Welcome & Introductions What is Quality Review? Quality Site Requirements Acceptable Methods of QR Components of QR Best Practices What s New?

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2 Welcome & Introductions What is Quality Review? Quality Site Requirements Acceptable Methods of QR Components of QR Best Practices What s New? Tax Law Forms & Certification Site Flow & Materials Reviewing Returns in TaxSlayer TaxSlayer Enhancements Common Errors

3 Your name Your VITA site Your favorite flavor of ice cream

4 New United Way team members Ian Winner Lilian Jewell

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6 1. Certification 2. Intake/Interview & Quality Review Process 3. Confirming Photo Identification & Taxpayer ID Numbers 4. Reference Materials 5. Volunteer Agreement 6. Timely Filing of Tax Returns 7. Civil Rights 8. Correct Site Identification Number (SIDN) 9. Correct Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) 10. Security

7 Designated Review preferred method Employs a designated Quality Reviewer Peer Review Volunteers exchange returns with each other Note: Self-Review (2 nd look at a return you prepared) is never acceptable

8 Comprehensive quality review includes: 1. Verifying taxpayer identity 2. Ensuring return is in-scope 3. Ensuring return was prepared by a volunteer with the necessary certification 4. Reviewing Intake Sheet to confirm information is complete and accurate 5. Comparing Intake Sheet against documents provided 6. Comparing documents provided against return in TaxSlayer 7. Checking data entry 8. Ensuring correct application of tax law 9. Comparing the previously-signed consents against E-File section 10. Printing a hard copy of the return for the taxpayer 11. Explaining Form 8879 and collecting signature(s)

9 1. Verifying taxpayer identity pg. 8 in Volunteer Handbook 2. Ensuring return is in-scope pg Ensuring return was prepared by a volunteer with the necessary certification pg. 11 Sign-in sheet certification column Nametag 4. Reviewing Intake Sheet to confirm information is complete & accurate pg. 28 Ask questions! Ensure all income is reported

10 5. Comparing Intake Sheet against documents provided Ensure that Intake Sheet is complete & accurate Make necessary changes to Intake Sheet 6. Comparing documents provided against return in TaxSlayer Ways to begin review in TaxSlayer Use sidebar menu or Enter Myself list Use 1040 View Use PDF new 1040 could make this more complicated 7. Checking data entry typos, spelling, omissions Apartment numbers often missed Ensure all sections are complete in TaxSlayer (through final page in E-File)

11 8. Ensuring correct application of tax law Use Pub 4012 & Pub Comparing the previously-signed consents against E-File section 10. Printing a hard copy of the return for the taxpayer Use United Way print set(s) 11. Explaining Form 8879 and collecting signature(s)

12 Client s responsibility Client is responsible for truth and accuracy of tax return Mentioned twice: 1. Tax preparation; 2. Quality Review CFR confirmation page Hard copy given to taxpayer after quality review Hard copies of returns Given to taxpayers upon signing Form 8879 only (to prevent shoppers )

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14 Exemptions are no longer available Standard deductions have nearly doubled for all filing statuses The Child Tax Credit (non-refundable) has doubled The Additional Child Tax Credit (refundable) has increased Credit for Other Dependents now available Qualified Business Income Deduction now available Some itemized deductions have changed, been eliminated, or have expired

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16 What s changed? Now consists of two postcard-sized pages ( plus six additional schedules) What to keep in mind 1040A & 1040EZ are discontinued Basic reporting forms have not changed; everything will flow to the 1040 & 1040 Schedules Sections removed from 1040 remain roughly in the same order in 1040 Schedules Most lines from old 1040 that are now on a 1040 Schedule are numbered the same Ex: Other income is line 21 on both the & 2018 Schedule 1

17 What s changed? Let s take a look together feel free to mark your copy What to keep in mind While questions may change, the purpose and use of the Intake Sheet remain the same

18 What s changed? Itemized deductions now requires Advanced certification Kiddie tax in scope tax computation for dependents with $2,100+ in unearned income Self-employed health insurance adjustment now in scope for VITA (Advanced) See chapter 6 of Publication 535 Assisting veterans who qualify for a refund of taxes paid on lump-sum disability severance payments in scope See IRS Fact Sheet on unitedwaytucson.org/vitalinks

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20 Client Intake Folders Consent Form Description Sheet Consent forms must now be signed before preparation begins State Intake Sheet Why s My Refund Different & CFR/SaveYourRefund Sheet Tax Forecaster & Other Resources Sheet United Way Help Guides available at all sites

21 Volunteer Handbook Required Documents page 8 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act page 17 Google Cloud Print Wireless printing from any UW computer

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25 Use sidebar menu or Enter Myself list Use 1040 View Use PDF of full return

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30 Client search Do not show accepted & do not show deactivated options Summary View changes Prior year comparison available Age displayed for all on return PDF available for state return 1040 view consolidates 1040 & Schedules 1-6

31 Missing apartment number in Basic Info section Last name for spouse/dependents auto-filled but different than taxpayer Taxpayer address on paper W-2/1099-R do not match version in TaxSlayer Self-employment income reported incorrectly as Other Income State items not entered (property tax credit, charitable contributions, etc.) E-File section not completed Questions in e-file section not answered correctly Can you think of others?

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