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Welcome to C.A.S.H. Advisor Training for new Advisors

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Your expectations * All About C.A.S.H. * All About C.A.S.H. Creating Assets, ... Refer ALL tax questions to quality reviewers or the site manager When in doubt ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Welcome to C.A.S.H. Advisor Training for new Advisors


1
Welcome to C.A.S.H. Advisor Training for new
Advisors
  • Thank you for Volunteering
  • Please sign in
  • Take a Training Manual and Handouts
  • Write your name on a name tag
  • Show ID to instructor

2
Agenda
Open Welcome and Introductions 1st Section
C.A.S.H., C.A.S.H. Advisors, Standards of
Conduct
BREAK 2nd Section C.A.S.H.
Advisor tools, the C.A.S.H. Advisor Conversation

BREAK 3rd Section Role-Playing
Exercises Close Shift Sign-up and Training
Evaluation
3
Welcome Introductions
  • Please tell us about yourself
  • Name
  • Career interest and/or hobbies
  • How did you hear about C.A.S.H.?
  • Your expectations

4
All About C.A.S.H.
5
All About C.A.S.H.
  • Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope
  • Mission
  • Create opportunities for low-income workers in
    Monroe County to get, keep and grow their money
  • Community Coalition
  • 40-plus organizations from diverse sectors
  • Convened in 2002 by United Way of Greater
    Rochester
  • Empire Justice Center assumed leadership in 2007
  • Staffing
  • 2.5 year-round staff and 12 seasonal staff
  • 500 volunteers

6
All About C.A.S.H.
  • Every year, we
  • Recruit Train nearly 500 Volunteers
  • Serve approximately 15,000 low-income families
  • Help families receive over 25 Million in tax
    refunds credits
  • Connect families to community programs, savings
    plans, and more

7
All About C.A.S.H.More than Tax Returns
  • Asset Building Products
  • Fee-free/low-fee bank accounts
  • Prepaid card accounts
  • Free credit report
  • US Savings Bonds
  • Information about
  • Money management workshops
  • Affordable health care
  • Public benefits
  • Home buying
  • Mortgage counseling
  • And more .

8
All About C.A.S.H.
  • What do we know about C.A.S.H. Clients?
  • Average Adjusted Gross Income lt18,000
  • Clients without Bank Accounts 16
  • Clients without Health Insurance 22
  • Interested in Money Mgmt. Education 25
  • First-time tax filers 5
  • Client profile varies by C.A.S.H. Site

9
All About C.A.S.H.
  • Volunteer Roles
  • Front Desk Manager Greets clients and controls
    the flow of traffic through the site.
  • C.A.S.H. Advisor Helps clients identify ways to
    improve families financial well-being Screens
    for eligibility and organizes paperwork for tax
    preparation.
  • Tax Preparer Prepares Federal and NY State tax
    returns using the TaxWise software provided by
    the IRS.
  • Quality Reviewer Reviews completed tax returns
    for completeness and accuracy.
  • Drop-Off Coordinator Works with clients dropping
    off documents for later tax prep. Conducts
    CASH Advisor Conversation

10
C.A.S.H. Site Process
  • Client meets the Front Desk Manager and
  • Signs-in. Receives and completes Intake Sheets
  • Returns Intake Sheets to Front Desk. Waits for
    C.A.S.H. Advisor
  • Client meets C.A.S.H. Advisor who
  • Checks eligibility. Organizes documents for tax
    preparation.
  • Helps client complete Consent forms.
  • Engages in conversation connects client to
    opportunities.
  • Encourages Direct deposit and Asset Building
  • Client meets with Tax Preparer
  • Preparer Completes the tax return. Encourages
    Asset Building
  • Quality Reviewer Checks tax return. Encourages
    Asset Building
  • Client completes survey

11
C.A.S.H. Site Process
12
(No Transcript)
13

C.A.S.H. Staff Contact Information C.A.S.H. Staff Contact Information C.A.S.H. Staff Contact Information C.A.S.H. Staff Contact Information C.A.S.H. Staff Contact Information
Director Berta Rivera Berta Rivera 295-5732 brivera_at_empirejustice.org
Volunteer Manager Tracy Merlau Tracy Merlau 295-5733 tmerlau_at_empirejustice.org
Administrative Assistant Susan Bonkowski Susan Bonkowski 295-5805 sbonkowski_at_empirejustice.org
Volunteer Related Information Volunteer Related Information Volunteer Related Information Volunteer Related Information Volunteer Related Information
Online Training Center Online Training Center www.empirejustice.org/cash/cash-training-center/ www.empirejustice.org/cash/cash-training-center/ www.empirejustice.org/cash/cash-training-center/
Volunteer Hub Volunteer Hub www.cash.volunteerhub.com www.cash.volunteerhub.com www.cash.volunteerhub.com
C.A.S.H. Website C.A.S.H. Website www.empirejustice.org/cash www.empirejustice.org/cash www.empirejustice.org/cash
14
New for 2016
  • Super Site Locations
  • Irondequoit Downtown NOW ONE HUGE SITE
    Volunteers of America, 214 Lake Avenue (FRONT of
    building)
  • (double capacity of site managers and volunteers)
  • 262-2861
  • Henrietta Kohls Plaza (south end, nearest
    Jefferson Rd.) 427-7089

15
The C.A.S.H. Advisor
16
Role of the C.A.S.H. Advisor Help client Get,
Keep and Grow their money
  • Screen Client for Eligibility
  • Prepare the client for tax return preparation
  • Get Clients signature on consent forms
  • Identify clients financial needs interests
  • Connect client with resources

17
Tips for C.A.S.H. Advisor
  • Wear casual clothing in line with clients
  • Arrive early to familiarize yourself with site
    activity
  • Sign-in pick up weekly news
  • Wear name tag
  • Check accordion file for completeness
  • Be aware of representative/services available
    during your shift (interpreters, bank health
    insurance reps)
  • If you are working the early shift, begin serving
    clients as soon as possible. Your shift starts
    early so that Tax Preparers can start preparing
    right away.

18
Tips for C.A.S.H. Advisor (continued)
  • Strive to serve 4 clients per hour (average of 15
    minutes each). This allows us to cut waiting
    times and keep the flow of clients smooth

19
Tips for C.A.S.H. Advisor (continued)
  • LISTEN to the client. Use open-ended questions.
    A bit of silence is OK
  • Do NOT answer questions beyond your scope of
    training. Refer ALL tax questions to quality
    reviewers or the site manager
  • When in doubt consult your site manager
  • Do NOT send anyone away before checking with your
    Site Manager

20
Tips for C.A.S.H. Advisor (continued)
  • If your availability changes, update schedule on
    Volunteer Hub and inform site manager.
  • (Need help with Volunteer Hub? Call Tracy
    295-5733)
  • cash.volunteerhub.com
  • No clients to meet?
  • Help keep areas neat (chairs, toys, paper, trash,
    snow , etc.)
  • Ask the site manager what needs to be done

21
Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC)
22
IRS Standards of Conduct
  • I will follow the Quality Site Requirements
  • I will not accept payment or solicit donations
    for tax return preparation.
  • I will not solicit business from clients, nor
    make personal use of anything I learn about them.
  • I will not knowingly prepare false returns.
  • I will not be dishonest, nor engage in any
    conduct which could have a negative effect on the
    VITA/TCE Programs.
  • I will treat all taxpayers in a professional,
    courteous, and respectful manner.

23
1. I will follow the Quality Site Requirements
Four QSR Requirements apply to C.A.S.H. Advisors
IRS Standards of Conduct
  • All volunteers must complete VSC training and
    pass the VSC test (Thats what you are doing
    now) QSR 1
  • All volunteers must use the IRS interview /
    intake process and forms (We all do) QSR 2
  • All volunteers must pass the VSC test and
    complete form 13615 (Thats what you will do 10
    minutes from now) QSR 5
  • Guidelines discussed in Publication 4299 must
    be followed (Confidentiality
    well cover it in todays session) QSR 10

24
2. I will not accept payment, nor solicit
donations for tax return preparation.
IRS Standards of Conduct
  • Volunteers CANNOT accept gifts or payment from
    clients
  • C.A.S.H. does not accept payments or donations at
    any of our sites.
  • Those who wish to support C.A.S.H. can visit our
    website to learn how to make a donation
    http//www.empirejustice.org/cash/
  • To clients who insist on showing their gratitude,
    tell them cookies, brownies and pizza are always
    welcome and appreciated by C.A.S.H. volunteers!

25
3. I will not solicit business from clients, nor
make personal use of anything I learn about them.
IRS Standards of Conduct
  • No Avon books, no church literature, no selling
    for your kids fundraisers, no business cards
  • No contacting clients for any reason unrelated to
    C.A.S.H.

26
4. I will not knowingly prepare false returns.
IRS Standards of Conduct
  • Does not directly apply to C.A.S.H. Advisors, but
    ---
  • EVERYBODY at C.A.S.H. is responsible for
    preparation of accurate honest tax returns.
  • Do not assist clients in attempts to fraudulently
    increase their refund.
  • If you suspect a client is providing false
    information, notify your Site Manager.

27
5. I will not be dishonest, nor engage in any
conduct which could have a negative effect on the
VITA/TCE Programs.
IRS Standards of Conduct
  • Every penny of the clients refund must go
    directly to the client, whether by check mailed
    to their address or direct-deposited into their
    own account.
  • All C.A.S.H. volunteers must be citizens or legal
    residents of the United States.

28
IRS Standards of Conduct
6. I will treat all taxpayers in a professional,
courteous, and respectful manner.
  • Tax preparation can be stressful for our clients,
    and wait times can be long. Some clients will be
    impatient and testy. Be calm and helpful.
  • Treat every C.A.S.H. client like a paying
    customer
  • At all times, protect the clients confidential
    information. Do not discuss their situation in a
    voice loud enough to be heard by other clients.
    Do not leave client paperwork sitting out
    unattended.

29
Confidentiality
All information you receive from taxpayers in
your volunteer capacity is strictly
confidential and should not be disclosed to
unauthorized individuals.
30
IRS Standards of Conduct
  • Failure to comply with IRS conduct
  • standards could result in
  • Ending your participation at C.A.S.H.
  • Termination of C.A.S.H.s partnership with IRS
  • Loss of C.A.S.H.s funding
  • Permanent shut-down of C.A.S.H.
  • Criminal Investigation

31
Standards of Conduct Test Take the test on Page
26. Let the instructor know when you are
finished. This is an open book test. You are free
to refer to information in the booklet. Question
Refer to 1) Page 5, 7 2) Inside Front Cover 3)
Inside Front Cover 4) Page 7, top example 5)
Page 25, Answer 3 6) Page 24, Summary of the
Intake/Interview and Quality Review Process 7)
Page 21, Greet the Taxpayer 8) Page 24,
Summary of the Intake/Interview and Quality
Review Process 9) Page 3, QSR 2 Intake and
Interview Process 10) Page 23, The Quality
Review Process
32
BreakPlease show your test Photo ID to
instructorComplete Form 13615, sign it, and
give to instructor
33
Lets look at the training manual, beginning on
page 6The Conversation
34
The C.A.S.H. Advisor Conversation is your main
job make it great!
  • Be Friendly Put your client at ease
  • Be Thorough Pay attention to details
  • Be Quick Try to finish in 10 minutes

35
  • At a Glance Guide to the C.A.S.H Advisor
    Conversation is always at your fingertips
  • Page 23-24 of your manual
  • Front pocket of your Accordion File

36
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials
  • Client Paperwork (White Salmon)
  • Disclosure Use Consent Form (White)
  • CLIENT Envelope
  • C.A.S.H. Envelope (White cover sheet stapled on)
  • Guide to Community Resources
  • Accordion File

37
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials Clients
Paperwork
The client is given paperwork to complete. The
paperwork consist of 2 documents
  • The C.A.S.H. Questionnaire, 3 pages, printed on
    WHITE paper
  • Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview Quality Review
    Sheet, designed and mandated by the IRS, 4 pages,
    printed on SALMON paper
  • NOTE if client prints forms at home before visit,
    both will be white!

37
38
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials .Clients
Paperwork
  • CASH Questionnaire (White) Client Interests and
    Needs
  • Top of Page 1 Income Eligibility
  • Page 1 Glance for clues of Clients needs
  • Q13 Q 22 Client's interests,
    opportunities for Asset Building
  • Q23-25 Checklist on Page 3 Volunteer Use

38
39
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials .Clients
Paperwork
  • Form 13614-C (Salmon) IRS Intake Form
  • Page 1 Name, marital status, address,
    dependents
  • Page 2 3 Income, expenses life circumstances
  • Page 4 disregard

39
40
6 Steps in C.A.S.H. Advisor Conversation
  • 1. Preparing for the Conversation Introduction.
  • 2. Checking eligibility documentation.
  • 3. Signing the Consent Forms.
  • 4. Connecting the client to Community Resources
  • 5. Encouraging Direct Deposit and Asset Building.
  • 6. Completing the checklist, closing, and
    escorting the client to their next location.

41
Engaging in the Conversation Step 1 Preparing
for the Conversation Introduction (See pages 6
7 of CASH Advisor Manual)
  • Get next clients packet from Front Desk Manager.
  • BRIEFLY Review paperwork to prepare for the
    conversation
  • Go to waiting area and introduce yourself to
    client.
  • Take client to your work station.
  • Explain your role and tell client that tax prep
    will follow.
  • If client has urgent tax questions, DO NOT offer
    tax advice. If necessary ask a Quality Reviewer
    or Site Manager for help.

42
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation(See pages 7 - 15
of CASH Advisor Manual)
  • Check Identification
  • Photo ID
  • Social Security cards and birth date for every
    person on the tax return
  • Double-check that client correctly copied Social
    Security numbers onto the forms

43
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation(See pages 7 15
of CASH Advisor Manual)
  • MORE ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS
  • SSs printed on W2 forms IS NO LONGER ENOUGH!
  • Need  Social Security card for each person listed 
    on  IRS Intake or another acceptable form (next
    slide)

44
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation(See pages 7 15
of CASH Advisor Manual)
  • Acceptable  SS  verification documents  
  • Original or copy of Social Security Cards 
  • Military ID with complete SS 
  • Form 1099-SSA or Medicare Cards with  suffixes  
    A, TA, or WA
  • Any government issued letter or statement that
    lists the SS number
  • Replacement Social Security cards can be obtained
    in lt 10 days. (give client handout from Accordion
    file)
  • Double-check that Social Security numbers are
    correctly written on the C.A.S.H. Intake Form, p.
    3

45
  • Check Income Eligibility
  • IRS Intake Sheet Top of page 2 tells you which
    income forms to see.
  • Review W-2s,1099s -- total up income
  • CASH Eligibility
  • 40,000 or less without children
  • 55,000 or less with children

Not sure about how to read the forms? Check the
Guide to Income Forms on Page 9 of manual, or in
the Front Pocket of your Accordion File and a
cheat sheet showing what income is taxable
46
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
  • Check other eligibility criteria
  • ownership of a business
  • (OK if no employees expenses less than
    10,000)
  • lived/worked outside NY State last year
  • Military service last year
  • Yes to any Page 2 questions on IRS (salmon)
    intake form NOT identified as (A) or (B)

Any of the above Notify Site Manager
47
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
  • Special Situation Renters Credit
  • C.A.S.H. serves some very low income clients who
    do not need to file a tax return, BUT are
    eligible to claim the NY State Renters Credit
    or IT214.
  • They often receive only non-taxable income such
    as SSI or other public assistance
  • If you believe a clients is ONLY coming to apply
    for the Renters Credit, NOTIFY THE SITE MANAGER,
    who will assess their eligibility so they do
    not have to wait if they are not eligible

48
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
Documentation of Expenses Middle Section of Page
2 tells you which forms to see
  • Mortgage Interest
  • Real Estate Taxes
  • College Tuition
  • Child Care Expenses
  • Closing papers for 2014 purchase of home

If client has 1098 T form (Tuition Statement),
 they must have a student billing statement for
each form. (available through their online
student accounts and can be printed at the site.)
49
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
  • .
  • After checking Clients forms documents,
    organize them for the tax preparer, and put into
    the CLIENT envelope.
  • Note A or B (or other) on front of C.AS.H.
    Questionnaire
  • Notify Site Manager if Yes to any question
    which is NOT identified as (A) or (B)

49
50
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
  • .
  • A clients return is
  • B (Basic level) if ONLY (B) boxes are checked on
    Pages 2-3 of the IRS (salmon) intake form
  • A (Advanced level) if ANY (A) box is checked,
    Pages 2-3.
  • ONE Exception If the only A box is
    11Distribution from Pensions, it is still a B
    (basic) return if any amount appears in box 2A on
    their 1099R. This is true for most C.A.S.H.
    clients with pensions.

50
51
(No Transcript)
52
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
  • For ANY QUESTION about eligibility, check with
    your Site Manager
  • Dont send away people we can help
  • Dont have someone not eligible waiting

53
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
  • Missing documents?
  • Some documents are available on line (see Guide
    to Online documents, p. 11 of Manual)
  • Client may use on-site computer to access them
  • All documents must be there before tax preparer
    starts

54
Engaging in the ConversationStep 2 Checking
Eligibility and Documentation
  • If client cant wait, or has missing documents,
    and must leave
  • Complete the C.A.S.H. Advisor Conversation
  • Ask client to return when paperwork is complete
  • DO NOT keep any of the clients paperwork.
  • - Give client BOTH envelopes to bring when they
    return.
  • Write C.A.S.H. Advisor Completed on the
    envelope.
  • Tell client to show this note to Front Desk
    Manager when they return.

NOTE wait time is not decreased but just split
for clients who return
55
Engaging in the ConversationStep 3 Signing the
Consent Forms(Page 15 of CASH Advisor Manual)
  • Privacy
  • We do not share clients identity unless they ask
    us to have someone contact them
  • Disclosure Consent allows us to
  • Combine client data with others for reports to
    our funders (we need funding to provide free
    C.A.S.H. services)
  • Use Consent allows us to
  • Share information with clients about community
    resources asset building

56
Engaging in the ConversationStep 3 Signing the
Consent Forms
  • If client is eligible, C.A.S.H. will prepare
    their tax return, regardless of whether consent
    is granted.
  • Please ENCOURAGE Consent
  • Data is essential to continue funding for
    C.A.S.H.
  • Consent helps clients Get, Keep Grow their
    money
  • If consent is NOT granted, DO NOT continue the
    Advisor Conversation. Complete the paper work
    and escort the client to the waiting area.

57
Engaging in the ConversationStep 3 Signing the
Consent Forms
  • MUST complete BOTH sides of the Form
  • Taxpayer Signature, whether granting OR denying
    consent

58
Engaging in the ConversationStep 4 Connecting
the Client to Community Resources(Page 15 of
Manual)
  • Community Resources
  • Page 2 of C.A.S.H. Questionnaire (WHITE) will
    help you understand your clients needs
  • Use the Conversation Guide to identify the
    appropriate Community Resources

59
Engaging in the ConversationStep 4 Connecting
the Client to Community Resources
  • On-site information sources
  • Accordion File for handouts
  • CASH Guide to Community Resources circle items

60
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials .C.A.S.H
Guide to Community Services
Food and Nutrition Emergency Food, Food Stamps /
SNAP, WIC program, MCLAC Nutrition Outreach,
Growing up Healthy Hotline Housing Buying a
Home, Low-Cost Rental Properties, Foreclosure
Prevention, Reverse Mortgages, Remodeling
Loans Heating HEAP (Home Energy Assistance
Program), Heating Assistance, Weatherization,
NYSERDA Energy Programs
61
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials .C.A.S.H
Guide to Community Services (cont.)
  • Legal Help Family Issues/Bankruptcy,
    Mortgages/Contracts
  • Child Care Finding affordable, quality child
    care
  • Education High School Equivalency, College SAT
    Prep
  • Job Training

62
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials .C.A.S.H
Guide to Community Services (cont.)
Computers Buying a low-cost computer
Credit Credit Student Loan Counseling, Free
credit reports Money Management
Training Tax Problems IRS and NYS taxpayer
advocates
63
C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials Accordion
File Accordion File
  • Front Pocket has your cheat sheets
  • Handouts on Health, Job Training, Credit Reports
    more
  • Work-Related Problems Survey
  • Consumer Rights Survey
  • Save Your Refund Promotion
  • Volunteer sign-up forms

64
Page 1, Q 7 Q 8 If answer to either is
prepare my own taxes, this client might be a
good candidate for Self-Prep Service, our
do-it-yourself option. Ask if the client would
like to try preparing their own tax return today
(if the site is busy, it might be faster). If the
client says yes or wants to learn more,
introduce to the Assistant Site Manager after
your conversation.
  • Special Items on CASH Questionnaire

Page 1, Q 10 Clients who answer yes to becoming
a volunteer should fill out the CASH Volunteer
Form. Paper copy in Accordion File can be
completed and left with you. Print your name on
the CASH Advisor line.
65
Special Items on CASH Questionnaire
Page 2, Q 15Due to the Affordable Care Act, many
C.A.S.H. clients will be newly qualified for
Medicaid coverage or subsidized health insurance
on the NY Exchange. Clients should consult a
Navigator (handout in Accordion File, Health
Insurance)
  • Page 2, Q 21Clients who answer yes to anything
    in Q21 should complete the Working Conditions
    Survey (Accordion File). Those who wish to
    receive a free legal consultation can provide
    their contact information (optional).

Page 2, Q 22Clients who answer yes to anything
in Q22 should complete the Consumer Rights Survey
(Accordion File). Those who wish to receive a
free legal consultation can provide their contact
information (optional).
66
How Empire Justices Workers Rights Project
helps
  • With your help last years Workers Rights
    Project was very successful in helping low wage
    workers and their families
  • Collected over 100,000 in wages, damages and
    fees from employers for underpaid workers
  • Supported successful statewide campaign to raise
    minimum wage to 15/hr. for fast food workers
  • Provided free legal services to over 150 people
    with wage and employment problems
  • Provided 10 workshops on workers rights

67
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
(Pages 16 - 19 of Manual)
  • WHY do we encourage Asset Building?
  • Economists believe lack of assets is a greater
    barrier to advancement than low income
  • Move beyond living paycheck-to- paycheck
  • Break the cycle of poverty pass wealth and
    opportunities to future generations

68
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Why at tax time?
  • Average tax refund 2,000
  • For a typical client, this is the most money they
    will have on hand at any time during the year
  • Reinforce savings message for returning clients

69
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Pay yourself first
  • We encourage our clients to save 10 of their tax
    refund -- Pay Yourself First. For example
    saving 100 from a 1,000 refund.
  • If the client has indicated that they plan to
    save part of their refund, ask them what they
    would like to save up for. Help them visualize
    the benefit.
  • Clients can begin a savings program with as
    little as 50 with a U.S. Savings Bond.
  • A new savings account is another way to help
    clients save

70
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Our Offerings
  • Refund Splitting
  • Tax refund can be split among multiple options
    including savings accounts and savings bonds
  • Save some, spend some
  • Checking Saving Bank Accounts
  • Prepaid Card
  • Series I US Savings Bonds
  • Free Credit Reports
  • Matching Funds via First Home Clubs

71
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Refund splitting
  • IRS makes it easy for taxpayers to save some of
    their refund by allowing direct deposit to
    multiple accounts.
  • Some can go directly to a savings account, and
    the rest to checking. Or, part paid by check,
    part to bank account.
  • Taxpayers can buy up to three Series I U.S.
    Savings Bonds with their tax refund.

72
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Save Your Refund Promotion
  • Offered nationwide by Doorways to Dreams
    Foundation.
  • Clients who split their refund are eligible to
    win 100 weekly prize (10 winners
    weeklynationally).
  • Time permitting, C.A.S.H. tax preparers will
    enter clients for the prize drawing online.
  • Afterwards, clients are encouraged enter the
    25,000 Grand Prize drawing by submitting a photo
    showing how they hope to use money they save or
    win.
  • Client thinking about it? Circle Save Your
    Refund on page 3 of C.A.S.H. Intake form

73
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Save Your Refund Promotion
  • Use Save Your Refund to encourage savings
  • Weve had many 100. winners at C.A.S.H.!!
  • Chance of winning gives an extra push to save

74
Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
Direct Deposit Why?
  • Direct Deposit Advantages
  • Faster 2 wks vs. 3 wks
  • Safer No need to carry large amounts of cash
  • Cheaper No need to pay for check cashing
  • Banking Advantages
  • Avoid fees for
  • Check cashing
  • Money orders
  • Access to other services
  • Savings
  • Credit / Loans

Bank account fees vary
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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Objections to Direct Deposit
  • Bank Fees
  • Overdraft Fears
  • Creditors
  • Loss of Public Benefits
  • C.A.S.H. s Answer
  • Fee-free / affordable accounts
  • Prepaid cards
  • Exempt Income Protection Act
  • Refund not treated as income.
  • Client is allowed time to use money before it is
    considered an asset.

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Bank Accounts
  • About 1 in 6 C.A.S.H. clients has no bank account
  • Clients can open an account at a bank or credit
    union while at C.A.S.H.
  • The accounts are affordable.
  • We can often open accounts for those who were
    denied in the past.

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  • Benefits of bank accounts
  • Direct deposit of tax refund is faster and safer
  • Direct deposit of paycheck is safer and cheaper
    than using check-cashers
  • Provides access to financial mainstream such as
    car loans, home buying, etc.

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Prepaid Cards
  • Similar to a debit card, but not connected to
    bank account.
  • Avoid ATM fees by getting cash back with
    purchase.
  • Everyone is eligible. No CHEX review.
  • No overdraft mistakes cant use money that
    isnt there.
  • CHEX System Bankers list of undesirable
    customers.

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • ESL Prepaid Card
  • Federal and/or NY refund can be deposited to one
    card.
  • 3 per month fee
  • Reloadable (for example, with direct deposit of
    pay check)
  • Free access to ESL ATMs (and cash back on
    purchases)
  • Online account access statements
  • No temporary card issued. Will arrive in 5-7
    business days (before refund arrives)

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Series I US Savings Bonds
  • No fees very safe
  • Purchase at face value - minimum of 50
  • Interest rate adjusted for inflation twice every
    year. Currently 1.64
  • Easy to buy with tax refund, for taxpayer or
    others (such as children or grandchildren)
  • If client has possible interest in Savings Bonds,
    circle US Savings Bonds on Page 3 of C.A.S.H.
    Questionnaire

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building Credit Reports
  • Directions for obtaining credit reports are in
    the Accordion File
  • Computer-literate clients can get their credit
    report at C.A.S.H., using the public access
    computer.
  • If a client needs help with the computer and if
    you have time, help them access their credit
    report.
  • Credit Counselors may be available at your site
    to help clients understand their credit report.
    Otherwise, the report contains
    explanations.

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • First time home buyers
  • Potential home buyer attends workshop
  • Home Buyer matched with local bank for months of
    one-on-one counseling
  • Home Buyer opens a savings account at the bank,
    to save money toward the purchase of home
  • Upon completion of program, bank matches savings
    (up to 4 to 1) towards purchase of home. This can
    add up to as much as 7,500!

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
Whos the expert at your site?
Product Super Site Partner Site
Savings/Checking Assistant Site Mgr Site Manager
Prepaid Card Assistant Site Mgr Site Manager
Savings Bonds Tax Preparer Tax Preparer
Accordion File has information about Banks
Credit Unions Partner site, check with Site
Manager regarding what is offered
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Engaging in the ConversationStep 5 Encourage
Direct Deposit Asset Building
  • Were all part of the Asset Building Team
  • Help other C.A.S.H. team members close the sale
  • Introduce the client to the Assistant Site
    Manager
  • Make a note on Page 3 of the IRS Intake Form
    (Salmon) to alert Tax Preparer Quality Reviewer
    that the client is considering a checking or
    savings account, prepaid card, or Savings Bond.

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Engaging in the Conversation Step 6 Checklist
Goodbye (Pages 19 20 of Manual)
  • Be sure to check
  • Both sides of Consent Form are completed and
    signed
  • Clients paperwork is completed AND readable
  • Initial Q23 on Page 2 of the White CA
    Questionnaire -- Print your initials LEGIBLY!
  • Complete the checklist on Page 3

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Engaging in the Conversation Step 6 Checklist
Goodbye
  • Tell client about 2-1-1 as an everyday resource
  • Give the client their envelope containing
  • their documents (such as W-2s),
  • Guide to Community Services
  • any forms or flyers you provided.
  • Tucked under flap of the C.A.S.H. envelope
  • signed Use and Disclosure Consent (White) and
  • client paperwork (Salmon White)

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Engaging in the Conversation Step 6 Checklist
Goodbye
  • If the client wants to meet with an on-site
    specialist, such as the Assistant Site Manager,
    escort them to that person for an introduction.
    Notify Front Desk Manager if client is meeting
    with a specialist.
  • If the client wants to get their credit report,
    escort them to the public access computer.
  • If not interested in either, escort them to the
    waiting area
  • Give C.A.S.H. envelope to the Front Desk Manager

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Engaging in the Conversation Step 6 Checklist
Goodbye
  • Remember If client is leaving BEFORE tax prep
  • Give the client ALL paperwork BOTH envelopes
  • Write on outside of envelope, boldly, C.A.S.H.
    ADVISOR DONE
  • Tell client to present envelope to Front Desk
    Manager when returning no need to see C.A.S.H.
    Advisor again

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Questions?
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Break
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Watch the CASH Advisor Video See this video
online, plus mini-videos on selected
topics. Visit http//tinyurl.com/mx2hfvt
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Role Play Opportunity for Everybody Pair off
-- one will play client, the other will play
C.A.S.H. Advisor
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Questions?
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Have you Scheduled Your Shift?
  • Choose a site
  • Choose the day of the week and time of day
  • Register on-line using the Volunteer Hub.
    Separate entry for every shift you work
    cash.volunteerhub.com
  • Want help? Call Tracy at 295-5733

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Getting Ready for your First Shift
  • Review Your Manual other materials lots of
    extra info in there we did not cover today
  • See videos online http//tinyurl.com/mx2hfvt
  • Relax you will enjoy being a C.A.S.H.
    Volunteer! There will be experienced people at
    your site to help you get started you will
    always be with others who can help or answer your
    questions.

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Cant show up?
  • If you know more than 24 hours in advance
  • Change your schedule on Volunteer Hub
  • If you know less than 24 hours in advance
  • Call your Site Manager
  • ROCHESTER 262-2861
  • HENRIETTA 427-7089

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Please complete turn in theTraining
Evaluation FormThank You for Volunteeringwith
C.A.S.H.
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