Pirates Weekly Training Update
The Ultimate Few!
Week Four!
This week is all about second peak and calling out some reminders about the last month of the tax season. With so many things happening all at once, these items are pieces that must not be missed.
We are always looking for items that are helpful to you. We would love to hear from you if you would like to see additional items in this weekly news letter. It is designed to be all about you and facilitating information! Thirty one days and counting! We need to help provide tools and resources so you can all stay focused on capacity and revenue!
Extension Filing
What is an Extension?
An extension (Form 4868) enables a taxpayer to wait up
to six months to file an original, individual tax return. By
filing an extension, a taxpayer (1) avoids the failure to
file penalty and (2) has the ability to make some timely
elections.
Client Flow:
Front Desk
1. Client calls on the phone: Schedule an appointment to file the extension.
• 30-minute appointments
• Remind the client to bring in all tax documents they have in hand
2. Client walks in: Have the client sit with a Tax Professional who will explain the difference
between filing their return and filing an extension.
Tax Desk
1. Understand why the client wants to file an extension.
2. Explain the pros/cons of filing an extension based on their situation and, if possible, try to have
the client complete their tax return now.
3. If the client still wants to file an extension, complete and e-file the extension and set an
appointment to return to complete tax return.
The fee to file an extension is $49. Clients who return to file by October 15th receive a $49 discount off tax preparation!
Apply the special price: BlockWorks
1. Prepare the return and add Federal form 4868.
2. At the completion of the return, pricing will display on the H&R Block fees screen. Click Fee Adjustment.
3. In the Special Pricing dropdown, select Extension Return.
4. The system will automatically adjust the tax preparation fees to the special extension price.
5. The discount will appear as Special Pricing on the HRB Fees screen.
6. When the client returns to file their tax return, the fees they paid to file the extension will be credited back automatically.
Extension Filing - Fact versus Fiction
Avoids a balance due -A balance due payment is not extended with form 4868. Payment is still due on filing deadline date. Encourage clients to file before the
deadline to avoid costly penalties.
Can’t find their paperwork- When filing an extension, the balance due payment must be estimated, and to estimate accurately a near complete return must be completed. Documents received or found later can always be re-filed. Remind clients that we only charge for the additional forms when filing amendments.
Client hasn’t received their W-2 after 2/15- The client needs to contact his/her employer or try to download through W2 Early Access at hrblock.com/W2. File Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in lieu of the W-2. Estimate the client’s income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible.
Can’t afford to pay for tax preparation- Block offers an option to pay for tax preparation with no out of pocket fees. The small fee for this service is much less than the penalties assessed for filing late.
Don’t have time to sit in an office -Offer our drop-off service as a convenient option for busy clients. Clients may review their final return and sign online, eliminating the need to come back to the office.
Reminders!
Associate Engagement Survey time is still here! We need YOUR VOICE to be heard. March 23 is the deadline for you to share all of those great ideas and thoughts for the future!
Any and all training that may have been started in Compass must be completed prior by March 25 for you to be able to have it carry over into the new Block Academy Learning Management System.
Friends and Family tax returns must be completed by the March 31! It is as important as it ever has been for this to be accomplished as we continue to anticipate higher than normal volume in Second Peak.
Pre season applications are officially open! If you have interest in working, please apply in the newly updated Gateway system.
Instructors, it is your time to apply for the upcoming training year as well! Positions are posted and we NEED some great talent this year! Please apply NOW!
Take 2 contest is still underway! For you and your office to receive appropriate credit for all completed Second Looks, make sure you are using Block Pay to finalize.
Update your commitments please! As we near the end of tax season and we have high expectations around volume, we need to make sure that we can staff appropriately to serve the need. It is important that you have the entire month of April complete and if you have additional time to give, we are looking for you!
IdentoGo is a pilot within the Mid Central Region. All offices in the metro locations of St. Louis and Kansas City should have received some marketing materials to support this. We are also looking for some additional individuals that might be able to complete the process and serve in the specific role. If you have questions around this, please reach out.