Welcome to REFRESHER C.A.S.H. Advisor Training

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Welcome to REFRESHERC.A.S.H. Advisor Training

• Thank you for Volunteering
• Please sign in
• Take a Training Manual and Handouts
• Write your name on a tent card
• Show ID to instructor

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Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions
• Brief C.A.S.H. Overview
• C.A.S.H. Whats New
• Volunteer Standards of Conduct
• BREAK
• Review the C.A.S.H. tools CA.S.H. Advisor
  Conversation
• Sign up for Shifts Training Evaluation

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Welcome Introductions

• Please tell us about yourself
• Name
• Career interest and/or hobbies
• How did you hear about C.A.S.H.?
• Your expectations

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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

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C.A.S.H. 2015 Accomplishments C.A.S.H. 2015 Accomplishments Since 2002
Households Served 15,551 146,577
Total Returns (including EIC) 27.4m 245.9m
EIC Benefit Returns 12.4m 119.1m
Volunteers Recruited Trained 339
Bank/Direct Deposit Cards Opened 402 4940
US Savings Bonds Purchased 129 27,600 2003, 333,450
Tax Preparation Fees Saved (Avg 250 tax prep fee) 3,887,750 36,653,250.
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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, credit
  counselors, health insurance reps)
• If you are working the early shift, begin serving
  clients as soon as possible.

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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
• NEW GUIDELINE FOR 2016

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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

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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

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C.A.S.H. Site Process
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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
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New for 2016

• Super Site Locations
• Rochester (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

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C.A.S.H. Super Site Staff and Contact Info
New for 2016
Super Site Managers Asst. Managers Site Phone Numbers
Rochester Octavio Garcia Vinie Murphy Jim Unckless Gracie Jackson Dave Garretson Paula Keneally Tina Bowen 262-2861 (Staff available Mon-Thurs 8am-9pm) Fri Sat 8 am -6 pm
Henrietta Ellen Oberton Karen Cofield Cora Jones Norma Cummings 427-7089 (Staff available Mon-Thu 1pm-6pm), Fri 10-6 pm, Sat 8am-6 pm)

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New for 2016

• Partner Sites
• Not Returning in 2016 Heart and Soul Community
  Church

Returning Partner Sites Returning Partner Sites
Action for a Better Community, Inc. MCC - Damon Campus (Self-Prep only)
ABC HEADSTART Program OACES Adult Learning Ctr (Self-Prep only) REOC
Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union SEIU 1199
Heritage Christian Services, Inc. SUNY Brockport Drop-off at Goodwill
Veterans Outreach (Self-Prep only) Not open to public

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What else for 2016?

• Open Mon. Jan. 25 April 15
• Henrietta site open earlier on Fridays (11 am 5
  pm)
• No appointments again this year (with one
  exception).
• Two Sunday Events for specific groups (not
  public)
• Work with group homes using drop-off model
• FAST_at_CASH is now called Self Prep service
• GED test replaced with TASC test. Generic term
  High School Equivalency
• Clients who opt for drop-off, but whose return
  is not eligible Drop-off Coordinator will
  schedule appt.

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New for 2016

• ALL SUPERSITES CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
• NEW Drop-off option at all Super Sites (to
  address long wait times)
• New volunteer position of Drop-off Coordinator
  (DOC)
• Screens interested clients for eligibility
• Makes future appointments if ineligible for
  drop-off
• Conducts CASH Advisor conversation
• Collects and scans document
• Advises re. pick-up

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New for 2016

• Continuing Save Your Refund Promotion
• 100 weekly prize drawing for taxpayers who split
  their refund
• 25,000 Grand Prize at end of season
• Great tool to encourage clients to save
• NO scratch-off cards (last year at Downtown only)

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New for 2016

• Changes to Intake Paperwork
• IRS Intake Sheet adds questions about Affordable
  Health Care coverage.
• No NEW health insurance documentation required
  for TY 2015
• 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.)

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New for 2016

• Changes to Intake Paperwork (cont.)
• New Consumer Related Problems question (22 on
  C.A.S.H. Intake) with additional sheet to fill
  out--in accordion file-- if there are problems.
  (p. 34 in manual)

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New for 2016

• Client must have all required forms before tax
  preparer will begin.
• New cheat sheet for CASH Advisors on types of
  taxable income.
• Using ESL Pre-paid card - 3 monthly fee.
• No more NYS Pre-paid card.

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New for 2016

• All clients and dependents must bring acceptable
  forms of ID social security cards or they will
  be turned away.
• SSs printed on W2 forms IS NO LONGER ENOUGH!
• Accepted forms of verification Original, copy of
  SS card and any government issued letter or
  statement with SS number listed.
• If no cards, give instruction sheet on how to get
  card(s) and tell them to come back with cards
  (takes lt10 days)
• Clients were informed of this on post cards, CASH
  brochure, and large signs at front of site.

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Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC)
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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Confidentiality
All information you receive from taxpayers in
your volunteer capacity is strictly
confidential and should not be disclosed to
unauthorized individuals.
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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

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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
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BreakPlease show your test Photo ID to
instructorComplete Form 13615, sign it, and
give to instructorhttp//tinyurl.com/mx2hfvt
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Lets look at the training manual, beginning on
page 6The Conversation
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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 Complete at least 4 per hour

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• 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

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C.A.S.H. Advisor Tools Materials

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

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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!

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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 Checklist on Page 3 Volunteer Use

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 of
  verification (listed on next slide)  

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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

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• 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
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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
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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

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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.)
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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)

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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 number appears in box 2a
  of their 1099R form. This is true for most
  C.A.S.H. clients with pensions.

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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

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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

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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
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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

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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.

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Engaging in the ConversationStep 3 Signing the
Consent Forms

• MUST complete BOTH sides of the Form
• Taxpayer Signature, whether granting OR denying
  consent

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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

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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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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 on the form.
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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).
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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

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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

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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

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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 they plan to save
  part of their refund, ask 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

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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

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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.

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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 the C.A.S.H.
  Questionnaire

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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

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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 (e.g. 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 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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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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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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Mentoring new C.A.S.H. Advisors

• Please identify new Advisors on your regular
  shift and offer to help them
• Let them observe through one or two clients
• Observe them for one or more clients and give
  feedback
• Offer to answer their questions as they come up

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Additional Mentoring Needed in First Two
Weeks!.Some shifts have mostly new Advisors-
We may ask you to mentor at a different site,
and/or a different time.- You dont need to
stay for the whole shift just until the new
volunteers are comfortable. If you can help,
please fill out the Mentoring Sign-Up Form and
leave with instructor. THANK YOU!
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Please complete turn in theTraining
Evaluation FormThank You for Volunteeringwith
C.A.S.H.