Selected Recipients for this Program

Fiscal Year 2017: No final data currently available. Fiscal Year 2018: 1,519,710 Returns Prepared. Fiscal Year 2019: A conservative growth rate of 1 percent is projected.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Grant funds can be used to cover ordinary and necessary expenses for operating a VITA tax preparation program.

Such expenses are only allowable if they are reasonable, allocable, and in accordance with CFR Part 200.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Non-profit organization or state or government entity.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Providing assistance to low to moderate income individuals and families.

Credentials/Documentation

Applicants must provide proof of their entity status (i.e. tax-exempt organization/government agency). Matching funds must be documented. Applicants must be tax compliant and not be debarred or suspended. 2 CFR Part 200 applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is required.

Environmental impact information is not required for this program.

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, 'Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.' An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Complete application procedures are included in IRS Publication 4671, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions. Applicants must provide proof of their entity status (i.e. tax-exempt organization/government agency). Matching funds must be documented.

Award Procedures

All complete applications meeting initial eligibility requirements will be evaluated on technical merit, capacity to reach the targeted audiences, and geographic coverage. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or rejection of a grant award.

Deadlines

Not Applicable.

Authorization

Executive Order Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 90 to 120 days. The VITA Grant operates in a two ?year award process, therefore awards are provided during 2019 for a two-year cycle with the application period occurring May 1 ? 31, 2018.

Appeals

The selection of the grantees for this program is left to the discretion of the IRS - there is no appeals process for non-selection.

Renewals

Not Applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula. Matching Requirements: Percent: 100%. This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The grant period extends from July 1st of a given year through June 30th of the subsequent year. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Once awarded, VITA grant funds are released on an immediate need or reimbursement basis. Funding is deposited in an account managed by the Division of Payment Management and recipients may request/receive funds electronically after account establishment.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A year-end FFR Financial Status Report is also required to be submitted through the PMS by September 30.

No cash reports are required.

Additional year-end reporting is required to be submitted by September 30.

These reports as detailed in the grant agreement must be submitted to the Grant Program Office using specific forms within the Performance Progress Report family, a narrative, final listing of sites opened and budget summary.

Grant recipients are also expected to prepare and submit on-line Federal Financial Reports to the Payment Management System.

Grantees are responsible for monitoring volunteer compliance with program regulations and requirements, the Grant Agreement, and compliance with applicable OMB Circulars and regulations.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, non-Federal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503. 2 CFR Part 200 nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards must have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR Part 200. The Federal Audit Clearinghouse operates on behalf of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and its primary purpose is to disseminate audit information to Federal agencies and the public. If the most recent audit showed an unfavorable finding, it will not automatically disqualify you from consideration; however, more information may be requested to ensure any deficiencies noted in the audit have been corrected.

Records

Grant recipients are required to have a record keeping system in place to support all information reported. Supporting receipts and other documentation should be maintained for a minimum of three years following the submission of the final report.

Financial Information

Account Identification

20-0912-0-1-803.

Obigations

(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 17 $15,000,000; FY 18 est $15,000,000; and FY 19 est $15,000,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

No Data Available.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Publication 4671, VITA Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Grant Program Office 401 West Peachtree Street, NW, Stop 420-D , Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Email: Grant.Program.Office@irs.gov Phone: (404) 338-7894

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The selection of proposals is based on a two-tiered evaluation process: 1. Experience with low income and/or return preparation ? 40 points 2. Strength of program ? 40 points 3. VITA target audience ? 40 points 4. Ability to partner or collaborate with multiple organizations ? 20 points 5. Sustainability and growth strategy ? 10 points 6. Quality control process ? 40 points 7. Program measures ? 10 points Grant Program Office Evaluation The Grant Program Office evaluation involves a more in-depth review of the applicant?s budget information and accounting processes. The proposed geographic coverage and target audiences are also taken into consideration.