CHAPTER 12-1: Partner Resources — 1025 Publ 5683 (PDF)

Partner and Volunteer Resource Center

The Partner and Volunteer Resource Center contains links to information that will assist VITA/TCE partners with operating their free tax preparation program. Topics include quality, tax preparation, scope, training, tax outreach and online tools and tips. Partners can also send comments, suggestions, or other feedback to SPEC at partner@irs.gov

SPEC Over-the-Phone Interpreter Service (OPI)

The IRS is committed to serving our multilingual customers by offering SPEC Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) services within their communities. OPI is a federally funded program. For more information, please see Publication 5547, “Job Aid: SPEC Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) Service for SPEC Partners, Site Coordinators, and Employees.” The SPEC OPI training (Publication 5883) is on Link and Learn Taxes (LLT). Employees and partners must pass the course with an 80% or higher score. After completing the training, the unique SPEC OPI PIN will be activated for use. Sites or partners wanting to use SPEC OPI services must have their site coordinator submit a weekly log to their local relationship manager (RM).

SPEC OPI provides real-time interpretation services in multiple languages through virtual call centers, allowing 24/7 service year-round. To view the full list of available languages, see Publication 5633, “Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) Languages Represented.” The OPI service is free for all VITA/TCE partners and sites.

SPEC OPI covers all aspects of the SPEC business model, including income tax return preparation services, tax outreach and education, and Financial Education and Asset Building (FEAB). Examples of SPEC OPI services include:

Quality site reviews
Field site visits
Return reviews
ITIN applications
FEAB services (such as credit counseling, budgeting, and banking)
Outreach services (including information on the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, education credits, identity theft, refund inquiries, and questions about IRS correspondence)

If partners wish to use OPI services for purposes other than preparing returns, they must obtain prior written approval from SPEC. To get this authorization, the request must be submitted to both the RM and the Area OPI point of contact (POC) or the subject matter expert (SME). If partners or sites are not receiving responses from their local relationship manager, they can send questions or comments to SPEC.OPI.Service@irs.gov .

By utilizing the SPEC OPI services, you are not just offering a service; you’re helping create a future where everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. Join us in making a difference!

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All employees/partners must complete the annual SPEC OPI training on Link and Learn Tax each year. Once the training is completed, the OPI PIN is activated for use. The prerequisite to this course is the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Training.

Volunteer Tax Alerts (VTA) and Quality Site Requirement Alerts (QSRA)

Volunteer Tax Alerts (VTA) are issued as needed to clarify certain tax law issues throughout the filing season. Quality Site Requirement Alerts (QSRA) are issued as needed to clarify SPEC procedures related to Quality Site Requirements.

At the beginning of the season, SPEC headquarters adds all non-AARP partner (primary points of contact) and coordinators to the Gov Delivery System. Partners will receive automatic email alerts for VTAs and QSRAs because of their partnership with the IRS. If partners do not receive these alerts, they may need to add Gov Delivery as a safe sender. To do this, use the following steps in Outlook:

Click on the junk email drop-down menu on the main landing screen
Click Junk Email Options
Click on Safe Senders tab
Add: irs@service.govdelivery.com

If partners do not use Outlook, do a search for “safe senders” to find the appropriate steps.

If a partner has ever unsubscribed to Gov Delivery bulletins, they must sign-up for at least one bulletin, so the GovDelivery system will accept their email address and send the alerts. To sign-up, use the following steps:

Click on News on the IRS Homepage (IRS.gov)
Click on e-News Subscriptions on the Newsroom page
Select any link on the e-News Subscriptions page, such as IRS Tax Tips, IRS Newswire and more
Click Subscribe to (the item selected)
Enter the partner’s email address and click Submit at the bottom of the page
Select any other IRS Subscription topics wanted
Click Submit
Review and select any Featured Government Updates wanted
Check the box to consent to the data privacy policy for the accounts you selected
Click Save
Click Finish

Become an IRS Partner to Help in Your Community

The Become an IRS Partner to Help in Your Community site provides information about becoming a partner with the VITA/TCE program. If you know of an organization that may be interested in making a difference in the community by partnering with the IRS, please feel free to share this information. They can submit their interest directly via the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Signup . Free tax preparation not only assists with tax benefits but can also offer stronger financial stability for people and the communities in which they live. Individuals can also sign up to become certified VITA/TCE volunteers, which is the starting point for People Helping People .

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