To our Valued Partners:
In preparation for the upcoming opening of Pre-ACK Advance Products on Tuesday, January 2, Partner Support is providing schedule information and important reminders about steps you need to take prior to transmitting returns.
Pre-Ack Advance Readiness Schedule: (All times stated are Pacific)
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- Wednesday, Dec. 27: The latest software update 2024.005 is available. Be sure to transmit to pickup and apply all updates to ensure you are at the most current version of the software. Click HERE for a quick video on the importance of transmitting.
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- Sunday, Dec 31: Just before midnight, our Central Site will release Bank Applications (aka EFIN records) to the software. No action on your part is needed.
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- Monday, Jan 1: Just after midnight, partners can transmit and pick up their Bank Enrollment Approval Status records. After transmitting, applying any software updates, and receiving your bank status record – bank applications can be attached to client tax returns.
After ALL bank enrollment status records are released, our Central Site will begin accepting returns containing bank applications. Note: Only Pre-Ack Advance bank applications will be forwarded to the banks for processing (on Tuesday, Jan 2).
We do not recommend sending e-file only returns (no bank product application attached) at this time, prior to the official opening of e-File later in January (exact date to be announced soon by the IRS. Last season, e-File opened on Jan 23).
- Tuesday, Jan 2: Our Central Site will begin sending bank applications to banking partners. The exact timeframe for processing Pre-Ack Advance Applications by our banking partners may vary. Please set expectations for your clients accordingly.
Important Reminders!
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- Your office setup must be complete and enrollment approved by your selected banking partner, including compliance testing, before you can submit Pre-Ack Advance applications.
- Don’t forget that some states have regulations for preparers who offer tax refund loan products, including registration requirements. Some are listed HERE. Contact your state’s taxation department for more info.
Before transmitting any returns, be sure to complete the following:
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- Verify your fees to ensure accuracy. Once a return is transmitted to our Central Site, it cannot be changed.
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- Add a bank application to any returns created prior to bank applications becoming available in the software program. Refer to Schedule listed above for availability.
- Complete and/or verify your default EFIN configuration in the program (to minimize manual data entry on each return).
Easy to follow instructions for completing the steps listed above can be found HERE.
Questions & Assistance:
For any questions about your approval for offering Pre-Ack Advance Products (or other bank product options), please contact your banking partner.
- Refund Advantage Tax Pro Support at 800.967.4934 | Website
- Republic Bank Tax Pro Support at 866.491.1040 | Website
- TPG (Returning) Tax Pro Support at 800.779.7228 | TPG (New) Tax Pro Support at 877.901.5646 | Website
For more information on retrieving and installing software updates, refer to instructions located in the Quick Start Guide, beginning on page 33. To view a short video on the importance of updating your software, click HERE. For all other questions, please contact our Partner Support Team at 206-209-2653.
We are closed this upcoming weekend (Dec 30 – Jan 1) but will be open on Tuesday, Jan 2 from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM PT.
Thank You,
Your Partner Support Team