section is LC’s responsibility
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21. ERO Tracking Log
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22. State Returns
Linked returns – TaxSlayer’s software accepts Federal and State returns together.
The State return is held by TaxSlayer until the Federal Return is accepted, then it is automatically sent to the State.
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23. State Returns
Un-linked State Returns – On the last e-file screen you can check a box to ”Send State Only”.
This process is typically used to resubmit a state return.
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24. Indicate Return is Ready To E-file
How to Indicate Return is Ready To E-file After QR
Indicate Return is Ready To E-file
On Submission page:
Click the “Approved” box in the Review Status section
Select the “Mark Complete” check box
Select “Save and Exit”
Do not touch Save & Transmit
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25. Saving return for E-filing2
This procedure is typically done at the end of the QR.
1 – Select Approved
2 – Check Mark Complete
3 – Save and Exit return. 1 3 X
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26. Fixing an error in a Completed Return
There may be situations when it becomes necessary to move a return from “Complete,” back to “In Progress” in order to correct an error.
The ability to do this was added to TSO for TY2017.
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27. Changing Return Status Back to "In Progress" from "Complete" (1)
Limit this feature only to EROs & Admin.
It is done via the security template assigned to them.
Default in security templates will be set to NOT allow this change.
Site Admin must configure security template to allow this change.
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28. Changing Return Status Back to "In Progress" from "Complete" (2)
Default setting which prohibits the user from changing the return status
New setting to give permission to make that change.
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29. Edit Security Template
Click box to uncheck
Admin/ERO Only
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30. Edit Security Template
Admin/ERO Only
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31. Changing Return Status Back to "In Progress" from "Complete" (3)
Example of a return from the client list that has the status of “Complete
The user with the appropriate Security Template, will open the return and navigate to the Submission page in the e-file section of the return. This is an example of what the screen will look like
Click Yes to change the status back to “In Progress”. Below is an example of what the screen will look like after clicking Yes:
Save and Exit the return
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32. Changing Return Status Back to "In Progress" from "Complete" (4)
 Below is an example from the client list after the status has been changed:
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33. Changing Return Status Back to "In Progress" from "Complete" (5)
Once the status of the return has been changed back to “In Progress” the error needs to be corrected, and the return then continues the process of being checked and marked “Complete.”
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

34. E-filing completed returns
Log into TaxSlayer as a user that includes the e-file submission role.
Select “Transmissions” from the TaxSlayer welcome page.
See next slide for Transmissions page.
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35. E-filing completed returns (cont.)
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36. The Counselor Clicked This
When the QR was done and . .
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37. Transmissions Page – Transmit Returns
The Return Came Here
1. Select each return to submit (or, “Check All”)
2. Click “Transmit selected return(s) to IRS”
Transmissions
TaxSlayer will automatically file the federal return as “linked” to the state return. The IRS does not send linked state returns to the state until the federal return is accepted.
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

38. Transmissions Page – Transmit Returns
If you have rejected returns to submit
Transmissions
TaxSlayer will automatically file the federal return as “linked” to the state return. The IRS does not send linked state returns to the state until the federal return is accepted.
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39. Add Returns
Select Returns
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40. Add Returns
Add Returns
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41. Add Returns
Transmit Returns
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42. After Transmitting -
After transmitting return(s), the “Tax Return Transmissions” page shows the number of returns submitted
Click “Back” to return to the Welcome page
23 returns transmitted
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43. Client Status will Update
Tax return status automatically changes after transmitting
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44. Acknowledgements
TSO changes return’s status as it is accepted or rejected. 
Acknowledgement Reports also shows the status of returns.
Review reports for Rejected returns to be corrected and re-submitted.
Provide feedback to the tax preparer and the preparer that did QR as well.
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

45. Acknowledgement Reports
Select “Reports”
View:
“IRS Acknowledgements”
“State Acknowledgements”
“Validation Errors” (“MEF” errors)
“Rejected Returns”
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

46. Reports Page Rejected Returns are on the next page.
Click one – IRS acknowledgements
Click two – State acknowledgements
Click three – TaxSlayer processing center secondary validation checks. Checks performed before sent to IRS. TaxSlayer will develop additional training regarding secondary validation checks.
Rejected Returns are on the next page.
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47. All acknowledged returns are listed with status
IRS Acknowledgements
All acknowledged returns are listed with status
Accepted
Description of Reject
Rejected
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48. Acknowledgements (cont)
Review each acknowledged return
If accepted – Accepted and Date shown in Status column
If rejected – Rejected and Date in Status column and reason in Reject Code column
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49. Acknowledgements (cont)
Print PDF for more information
Export to Excel to build a Tax Year log
If the return is rejected, the report will describe what it is rejected for, along with the exact data element that is rejected (as long as the IRS system passes that data element back to TaxSlayer).
You can print the report as a PDF
When you are finished reviewing, click Back
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50. Reports Page
To search for returns rejected by TaxSlayer, click Select on Validation Errors line for list
Click one – IRS acknowledgements
Click two – State acknowledgements
Click three – TaxSlayer processing center secondary validation checks. Checks performed before sent to IRS. TaxSlayer will develop additional training regarding secondary validation checks.
NTC & NTTC Training – TY2018

51. IRS matches the first four letters of the last name with the SS#
Rejected Returns
Identify error and correct it
New Form 8879 signatures if :
SSN or name changed, or
>$50 change in total income or AGI, or
>$14 change in total tax, federal tax withheld, refund or amount due
IRS matches the first four letters of the last name with the SS#
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52. Rejected Return (cont.)
Advise taxpayer of changes and provide a corrected copy
If cannot be e-filed, convert to paper
The taxpayer must mail the return
Provide feedback to Counselor/QR
Note: TSO Messaging is secure
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53. TSO Messaging Bob/Mary Please check Smithson return for SS# error.
Thanks
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54. End of Season Deactivate Counselors at the end of the Tax Season
Exceptions:
Administrator
Selected Quality Reviewers
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55. End of Season (cont.) Return AARP computers/printers to custodian.
Return IRS computers to IRS Depot.
Safely store computers, printers and supplies until next season.
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56. LC Responsibilities Everything!
Answer questions and address anomalies that occur during return preparation and electronic filing.
Report statistical accomplishments as required.
Be sure no taxpayer data has been retained unless required by the IRS or State law.
Verify that all returns started in TSO are accounted for monthly, and at the end of the season.
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57. Security of taxpayer data is everyone’s responsibility
LC Responsibilities
Security of taxpayer data is everyone’s responsibility
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58. One Support