New Preparer Part FILING SEASON FOR TY 2017

New Preparer Part 1 2018 FILING SEASON FOR TY 2017

Welcome and Introductions Thank you for volunteering Mechanics Restrooms, breaks Ask questions at any time Overview of training materials IRS Training Packet 4480 Pub 4012 Main Reference Document Test Pub 6744 Test Booklet Pub 5157A ACA Booklet Forms IRS Intake Sheet 13614-C CASH Intake Sheet Envelope/QR Cover Sheet Practice Problems Review Questions

Agenda CASH Overview CASH Site and Hours Tax Preparer Requirements Tax Preparer Process Fed Tax Topics Fed Additional Topics NYS Return Finishing the Return Practice Lab Instructions IRS Test Certification Instructions

CASH OVERVIEW Mission Statement: We empower people with the greatest need to obtain financial security. Internal Values: Approachability,Adaptability, Responsibility, Collaboration, Respect Providing More than Just Taxes Take advantage of tax credits to increase income Offer alternatives to expensive and predatory financial services Savings/checking, US Savings Bonds, Prepaid Cards Free access to credit reports, credit counseling Inform and provide access to community resources

CASH SITE AND HOURS CASH SITE 801 WEST AVENUE Client Hours MON-THUR 10-7 FRI-SUN 9-4 Volunteer Hours will be approx. 1 hour before and after Client hours More information when Vol Hub is avaialble.

TAX PREPARER REQUIREMENTS Complete Training In Person and on own time Pass IRS Certification Test before volunteering Must work at least 1 shift between Jan 24-31 Soft Opening Will give new preparers opportunity to work with experienced preparers Work a minimum of 1 shift each week. Sign-up in volunteer hub More information to follow

TAX PREPARER PROCESS Tax Preparer Roles Traditional Drop-off VITA Scope of Service IF NOT SURE--ASK SITE STAFF Forms used in Tax Prep IRS Intake Sheet Used as a check list for Client Data CASH Intake Sheet Has Important NYS information and Client Data Disclosure Forms Gives CASH Permission to collect Data Signatures will be obtained by Cash Advisor Envelope and QR Cover Helps with finishing the return

Client Flow Chart CLIENTS NEEDING TAX PREP Intake paperwork provided to clients to complete first. CLIENTS RETURNING TO SITE Directed to appropriate staff/process by Control Desk SCREENING Staff Screens for eligibility and readiness for Tax Prep CONTROL DESK (Front) Clients sign in and paperwork is filed in correct bin; advised next steps waiting area or appropriate staff/process CASH ADVISING Resources and Asset Building are shared while client data is entered online. DROP OFF Clients CASH advised and intake completed. Return ready in 2 days. Tax Prep & QR

Tax Preparer Roles -Traditional Traditional VITA Face to face with client Client sees Tax Preparer after documents are screened to make sure they are complete Being seen by CASH Advisor Return is completed by Tax Preparer Make sure return is within your certification level ALWAYS double check the clients paperwork before starting a return Review 13614-C and CASH intake sheet After return is complete, will be reviewed by Quality Review Volunteer NEVER tell a client about their refund before return is reviewed.

Tax Preparer Roles Drop-off Drop-off Client is screened by Drop-off coordinator Client leaves documents (or copies) and Tax Preparer completes when client is not present 2 day turn-around Return is Quality Reviewed and printed Client returns to pick up return Return will be reviewed and signed before it is transmitted

VITA/CASH Scope of Service If not sure of Scope, ask Site Staff Common out of Scope Non-cash contributions about $500 Cancellation of Debt when client is not solvent Income over limit (will be reviewed by site staff before going to preparer)

4012 Reference Manual Training Based on Info in this Manual Tab A: Who Must File Tab B: Starting a Return and Filing Status Tab C: Exemptions/Dependency Tab D: Income Tab E: Adjustments Tab F: Deductions Tab G: Nonrefundable Credits Tab H: Other Taxes, Payments and ACA Tab I: Earned Income Credit Tab J: Education Benefits

TAX TOPICS Filing Basics ( WHO MUST FILE) Basic Information Filing Status Exemptions/Dependency Income Adjustments to Income Standard Deduction vs Itemized Deduction Credits Non-Refundable Refundable

Additional Topics EITC ACA Education Benefits American Opportunity Life Time Learning

Who Must File - Basics Single under 65 income > $10,400 65 or older income > $11,950 Married filing jointly under 65 (both spouses) income > $20,800 65 or older (one spouse) income > $22,050 65 or older (both spouses) income > $23,300 Married filing separately any age income > $ 4,050 Head of household under 65 income >$13,400 65 or older income > $14,950 Qualifying widow(er) under 65 income >$16,750 65 or older income > $18,000

Filing Basics Dependents If can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, must file as a dependent whether you are being claimed or not. Mostly affects college students who try to file their own exemption when their parents or guardian should Must file a return if any of the following apply. 1. Unearned income was over $1,050. 2. Earned income was over $6,350. Your gross income was more than the larger of a. $1,050, or b. Your earned income (up to $6,000) plus $350.

Other Situation Where Must File You owe any special taxes, including any of the following. Additional tax on a qualified plan, including an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), or other taxfavored account. Recapture of first-time homebuyer credit. See the instructions for line 60b. received HSA Distribution Had net earnings from self-employment of at least $400. Received Advance payments of the premium tax credit were made for you, your spouse, or a dependent who enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace

Who Should File If income tax withheld from your pay. If qualify for the earned income credit. If qualify for the additional child tax credit. If qualify for a refundable American Opportunity Credit. If required to file a state return. If qualify for the Premium Tax Credit.

Client Information Use IRS Intake Sheet 13614-C CASH Intake Sheet Client Interview Client Documents Photo ID for Taxpayer, Spouse, and Dependents SS Cards for Taxpayer, Spouse, Dependents Tax Related Documents- Based on review of 13614-C and CASH Intake Sheet

ANY QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME ASK THE QR PEOPLE ASSIGNED TO YOUR AREA OR ANY STAFF PERSON OR EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEER WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP

13614-C CLIENT INFORMATION If client has been victim of Identity Theft MUST have PIN number from IRS to E-File or return will reject.

Filing Status Information client inputs here helps with determination of filing status These answers will translate to filing status in Tax Return

Filing Status Volunteer Tax Preparer determines Client Filing Status Single Married Filing Joint Married Filing Separate Head of Household Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Children More information found in Pub 4012 Tab B FILING STATUS Single 5141 63.86% Head of Household 1998 24.82% Married Filing Jointly 719 8.93% Married Filing Seperate 190 2.36% Qualifying Widow(er) 3 0.04% Determination of Filing Status Decision Tree... B-8 Filing Status... B-9

Filing Status Single Never Married Legally Separated Divorced Widowed Has No Dependents

Filing Status Married Filing Jointly Married on last day of tax year Marriage at any time during the year means Married All Year If Married during year, cannot file single Do not have to have dependents Spouse is NOT dependent Important reminder Same spouse must be first on tax form each year

Filing Status Head of Household You're unmarried or considered unmarried on the last day of 2017 BUT--If Married, must not have lived with spouse any time in last 6 months of the year. You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for the year. Has to have a qualifying person Usually a dependent Common Qualifying persons Child or Grandchild Brother or Sister Niece or Nephew Parent Except for Parents, have to live with Taxpayer for more that ½ of year COUSINS OR NON-RELATIVES DO NOT COUNT AS QUALIFYING FOR HOH PURPOSES

Filing Status Married Filing Separately File Separate return from spouse Spouse can live with you but choose to file separate return If spouse does not live with you, have to have a legal separation or divorce to file single This impacts many of our clients who are not living with their spouse and don t know where they are but have never gotten a legal separation Separate filing status if have a dependent child Head of Household This filing status makes client ineligible for certain credits such as EITC Education Credits Child and Dependent Care Credit

Filing Status Widow(er) Year of spouses death can still file Married Filing Jointly 2 years after death can file qualifying widow(er)-same standard deduction as MFJ MUST HAVE A DEPENDANT CHILD If no dependents, file single

Dependents Make sure shaded area is complete Make sure to verify : Names - must match SS cards Birth dates Relationship

Dependents-Qualifying Child The child must be your son, daughter, stepchild, legal foster child, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them. The child must be: under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you (or your spouse, if filingjointly under age 24 at the end of the year, a fulltime student, and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), any age if permanently and totallydisabled. The child must have lived with you for more than half of the year The child must not have provided more than half of his or her own support for the year

Dependents-Qualifying Relative The person can t be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. The person either: must be related to you in one of the ways listed under relatives who don t have to live with you Most commonly a parent must live with you all year as a member of your household (and your relationship must not violate local law) The person s gross income for the year must be less than $4,050. You must provide more than half of the person s total support for the year.

Review Questions Review Questions Manual General Procedures Questions 1-11 Filing Status and Personal Exemptions Questions 12-25 Dependency Questions 26-35

15 MIN BREAK

Income Section TAB D in 4012 gives direction on how to enter income in TaxSlayer

INCOME - Common Wages (Form W-2) Interest/Dividends from: checking/savings accounts, bonds, CDs, brokerage? (Forms 1099-INT, 1099-DIV) Refund of state/local income taxes? (Form 1099-G) Don t need unless itemizing Disability income? Payments from Pensions, Annuities, and/or IRA? (Form 1099-R) Unemployment Compensation? (Form 1099G) Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits? (Forms SSA-1099, RRB-1099) Other income Gambling Cancellation of Debt Credit Card

INCOME Less Common Alimony income or separate maintenance payments Income to person who receives Deduction to person who pay For Advanced Preparers Self-Employment income? (Form 1099-MISC, cash) Cash/check payments for any work performed not reported on Forms W-2 or 1099? Schedule C 279 3.47% Schedule D 276 3.43% Schedule E 31 0.39% Income (or loss) from the sale of Stocks, Bonds or Real Estate? (including your home) (Forms 1099-S,1099-B) Income (or loss) from Rental Property?

Common Documents- W-2 Make sure to input Tax Withholding Make sure that numbers in Box 1, 3, 5 are input correctly in Tax Slayer Don t forget to input NYS information

Common Documents- 1099-INT Make sure to enter info in all boxes REMEMBER ALWAYS ASK IF ANY INTEREST OTHER THAN ON 1099-INT

Common Documents - 1099-DIV Make sure to enter information from all boxes because this will drive taxable income

Common Documents- 1099R Distribution code explanation in TAB D-41

Common Income - Unemployment

Common Income SS Benefits

INCOME Non Taxable Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Child support Death payments Federal income tax refunds Gifts Inheritances or bequest Insurance proceeds (Accident, Casualty, Health, Life) Interest on EE/I bonds redeemed for qualified higher education expenses Payments to the beneficiary of a deceased employee Reverse mortgages Sickness and injury payments Social security benefits - portion may not be taxable Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Veterans benefits Welfare payments (including TANF) and food stamps Worker s compensation and similar payments

End of Session 1 Next Session Tab E: Adjustments Tab F: Deductions Tab G: Nonrefundable Credits Tab H: Other Taxes, Payments and ACA Tab I: Earned Income Credit Tab J: Education Benefits Questions to this point?

New Preparer Part 2 2018 FILING SEASON FOR TY 2017

This Session Tab E: Adjustments Tab F: Deductions Tab G: Nonrefundable Credits Tab H: Other Taxes, Payments and ACA Tab I: Earned Income Credit Tab J: Education Benefits

Adjustments/Deductions/Credits Use this section for 13614-C to review what adjustments/deductions/credits will benefit clients Itemized Deductions Adjustment to income Adjustment to income

Common Adjustments to Income Reduces Gross Income Educator expenses Limit to $250 Must be an educator in K-12 Health savings account deduction HAVE TO HAVE HSA Certification. NOT CERTIFIED CALL QR STAFF ASSIGNED TO YOUR AREA Money that client or designee put in HSA. NOT money put in by Employer (Code W on W-2 Form) IRA deduction Not Normally Seen at CASH Money put into IRA by client. NOT money from Employer Sponsored program Penalty on early withdrawal of savings Seen on Clients Bank Int. Form Should automatically flow to adjustments Student loan interest deduction Limit to $2,500 Form 1098-E

Standard Deduction If Tax Payer/Spouse is (are) under 65 and NOT Blind Single or married filing separate return $6,350 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent child$12,700 Head of household $9,350 Standard Deduction increases based on Age of tax payer and/or spouse If tax payer or spouse are considered blind TaxSlayer determines Standard Deduction based on volunteer input Filing Status Age of client and/or spouse Where client and/or spouse is considered blind See 4012 Tab F Page F2 for more information

Itemized Deductions Only useful to itemize when more than Standard Deduction 317 (3.94%) of our clients did itemized deductions Here is a look at the most common itemized deductions seen at CASH

Itemized Deductions Medical and Dental Expenses can deduct only the part of your medical and dental expenses that exceeds 10% of the amount on Form 1040, line 38. Can deduct Medical Miles if not reimbursed Co-Pays Prescription Drugs Out of Pocket Health Ins Premiums CANNOT Deduct Over the Counter Drugs Ins Premiums that are paid with before tax dollars through employer Gym Memberships

Itemized Deductions Taxes you paid NYS can deduct State Income Tax In RARE cases more advantageous to deduct Sales Tax Property Tax on 1 st and 2 nd home NOT Personal Property Tax in NYS Mortgage Interest Interest on main and 2 nd home Also can deduct PMI CANNOT Deduct Property Ins

Itemized Deductions Charitable Contributions Cash no limit Can t deduct Political Contributions Can t deduct gifts to friends Non-Cash VITA Program has a limit of <$500 for non-cash donations. If over that limit, out of scope Unreimbursed Employee Expenses Subject to >2% Income limit Gambling losses to the extent of Gambling Winnings

Credits Credits are determined by information given by client. Always be very careful about entering information as this can impact client refund Important to enter all income first as this what determines amount of most credits.

Credits Non-Refundable Can only be used to the extent Taxes are owed any excess will not be used and CANNOT be carried over 500 Amounts in these boxes can only add up to Tax

Child and Dependant Care Credit Available if you paid expenses for the care of a qualifying individual to enable you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) to work or actively look for work. You may not take this credit if your filing status is married filing separately. The amount of the credit is a percentage of the amount of work-related expenses you paid to a care provider for the care of a qualifying individual. The percentage depends on your adjusted gross income. A qualifying individual for the child and dependent care credit is: Your dependent qualifying child who is under age 13 when the care is provided Most normal for CASH clients Your spouse who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lived with you for more than half of the year, or An individual who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care, lived with you for more than half of the year, and either: (i) is your dependent; or (ii) could have been your dependent except that he or she has gross income that equals or exceeds the exemption amount, or files a joint return, or you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) could have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's 2016 return.

Retirement Savings Contributions Look for Code D or Code E in Box 12 of W-2 voluntary contribution or deferral to an IRA or other qualified plan for 2017? AGI $31,000 or less ($46,500 if head of household, $62,000 if married filing jointly) Born before January 2, 2000 Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else s tax return for 2017 Not a full-time student2 during 2017

Credits Refundable Additional refund above amount of tax owed Most common Child Tax Credit If not used as non-refundable Only available for dependents under 17 American Opportunity Up to 1,500 is non-refundable Up to 1,000 is refundable Net Premium Tax Credit Excess amount owed client from ACA subsidy Earned Income Tax Credit Most Important for CASH clients

Earned Income Tax Credit Must have earned income Purpose is to bring clients income up to poverty level The credit can be as much as 1/3 of clients income for the year Clients often wait to get this credit to pay off bills or get a car fixed AND HOPEFULLY DO SOMETHING NICE FOR THEMSELVES

Earned Income Tax Credit-Rules

Earned Income Tax Credit-Limits Maximum Credit Amounts The maximum amount of credit for Tax Year 2017 is: $6,318 with three or more qualifying children $5,616 with two qualifying children $3,400 with one qualifying child $510 with no qualifying children

Review Questions Review Questions Manual Income Adjustments, Deductions and Credits Earned Income Tax Credit

Education Benefits Tuition and Fees Deduction Very RARE for CASH Clients American Opportunity Credit Life Time Learning Credit CANNOT CLAIM EDUCATION CREDIT IF FILING STATUS IS MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY

Education Credits

Determining Qualified Expenses Clients normally bring in form 1098-T Can be used to determine if student is more than ½ time not a graduate student CASH asks clients to get Student Account Record so Qualified expenses can be determined Different expenses qualify for different credits

1098-T Example These numbers don t tell whole story X Needs to be checked to eligible for American Opportunity Credit If checked, Lifetime Learning Credit and NOT Eligible for NYS Tuition Credit

American Opportunity-what qualifies What fees are required by college? What does student have to pay to take classes. Bought course related books from on-line bookseller for $500

Lifetime Learning what qualifies Not checked so eligible for Life Time Learning if meets other criteria Still eligible for NYS Tuition if NOT graduate student even though not more that ½ time student

Lifetime Learning-what qualifies? What if doesn t have college record? What fees are required by college? What does student have to pay to take classes. Bought course related books from on-line bookseller for $500 What if employer reimburses for part of tuition?

Affordable Care Act HEALTH CARE COVERAGE Type Number Perc Full Year Coverage 7184 89.23% Shared Resp. Payment 309 3.84% Exemption 538 6.68% Prem Tax Credit 25 0.31% Most CASH clients had coverage all year Client completes, Reviewed by Screener/TP Completed and reviewed by Screener /TP/QR

Minimum Essential Coverage - MEC Employer-sponsored coverage: Group health insurance coverage for employees under COBRA coverage, Retiree coverage, or Individual health coverage: Health insurance purchased directly from an ins. company Health insurance you purchase through the Marketplace Health insurance provided through a student health plan Catastrophic coverage Coverage under government-sponsored programs: Medicare Part A coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, Most Medicaid coverage, Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, Most types of TRICARE coverage, Comprehensive health care programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Refugee Medical Assistance, or Coverage through a Basic Health Program (BHP) standard health plan.

New Preparer Part 3 2018 FILING SEASON FOR TY 2017

Part 3 Welcome Back Questions on Previous Session Adjustments Deductions Credits EITC ACA Education Benefits

This Session NYS Returns TaxPreparer Process Finishing the Return Choosing how return will be filed Adding Bank Account Information QR Process Setting return up for e-file

Ready To Complete NYS Return CASH volunteers are ONLY certified to complete NYS returns. Clients with out of state income are OUT OF SCOPE for CASH program Unless that State does not have Income Tax: Example Florida They will be given information on how to complete returns using Free Tax Programs

NYS Information When Federal Input, including Health Ins is complete, enter NYS Use the edit option on the NYS return. If client had pension income, make sure to exclude appropriate amount under Subtractions from Income. If client had Education Credit for undergraduate course work on Fed Return Make sure to complete IT-272 under NYS credits If client had income $18,000 or under check if they are eligible for renter s credit complete IT-214 If client paid child support through a collection agency and meets criteria, complete IT-209 If client/spouse are EMT s, complete IT-245

NYS RETURNS Most information flows from Fed Input Name, Address, Filing Status, County and School District Dependent Information

Fed Income and Adjustments Flow to NYS Make sure to verify information flowed correctly

NYS Additions to Fed Income Drop down from Taxslayer W-2 Input This should flow to NYS automatically if the input on the W-2 is correct. ALWAYS CHECK TO MAKE SURE

NYS Subtractions to Fed Income Taxable Refunds (Line 25) Taxable Amount of Social Security(Line 27) Are AUTOMATICALLY SUBTRACTED Pensions of NYS and Local Governments (Line 26) Pension and Annuity Income Exclusion (Line 29) HAVE TO BE MANUALLY INPUT

Pension Exclusions 2 Types of Pensions Private Pensions Pensions from Private Corporations Kodak Xerox Lockheed Martin Pensions from other states Public Pensions Government Pensions NYS Teachers Pension NYS Retirement Pensions Local Government Pensions Federal Government Pensions

Private Pensions Rules Must be received by an individual aged fifty-nine and one-half or older. Must be included in federal adjusted gross income. Must be received in periodic payments (except IRA or Keogh). Must be attributable to personal services performed by such individual, prior to such individual s retirement from employment. Must arise from an employer-employee relationship or from an employee s tax deductible contributions to a retirement plan. Subject to 20,000 Limit for taxpayer and spouse.

Public Pensions Rules Pension income is not taxable in New York if it is paid by: New York State or local government Federal government, including Social Security benefits and certain railroad retirement benefits

Exclusion Screen for Single All for Public Pension 20K Limit for Private Pension

Exclusion Screen for MFJ All for Public Pension for each spouse 20K Limit per person: If one spouse has 22 K and the other spouse has 18K Exemptions would be 20,000 and 18,000

NYS CREDITS All NYS Credits are refundable so even if not eligible for Fed Credit, make sure to input information to get NYS credit Credits that will be generated from Fed Input Empire Child Credit Child and Dependent Care Credit NYS Earned Income Credit

UNIQUE NYS CREDITS DO NOT Flow from Fed Return so are Most Missed Items when QR is done. IT-214 Real Estate (Renters) Credit IT-209 Non-Custodial Parent EIC IT-272 NYS Tuition Credit IT-245 Vol Fire/EMS Credit

IT-214 Real Property Tax Credit Conditions to claim Real Property Tax Credit Your household gross income was $18,000 or less. Includes Taxable Income Flows from Fed Return Non-taxable income SSI, non-taxable Social Security You occupied the same New York residence for six months or more. You were a New York State resident for all of 2016. You could not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer s federal income tax return. Your residence was not completely exempted from real property taxes. Homeowners The current market value of all real property you owned was $85,000 or less. You or your spouse paid real property taxes. Any rent you received for nonresidential use of your residence was 20% or less of the total rent you received. Renters You or a member of your household paid rent for your residence. The average monthly rent you and other members of your household paid was $450 or less, not counting charges for heat, gas, electricity, furnishings, or board.

IT-209 Non-Custodial Parent EIC Claim the noncustodial EIC only if you meet all of the following conditions for the tax year. be a full-year New York State resident, be at least 18 years of age, be a parent of a minor child (or children) with whom you do not reside, have an order in effect for at least one-half of the tax year requiring you to make child support payments payable through a New York State Support Collection Unit (SCU) have paid an amount in child support at least equal to the amount of current child support you were required to pay by all court orders. Have Birthdate and SS Number of Qualifying Child Credit is usually 20% of Federal EIC

IT-272 NYS Tuition Credit If Fed return has Education Credits, make sure to review if client is eligible for NYS Tuition Credit To qualify for the college tuition credit or itemized deduction, Tax Payer/ spouse, or dependent(s) must be an undergraduate student enrolled at or attending an institution of higher education and have paid qualified college tuition expenses If Multiple Colleges, only use EIN for last college attended. Only expenses for undergraduate enrollment or attendance qualify.

IT-245 Vol Fire/EMS Credit Credit is seen very rarely for awareness only The volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers credit is available to full-year New York State residents who are active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers for the entire tax year for which the credit is claimed. The Credit cannot be claimed if the Taxpayer received a real property tax exemption that relates to your volunteer service.

Tax Preparer Process Look at process for preparing a return

Steps To Complete Tax Return Go to Front Desk and get the next return that is ready to be prepared that is within your certification. Call client from Front Desk Area. If only certified Basic, should only do returns circled B. This would signify that client is here only for renters credit BUT always double check documents to verify Greet client and take them back to your desk

Review Client Paperwork Verify return is in scope of certification and you are comfortable doing return. Review 13614-C to make sure no YES or UNSURE answers by item(s) with other than (B) Ex: 1099-Misc Ex: Insurance through the Market Place If HSA is marked YES, you must have HSA certification to start return. If you see something on return you are not sure about, call site staff. If you do not have correct certification, then call site staff.

Before Entering Information Use IRS and CASH intake sheets and client information to: Verify ID and Social Security numbers for everyone on return Determine filing status Verify dependent information make sure to complete the shaded area on the intake sheet Review income documents with client and verify information is complete Review expenses, adjustments Pay special attention to Education expenses must have student account record Review Health Insurance Information Make sure to complete shaded area on the intake sheet Review information on CASH Intake sheet Direct Deposit information Should have blank check or bank document to verify If any information missing, call site staff and DO NOT start return.

Start Tax Return in TaxSlayer Organize all paperwork by IRS intake sheet sections Input all information according to topics on menu bar using Social Security Number Basic Information Taxpayer information Dependent Information Using Enter Myself option Income always first Adjustments are under Deductions menu Credits are under Deductions menu Identity Theft Pin is under Misc. Forms menu Make sure to enter Health Insurance information from tree on left side.

Finishing the Return Now that all the input is done, next step is to Finish the Return

Finishing the Return When Fed and State input is complete Review input one last time to double check input Continue to E-File Section 7 Sections Return Type Tax Preparation and E-File Information State Return(s) Taxpayer Bank Account Information Third Party Designee Info Questions State ID (Optional)

Return Type- Fed Refund Check if NOT filing Fed Return Check based on Client Input ALWAYS encourage Direct Deposit

Refund - State

Banking Information Bank Information on 1 st line is where State Refund will be allocated. State Refund can only be allocated to 1 Account Client can split FEDERAL refund up to 3 Accounts. Clients are encouraged to SAVE part of their refund They can also designated part of their refund to buy US Savings Bonds If clients save more than $50 by putting part of refund into Savings or Bonds they are eligible for SAVE YOUR REFUND contest. MORE INFO ON SAVE YOUR REFUND during first week at Site.

Third Party Designee Info This section is not completed at CASH Vita Sites

Questions Tax Preparer will be asked to input answers to these questions at end of return preparation

State ID This information is normally taken of NYS drivers License

Adding Notes to Return From Client Screen IRS requires VITA Sites to have a record of everyone who Touches a return. The way to do that in TaxSlayer is to add a note.

Adding notes to return From inside return Click on client name at top. Pick Notes

Add initials for Screened, TP and place for QR when complete

Return Notes what next If the return has to be opened to To add banking information To mark complete after drop-off pick-up To correct the return, such as after a reject For any other reason Make sure to update the Notes section by adding a new note so the trail of what was done to a return can be followed. This is important to answer client questions after return has been accepted.

Quality Review Call Quality Review When Fed and State Return are complete When all the questions on Finishing return are done When State ID has been input When QR Cover sheet has been filled out

QR Process Make sure Information is on cover sheet LEGIBLE HANDWRITING IS APPRECIATED To help us learn more about how our clients save, record this information about refunds

QR Process Quality Review Staff or Volunteer will review return Will once again review IRS and CASH Intake Sheets Will verify Spelling of names, SS numbers, Birthdates Will verify all input into return Verify refund/balance due Will re-check bank information Will review for missed items If Pension, was exclusion correctly subtracted If college student was IT-272 correctly filled out If eligible for Real Property Credit was IT-214 filled out When complete, Quality Review will set return for e-file and print return

Reviewing return with client AFTER return passes Quality Review and it is printed Tax Preparer reviews return with client verifying one more time Spelling of names, SS # s, Birthdates Explain what makes up refunds Credits, etc Explain why Balance Due

LAST STEP After client indicates understanding of return they sign IRS and NYS E-file forms

IRS E-File Form 8879 Signing this form is the same as signing the 1040 Form. The client is signing that the information they have provided is TRUE, CORRECT, and COMPLETE. MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT WHEN SIGNING

NYS E-File Signing this form is the same as signing the IT-201 Form. The client is signing that the information they have provided is TRUE, CORRECT, and COMPLETE. MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT WHEN SIGNING

Return is complete Give client copy of return How to put return together will be reviewed at Site To Keep in CASH envelope One Copy of Income Documents IRS Intake Sheet CASH Intake Sheet Any other information deemed pertinent File envelopes ready for Transmit in designated area If Return CANNOT be completed, contact QR Staff or Volunteer for direction what to do.

Return Finished!! Take a break Get a Snack Go to Front Desk Area when ready to start a new return

When to call Site Staff Not For Basic 1099-Misc Some Retirement Income (Taxable Amount Not Determined) Sale Of Stocks/Bonds Married Filing Jointly When Spouse Owes To IRS/State Fed Injured Spouse Found under Misc. Forms in Tax Slayer State Non-Obligated Spouse Found under Misc. Forms When someone does not have full year health coverage When you see a form you don t recognize When return is a paper return When you have any other questions

Exemptions most common Income below the filing threshold Gross income or your household income was less than your applicable minimum threshold for filing a tax return.(automatically generated by TaxSlayer) Short coverage gap Went without coverage for less than 3 consecutive months during the year. There is a look-back rule for gaps of coverage at the start of the year. Coverage Not Affordable If you think this is the case-ask for help from Site Staff

Marketplace Coverage Medicaid do not need 1095-A Client will have Medicaid Card Essential Plan Do not need 1095-A Client will have paid $20 for Ins Pays premium to an Ins Coverage-Adv. Prep Affects small percentage of clients. May or may not get a subsidy.

ACA Review Questions Review Questions Manual ACA Exercises Page 13

Federal Input Complete Next Session NYS Returns Finishing the Return Choosing how return will be filed Adding Bank Account Information QR Process Setting return up for e-file Questions to this point?