Volunteer Resources
Staff Resources
Volunteer Training
TAX SEASON RESOURCES
For updates/corrections/additions, email
[email protected]
with subject line "CTC Resources".
Hold down "Ctrl" and "F" to bring up the search bar. Then enter the keyword of what you're looking for!
VOLUNTEER TAX ALERTS
Start Your Volunteer Shift Here!
+
Volunteer Alerts
Check here for updates!
+
TaxSlayer Pro Blog
Check here when having software issues!
+
IRS Pub 4491 Important Changes for 2024
+
IRS Pub 4491-X Updates to VITA/TCE Volunteer Training Materials
VITA/TCE VOLUNTEER TAX ALERTS
+
VTA-2025-01
TAXSLAYER RESOURCES
+
TaxSlayer Pro Login
+
Getting Started with TSP and Multi-Factor Authentication
+
Finding My Volunteer ID for TSP Log-In
[video]
+
TaxSlayer Login FAQ
+
How to Restore a Tax Return to "In Progress" Status in TaxSlayer
+
How to Create & View TaxSlayer Notes
+
For Tax Preparers: How to Close a Return in TaxSlayer
[video]
+
How to Close an In-Progress Return
[video]
VOLUNTEER RESOURCES
+
2025 Tax Site Locations & Hours
+ 2025 Tax Help "Staff by Site" List
coming January 2025
+
Feedback for Preparers/Client Liaisons
fillable form to complete & print!
+
First Day Checklist for Volunteers
+
Better Impact Online Time Clock
+
Volunteer Health Screening
+
Downtime Projects for Volunteers
+
Tax Terms Spanish Glossary
new!
+
Guidelines-Volunteers Preparing Their Own Returns
+
CTC Resources Scavenger Hunt
see Site Manager for answers
+
Tax Crossword Puzzle
see Site Manager for answers
+
Tables Ready Guide for Volunteers
new!
+
Spanish-English Tax Terms Glossary
new!
+
Reporting Data Brea
ches
INTAKE RESOURCES
+
What Will We Prepare When?
+
The Intake Interview
[
video]
S
ome tax law, policies, and processes have changed since this video was made.
VERIFYING ID & INCOME ELIGIBILITY
+
Confirming Identity and SSN or ITIN
+
Using Prior Year TaxSlayer Returns to Verify SSNs/ITINs
+
Income Eligibility & Exceptions
+
Income Eligibility
[video]
+
Residency & ID Requirements
[video]
+
Policy: Confirming Identity for Release of Taxpayer Information
CONSENT TO PREPARE / E-FILE
+
Policy: Who Must Be Present During Intake and Tax Preparation?
+
Policy & Guidance: When One Spouse is Not Present
+
Policy & Guidance: Taxpayer or Dependent is Deceased
+
Drop-Off: Presence Of Spouses Filing MFJ During Intake, Review and
Pick-Up
+
Spousal Consent Form to Prepare
[illness, incarceration, out of country]
+ Spouse Serving in a Combat Zone Attestation [
EN
] [
SP
]
+
Preparing Joint Returns for Married Couples
[video]
IN SCOPE / OUT OF SCOPE
+
Overview of Tax Program Options (VITA/STS/Other)
+
Scope of Service Chart from Pub 4012
+
Is the Business TYPE in Scope for VITA?
[screening tool]
+
Is the Schedule C Out of Scope for VITA?
Business loss is OOS!
+
Inventory & Self-Employed Taxpayer
s
+
Is the Business Mileage Expense in Scope for VITA?
[online calculator]
+
Calculating the Taxable Portion of Social Security Income
[intake tool]
+
About Digital Currency and Scope (Virtual - Crypto)
+
About Clergy, Clerical Income & VITA Scope
+
About Day-Trading as Self-Employment and VITA Scope
+
Schedule K-1: In Scope for VITA?
+
Mortgage Credit Certificate
[screening tool]
+
Form 1099-C Cancellation of Debt [screening tool]
for all 1099-Cs
+
Cancellation of Debt for Principal Residence (QPRI)
[screening tool]
+
About Casualty Loss and VITA
+
We Cannot Prepare Your Return
bilingual handout
SPECIAL TAX SERVICES (STS) & REFERRAL
+
About STS and STS Referrals
+
STS List of Covered Services
+ You Have Been Referred to STS [client handout]: [
ENG
] [
SP
]
DROP OFF PROGRAM +STATE +MIL +INT +RENTAL
+
Which Returns Must Be Drop Off Returns?
+
When is International Certification Required?
+
Military and Rental Worksheet
[
fillable
]
+
Intake Checklist: Drop Off
FOREIGN STUDENT/SCHOLAR (FSS) & REFERRAL
(FORM 1042-S or F J M Q VISA)
+
Form 1040 vs 1040NR Screening Tool
When in doubt, refer to FSS!
+
FSS Online Referral
Form
Site Managers & Staff Only!
+
Foreign Student and Scholars Program Flyer
IDENTITY THEFT & IP PINS
+
Retrieve your IP PIN online
New!
+
About Identity Theft & IP PINs
+
Lost or Missing IP PINs
TRANSCRIPTS
+ How Can I Order a Transcript?
[ENG
] [
SP
]
client handout
+
Policy & Preparation: Using IRS Transcripts
+
How to Fill Out the IRS 4506-T?
+
Guide to Ordering a Transcript By Mail
[S
panish with screenshots]
+
Attaching Transcripts to a Paper Return for Mailing
+
List of Business EINs for Masked Transcripts
WORKING WITH DEAF & HARD OF HEARING CLIENTS
+
Tips for Working with Deaf Consumers and ASL Interpreters
+
Tax Help ASL Interpretation Flyer for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Clients
+
Travis County Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
[flyer
]
+
FC ASL Tax Services: What to Know & Expect
[2019 video; 1m18s]
PREPARATION & QR RESOURCES
FILING STATUS
+
Filing Status Decision Tree - Pub 4012
+ Filing Options for Married Taxpayers
[
ENG
] [
SP
]
+
About Marriage & Legal Separation for Texas Clients
+
Understanding Qualifying Surviving Spouse (QSS)
+ Implications of SS/Disability Payments on Filing Status & Dependency
MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY (MFS)
+
Policy & Background: Married Filing Separately (MFS)
+
MFS Filers and EITC Eligibility
TY21 only
+
Preparing MFS Returns in TaxSlayer
+
Printing & Finalizing MFS Paper Returns for the Client
+
About MFS Filers Who Have Received APTCs
+
Amending to Revise Filing Status to MFS
+
Form 8958 Exceptions to Community Property Allocation
+
When Can an MFS Filer Claim a Spouse's Exemption
[2017 and prior]
DEPENDENTS & QUALIFYING RELATIVES
+
Tables for Determining Dependency (IRS Pub 4012)
+
Using the Pub 4012 Support Worksheet to Determine Whether a
Dependent is a Dependent
+
Policy & Preparation: Deceased Dependent
+
Adding CTC/COD to a Tax Return
+
Restricting CTC/COD in a Tax Return When Ineligible
+
Divorced Parents: When Can Noncustodial Parent Claim Child?
+
What is a Multiple Support Agreement to Claim a Qualifying Relative?
+ Implications of SS/Disability Payments on Filing Status & Dependency
ITINs (APPLICATION & RENEWAL)
+
About ITINs
+
Which ITIN Numbers Need to be Renewed?
+
ITINs: Who is Eligible to Apply or Renew?
+
Process & Preparation: ITIN Applications in TaxSlayer
+
Process & Preparation: ITIN Renewals in TaxSlayer
+
Quality Reviewing & Finalizing Paper Returns for ITIN Applicants
+
Redacted SSN on an ITIN Holder's W-2 - What Can & Should We Do?
+
Tax Credit Eligibility & ITIN Filers
+
Restricting CTC/COD in a Tax Return When Ineligible
+
When an ITIN Holder Gets an SSN
updated
+
Instructions for an ITIN Applicant Making a Tax Payment
+
ITIN FAQ
+
Instructions: ITIN Applicant Requesting Extension/Making Est Payment
+
ITIN Application/Renewal Referral Form
Site Managers & Staff Only!
+
Working With Undocumented Clients
[video]
ITIN Application/Renewal Resources:
+ ITIN Application & Renewal Process Chart [
EN
] [
SP
]
+ Required Documents for Dependents:
< age 6
|
age 6-17
+ Options to Prove US Residency
[
EN]
[
SP
]
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
+
Mailing Addresses for Unhoused/Homeless Taxpayers
+
Policy: Discovering During Prep That Income Exceeds FC Threshold
+
Policy & Preparation: Incarcerated Spouse
+
Policy & Preparation: MFJ with Deceased Spouse
+
Policy & Preparation: Court-Appointed Rep/Executor for Deceased TP
+
Policy & Preparation: Deceased Dependent
+
Policy & Preparation: Power of Attorney
+
Policy & Preparation: MFJ with Spouse in a Combat Zone
+
Policy & Preparation: Injured Spouse Allocation (Form 8379)
+
Policy & Preparation: Taxpayers With Nonresident Alien Spouses
+
Understanding "Total & Permanent Disability"
+
Guidance: DACA Recipients With SSN No Longer Valid for Employment
+
Declaration of Residency: NRA Spouse as Resident
STANDARD VS. ITEMIZED DEDUCTION
+
Quick Calculation Tool: Should the Taxpayer Itemize? [
2023
] [
2022
]
[
2021
] [
2020
] [
2019
] [
2018
] [
2017
]
+
A Note About Deducting Mortgage Insurance Premiums
[2018-2021]
INCOME
FORM W-2
+ Policy & P
reparation: Form W-2
+
Entering W-2 Data from a Transcript or Paystub
+
Haven't Received W-2 or 1099?
[bilingual client handout]
+
Redacted SSN on an ITIN Holder's W-2 - What Can & Should We Do?
+
Understanding W-2 Box 12 Codes
+
Entering Unreported Tip Income
FORM 1099-R
+
About Form
1099-R: Scope, Codes & Distributions
+
Form 1099-R for Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Distributions
+
Using the Simplified Method to Determine Taxable Amount
+
Claiming An Exception to Early Distribution Taxation on Tax Return
+
Rollovers
+
Treating Disability as Earned Income
+
Early Distributions & the CARES Act (Form 8915-E)
TY20 only
+
Annuity/Pension Exclusion Calculator
SOCIAL SECURITY
+
About Social Security: Types & Taxation
+
About Lump-Sum Payments
+
Determining the Taxable Portion of SS Benefits [2022 calculator]
+ Implications of SS/Disability Payments on Filing Status & Dependency
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAs - Box 12 Code W)
+
About Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
+
Reporting HSA Data in TaxSlayer
+
What Are Qualified HSA Expenses?
OTHER INCOME TYPES & CIRCUMSTANCES
+
Form 1099-K: Scope and Reporting on the Tax Return
+
About Crowdfunded Donations, Income & Taxation (Form 1099-K)
+
About Clergy, Clerical Income & VITA Scope
+
About Alimony as Income or Deduction
+
About & Policy: Medical Research Payments & 1099-NEC/1099-MISC
+
Reporting Capital Gains With Basis Not Reported to the IRS (1099-B)
+
Reporting Unemployment Without Form 1099-G
+
Treating Qualified Medicaid Waiver Payments as Earned Income
+
Misclassified Employees Screening Tool [bilingual]
+
Household Employees Without Form W-2
VIRTUAL PROGRAM RESOURCES
DROP OFF VOLUNTEERS
+
Feedback for Preparers/Client Liaisons
fillable form to complete & print!
+
Hub Login
+
Drop-Off Returns in the Hub: A Quick Guide for Volunteers
+
Hub Ticket Name Modifiers - What's In That Return?
+
State Income Tax Guide
+
Depreciation Worksheet
MIL Cert Only - see Manager for password
+
Due Diligence Checklist
for 2016 only
+
Combat Injured Veteran Refund Instructions
2016 and prior
+
Modified 1040-X to Claim Standard Refund for Veteran Severance
DROP OFF INTAKE
+
Document Order for Scanning
+
Drop-Off Consent Form:
NO
|
SO
+ Additional Questions for 2021 Returns [
fillable EN
] [
SP
]
+
Additional Questions for 2020 Returns [
bilingual - fillable
]
+
How to Create a Ticket in the Hub
+
ScanSnap Scanning Instructions
DROP OFF ADMIN
+
Drop-Off Return Pick-Up: The Quick 5
+
How to Client-Review & Close Drop-Off Tax Returns
+
Hub Status/Stage Definition
INCOME (
Continued)
SELF-EMPLOYMENT
+
Is the Business TYPE in Scope for VITA? [screening tool]
+
Is the Schedule C Out of Scope for VITA?
Any business loss is OOS!
+
Inventory & Self-Employed Taxpayers
+
Is the Business Mileage Expense in Scope for VITA?
[online calculator]
+
Understanding Commuter Miles
+
Understanding How Uber/Lyft/Favor Report Income
+
Car Rental for Rideshare Income: In Scope?
new
+
Common Schedule C business codes
[
or view complete list here
]
+
List of Business EINs for Masked Transcripts
+
Policy & Prep: Taxpayer Received 1099-MISC Not 1099-NEC
+
When Both Spouses Share a Business
+
GENERAL Self-Employment Worksheet
[
fillable
]
+
RIDESHARE/DELIVERY Self-Employment Worksheet
[
fillable
]
+
MUSICIAN/ARTIST/WRITER Self-Employment Worksheet
[fillable]
+
Self-Employment Tax Deferral
[video]
2020 returns only
+
Clients with Self Employment
[video]
Self-Employment Resources for Taxpayers:
+
Estimated Payments Calculator
+
Mileage Log Template
+ Self-Employed? Tips on Recordkeeping & Taxes [handout] [
EN
] [
SP
]
+
Roadmap to RideShare Taxes
[handout] |
www.ridesharetaxhelp.com/
+
Resources for Small Business Owners
CREDITS
GENERAL
+
About the First-Time Homebuyer Credit & Repayment
can be efiled!
+
About the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit
+
About Solar/Energy Efficient Residential Energy Credits & Form 5695
+
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool
+
Self-Employed COVID Sick & Family Leave Credit
2020 & 2021 doc
+
Self-Employed COVID Sick/Family Leave Credit
2020 & 2021 video
CHILD TAX CREDIT & CREDIT FOR OTHER DEPENDENTS
+
Quick Reference Guide: Credit Eligibility TY21 vs TY22
+
Quick Reference Guide: Credit Amounts TY22 of CTC
|
of ODC
+
Adding CTC/COD to a Tax Return
+
Restricting CTC/COD in a Tax Return When Ineligible
Advance Child Tax Credit-ACTC
(
2021 only
)
+
About the Advance Child Tax Credit
TY21 only
+
How Can Taxpayers Verify The Amount of ACTC Received?
TY21 only
+
How To Trace A Missing EIP3/ACTC Payment
bilingual handout
+
Instructions for Form 3911: EIP3/ACTC Trace
bilingual handout
+ Guidance for Taxpayers Whose TY21 CTC was Recalculated By IRS
+
Advance CTC Repayment Protection
TY21 only
+
Child Tax Credit IRS FAQ
TY21 only
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)
+
Summary of TY23 EITC Eligibility
+
Quick Reference Guide: Credit Eligibility TY21 vs TY22
+
Quick Reference Guide: Credit Amounts TY22 of EITC
+
To Claim EITC, Taxpayers Must Have Valid SSN By Tax Filing Deadline
+
Restricting EITC in a Tax Return When Ineligible
+
MFS Filers and EITC Eligibility
TY21 only
+
18yo Former Foster Care/Homeless Youth & EITC Eligibility
TY21 only
+
Using TY19 Earned Income for TY20 & TY21 EITC/ACTC
[2021 video;
5m5s]
REBATE RECOVERY CREDIT
(2020 & 2021 only)
+
Economic Impact Payments (EIP) Overview
(
stimulus payments
)
+
EIP3 and Rebate Recovery Credit FAQ for TY21
+
When is the RRC Offset for Child Support/Debt?
+
Guidance for Taxpayers Whose RRC was Recalculated By IRS
+
How To Trace A Missing EIP/ACTC Payment
bilingual handout
+
Instructions for Form 3911: EIP/ACTC Trace
bilingual handout
EDUCATION CREDITS (Form 1098-T)
+
Education Worksheet
updated!
[old version]
+
About Education Credits
+
Education Credits: A How-To Guide
+
Education Credit FAQ
+
What Are Eligible Institutions for the Credit?
+
Guidance: When There is No Form 1098-T and/or Account Summary
+
When An Account Summary Entry Is Listed as Both Credit & Charge
+
Qualified Expenses by School/Institution [chart]
+
Scholarships/Grants for Living Expenses
[chart]
+ Get 1098-T & Acct Summary: [
ACC
] [
TX State
] [
UT
] [
TX Tech
] [
St Ed
]
+
When is Form 1098-T Out of Scope? [Box 4 or Box 6]
+
When is Scholarship Income Out of Scope? [Kiddie Tax-Form 8615]
+
How to Avoid the Kiddie Tax
+
Form 1099-Q & Education Expenses: Scope & Preparation
+ Overview of Calculating Education Credits [7m39s]
+ How-To for Education Worksheet Data Entry [10m12s]
+ Understanding the Impact of Education Worksheet Data on the Tax
Return [6m38s]
Additional Resources
+
Education Credit Intake Checklist
[
fillable
]
+
Pub 970, Tax Benefits for Education
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (Form 1095-A)
+
Understanding the Affordable Care Act and Form 1095
+
About APTCs and Reconciliation
+
Reporting Form 1095-A in TaxSlayer
+
When a Taxpayer Has Multiple Form 1095-As
+ Get Form 1095-A:
Online at healthcare.gov
| By phone: [
ENG
] [
SP
]
+
Client 1095-A Request Form
+
Chart of APTC Repayment Caps (TY23)
+
No APTC Reconciliation/Repayment
TY20 only
+
Taxpayer Has Filed But Needs to Reconcile APTCs (Form 8962)
+
About MFS Filers Who Have Received APTCs
+
Policy: Preparing a Return to Reconcile APTCs for a Dependent Parent
+
Understanding APTC Reconciliation & Your Tax Return
client handout
+
2023 List of Marketplace Health Insurance Carriers
For tax years 2014 - 2018 only:
+
ACA Marketplace Coverage: MEC, Affordability & Exemptions
+
Understanding & Entering the “Affordability” Exemption in TaxSlayer
+
Entering Exemptions Other Than Affordability in TaxSlayer
+
List of Exemptions Chart
+
What is Considered Income for APTCs & Exemptions
AMENDMENTS (Form 1040-X)
+
Intake Checklist for Amendments
[
fillable version
]
New!
+
Policy & Background: Amended Returns - Form 1040-X
+
Preparing & Printing Amendments in TaxSlayer
+
Amendments: When E-file and When Paper?
+
E-Filing Amendments in TaxSlayer
+
Amending to Revise Filing Status
+
Amendment FAQ
updated with direct debit/deposit info
+
Mailing Addresses for Amendments and Instructions For Mailing
+ IRS Amended Return Status:
www.irs.gov/wmar
up to 3 prior tax years
+
TaxSlayer article about e-filing a superseding return
QUALITY REVIEW & CLOSING STEPS
QUALITY REVIEW
+
Quality Review & Closing a Return: A How-To Guide
+
Quality Reviewing & Finalizing Paper Returns for ITIN Applicants
+
Printing & Finalizing MFS Paper Returns for the Client
+
Printing Tax Returns: Which TaxSlayer Print Set to Use?
+
How to Restore a Tax Return to "In Progress" Status in TaxSlayer
+
Policy: Signing a Minor Child's Return
+
How to Conduct a Quality Review
[video
]
+
How to Close a Return in TaxSlayer for Quality Reviewers
[video]
REFUND DUE/TAX OWED
+
Instructions for an ITIN Applicant Making a Tax Payment
+
Deadlines for Claiming a Refund
+
Did You Know?? About IRS Payment Plans
+
About Late Filing (Penalties & Interest)
+
I
RS Late Filing FAQ
+
About Refund Offsets (When the Taxpayer Owes)
+
Common Bank Routing Numbers
+
When a Tax Return is Filed with Incorrect Banking Info
+
Direct Deposit Fast Facts
+
Direct Debit Fast Facts
+
US Savings Bond Fast Facts
+
US Savings Bonds Info Sheet
[SP client handout]
+
Tax Time Savings Program: HEB Gift Cards
+
How to Make a Payment
bilingual handout
+ Instructions for Checking IRS Refund Status
[
EN
] [
SP
]
RETURN TYPE: Efile vs Paper
+
Can We E-File That??
+
What Must Be a Paper Return?
+
Where Do I Mail a Paper Return?
[IRS addresses]
+
Attaching a Transcript to a Paper Return for Mailing
+
When to Use Form 8453
+
E-File & Paper Return Types
[video]
END-OF-SEASON / EXTENSIONS
+
We Cannot Prepare Your Return
bilingual client handout
+
Mailing Options on Tax Day, April 15
Extensions:
+
Understanding Extensions and Form 4868
+
Form 4868 with Mailing Address
+
Instructions: ITIN Applicant Requesting Extension/Making Est Payment
+
Instructions for Helping Clients File Extensions
+
Pre-Flyer for Summer 2024 Season ("Yearround")
INTAKE/PREP/QR FORMS & DOCS
+ TX Voter Registration Application
ENG
|
SP
|
County Mailing Addresses
+
Voter Registration Assistance Count (Google Form)
+
Get Ready Assistance Count
|
Completion Slips
+
Prosper Centers Greeter FAQ
+
Intake Interview Basic Steps
+
Additional Questions for TY20
[
SP
]
+
Additional Questions for TY21
[
SP
]
+ Sign-in Sheets:
South (with ASL)
|
All other sites
+
Clipboard Cover Questionnaire (bilingual)
+
What to Bring Checklist (bilingual)
+ Form 13614-C Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet
[
ENG
] [
SP
]
+
Print Form 13614-C in Other Languages
(Arabic, Chinese, Russian,...)
+
Return Visit Slip for 2024
|
Guide
+
Demographic Return Questions List (bilingual)
+
QR Sign-Up Sheet
CLIENT REFERRALS & RESOURCES
+ How to Create an IRS ID.me Account:
English
|
Spanish
+
How to
print via Bluetooth
from your phone or laptop
+
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
:
English flyer
|
Spanish flyer
+
Summary of resources for taxpayers who need tax relief
+
How to contact Taxpayer Advocate Service
+ Taxpayer Advocate Service:
Video
|
Website
+ Low Income Taxpayer Clinics:
list
|
online finder
+
RAICES: legal/advocacy services for immigrants
+ AARP:
Tax sites in Austin
|
Tax sites in Williamson County
+
FC Tax Help Program Website
|
Spanish Website
Schedule appointment
+
How to schedule a Tax Help appointment
New!
+
FC Flyers
:
Tax Season Flyer
(
B&W
) |
FC One-Pager
Financial Coaching
|
Get Ready Appt.
|
Health Coverage
|
Education
Pathways
| C
ollege Hub | Housing
|
ESL Classes
|
CAREER Project
Info Page
+
Flyer
IRS PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES
+
IRS Site Review Help Sheet
|
Site Review Checklist
| Return Review
+
IRS Help Line 800-829-1040 [En+Sp]; Other languages: 833-553-9895
+
Pub 4012, VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide
+
Pub 17, Tax Guide
+
Pub 970, Tax Benefits for Education
+
Form 1040, Instructions
+
Pub 850, English-Spanish Glossary of Tax Words and Phrases
+ Pub 4299, Privacy, Confidentiality, and Civil Rights
+
Pub 4053, Your Civil Rights Are Protected
+
Pub 4836, VITA/TCE Free Tax Programs
+
Pub 5380, Buying US Savings Bonds With Your Tax Refund
+
Pub 5381, Form 8888 & Series I Savings Bonds
+
IRS Guidance: Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter
+
IRS List of Tax Relief In Disaster Situations By Year
+
The Taxpayer Roadmap: An Illustration of the Modern US Tax System