开云体育

Before the tax season began, we discussed the possibility that we would need to return a lot of our "older" Chromebooks at the end of the tax season and replace them with new models. This is called the "Chromebook Refresh" program. The good news is that only 7 of our Chromebooks in PA1 will need to be returned at the end of this tax season - 1 from D09, 2 from D10, and 4 from D24. All of the other Districts will not be impacted. Those 3 Districts will receive a separate email communication. On another note, we are being asked to locate Chromebooks that have not been used this tax season. I will send a subsequent email that will identify those Chromebooks. It is likely, that unused Chromebooks in PA1 will be need to be assigned to Counselors next season before we can order new Chromebooks. Please inventory all of your Chromebooks at the end of the tax season. Know who has every Chromebook that is assigned to you in OIS. Then update the OIS system with your results. Please let me know of any Chromebooks that you cannot locate or any Chromebooks that are not in OIS. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you in advance for spending time on this endeavor. Ray

If a counselor has ... been given an active assignment at an active site in the AARP Portal and also been marked as "Completed Certification Requirements" in the AARP Portal but their volunteer account is still in the Potential Volunteer (PV) unit, thus their access to TaxSlayer Pro on the chromebook is blocked --- then, and ONLY then to give that PV access to TaxSlayer: The Local Coordinator (LC) can logon to the Chromebook and click on Pro Online. The counselor can then use their assigned TaxSlayer password to log onto TaxSlayer. This action is only intended to address the potential lag between the time the PV is certified and when they are given access to TaxSlayer.

Some of you may have already experienced the issue of the Chromebook screen going blank without being Shut Down. You closed the lid and tried to restart but you were not able to restore the browser. If you experience the issue, here is a suggested approach to try to restore your screen: 1. Unplug the power cord (if attached) 2. Press the Chromebook power button until the blue light on the left-hand side of the Chromebook turns off (powering down the Chromebook) 3. Close the top of the Chromebook 4. Wait approximately 10 seconds 5. Open the top of the Chromebook 6. Press the Chromebook power button (restart the Chromebook) 7. Google Chrome browser should ask to Restore the browser to the previous tabs

TaxSlayer has inadvertently changed the Security role assigned to a pool of users. The bogus security role that was set up is labeled PREPARER CURRENT YEA. Please check the roles/permissions at your sites for your preparers to determine if they have the appropriate Role that you want assigned. One can get a report of all the users and their roles: Navigate to Reports --> Other Data Reports --> Username Report. Roles - PREPARER CURRENT YEA x Tax Returns Create new tax returns Open and Edit tax returns Delete tax return notes Set tax return passwords View full taxpayer SSNs Print tax returns Transmit tax returns to the IRS Mark returns Ready to Review Review other preparers’ returns Bypass marking for Review Revert returns back to In Progress Mark returns Complete Mark returns Imperfect Deactivate returns Client List Access Client List (current year) Access Client List (previous years) View Client Status View Refund Status on Client List Limited Users can view Accepted returns in Client List Access Accepted returns in Client List Group Users Access Office(s) Documents Clear signatures Access scanned documents Delete scanned documents Reporting Edit Reports List Fees Edit default Minimum Preparer Fee Edit default Maximum Preparer Fee Override Electronic Filing Fee during E-File Override Minimum Preparer Fee during E-File Override Maximum Preparer Fee during E-File Override Calculated Preparer Fee during E-File Preparers Assign Roles to users Change the Preparer assigned to a tax return Notifications Dismiss Message Center notifications Client Apps Send Customer Portal invites View client App Chat History Menus This Role Can Access Office Setup ERO Setup Preparer Setup Fees Setup Custom Fees and Discounts Roles & Permissions Question Templates Taxpayer Profiles Consent Forms Print Sets Tags IP Whitelist Custom Credits Reports

To follow up on our earlier communication regarding "excess" Chromebooks, do any Districts have a need for additional Chromebooks? So far, we have collected 25 Chromebooks that can be available to other Districts. If you have a need for some Chromebooks, please let me know this week. It is possible that other states may request our "excess" chromebooks. Thank you Ray 717.650.7522

As of today, there are zero Chromebooks available in the Tax-Aide central warehouse. If you have placed an order for Chromebooks and not received a shipping notice, the order is unlikely to be filled. No new orders are being filled. Do not submit any new orders for Chromebooks in the Portal. Do not return any Chromebooks to storage or for repair. To address this issue, we hope to get Chromebooks to districts that need them by redistribution, from districts that have extra, to districts that need them. Overall, the National organization thinks that we have more than enough Chromebooks for the 2025 tax season, but that some Chromebooks are simply in the wrong places, unneeded. Your District Coordinator should soon be asking you for the number of Chromebooks not being used in your District, that can be shared with other districts. Your District Coordinator should be determining if they need any additional Chromebooks, as well. Thank you Ray (The cost of shipping is reimbursable – code B, coordinating, Federal Grants)

For those Districts using Session Management to make appointments: When creating repeating appointment blocks, ignore the error message: There is not a shift that can contain this appointment. Once you fill in all the boxes, this message will go away. The message really means "You haven't filled in all the boxes yet." Please use the Calendar to select your dates, rather than keying in the dates. See the attached PDF. It explains this in more detail. Another potential problems users are seeing is Portal timeouts. The Portal can timeout your session and you won’t know that it happened. If you’re in the Site Calendar, things quit working. For example, the Create button remains disabled when you try to create appointments. If you have this problem., simply refresh your browser. That will take you to the login page. Basically, ignore the ERROR MESSAGES until all the fields have been filled.

We are starting to see some situations that you see a blank screen when you open a Chromebook (particularly on newer Chromebooks with the numeric keypad). These are situations where "Recovery mode" is useful: ● Blank screen, chromebook unresponsive ● Chromebook comes to you at an OS version higher than 126, and an "update" doesn't automatically roll it back ● Cryptohome corrupted To enter recovery mode: Press and hold Esc + Refresh , then press Power . Let go of Power. On some Chromebook models: Press and hold Esc + Maximize , then press Power . Let go of Power. When a message shows on the screen, let go of the other keys. If you see a message for a Recovery Device: Press CTRL D Please remember when you are finished with your Chromebook to select Shut Down rather than just closing the lid.

In a previous communication, Dick LeMay provided information about ordering consumables. Attached is a document suggesting three different types of equipment and the procedures to purchase: 1. Standard equipment provided by AARP, as shown on page 1 of the attached document. Use this spreadsheet National Equipment Ordering to order this equipment and send to rayequickel@...?.? Please download the spreadsheet first before completing. 2. Equipment that needs pre-approval from the Tax-Aide National staff, as shown on the 2nd page of the attached document. This tends to be specialized equipment and there are limits on how many units may be purchased. Send your request to rayequickel@.... 3. Equipment that you can purchase directly and ask for reimbursement, as shown on the 3rd page of the attached. This can be routers and Chromebook accessories. Use Code "Z" and Federal Grants in your Reimbursement request. There is one additional category. 4. Copiers Because of our need to copy documentation for the PA-1000 return, we may receive approval to purchase devices that can make copies. The procedure is to submit a PreApproval Reimbursement Request using Code "Z" and Federal Grants. If the State Coordinator approves, you can then purchase the copier directly. Then submit the Reimbursement Request tying it to the PreApproval. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Thank you RayQ

GL-iNet SFT-1200 use at large sites The GL-iNet SFT-1200 is described by NTSC as supporting 52 concurrent connections (printers plus Chromebooks) on p.4 of NTSC’s R00a - Router Selection and Support Guide. One site has reported that use with 30 concurrent connections during a December training event resulted in instability, specifically the WiFi networks created by the SFT-1200 failed to appear in Chromebook WiFi network lists. A “Network Reset” of the router restored visibility to the WiFi networks seen by Chromebooks. Diagnostic testing ruled out Chromebook and site issues as contributing factors. Tests at two sites showed no operational issues with 15 connections or less. The router is new and we (PA1) have limited experience with it, so it is not possible to say with certainty what the upper limit is on connection count. In the meantime, we suggest: At sites with more than 15 concurrent connections, consider use of the higher-capacity GL-iNet MT-3000. Have the network reset process, described below, available and train site personnel on its use at sites using the SFT-1200. Next Steps If your sites have operational or training experience with the SFT-1200, please share it by replying to this email or adding a reply to this posting on groups.io whether or not you experienced a problem. Be sure to briefly describe the number of Chromebooks and printers connected and the nature of the workload, such as return preparation, tax training, initial Chromebook setup, or something else. One district (D22, eastern Northampton County) will have its annual two-week Certification Training starting on January 6th. The two GL-iNet models will be used on different days during that training. Another district, D04, (Bucks County, PA) will have training on January 13th and 15th. We will report on both experiences. GL-iNet Router Network Reset Procedure To perform a network reset, use the reset button on the side of the router next to the Mode switch. Press and hold the reset button for four seconds. If you hold the reset button for ten seconds, you will reset the SFT-1200 to factory settings, erasing your Tax-Aide configuration. You can find some additional information on the GL-iNet site under “How to repair network or reset to factory setting." Note that the same procedure is used to perform a network reset on all GL-iNet routers, including the MT-3000.

Good afternoon. If you are looking for some guidance on setting up your hotspot, please review the attached document. Thank you RayQ

Some of the newer Chromebooks (those with the number pad on the keyboard) have failed. They function fine and then one day they refuse to boot. On both the charge light was blue so they were fully charged. A workaround: 1. Unplug power cable 2. Hold down the power button until blue light goes out 3. Close lid 4. Open lid, operating system will load and then will present the login screen For other Chromebook tips, see: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JxlU4xmZGtWWB6iAEOIvnBpF8kQg9IwN

Attached is my current "PA -1 Quick Links" Drop-Down Benchmark List You can simply import it to any other Chrome account using the import Bookmarks function: From the Chrome browser click on the three vertical dots on the right hand side and select "Bookmarks and Data" A new window opens, select "Bookmark Manager" A new window opens, click on the three vertical dots on the right hand side of the new window and select "Import Bookmarks" Select the Bookmark file to be imported (from wherever you saved it) To add an item to the PA1 Quick Links list: : Select a new tab and enter the new link to display the item (and verify that it's what you want) Click on the "favorites" star on the address bar, and edit the name if desired, then save to the "PA-1 Quick Links" folder To delete and item from the list: Navigate to the Bookmark Manager Click on the "PA-1 Quick Links" (left hand side of screen) Click on the item to be deleted, then Click on the 2 vertical dots n to the right of the item and click the delete option You can customize this list to suit your local purposes. Enjoy Merry Christmas -- Richard Lemay D04 TC

The current OS Version on the Chromebook should be 126.0.6478.258. We are being told that the Chromebooks will not advance beyond this OS Version until after the tax season. This will avoid downloads during the tax season. If you see a higher Version, such as 130.0.6723.126, the Chromebook should automatically roll back the Version to 126.0.6478.258. If this occurs, any existing users are deleted and user data is lost. This may happen more frequently on brand new Chromebooks. The message is check the OS Version before configuring your Chromebook for the tax season or handing out to new volunteers.

Summary The SFT1200 and MT3000 routers are good choices for Tax-Aide sites. They are the same physical size. The MT3000 has higher capacity and better multi-room capabilities. The following summarizes what makes them good choices for Tax-Aide sites. Both are on the NTSC list of recommended routers, and the NTSC has provided configuration documents for each. Features Ability to store WISP setup information for multiple host sites; routers can be moved from site to site without reconfiguration. Very compact; antennas fold flush with the router body, reducing opportunity for damage during transport and storage. Can be tethered to a smartphone (cable or WiFi) for a backup or emergency upstream connection (smartphone must have a compatible data plan; additional charges may be incurred) Both routers use the same web interface for configuration. If you know one, you know the other. Can be powered from a power bank or an AC-connected Tax-Aide Chromebook Disadvantages Status light can be hard to see and interpret Time to data ready seems long, about 2 minutes (1:30 for an Ethernet upstream) The SFT1200 can deliver at least 30Mbps, sufficient for 30 counselors based on NTSC recommendations. (Note: I am unable to test with this many counselors.) The MT3000 supports more counselors and has better multi-room capability. MT3000 and SFT1200 have nearly identical configuration screens; only the DHCP configuration differs. If you can configure one, you know how to configure the other. Both routers have active development efforts for their firmware, and at present are identified by NTSC as being certified through TY26. Note: the SF-1200 is an older router. The SFT1200 described here is completely different. The SF-1200 is not on the NTSC recommended router list. If you purchase the SFT1200 router, make sure the item you order has a “T” in the model number. Multiple WISP Upstream Definitions Supported Both can store multiple upstream WISP configurations and use the first that can be found. This means you can configure a router to work at any of multiple sites without reconfiguration, simplifying equipment substitution and sparing. Most routers store only one WISP upstream configuration and cannot be used at a different site without reconfiguration by a TC. Both can be set up to use an Ethernet-connected host upstream network instead of WISP if an Ethernet cable from the host network is connected to the WAN port, just like the Brother printer ignores WiFi when an Ethernet cable is plugged in. No reconfiguration of either router is required. I have found that the SFT1200 can be configured for at least twelve different WISP upstream connections, each with a unique name, authentication type, and, if not an open public network, a password. A configuration page exists to delete WISP upstream connections that are no longer required. . All upstream WISP configurations are included in configuration backup and restore. Both routers work well with upstream connections that require a “captive portal” sign-on before allowing Internet access. These routers can be configured to WISP-connect to a Verizon hotspot to extend the counselor connection count of that hotspot. Smartphone Tethering These routers can be tethered to a smartphone and use the smartphone as an upstream connection to the Internet. The smartphone must support tethering and be subscribed to a cellular plan that includes tethering or hotspot data. The connection can be via a cable connection to the smartphone, if supported, or via the smartphone’s WiFi hotspot, again if supported. This was tested using an iPhone 16 Pro Max, T-Mobile, with a data plan that supported hotspot use. A USB-C cable with USB-A adapter connected the router to the iPhone. A fast.com test set showed about 80Mbps download, 6Mpbs upload. When either router is cable-connected to a smartphone, power is provided to the smartphone. The WISP upstream connection to the iPhone’s WiFi hotspot was not listed by the router’s scan of available WiFi networks, but manual configuration of the SSID and password for WISP was accepted

It has been brought to my attention that Amazon is offering “Black Friday” week pricing on two routers on NTSC’s recommended router list (R00a - Router Selection and Support Guide, page 4). Here are the links: GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Portable Travel Router GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router There is no affiliate link information in these links. Neither I nor anyone else gets a cut if you use the links to make a purchase. Disregard the list prices; I purchased for personal use an MT-3000 on November 6th for $86.90 plus tax. But $73.84 for an MT-3000 is still much better than $86.90, $109.90, or the $129 you’ll find on the GL-iNet shopping site. This Black Friday special pricing reportedly ends on 29 November, Friday. The MT-3000 can deliver 270Mbps to a Tax-Aide Chromebook. The SFT-1200, as much as fifty. NTSC recommends 1Mbps per counselor, a recommendation I’ve found to be pretty accurate. The configuration GUI is the same for both, and they both WISP very nicely. NTSC has posted configuration documents for each router (SFT-1200, MT-3000). My purchased MT-3000 does very well, better than anything I’ve had, at my house, with streaming audio and video and exterior masonry walls that became interior walls through a prior homeowner’s renovations. Interior walls are plaster over expanded metal mesh, which thank goodness does not appear to be grounded. No regrets about the purchase. Recommendations I’ve spent a bunch of time with both the 1200 and the 3000 lately, and I will post my experiences to this forum in a day or so. Both are very capable products. The MT-3000 is better at multi-room setups, especially where wall construction materials are problematic for WiFi. Caveats I have not deployed either router for production tax preparation at a Tax-Aide site. Note that the older SF-1200 (no “T” in the model identifier) is not a lower cost version of the SFT-1200. It is a different product with lesser capabilities. Path Forward I will be deploying one of each at D22 sites for TY24 (most of my sites are on hotspots…I’m working on that), and I will keep this group informed of my experience.

PLEASE DO NOT order 2370 printer supplies (toner, drum) using this PA1 TC groups portal. When you do, you are sending a text message to all PA1 TCs as well as both of your Graceworkz PoCs. It is massively confusing. DO send a stand-alone personal email directly to either David or myself Dave Brown<David.F.Brown@...> Richard Lemay<8clearview@...> Thank You

Attached is a document created by Bill Tileston that provides guidance for taking your tests using the new Link and Learn Test Site. RayQ

Attached are my thoughts for the TY24 Season Toner and Drum ordering process. I don't have an opening date for Graceworkz.

I looked at the NTSC recommended routers for TY24 and performed some home performance tests on the GL.iNet SFT1200. GL.iNet SFT1200 Home Performance Measurement is an Excel file with two worksheets detailing signal Strength and Speed Test results. Router Assessment for TY24 is an Excel file comparing the 4 NTSC router recommendations for TY24. I selected the GL.iNet SFT1200 for all District 4 Tax-Aide sites because: It supports multi-room (signal strength) and provides a larger number of connections at relatively low cost. The GL.iNet SFT1200 supports both 2.4 and 5.9 Ghz bands. The Chromebook can work on the 5 GhZ band and access the 'standard Tax-Aide printer' on the 2.4GhZ band. Firmware is easy to update online (although it does take awhile). The configuration (SSIDs and passwords, LAN network settings) can all be saved to a 'backup' configuration file which can then be used to quickly configure the same model routers. So the same SSID, password and printer access works at all sites within the District. This is a lower power unit than we had (Tenda AC6 1200). The GL.iNet SFT1200 will thus reduce interference with other networks at a site. It also seems to be slow to get the LAN up and running, but this might be only a WISP issue Actual site performance data is TBD. -- Richard Lemay PA1 D04 TC