Individual tax Forms 1040 / Sched C
Due Date: April 15, 2019
Extension Date: October 15, 2019

Many sites around Maine will be open to prepare taxes.

State of Maine training – both tax law and tax software.  Although differences between federal and state of Maine law will be mentioned during the training earlier in January, this training session will give us an opportunity to see the mechanics of how the differences operate in the tax software.

Make up day in case one of our scheduled training days gets cancelled because of snow.

If no storm cancellations, we will use this day to address any areas that have caused concerns or have been identified as needing more training.

New AND Returning Volunteers will meet and train together.

This is the day that ACA and educational credits will be covered.

There will be two separate concurrent sessions.  The new volunteers will continue their focus on the things seen most often.  Returning volunteers will quickly review items that are unchanged with the primary focus being recent tax law changes and ‘going into the weeds’ on some of the things seen only occasionally.

In order to start classes promptly at 9AM, we ask that you arrive by 8:45.  That will give you time to either set up your own laptop and/or be assigned a program laptop.

Affordable Care Act tax law training will be presented on this day. This is something you won’t want to miss :-)

Exact time - TBD

Educational credits tax law training will be presented on this day. Specific guidance on the American Opportunity Credit and the treatment of Scholarships and Grants as reported on Form 1098-T (school tuition & fees informational tax statements)

Exact time - TBD

Returning Volunteers: Please complete the Clark problem, except for ACA. Also please complete the Vincent problem creating two returns, one for the father and one for the son - just the W-2, not educational credits. Thank you.

Using the NTTC workbook, we will work on the Evans return..  Begin the input into TaxSlayer to the extent possible. It will be completed with additional information provided in class. Thank you.

There will be two separate concurrent sessions.  The new volunteers will continue their focus on the things seen most often.  Returning volunteers will quickly review items that are unchanged with the primary focus being recent tax law changes and ‘going into the weeds’ on some of the things seen only occasionally.

In order to start classes promptly at 9AM, we ask that you arrive by 8:45.  That will give you time to either set up your own laptop and/or be assigned a program laptop.

This day will be for new volunteers. We will be providing an introduction to those things seen most often at our sites. We will not be going into all the ‘ifs, buts, what ifs’. For example, we will discuss issues normally seen on a tax return for a single individual. Then practice what you have learned by completing one or more simple returns. Finally, move on to a married, older couple, etc.

In order to start classes promptly at 9AM, we ask that you arrive by 8:45.  That will give you time to either set up your own laptop and/or be assigned a program laptop.

Annual Instructor Training for Maine Tax-Aide Instructors

Orientation for new volunteers and introduction to working with tax software.

At a minimum, new volunteers should plan to attend for three hours.  There will be two, three hour sessions each day.  Returning volunteers are encouraged to attend, either as mentors to the new volunteers or to again become comfortable with the tax software.

In order to start classes promptly at 9AM, we ask that you arrive by 8:45.  That will give you time to either set up your own laptop and/or be assigned a program laptop.

Orientation for new volunteers and introduction to working with tax software.

At a minimum, new volunteers should plan to attend for three hours.  There will be two, three hour sessions each day.  Returning volunteers are encouraged to attend, either as mentors to the new volunteers or to again become comfortable with the tax software.

In order to start classes promptly at 9AM, we ask that you arrive by 8:45.  That will give you time to either set up your own laptop and/or be assigned a program laptop.

Hosted by CBPP

Topic: Exemptions and the Individual Mandate

Description

This webinar provides explanation of basic ACA certification topics for VITA and TCE volunteers, such as the requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage and how to claim an exemption from this requirement, paying special attention to the exemption based on offers of unaffordable coverage. 

WHEN: Thursday, November 15 at 2:00 pm ET (11:00 am PT) 

Click here to register https://cbpp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cNFqVPLMSWWyrUfSQm0QbQ

Webinar hosted by CBPP at 3PM ET. https://cbpp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YOaauPj5ScGoqA5tL0LTfQ

Tax preparation for rideshare drivers can be difficult to navigate. Taxpayers often do not know that they are self-employed and are not aware of the impact driving full time or as a “side hustle” can have on their tax returns. Additionally, figuring out what is their total income and allowable deductions can lead to incorrect reporting. 

Hosted by CBPP (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

Topic Reconciling the Premium Tax Credit

Description

This webinar will explain how to reconcile the premium tax credit, which provides significant financial assistance to low- and moderate-income families who purchased coverage in the marketplace. This is an advance ACA certification topic for VITA and TCE volunteers. 

Register here: https://cbpp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MPD0glowQU6Z5gz7s_4pCA

Federal holiday honoring military veterans. The date coincides with Remembrance Day celebrating the end of World War I.

This year is the 100th anniversary of Remembrance Day which formally marked end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918.

Turn clocks back one hour.

Extension Due Date for filing 2018 tax returns.