Tax Preparation Course Introduction

Transcription

1 Tax Preparation Course Introduction

2 Welcome AARP Tax-Aide education is all about: Interaction with taxpayer Applicable Tax Law Forms Data Using Tax Preparation Software 2

3 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Nationwide non-profit program administered by AARP Foundation Helps low-to-moderate income taxpayers with special attention to age 50+ Provides free confidential service Committed to high-quality service Answers tax questions/prepares returns Funding from AARP Foundation and IRS 3

4 Agenda Tax Training Program Certification process The return preparation process Volunteer responsibilities 4

5 Tax Training Program Courses Training Objectives Training Approach Instructor/Volunteer Responsibilities Pre-Class Requirements Training Agenda Training Resources 5

6 Courses Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) IRS Publication 4961 Intake/Interview &and Quality Review IRS Publication 5101 Tax Law (Two Levels) Basic for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites (not Tax-Aide) Advanced all Tax-Aide Counselors Optional Course Health Savings Accounts (HSA)* *New volunteers are not expected to certify HSA 6

7 Training Objectives During this training you will: Discuss the key elements of the interview with the taxpayer Review the tax law and various taxpayer documents Learn to use the tax preparation software by preparing exercise returns Learn the steps required to complete a return Understand the Quality Review Process 7

8 Training Approach Focus on Hands-On Training Learn the application of law while using the tax preparation software; Learn to use IRS reference manuals & AARP resource materials Training stresses the tax return process combining interview, application of law, and tax software to complete a return followed by full Quality Review of the return 8

9 Process Components Each will be covered in detail IRS Forms Form C Form 1040 W-2 Form 1099 (various) ACA forms: 8962, 8965, 1095-A, etc. And more! IRS Publications Pub 4012 Pub 4491 Pub 17 TaxSlayer Software State reference material & forms as applicable 9

10 Expectations for Instructors Provide positive learning experience Help you learn and understand preparation process Answer questions Check practice exercise assignments Provide feedback 10

11 Expectations for Volunteers Be positive (not disruptive) in a learning environment Follow directions (don t jump ahead) Ask questions Timely completion of assignments Successful certification 11

12 Pre-Class Requirements 12

13 Training Agenda 13

14 Training Resources Pub 4491 Training Guide Text Book Pub 4012 Volunteer Resource Guide Pub 17 Your Federal Income Tax Pub 6744 Test/Retest NTTC Workbook Link & Learn Taxes 14

15 Pub 4012 You do not need to memorize! Let s explore this essential pub Open to page 1 Table of Contents Charts/Tables (look at A-1, D-1, and I-1) Decision Trees (Look at B-8) Interview Tips (Look at C-5 & F-3) Worksheets (Look at page J-1) Software How Do I (Look at D-8,9,&10) 15

16 Certification Process Complete three tests to meet IRS/AARP Tax-Aide certification requirements Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) Test IRS Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test Advanced Test 16

17 Certification Process Minimum score of 80% required on each May take one retest if necessary Show competency in use of TaxSlayer New volunteers generally do not complete optional courses 17

18 Certification Process Certification also requires that you prepare the following practice exercises: A B C D E F Exercises must be completed as ready to file and will be reviewed by an Instructor 18

19 Return Preparation Process What happens at the site? Greet taxpayer and verify identity with photo ID and SSN Complete Health Care section Quality Review by second Counselor with taxpayer Review I&I form and discuss all answers with taxpayer Start return, enter Basic Information, filing status and dependents Navigate software and enter data from taxpayer documents 19 Complete the federal return Complete State/Local returns if applicable Review Summary correct any errors Print return(s) for taxpayer Taxpayer signature(s) Collate copies review w/taxpayer

20 Filing Returns All returns completed on computer TaxSlayer software supplied by IRS On-line version (TaxSlayer Pro) resides on vendor s server All returns must have Quality Review 2nd pair of eyes All returns filed electronically Each taxpayer receives printed copy 20

21 Volunteer Responsibilities Stay within scope of program Stay within training received Become familiar with and use resources IRS Pubs: especially, Pub AARP resource materials & IRS help facilities State Pubs and help facilities Fellow counselors AARP Tax-Aide Cybertax Alerts 21

22 Volunteer Responsibilities Understand return is client s responsibility Protect confidentiality and security Do not retain any data at site Record ALL activity at site every shift Follow site s e-file process 22

23 Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 Certified volunteers not liable if: Received IRS/AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Training Harm not wilful Act within scope of program and training AARP Foundation Tax-Aide policies and procedures are followed 23

24 Course Introduction Questions? Comments 24