SSVF Program Updates February 26, 2016

Please see below for the latest SSVF Program Update.  Please note Q2 program change requests are due no later than March 1st via the GIFTS system.

From: SSVF
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 3:17 PM
Subject: SSVF Program Updates February 26, 2016
Importance: High

Topics:

1.     Resource:  Tax Services for Veterans
2.     Reminder:  SSVF Program Change Process
3.     Reminder:   Register for Regional Meetings

Resource:  Tax Services for Veterans
The VA's blog on this topic can be found at this website, http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/25251/free-tax-return-preparation-options-for-veterans-and-their-families/.  It will take you to "Veterans and Their Families May Be Eligible to File Their Taxes Absolutely Free".

There are several ways that Veterans and their families can access free tax preparation and electronic filing services—
·         The IRS' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.  There is a locator option on this web site to assist you with locating the nearest location.
·         MyFreeTaxes (www.myfreetaxes.com) is operating the only free online tax preparation and filing assistance platform available in all 50 states and Washington, DC for those who earned $62,000 or less in 2015.  They also provide in-person assistance to individuals and families earning less than $20,000 in 2015.

The blog has other valuable resources and information for Veterans about their taxes and the filing process.  As you are working with Veterans to help them become as self-sufficient as possible, fiscal management is often a part of that process.  Making sure Veterans understand if they need to file taxes and the process, or assisting them with accessing services regarding the filing process, can help with continued self-sufficiency.

Reminder:  SSVF Program Change Process

This is a reminder that the deadline for submitting program change requests to the SSVF Program Office is 3/1/2016.  The requests must be submitted using the SSVF online grants management system.  Grantees can access the Program Change Form on the "Requirements" tab of their grant account.  Please note that the form will be inactive after the deadline.  Therefore, SSVF is unable to accept submissions after this point.  The webinar recording from January 21, 2016, located on the SSVF website, includes an overview of the Program Change process.  The SSVF Program Office will notify grantees of the decision to approve or deny program change requests by March 31, 2016. 
Remember, avoid the common mistakes!  Submit the necessary attachments.  Ensure that explanations for budget modifications are sufficient.  Verify that the total amount of the grant award equals the awarded amount from the VA, if there are adjustments to the HHS subaccount balances.  If program change does not contain sufficient information the request will be denied by the Program Office.

Reminder:  Register for Regional Meetings
As you know we have upcoming Regional meetings in the month of March.  If you are going to be in attendance, please remember to register if you have not done so already.  Please contact your Regional Coordinator if you have any questions.

NOTE:  If you are receiving this email in error, please disregard.  We request your patience as the SSVF Program Office continues to address system issues with the grants management database.


Thank you,


SSVF Program Office




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