To those of you engaged in free tax preparation and related activities,

We are excited to announce some new tools and features on the EITCplatform website:

NEW On-line Training for Amended Returns. At this point in the tax season, you are likely seeing more customers who need to file an amended tax return. Preparing an amended return is not difficult – but it can be tricky. And many campaigns do not include training on amended returns in their volunteer training curricula. To help meet this need, EITCplatform has developed a brief training module that provides simple step-by-step instructions for preparing an amended return. Just look under the “Training” tab once you log in.
NEW QuickGuide to Stimulus Changes that Impact Tax Sites. We are also launching a new feature called QuickGuides. QuickGuides are easy-to-read summaries of topics important to tax preparation campaigns and asset-building programs. Read or download the first QuickGuide, which summarizes Tax Changes in the 2009 Stimulus Package. It’s got all you need to know in two concise pages. Look for it under the “Tools for Tax Sites” tab.
Discounts on Office Supplies. Also, as you count down to the end of tax season, don’t forget about our group buying discounts on supplies for your site, including anything you might need for those end-of-season celebrations and volunteer recognition events — even cleaning supplies! Remember, the Staples discounts and free shipping are available to any member (and membership is free). Just go to the Group Purchases tab to register.
To access all these resources, log in at www.EITCplatform.org. If you are not already a member, it’s not too late to join! Membership is free, and it’s just a click away.

We’ve heard from many campaigns that quality review training and volunteer management software are making a real difference this year. Congratulations and thanks for making the EITCplatform 1,300 members strong!

Amy Brown
Senior Consultant
Aspen Institute, Economic Opportunities Program