PRODUCT AND SERVICES MENU

PROCEEDS PROUDLY DONATED TO HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF HISPANIC IMMIGRANT FARMWORKERS

SPANISH AUDIO CD: TAX PREPARATION IN THE U.S

ALL NEW JULY 2008 VERSION

We have produced a Spanish language audio CD about tax preparation in the United States. The CD is set in a tax office and was made in an entertaining and culturally relevant style with native Spanish speakers. Much of this information is common knowledge for Americans and therefore is simply not included in your standard marketing efforts. For Hispanics, getting the answers to these questions will actually mean the difference in choosing to file a tax return.

IMPORTANT

This CD has been incredibly popular with theSpanish language media, consulates, Hispanic advocacy agenciesand even the Governor's Commission on Latino Affairs. This is because the CD is not an advertisement, it is an educational tool.

  • You can also use the CD for a recruitment tool. We mention thatyour office is always interested in hiring bilinguals who are eligible to work.
  • This CD allows you to reach many Hispanic consumers without spending a lot of money on national commercials and print media.
  • The life of the CD is much longer than media as it will get passed around and played over and over again.
  • Since the literacy rate is low within the new immigrant community, an audio recording increases comprehension and retention rates.

The CD answers many of the most frequently asked questions of the foreign born Hispanic consumer.

  • Why should I file taxes?
  • What is an ITIN and what can it be used for?
  • What do I need to know about the application process to receive an ITIN?
  • What are the acceptable documents for an ITIN?
  • Can I file taxes if I am undocumented?
  • Do I give my ITIN to my employer?
  • Will the IRS communicate with my employer or the IRS?
  • Can I claim my family members who live in my home country?
  • Can I file taxes even if I earned cash?
  • What documents do I need to bring to the tax office?
  • What is a W-2 and what do I do if I no longer have my copy?
  • Can I file if I have been working under an invalid social security number or name?
  • Can I get a refund for my past tax years?
  • What are the payment options for tax preparation?
  • What do I do if I receive a letter from the IRS?
  • What if I move before I receive my refund or ITIN in the mail?
  • Will I be in trouble if I owe money?
  • What if another company says that they can get me a higher refund?

Where should you distribute the CD?

  • Community advocacy agencies that serve Hispanics.
  • Hispanic grocery, music and money sending stores.
  • Hispanic music concerts, cultural events and festivals
  • Soccer games
  • Hispanic Consulates
  • Governors Commission on Latino Affairs
  • Latino Community Credit Unions
  • Companies with large numbers of Hispanic employees.
  • Hispanic chambers of commerce.
  • Church groups and social ministries.
  • Banks, loan & mortgage companies that specialize in serving Hispanics
  • Insurance companies that serve Hispanics
  • Car dealerships that advertise in Spanish language newspapers
  • Community colleges, English asa Second Language programs
  • Direct mail to past clients
  • Insert in Spanish language newspapers
  • Remote broadcasts & roadsideparties
  • Spanish language radio stations and TV stations
  • Flea markets and swap meets

The CD comes with your company logo. Each CD is encased in a Tyvek tear resistant envelope with a window and flap.

Simply stamp your office information or place a label on the envelope and distribute!

This CD is designed to assist you in organizing and simplifying the ITIN application procedures in your office.

ITIN SURVIVAL KIT

Customer Handout in Spanish:- "Applying for an ITIN"

This handout is in Microsoft word so that you can customize with your office name and contact information.(English translationis provided)This easy to understand document will assistthe first time customer who often has many questions about requirements and procedures.This saves stafftime and resources and is often passed around to friends and family for office referrals.

1.Customer Handout in Spanish- "Important Information About Your ITIN Application":

Microsoft Word document for customization is in Spanish (Englishtranslation provided). This handout is given to the customer after completion of the tax return and ITIN application. This will helpanswer questions andguide the customer through the process to understand what happens next and the timeline involved.

2.Power point Slide Show:

This Power point training highlightsshows over 80 different types of international ID's pointing out the document numbers, expiration dates, issue dates and other relevant information. It candownloaded on each preparer’s computer to be used a reference when checking documents for W-7 acceptance. This database is critical for completing an ITIN application.

3.Mailing label program:

These labels are pre-set with the current mailing address for the ITIN unit. You can change the address easily if needed.

4.Posting:

Flow-Chart W-7 Process: This handy reminder chart in English and Spanish can be posted next to your preparer's computers or on the desk top as a visual reminder of the key steps in the ITIN application process. This simple method can greatly reduce careless mistakes by keeping important steps in sight and in mind.

5.ITIN Client Folder Checklist:

This checklist is provided in duplicate format so that you can cut along the dotted line and have three checklists per page. Use these to attach to the ITIN packet for a quick view of contents.

6.ITIN Application Log:

Taking the time to utilize this log will provide you with an ongoing reference for critical information.

7.Rejection Flow Chart:

In the unhappy event of a rejection, this flow chart shows your preparers how long the standard wait times and proceduresfor handling these types of problems.

8.Signs:

In Spanish (with English translations provided) that you can simply enlarge and post. Cut and paste to choose from a variety different wording options for walls and windows to communicate information about ITINS.

9.Fax Cover Sheet:

In Spanish (with English translation provided) with instructions concerning Power of Attorney signatures to ensure communication clarity when sending to Latin America.

Interpreter Training Institute

Do you need to recruit bilinguals for your tax office? We have the solution!

The Challenge

Recruiting bilinguals is the most challenging part for tax offices who want to serve the Hispanic community.This is because Spanish speakers are in high demand right now and will often hold out for the highest paying job. As a franchise owner, you know that you can't afford to match salaries with bigger companies. Your employees work seasonally with no guaranteed hours and no benefits. So what can you possibly do to attract competent, qualified bilinguals???

Most bilinguals dream of being able toparticipate in formal training for interpreters but are unable to afford the tuition. Interpreting is a lucrative career but the best jobs do require formal training, testing and on the job experience. Unfortunately very few bilinguals can afford the $2,000 tuition fees as well as the time involved.

The Answer

The Interpreter Training Program is a ten week course that combines distance learning with on the job experience. Students must work in atax office for a minimum of 100 hours during the course.

This training program exposes students to the culturally diverse Hispanic community while building skills necessary for appropriate functioning within the interpreter role.

With 22 online hours of instruction and twenty hours of homework, students learn basic interpreting skills, tax preparation terminology, appropriate cultural behaviors and ethics.

The Details

You will be able to advertise that if a bilingual comes to work for you for a certain period of time, you will pay for them to betrained as an Interpreter. This is a scholarship valued at $2,000 and isguaranteed to attract many qualified applicants! However, instead of twothousand dollars, you will only pay $200 for the student training. Thiswill cover all instruction and materials for the entire ten weeks. We will also provide you with advertisements about the program to attract applicants as well as an employment contract. The employment contract specifies that if the student quits or is fired for cause before the contract ends, you have the right to take $200 out of their final paycheck. In exchange for paying for the employee to attend the Interpreter Training, the employee agrees to work for you as long as you specify.

In addition, we will test all applicants to ensure that they arefluent in Spanish. Then the student will be sent a webcast each week via email that they will listen to at their own leisure. The student will study for an hour and complete homework assignments that involve on the job work in your office. At the end of ten weeks, the student will receive a certificate of completion of forty hours of Interpreter Training.

Franchisee Feedback

"I advertised for free on Craigs List using your advertisement and within 48 hours I had fifteen applicants!"

Atlanta, Ga

"I had never been able to hire a bilingual previously and thanks to this program, I now have four very happy employees"

Columbia, SC

"In the past we had been unable to hire really good people because we couldn't offer the the pay and benefits that bilinguals usually get. This program changed all that for us, we jso many applicants that we had to turn people down!"

Las Vegas, Nevada

Student Feedback

Blaire, I really appreciate your time, help and your passion you put on every course. Thank you for all your support and sharing your knowledge with us.

Cecilia

I really enjoyed this class. It gave me a clear picture of how important it is fora tax office to have a trained interpreter.

Elsie

Blaire, youare a great Teacher, excellent Mentor for the Latino Community.

Diana

Please let Blaire know how much she ishelping us understand even more about the
Hispaniccommunities. Even after having lived in Puerto Rico for the past 48 years
and working with a Puerto Rican owned businessI am still surprised about how much
I can still learn and am amazed at the different customs that exist among the different
Spanish speaking Countries.

Mary Helen

This class is a great learning experience and a wonderful
opportunity to help me become an advocate for the Hispanic Community here in
Kernersville, North Carolina.
Maria

To receive a registration packet with an application, advertisements and further information, please send your request to

Certified Acceptance Agent Packet

Ensuring that you are in compliance with your IRS agreement!

1. Standard Operating Procedure samples:

Sixteen page SOP that meets the IRS criterion. Template is in Microsoft word for your own customization needs.

2. Flowchart of procedures:This handy reminder chart in English and Spanish can be posted next to your preparer's computers or on the desk top as a visual reminder of the key steps in the ITIN application process.

3.Certificate of accuracy:Protect yourself with this certificate attesting to accuracy.

4.Certificate of authenticity: Double protection with authenticity certificate.

5. Quick guide to immigrant status eligible for Social Security Numbers

6.Training handout: Avoid Accepting Fraudulent Documents: What You Need to Know

7. ITIN ID Guide: This PowerPoint presentation contains over 80 ID's from seventeen Latin American countries. Easy to read diagrams show acceptable documents and how to locate the requested information on the document.

8.Customer Handout:"Important Information About Your ITIN Application":

9.Signs: In Spanish (with English translations provided)

MARKETING TO THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY 2008 Edition BOOK

Marketing Tools in Spanish and English

  • Flyer that includes question and answers about tax preparation
  • Pre-written radio ads that really work
  • Venues that are the best bang for your advertising dollar
  • Suggestions for public relations, events, networking and community exposure
  • Contact information for Hispanic agencies across the United States
  • Helpful website addresses and phone numbers
  • Wording for signs in your office
  • Pre-written recruitment ads for bilingual tax school students

Hiring and Training the Right Staff

  • Spanish competency testing
  • Interview questions & recruiting ideas
  • Reproducible handouts for training tax preparers
  • Training handouts for your front desk person
  • Training for Interpreters and those working with interpreters

Sample Topics

  • Multiple marketing ideas & resources to target your customer and fit your budget.
  • Most frequently asked questions and answers by Hispanic clients.
  • Hispanic radio, T.V and Newspapers: The best impact for your advertising dollar.
  • Everything you always wanted to know about ITIN's and marketing ITIN services-how to quickly triple your customer base.
  • Becoming an IRS authorized acceptance agent for ITINs.
  • Pitfalls to avoid that can shortchange your client when preparing a return with a ITTN.
  • Recruiting, interviewing and hiring the right staff-it’s not as easy as it sounds.
  • Past tax years: Issues that come into play with software, tax law and Hispanic dependents.
  • Cultural Issues: Americans often unknowingly offend through ignorance of cultural norms. Avoid this and learn to provide a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Networking in the Hispanic community-Strategies for trust building.
  • Educating your client-questions and concerns that would never occur to the average American taxpayer that you must address!

TAX PREPARER´S GUIDE:

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ITINS BOOK

  • IRS requirements when preparing and filing a tax return with an ITIN number.
  • Compliance issues involved in preparing a return when client is applying for an ITIN number.
  • Criterion for handling W-2´s with fictitious social security numbers when clients have an ITIN.
  • Software issues involving CTC and EIC when working with ITIN numbers.
  • IRS document and form requirements for ITIN applications with tax returns.
  • Steps to effectively handling the IRS rejection letters.

Get the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

  • What can a client do with an ITIN besides pay taxes?
  • Does the IRS ever share information with immigration authorities?
  • Will an ITIN help my client in the immigration process?
  • What if my client loses his ITIN number?
  • What if his name is spelled incorrectly on the ITIN?
  • Does the IRS share information with my client´s employer?
  • Can my client use an ITIN to work?
  • Can someone with an ITIN receive government benefits?
  • Should my client give his ITIN to his employer?

DVD Companion Video

A Tax Preparers Guide: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About ITINS

X PREPARER´S GUIDE: EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ITINREPARER´S RYTHNG YOU EVER WALL NEW 2008ANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ITINSAX PREPARER´S GUIDE: EVERYU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ITINS
This instructional DVD video guide hosted by Blaire Borthayre is perfect for tax school to train your students in ITIN preparation. This step by step audio visual guide to ensuring your W-7's are prepared accurately every time.

  • IRS requirements when preparing and filing a tax return with an ITIN number.
  • Compliance issues involved in preparing a return when client is applying for an ITIN number.
  • Criterion for handling W-2´s with fictitious social security numbers when clients have an ITIN.
  • Software issues involving CTC and EIC when working with ITIN numbers.
  • IRS document and form requirements for ITIN applications with tax returns.
  • Steps to effectively handling the IRS rejection letters.

Get the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

  • What can a client do with an ITIN besides pay taxes?
  • Does the IRS ever share information with immigration authorities?
  • Will an ITIN help my client in the immigration process?
  • What if my client loses his ITIN number?
  • What if his name is spelled incorrectly on the ITIN?
  • Does the IRS share information with my client´s employer?
  • Can my client use an ITIN to work?
  • Can someone with an ITIN receive government benefits?
  • Should my client give his ITIN to his employer?

Hispanic Heritage Month Activity Books

Hispanic Heritage Month iscelebrated from September 15-October 15th. In 1968 President Lyndon Johnson issued an annual proclamation for the purpose of recognizing the contributions of Hispanics to the U.S. The time frame was chosen because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries.The countries are Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th. Latino organizations all over the United States will be celebrating this month so take advantage of this opportunity to become involved on a local level!

Blaire Borthayre's Top Pick for Learning Languages

Spanish: Quick and Simple

This set of two audio CDs each Spanish using the method of an instructor to Hollywood celebrities. Perfected over fifty years by a psychologist and linguist, the method works with the brain to build up the new language in manageable, enjoyable steps.