VOLUNTEER TAX ALERTS

Always review this section before starting your shift!
  + Volunteer Alerts
  + TaxSlayer Pro Blog [check here when having software issues]
  + Meet Your Trainers!
​  + Changes for 2020 from Publication 4491
​  + Pub 4491X
  + Videos to explain Tax Law Change & TaxSlayer Pro updates
  + American Rescue Plan Act Notes [updated 3/23]
VITA Quality Site Requirement Alerts:
  + Quality Oversight Reviews (Mar-3-2021) 
  + Identity Theft Regarding Unemployment Benefits (Mar-2-2021) 
  + Claiming Recovery Rebate Credits (Feb-24-2021)
  + Validating Prior Year AGI for self-prepared 2020 returns (Feb-23-2021)
  + EIP for Residents of US Territories (Feb-19-2021)
​  + Publication 4012 Update (Feb-16-2021)
  + Product Updates and New Legislation (Feb-2-2021)
  + Certification Testing and Using Practice Lab (Jan-12-2021)
  + Taxpayer and volunteer expired photo identification (Jan-5-2021)

TAXSLAYER RESOURCES

  + Selecting the correct return status
  + TaxSlayer Pro Login 
​  + Login Tips here!
  + TaxSlayer Pro Practice Lab Login

VIRTUAL RESOURCES

​  + Hub Login  | Slack Login 
Slack: A Brief How To Guide for your volunteer shift
  + Read before your volunteer shift (outline for video below)
  + Watch before your volunteer shift
  + Hub Status/Stage Definition 
  + Intake Process Flow Chart 
  + Intake Checklist​   | PDF fillable version
  + Hub Ticket Naming Conventions
  + Hub Notes & Messages Guide
  + Steps to place a hold on tickets with unemployment 
  + How to Close out Tickets in the Hub 
  + QR Feedback Form
  + Virtual Security Guidelines | Reporting Data Breaches 
  + Administrative Volunteer Guide
  + Contingency Plan for Volunteers 
  + Meeting Space for Slack Outages
  + Chrome Remote Desktop Instructions 
​  + Need help filing your taxes? (VIDEO)
  + Necesita ayuda para declarar sus impuestos? (VIDEO)

INTAKE RESOURCES

 Do this first! Verify ID and income eligibility
  + Confirming Identity and SSN or ITIN
​  + Verifying SSNs/ITINs for e-file Accepted returns in TaxSlayer
  + Income Eligibility & Exceptions  | Texas IDs that expired 3/3/20 onward
  + Preparing Joint Returns for Married Couples 2021
  + Release of Taxpayer Information (policy)
​  + Income Eligibility (VIDEO)
  + Residency & ID Requirements (VIDEO)
Out of Scope Issues
  + Your return is Out of Scope [English] [Spanish]
  + What is Within the Scope of Our Service?
  + Scope of Service Chart from Pub 4012
  + Taxpayers with Business Returns [new screening tool!]​
  + Mortgage Credit Certificate is out of scope for VITA! [screening tool]​
​  + Casualty Loss Screening Tool
​  + Casualty Losses and Hurricane Harvey - [specific info here]
Special Situations
  + Special Situations: Policies and Instructions
  + Spouse Not Present or Deceased Taxpayer Tools
  + Spousal consent to prepare taxes [spouse physically unable to come in]
​​  + Foreign Student & Scholar (1040NR) Referral
  + 1040 vs 1040NR Screening Tool (and tips for international income)
  + Identity theft
  + Lost or missing IP PIN
​  + Voluntarily Opt In to get an IP PIN
  + Prior Year Return Topics
Returns prepared by Andy's team
​  + Military and Rental Worksheet (Fillable version: ​​https://bit.ly/3kr8NtH)
  + State Income Tax Guide
​  + Due Diligence Checklist [for 2016 only]
Transcripts
  + Mail transcript in with paper return - one method is to fold
     transcript in thirds and staple it horizontally to the 1040 
  + Redacted Transcripts: What are our options?
  + How to request a transcript: (English) (Spanish) 
  + Screenshot instructions to request transcript by mail in Spanish
Appointments & ASL Interpretation
​  + Appointment scheduling website
  + How to schedule virtual video calls with ASL interpretation
     1. Check virtual ASL appt slots. | 2. Submit interpretation request. 
  + Video for Deaf/Hard of Hearing clients about ASL appointments
  + Appointments Flyer for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Clients
  + Tips for working with Deaf clients and ASL interpreters
  + Travis County Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (flyer)
Flyers & Referrals
  + Outside Referrals for Tax Issues
​  + Taxpayer Advocate Service: Video | Website
​  + Low Income Taxpayer Clinics 2019 List 
  + Round Rock United Way VITA Flyer in English | Flyer in Spanish
  + AARP Tax Season 2021 Flyer
  + Tax Season 2021 Flyer
  + Foreign Student and Scholars Program Flyer
  + Public website: ProsperCenters.org
  + Resource for Requesting Mortgage Assistance: English | Spanish 
  + Health Coverage flyer
  + College Hub flyer
​  + ESL Flyers: Eng | Spn | Arabic: Lakeline, Sierra Vista, Vintage Creek
  + FC Single residency housing: tips for getting on the waitlist
​For the intake desk
  + Consent forms: NO | SO | RRPL 
  + Prosper Centers Greeter FAQ
  + ScanSnap scanning instructions
  + Sign-in Sheets: North/RRPL | South (with ASL)
  + Clipboard cover sheet & documents checklist: English | Spanish
  + Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet [Eng] [Spn]
​  + Return Visit Slip for 2021
​  + Tax Help Signage for sites with appointments
​  + Quick calculation tool to identify self-employment miles over 35k
  + The Intake Interview (2020 VIDEO)

FILING STATUS & DEPENDENTS

​  + Filing Status Decision Tree
  + Filing Options for Married Taxpayers & MFS Steps
  + Filing Options for Married Taxpayers (Spanish)
  + Married Filing Separately Policy and Process Explanation
  + Married Filing Separately [bilingual client handout]
​  + Tips for using the Worksheet to Determine Support [New!]
  + Residency question on Dependent / Qualifying Child screen
  + Divorced and Separated Parents - when exemption released to NCP
  + Declaration of Residency - to treat nonresident spouse as resident
  + Injured spouse
  + Form 8958 Exceptions to Community Property Allocation
ITIN
  + ITINs 2021: Numbers that expire and steps to take
  + Tax Law Change & ITINs [bilingual, updated for 2021]
  + Frequently Asked Questions re: ITINs 
​​​  + ITIN Application/Renewal Referral
  + You must have a TIN by the due date of the return (CTC/ODC)
  + Working with Undocumented Clients (2020 VIDEO)
  + What to do when an ITIN holder gets a SSN
  + ITIN Document Requirements: English | Spanish
  + Required docs for dependents: under age 6 | age 6 to 17 yrs
  + Proof of US residency options: English | Spanish

MORE VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

  + COVID-19 Self-Screening Health Questions for On-site Client Liaisons        & Communication Protocols
  + First Day Checklist for Volunteers
  + How to Find other Training Courses in TalentLMS Course Catalog               Screencast video
  + How to Look Up My Volunteer ID Screencast video
  + How to Log My Hours in MyVolunteerPage account
  + Slack course PDF copy
  + Hub course PDF copy
  + TalentLMS Training Portal Login Page
  + Virtual Volunteer Role Descriptions
  + TaxSlayer Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Guide
  + Volunteer Training Guide (Cross-Train or "Level-Up")
  + What to do if you have Downtime during volunteer shift/Other ways to         help
​  + 2021 Guidelines for Volunteers To Prepare Their Own Returns On-Site

INCOME

W-2s: 
  + W2 codes
  + Guide to Form W-2 for Intake and Preparers
  + Haven't received W2 or 1099? [bilingual client handout]
​  + Guidance on Form 4852 when missing W-2 or 1099-R
​  + Entering unreported tips in TaxSlayer
  + Misclassified Employee Bilingual Screening Tool
1099-Rs:​​
  + 1099-R: Basic or Advanced? And Figuring the Simplified Method
  + 1099-R Codes & Distribution Exceptions
  + Updated 1099-R Box 7 Distribution Codes
  + Annuity/Pension Exclusion Calculator
Social Security:
​  + Social Security FAQs (and tool to calculate taxable portion)
Additional Resources:
  + Reporting Unemployment without the 1099-G [new!]
  + CARES Act-related Retirement Distributions (Form 8915-E) 
  + Reporting capital gains where basis is not reported to the IRS
  + Cancellation of debt screening tool [use for all 1099-Cs]
  + Household employees
​​  + Health Savings Account (HSA)
​  + Changes in Alimony
Self-Employment​:
NOTE: a loss on any Schedule C makes the tax return out of scope
  + Self-Employment Tax Deferral (VIDEO for 2020 Tax Returns)
  + Self-Employed Income Expense Sheet (Fillable: https://bit.ly/3uDNs4K)
​  + Standard Mileage Rates by year
  + Deductible Transportation Expenses
  + Common Schedule C business codes [or view complete list here]
  + FAQ for Sharing Economy (Uber, Lyft, Favor, etc.)
 ​ + Clients with Self Employment (VIDEO)
Self-Employment Resources:
  + RideShare Handout | Also check out http://www.ridesharetaxhelp.com/
  + Estimated payments calculator
  + Mileage log
  + List of resources for education, support, coaching, loans, etc.
  + Electronic business resources
  + Getting ready for tax time [Eng] [Spn]
  + Rules of good recordkeeping [Eng] [Spn]

TAX & CREDITS

  + Recovery Rebate Credit​ (VIDEO for 2020 Tax Returns)
  + Lookback Rule for EITC/ACTC (VIDEO for 2020 Tax Returns)
  + Credit for Sick Leave and Family Leave (VIDEO for 2020 Tax Returns)
     More information on the credit for sick leave and family leave
 ​ + You must have an SSN by the due date of the return (EITC)
  + How to indicate a return is ineligible for EITC  [new]​
  + Quick calculation tool: should the taxpayer itemize?
  + IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool
​  + Who can take the retirement contribution credit-Form 8880 Instructions
Education Benefits 
  + Education worksheet for all tax years
  + Education Credits: A How-To Guide  [check this out!]
  + Education worksheet printing to PDF
  + Education benefits training video
  + What fees are qualified expenses?
  + Which scholarships/grants can be used for living expenses?
  + Boxes 4 or 6: When is a 1098-T out of scope?
  + When is Form 8615 (Kiddie Tax) out of scope?
  + Publication 970
  + Pull 1098-T & summary: [ACC] [Texas State] [UT] [Texas Tech] [St. Ed]
  + Education Credits Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
​  + ACC webpage on 1098-Ts and tax reporting
​  + Referring to College Hub [new]

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Premium Tax Credits:
  + When a taxpayer already filed and now needs to submit Form 8962
  + Avoid unnecessary APTC repayment
  + PTC Repayment Threshold Caps​
  + Get 1095-A: Logging into the account | Calling the MP [ENG] [SPN]
​  + Understanding Premium Tax Credit Reconciliation
​  + Exceptions for Married Filing Separate filers receiving PTC
For tax years 2014 - 2018  
  + Exemption Code G: 138% FPL chart and hardship exemptions
​  + List of exemptions chart
  + How to enter ACA exemptions (instructions)
  + Navigating the affordability exemption (instructions)
  + What types of insurance are and are not considered MEC?
  + Marketplace affordability tool:  [www.healthcare.gov/tax-tool]
​  + Does Code A apply for affordability? Try this tool!
  + Definitions of income

REFUND / TAX OWED

  + Bank routing numbers
​  + What you need to know about direct debit dates! [updated]
  + Frequently Asked Questions re: Refunds and Tax Due [new]
  + Make a payment: English | Spanish       Pay cash: English | Spanish
  + How to verify refund status [Spanish guide with screenshots]
Tax Time Savings
  + Consider a savings bond! |  Savings Bonds FAQ | Form 8888 instruc
  + Save Your Refund Prizes Flyer | Tip Sheet
  + Videos: Introduce Savings | Give Savings Advice | Splitting the Refund

QUALITY REVIEW & CLOSING STEPS

  + How to Conduct a Quality Review (2020 VIDEO)
  + Four QR Classics & How to Avoid Them
​  + QR Volunteer Feedback Form
Closing the return
  + Review Call Summary Template | Review Call Instructions
  + For Tax Preparers: How to Close a Return in TaxSlayer
  + For Quality Reviewers: How to Close a Return in TaxSlayer

EXTENSION / AMENDMENT / PAPER

  + When is it a paper return? [updated]
​  + Where to mail the return
​  + E-file Versus Paper (VIDEO)
 Extensions: (not yet updated for 2021)
  + How to file an extension: FC policy & instructions 
  + Form 4868 to apply for an extension (with mailing address)
  + Mailing options on April 15
Amendments:
  + Check amended return status: www.irs.gov/wmar 
  + How to do amendments in TaxSlayer
  + Amended returns - Form 1040X (FC policy)
  + TaxSlayer Guide: Working with Amended Returns
  + Combat Injured Veteran Refund Instructions
  + Modified 1040x to claim standard refund for veteran severance

IRS RESOURCES

​IRS Publications & Resources 
  + IRS Pub 4012​ 
  + IRS Pub 17
  + Instructions for Form 1040 
​​  + Pub 4491 VITA/TCE Training Guide
​  + Pub 4299 Privacy, Confidentiality, and Civil Rights
​  + Pub 4053 Civil Rights: https://bit.ly/3k0vnaE
  + Pub 4836 VolTax Info: https://bit.ly/3mV0ExB
​
​Other Resources
  + FC Virtual Plan for Tax Season 2021 
  + FC Security Plan: DO | NO | SO | SE | LW | RR | AA
  + VITA Hotline for TY 2018 (volunteer tax law questions)
  + English-Spanish Glossary of Tax Terms
  + Language Identification Flashcard
  + Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
  + Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter
​​  + Guide for clients to translate the IRS website to Spanish
​  + Taxpayer Roadmap: an illustration of the US tax system [interesting!]