There are many ways for a taxpayer to have their tax return prepared. If the customer wants a professionally prepared return there is no better place for them to have them done than Sun Loan. Our customers want: -A Professionally prepared tax return -NO fees paid up front -Advance money available -Low cost -High value We understand there are many options for a taxpayer to get their return completed. Not all of them have the benefits of Sun loan. We also understand that Sun loan tax service is not for everyone. Many people do not want or need the benefits that Sun Loan offers. They do not want to pay for a professionally prepared return. These folk are not our type of customers. If someone wants the benefits and value of what you offer then Sun Loan is the best place for them to have their taxes prepared for many reasons.
You are going to hear that they can get them done cheaper. YES, but those options do not have the same benefits as having them done by Sun loan. As example: you can cut your hair at home for free, go to local barber or go to a salon. All three have different prices and different options. It is the customers choice. Our customers want a professionally prepared return with the other advantages we offer. If they want a product similar to Suns or HR block or Jackson Hewitt or other loan companies we are the best.
Sun Loan Is the Best Out of Our Competitors 1. Cost -Our tax services are priced lower than the competition -Pricing is upfront -Estimates are free and available all year -We do not charge extra for copies of returns like our competitors 2. Faster -The process is quicker and easier because the offices already have the taxpayers’ info -Easy-to-understand tax software makes the process simple for prepares -Support is available via live chat. If there are any questions the customer does not have to wait. Taxpayers that self-prepare have to wait on long holds to get questions answered. -With check or debit card advance products, customers can get access to a portion of their tax refund within days. 3. Fewer Delays -Our screening process prevents unnecessary delays -Our comprehensive due diligence protects taxpayers from IRS inquiries. Taxpayers that self-prepare can misunderstand documentation requirements causing stressful IRS inquiries. -Our commitment to accuracy lowers the chances of the IRS withholding funds. 4. ALL YEAR Access -Competitors are only open January-May. -Customers always have access to tax employees that they know and trust. Self-prep software and other tax office have seasonal employees that change from year to year and are not available after the tax season. -Getting copies of returns is easy because Sun Loan offices do not close at the end of the tax season. There is no complicated software for customers to navigate or total lack of help when questions arise. 5. Privacy -Customer information is kept private. -Taxpayers can rest assured that personal information is never sold. Competitors sell personal information. -Our tax software is not accessed from unsecure sources. It keeps customers’ information safe and protected from possible identity theft. 6. Refund Options -Taxpayers can choose the refund method that works best for them. Online tax services and other offices do not offer as many options. -Direct deposit, print check in a Sun Loan office, or debit card products are available. -Better options for customers that are un-banked that need their money fast.
THE SELF PREPARED RETURN REASONS WE ARE BETTER We are up to date on all the laws and credits available - Tax laws change every year. Just because a taxpayer qualified for a tax deduction one year does not mean they qualify for it the next year. - The IRS requires taxpayers to prove they qualify for deductions. Preparing taxes online is the same as preparing them yourself -Taxpayers can inadvertently claim deductions they do not qualify for and face hefty penalties. -Not knowing the laws is not an excuse to the IRS. -Taxpayers will be liable for deductions and credits they claim if they cannot prove they qualified. WE SUPPORT EVERY ASPECT OF THE RETURN - There is a limited amount of support when you file online. Clicking on confusing “help” boxes and waiting on hold to speak to a support representative can double or triple the time it takes to file a return. - Most customer service centers are just that. They can not advise or assist when it comes to tax matters. The representatives available are not trained or certified and often give wrong information. PRICING IS CLEAR - Self prep software offers “Up front” pricing for only the software, but NOT for filing. This means after buying the software there are still more fees if you want to file the return. They charge extra for state returns and e-filing the return so the price is much more than advertised.
CHECKING FOR EIC
A majority of our customers will be receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit Make sure you double check the DEPENDENTS: -Age -Relationship -Months lived with taxpayer -US Citizenship -Student or Disabled
REFUND CHECKS reissue 2-7-2022
It is very important that the offices use ATS live chat for any check re issues or questions. We have a process that makes things fast,simple, easy/almost immediate. If the office is calling EPS this creates havoc on our process and delays the re issue of the customers funds. It can delay the re-issue up to a week and this makes for an unhappy customer.
REMEMBER: The first place to go for answers and assistance is Accurate Tax Chat.
DISTRICT MANAGER CALL 2-8-2022
This e-mail covers four subjects: - STATUS MEANINGS - REJECTED RETURN PROCESS - CLOSING DISCUSSION WITH TAXPAYER - PRINTING OF PAPERWORK
1. STATUS MEANINGS: On the status page you will see 6 different things:
IN PROGRESS means the office has started a return and has not submitted it to ATS for review yet.
REVIEW means the office has submitted the return and we are reviewing/processing (Do not send again if you see REVIEW. It overrides the first return and puts the return at the end of the line for processing).
TRANSMITTED means we have reviewed and processed the return and it is waiting for IRS acknowledgment.
ACCEPTED means the IRS has accepted the tax return.
REJECTED means that the return has been rejected by the IRS due to incorrect information. You can find the IRS reject code on the client status screen (steps attached).
FAILED returns are returns that during our review process ATS needs more information to complete the return. (screenshot attached).
2. REJECTED RETURN PROCESS:
When a return is rejected you will see REJECTED in the status column.
You can find the IRS reject code on the client status screen (steps attached).
After fixing the rejection you need to mark return READY FOR REVIEW then Save and Exit. Same as you would with a new return.
3. CLOSING DISCUSSION WITH TAXPAYER:
After the return is entered into the software here are the steps that the most successful offices use.
- Thank you for coming , I now have your results for your 2021 tax return. Once our fees are taken out, you are receiving $______ in Federal and $______ from state for a grand total of $_____. All fees are deducted from the refund.
- You applied for the Advance and the approval time could be up to 24 hours. The advance will be available for me to print your check (or available direct deposit or card). Then once the IRS releases your refund you will receive $_____ additional which is the balance of your refund.
4. PRINTING OF PAPERWORK
You will print the return AFTER the return is accepted by the IRS (This can take up to 24 hours)
We do not want to hand out the return until the IRS confirms the information is correct and the return is IRS accepted
You print the taxpayer a copy of their return 1040 and State return (if applicable) *JUST THE IMPORTANT PAGES NOT THE EXCESS BANK PAGES* insert them in a tax envelope and thank them!
There are two ways to just print the 1040:
1. Select the pages you want to print in the PDF print preview screen. OR 2. Follow these steps:
You should be printing the tax returns from the Submission Page. This is the best spot, it gives you all the different options.
To get to the Submission Page click E-file on the left hand side menu. Then click on Submission Page (screenshot attached). Scroll down the Submission Page to Print Tax Documents.
You only need to print a copy of the 1040 for the taxpayer.
Select from the dropdown list One Copy - 1040 Only
Then click Print
If the customer needs a copy of their full return in the future you will always have it available to print.
wHAT THE BANK LOOKS AT FOR ADVANCE
WHAT THE BANK LOOKS AT FOR THE ADVANCE: Meta has many underwriting variables. They look at: - Identity verification - Status of education loans - Payment history with the IRS - Child support - Tax liens - Child support - More than $1,000 refund They do a soft credit check that does not show up on taxpayers credit reports.
Over the past 10 years Meta has reviewed our business model. ATS loan loss is the best of Meta Banks service bureaus business. This allows Meta to review and approve more of the Advances with larger amounts for us.
PRICE OF AMENDMENTS
THE PRICE OF AMENDMENTS
Current Procedures: If the office makes a mistake and an amendment needs to be completed Accurate Tax has always completed them for free.
Current prices for a 1040X are $200 if we prepared the return $250 if a competitor prepared. These prices are very much in line with competitors pricing.
Prior year returns are $250
WHAT TO GIVE THE CUSTOMER after taxES completed
YOU SHOULD ONLY GIVE THE TAXPAYER THEACTUAL 1040 PAGES -Keep and put the other pages that print in the customers file -Print the customers check -Call the customer and let them know you have the check ready for them -Have the customer sign the check stub and put it in the customers file
The packet you should have prepared for the customer includes:
-1040 Tax Return -Customers Check -Guaranteed funds letter found on website -$20 Referral handout found on website
Put all of this in your Tax Envelopes and give to the customer so it is organised and reminds them to use you again next year.
marketing and sales tools
MARKETING AND TOOLS YOU HAVE FOR TAX SEASON
The next 4 weeks are critical to the success of your tax season. OUR SEASON STARTS JAN 2nd with the $6,000 ADVANCE Now is the PRIME time to start the BIG PUSH of your marketing plan for taxes. Talking to your customers- This is the most important thing you need to be doing right now. All the marketing we offer is to help you start and have a conversation about taxes with your customers. Create an environment that makes your customer comfortable for you to prepare their taxes. It is very simple…The more you have completed the more taxes you will do. If you have not ordered these supplies for your offices you need to today. 1. Envelopes/ Drop off service. Give the “tax envelope” out to current customers and let them know all they need to do is drop off their tax information and return later to sign paperwork. THIS WILL INCREASE YOUR TAX BUSINESS!! 2. Interview sheets/Estimates….Print interview sheets off of the ATS website. Have the customer fill out the interview sheet with information required. Give each customer a free estimate when you have them in front of you. GREAT HELP FOR YOUR CUSTOMER!! 3. Appointments….Set up tax appointments now with your customers. They will feel more of a commitment from you and feel an obligation to bring their tax information in.
Referral- Talk to local businesses. Go to a local business and let the HR person know you offer a $20 per person referral. Recommend they send customers to your location. Give them stack of $20 coupons $20 Coupons- Put these in the Tax Envelope and give to customer when they fill out the Interview Sheets Mass texts- Mass texts have been scheduled and are being sent to your customers to let them know you are ready Posters -Display the marketing materials that are available to you through Thompson.
We are looking forward to a GREAT-SMOOTH tax season
office support process
ATS and SUN are working toward the same goal. ATS should always be your first contact for information concerning a tax return. It is the fastest and quickest way to get the correct answers for your customers. - Chat Every question cannot be answered via chat. Specific questions are better answered with chat. When communication is breaking down we will call the office. - Phone Support
ATS will call the store: - When requested - When there is some confusion in the office or ATS concerning questions or answers received.
- 1099 Procedure EACH situation will be handled on an individual basis A. Return reviewed B. If red flags are raised we will call the office immediately to let them know what needs to be brought back in and why. C. Internal file started with what was requested and what was received D. After 48 hours we will call the office concerning returns that have outstanding requests until all information is received and return is ready to be filed.
Refund Change Any time there is ANY refund change the office will be called for approval to submit
-The office will use chat for initial contact. The office can request a call. If the office is not satisfied they should speak with their supervisor. The supervisor should call either Doug or William. We will speak with the office to resolve.
check cashing 2-9-2022
Check cashing: There is no such thing as a check that is "bad" Every check that is issued is a good check. Reasons that a check won't be cashed: 1. The customer has called the number on the check. For security reasons the check can only be called on ONCE. If this happens contact ACCURATE TAX and we will have it reset for you. 2. The bank or establishment, specifically WALMART, that the taxpayer is bringing the check to has an internal verification process and the taxpayer has a bad account with them or no verifiable account . Please make sure everyone has enough supplies for the week of 18th.. Looks like the big check print days will be the evening of 21st and the morning of the 22nd.. Let us know if anyone needs anything and I will get it out ASAP...
sofTWARE UPDATES
UPDATES: 1.When the software is updated you might see an error code, or a spinning circle Just logout and log back into the program 2. The updates take about 1-5 minutes 3. These updates usually occur around 5pm Eastern Time
The system is not "down". it is being updated as all programs need to be. Let your customer know the program is being updated and you can gather their information while it is. Have them fill out the interview sheet and ask them the due diligence questions during this timeframe. Keep sending them in.
audit pro process
We want to make sure everyone knows the process for adding Audit Pro to a return.
You will add Audit Pro on the Fee Summary screen in the E-file section.
Before sending the return to ATS for review the taxpayer needs to sign the Audit Pro Agreement. Sun Loan employees will sign and date also.
The Audit Pro Agreement can be printed from the tax software menu on the left hand side - Click Audit Pro Agreement
Additional information and marketing materials for Audit Pro can be found on the ATS website under Resources. Link below
You should be printing tax returns from the Submission Page. This is the best spot, it gives you all the options. You should print the tax return for the customer AFTER it is IRS accepted.
To get to the Submission Page click E-file on the left hand side menu. Then click on Submission Page Scroll down the Submission Page to Print Tax Documents.
You only need to print a copy of the 1040 for the taxpayer.
Select from the dropdown list One Copy - 1040 Only
Then click Print
If the customer needs a copy of their full return in the future you will always have it available to print.
Interest on advance
Remember that the interest shown is an ESTIMATE. It can be more or less. The estimate is calculated using the average time before funding. It is based on the amount of the advance and how long until the IRS funds the return.
Closing discussion
After you have entered the customer information here are the steps that the most successful offices use.
-Thank you, I now have your results for your 2021 tax return. Once our fees are taken out, you are receiving $______ in Federal and $______ from state for a grand total of $_____.
-You applied for the Advance and the approval time could be up to 24 hours. It will be available for me to print your check (or available direct deposit or card). Then once this IRS releases your funds you will receive $_____ additional which is the balance of your refund.
IF they specifically ask about fees there is no reason not to let them know The Federal Prep fees are $_____ The State Prep fees are $________ This includes Professional return review. FREE E-file. FREE Lifetime return access. FREE Guaranteed accurate
For you to have the prep fees taken out of the refund, no money up front and to have the return directly deposit / print check in office/ or put on debit card they can use the services of EPS. They can also apply for an Advance The additional cost for these services is $______
I can offer you a $20 coupon that will lower the cost as well.
I can file the return now and if you applied for the advance I should know within 24 hours
FINDING THE PREP FEES
This is how you find the federal prep fee.
Go to the Submission Page
Scroll to the bottom
You will see PREPARER FEE
This amount includes the federal and state prep fee
The state prep fee is $50
If there is a state on the return subtract $50 to find the federal prep fee
If someone asks you what the prep fee is, this is where you find the amount. There is an additional cost for the bank product.
Please use Live Help for any questions and assistance!