Volunteer Resources
Staff Resources
Volunteer Training
TAX SEASON RESOURCES
For updates/corrections/additions, email taxes@foundcom.org with subject line "CTC Resources".
VOLUNTEER TAX ALERTS
Start Your Volunteer Shift Here!
+
Volunteer Alerts
Check here for program updates!
+
TaxSlayer Pro Blog
Check here when having software issues!
+
IRS Pub 4491 Important Changes for 2021
(excerpt)
+
IRS Pub 4491-X Updates to VITA/TCE Volunteer Training Materials
+
American Rescue Plan Act Notes
[
updated 3/23]
VITA/TCE VOLUNTEER TAX ALERTS
+
2022-01 Form 6744, VITA/TCE Vol Assistor’s Test/Retest Corrections
+
2022-02 Certification Testing & Using Form 6744 - UPDATE
+
2022-03 Reconciling ACTC & Economic Impact Payments
VITA/TCE QUALITY SITE REQUIREMENT ALERTS
+
2022-01 Quality Oversight Reviews
TAXSLAYER RESOURCES
+
TaxSlayer Pro Login
+
Getting Started with TSP and Multi-Factor Authentication
+
Finding My Volunteer ID for TSP Log-In
[2021 video; 1m27s]
+
TaxSlayer Login FAQ
+
How to Restore a Tax Return to "In Progress" Status in TaxSlayer
+
How to Create & View TaxSlayer Notes
+
Where to Enter Taxpayer Email Addresses in TaxSlayer
+
TaxSlayer Pro Online Enhancements for 2021
+
For Tax Preparers: How to Close a Return in TS
[2022 video; 3m42s]
+
For Quality Reviewers: How to Close a Return in TS
[2022 video 7m38s]
VOLUNTEER RESOURCES
+ Feedback for Preparers & Client Liaisons
please use the printed forms
+
First Day Checklist for Volunteers
+
Volunteer Health Screening
+
2022 Tax Season Sites & Hours
updated for March/April 2022
+
How to Log My Hours in My MyVolunteerPage Account
+
Reporting Data Breaches
+
Downtime Projects for Volunteers
+
YouTube Prosper Tax Help Video Playlist
+
Guidelines-Volunteers Preparing Their Own Returns
New
INTAKE RESOURCES
+
What Will We Prepare When? (Timeline for Return Preparation TY21)
+
Language Translation Line: United Language Group
+
The Intake Interview
[
2019 video; 22m19s]
VERIFYING ID & INCOME ELIGIBILITY
+
Confirming Identity and SSN or ITIN
+
Using Prior Year TaxSlayer Returns to Verify SSNs/ITINs
with 2022 site guide
+
Income Eligibility & Exceptions
+
Income Eligibility
[2021 video; 4m37s]
+
Intake Overview: ID/Income/Residency Reqs
[2021 video; 4m24s]
CONSENT TO PREPARE/E-FILE
+
Policy: Taxpayer Presence During Intake & Preparation
+
When One Spouse is Not Present [intake/preparation tool]
+
When a Taxpayer or Dependent is Deceased [intake/preparation tool]
+
Spousal Consent Form to Prepare [spouse unable to be present]
+ Spouse Serving in a Combat Zone Attestation [
EN
] [
SP
]
+
Preparing Joint Returns for Married Couples
[2020 video; 3m1s]
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 Taxpayers
New!
+
Is the Business Mileage Expense in Scope for VITA? [online calculator]
+
Business Mileage Expense Chart & Reimbursement Rate
+
Calculating the Taxable Portion of Social Security Income
[intake tool]
+
About Virtual (Crypto) Currency and Scope
+
About Clergy, Clerical Income & VITA Scope
new!
+
About Day-Trading as Self-Employment and VITA Scope
new!
+
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 [client handout]
[
E
N
] [
SP
]
+
Outside Tax Preparation Resources
[bilingual client handout]
DROP-OFF PROGRAM +STATE +MIL +INT +RENTAL
+
Which Returns Are Drop-Off Returns?
+
Hub Ticket Naming and Modifiers
+
When is International Certification Required?
+
Military and Rental Worksheet
[
fillable
]
+
State Income Tax Guide
+
Depreciation Worksheet
Military Certification Only!
+
Due Diligence Checklist
for 2016 only
+
Combat Injured Veteran Refund Instructions
2016 and prior
+
Modified 1040-X to Claim Standard Refund for Veteran Severance
SPECIAL TAX SERVICES (STS) & REFERRAL
+
About STS and STS Referrals
+
STS List of Covered Services
+
Hub Ticket Naming and Modifiers
+
STS Online Referral Form
*Internal STS Use Only!*
+ You Have Been Referred to STS [client handout]: [
ENG
] [
SP
]
FOREIGN STUDENT/SCHOLAR (FSS) & REFERRAL
(FORM 1042-S or F J M Q VISA)
+
Form 1040 vs 1040NR Screening Too
l
When in doubt, refer to FSS!
+
Hub Ticket Naming and Modifiers
+
FSS Online Referral
Form
Site Managers & Staff Only!
+
Foreign Student and Scholars Program Flyer
+
Pub 4011 Correction
SPECIAL SITUATIONS/POLICIES
+
Policy: Confirming Identity for Release of Taxpayer Information
+
Haven't Received W-2 or 1099? [bilingual client handout]
IDENTITY THEFT & IP PINS
+
About Identity Theft & IP PINs
+
Lost or Missing IP PINs
TRANSCRIPTS
+
About IRS Transcripts
+
Policy & Preparation: Using IRS Transcripts
+
List of Business EINs for Masked Transcripts
+
Attaching Transcripts to a Paper Return for Mailing
+ How Can I Order a Transcript? [client handout] [
ENG
] [
SP
]
+
Guide to Ordering a Transcript By Mail [handout w/screenshots] [SP]
WORKING WITH DEAF & HARD OF HEARING CLIENTS
+
Appointments Plus online scheduling [client link
]
+
Tips for Working with Deaf Clients and ASL Interpreters
+
FC Tax Program for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Clients
[2022 flyer]
+
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 Qualified Widow/Widower Filing Status
+ Implications of SS/Disability Payments on Filing Status & Dependency
+
Form 8958 Exceptions to Community Property Allocation
MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY (MFS)
+
Policy & Background: Married Filing Separately (MFS)
+
MFS Filers and EITC Eligibility
new for TY2021!
+
Preparing MFS Returns in TaxSlayer
+
Finalizing MFS Paper Returns for the Client
+
Amending to Revise Filing Status: MFJ/MFS
+
When Can an MFS Filer Claim a Spouse's Exemption
[2017 and prior]
DEPENDENTS & QUALIFYING RELATIVES
+
Tips for Determining Whether a Dependent is a Dependent (Pub 4012)
+
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?
updated for 2022
+
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
+
ITIN FAQ
+
Instructions: ITIN Applicant Requesting Extension/Making Est Payment
+
ITIN Application/Renewal Referral Form
Site Managers & Staff Only!
+
Working With Undocumented Clients
[2020 video; 2m25s]
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
+
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
[
bilingual form]
STANDARD VS. ITEMIZED DEDUCTION
+
Quick Calculation Tool: Should the Taxpayer Itemize?
[2021]
[
2020
] [
2019
] [
2018
] [
2017
]
+
A Note About Deducting Mortgage Insurance Premiums
[2018-2021]
INCOME
FORM W-2
+
Policy & Preparation: Form W-2
+
Entering W-2 Data from a Transcript or Paystub
+
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)
2020 only
+
Annuity/Pension Exclusion Calculator
[
a calculator for tax nerds
]
SOCIAL SECURITY
+
About Social Security: Types & Taxation
+
About Lump-Sum Payments
+
Determining the Taxable Portion of SS Benefits [calculator]
+ Implications of SS/Disability Payments on Filing Status & Dependency
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (HSAs)
+
About Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
+
Reporting HSA Data in TaxSlayer
OTHER INCOME TYPES & CIRCUMSTANCES
+
About Crowdfunded Donations, Income & Taxation
new!
+
About Clergy, Clerical Income & VITA Scope
new!
+
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
INCOME, cont'd.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT (1099-NEC, 1099-K, CASH)
+
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
New!
+
Is the Business Mileage Expense in Scope for VITA?
[online calculator]
+
Common Schedule C business codes
[
or view complete list here
]
+
Understanding Commuter Miles
+
Standard Mileage Reimbursement Rates by Year (Use "Business")
+
Understanding How Uber/Lyft/Favor Report Income
+
List of Business EINs for Masked Transcripts
+
Policy & Prep: Taxpayer Received 1099-MISC Not 1099-NEC
Updated!
+
When Both Spouses Share a Business
+
GENERAL SE Worksheet
New!
+
RIDESHARE/DELIVERY
SE Worksheet
New!
+
MUSICIAN/ARTIST/WRITER/PERF
SE Worksheet
New!
+
Self-Employment Tax Deferral
[video; 6m54s]
2020 returns only
+
Clients with Self Employment
[2021 video; 8m14s]
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 Residential Energy Credits & Form 5695
+
About Crowdfunded Donations, Income & Taxation
new!
+
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool
+
COVID Sick & Family Leave Credit for the Self-Employed
2020 & 2021
+
COVID Sick/Family Leave for Self-Employed Credit-20/21
[video; 5m2s]
REBATE RECOVERY CREDIT (RRC -
2020 & 2021 only
)
+
How To Trace A Missing EIP3/ACTC Payment
[new handout - bilingual]
+
How To Complete Form 3911: EIP3/ACTC Trace
[handout-bilingual]
+
Economic Impact Payments (EIP) Overview
(
stimulus payments
)
+
EIP3 and Rebate Recovery Credit FAQ for TY21
New!
+ IRS FAQ:
Requesting Trace on Missing EIP3 Payment
New!
+ Guidance for Taxpayers Whose TY21 RRC was Recalculated By IRS
+
When is the RRC Offset for Child Support/Debt?
+
Recovery Rebate Credit
[2021 video; 5m2s]
CHILD TAX CREDIT & CREDIT FOR OTHER DEPENDENTS
+
About the Advance Child Tax Credit
2021 only
+
How Can Taxpayers Verify The Amount of ACTC Received?
2021 only
+
How Much ACTC Did I Receive? [client handout]
New!
+
How To Trace A Missing EIP3/ACTC Payment
[new handout - bilingual]
+
How To Complete Form 3911: EIP3/ACTC Trace
[handout-bilingual]
+ Guidance for Taxpayers Whose TY21 CTC was Recalculated By IRS
+
Advance CTC Repayment Protection
2021 only
+
Adding CTC/COD to a Tax Return
+
Restricting CTC/COD in a Tax Return When Ineligible
+
Child Tax Credit IRS FAQ
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)
+
To Claim EITC, Taxpayers Must Have Valid SSN By Tax Filing Deadline
+
MFS Filers and EITC Eligibility
new for TY2021 only!
+
18yo Former Foster Care/Homeless Youth & EITC Eligibility
for 2021
+
Restricting EITC in a Tax Return When Ineligible
+
Using TY19 Earned Income for TY20 & TY21 EITC/ACTC
[2021 video; 5m5s]
EDUCATION CREDITS (Form 1098-T)
+
Education Credit Worksheet
start here for all tax years!
+
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
+
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]
+
About Qualified Tuition Programs (QTPs) and Form 1099-Q
Additional Resources
+
Education Credit Checklist for Intake/Preparation [
EN
] [
SP
]
New
!
+
Referring a Client to FC's College Hub
for 2022
+
Pub 970, Tax Benefits for Education
+
Education Benefits
[2020 video; 10m4s]
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (Form 1095-A)
+
Understanding the Affordable Care Act and Form 1095
+
About APTCs and Reconciliation
+
Alert: APTC Repayment for 2020 Tax Returns
+
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
]
+
Chart of APTC Repayment Caps (2021)
+
Taxpayer Has Filed But Needs to Reconcile APTCs (Form 8962)
2020 and prior only
+
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]
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)
+
Amendments: When E-file and When Paper?
+
Policy & Background: Amended Returns - Form 1040-X
+
Preparing & Printing Amendments in TaxSlayer
+
Amending to Revise Filing Status: MFJ/MFS
+
E-Filing TY21 Amendments in TaxSlayer
New!
+
Amendment FAQ
+
Mailing Addresses for Amendments and Instructions For Mailing
+ Check Amended Return Status with IRS:
www.irs.gov/wmar
QUALITY REVIEW & CLOSING STEPS
QUALITY REVIEW
+
Quality Review & Closing a Return: A How-To Guide
+
Quality Reviewing & Finalizing Paper Returns for ITIN Applicants
+
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
[2022 v
ideo;16m07s]
+
How to Close a Return in TaxSlayer
[2022 video; 7m38s]
REFUND DUE/TAX OWED
+
How to Make a Payment [bilingual handout]
+
Common Bank Routing Numbers
updated
+ 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
+
About Late Filing (Penalties & Interest)
+
About Refund Offsets (When the Taxpayer Owes)
+
When a Tax Return is Filed with Incorrect Banking Info
+ Checking Refund Status with the IRS
[
EN
] [
SP
]
+ Resources for Taxpayers Who Need Tax Relief [
EN
]
[
SP
]
Tips for Encouraging Tax Time Saving:
+
Introducing Savings
[2017 video; 3m9s]
+ Giving Savings Advice
[2017 video; 2m10s]
+ Splitting the Refund
[2017 video; 2m47s]
RETURN TYPE: EFile vs Paper
+
When Is It a Paper Return?
Updated!
+
When is a Tax Return Too Old to be Filed?
+
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
[2021 video; 8m43s]
END-OF-SEASON / EXTENSIONS
+
We Cannot Prepare Your Return [client handout]
[
E
N
]
[
SP
]
+
Outside Tax Preparation Resources
[bilingual client handout]
+
Summer Tax Program Flyer & Information
+
End of Season Tax Prep Options for Clients [client handout- ENG SP]
+
Mailing Options on Tax Day, April 18
Extensions:
+
Understanding Extensions and Form 4868
+
Fillable Form 4868 with Mailing Addresses
print or fill for clients!
+
Instructions: ITIN Applicant Requesting Extension/Making Est Payment
+
Mailing Addresses for Form 4868, Application for Extension
+
Instructions for Helping Clients File Extensions
New!
INTAKE/PREP/qR FORMS
+
Prosper Centers Greeter FAQ
+
Intake Interview Basic Steps
+
Additional Questions for TY20 (bilingual)
+ Additional Questions for TY21 [
ENG
] [
SP
]
+ Sign-in Sheets:
South (with ASL)
|
All other sites
+
Clipboard Cover Questionnaire
(bilingual)
+ Form 13614-C Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet
[
EN
G] [
SP
]
+
Print Form 13614-C in Other Languages
(Arabic, Chinese, Russian,...)
+
Return Visit Slip for 2022
|
Guide
+
Demographic Return Questions List (bilingual)
+
QR Sign-Up Sheet
2022
CLIENT REFERRALS & RESOURCES
Tax Issues:
+
Outside Referrals for Tax Issues
[handout]
+ Taxpayer Advocate Service:
Video
|
Website
+ Low Income Taxpayer Clinics:
list
|
online finder
+
Foreign Student and Scholars Program Flyer
+
Williamson County Free Tax Prep Flyer
[AARP, United Way, FC]
+
Round Rock United Way VITA Web Site
+
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program Flyer
+
FC Prosper Tax Help Program 2022 Flyer
[bilingual]
+
FC Prosper Center Austin Tax Help Program Web Site
|
Spanish Site
Other Issues:
+
RAICES: legal/advocacy services for immigrants
[referral info]
+
Foundation Communities Financial Coaching
[flyer]
+
Foundation Communities Health Coverage
[flyer]
+
Foundation Communities College Hub
[services and how to refer]
+
Foundation Communities Housing
[flyer]
+
Foundation Communities ESL Classes
[flyer]
+ Foundation Communities Career Project:
Information Page
|
Flyer
IRS PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES
+
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 4491, VITA/TCE Training Guide
+ 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
+
IRS Doc 11734, Transaction Codes Pocket Guide (for transcripts)
+
The Taxpayer Roadmap: An Illustration of the Modern US Tax System
VIRTUAL PROGRAM RESOURCES
DROP-OFF VOLUNTEERS
+
Drop-Off Volunteer Feedback Form
+
Hub Login
+
Hub Status/Stage Definition
+
Drop-Off Hub Ticket Statuses: A Quick Guide for Volunteers
+
Hub Ticket Name Modifiers - What's In That Return?
+
How to Print an Education Worksheet to PDF
[2020 video; 1m54s]
INTAKE/DROP-OFF ADMIN
+
Intake Checklist: Drop-Off - STS
+
Drop-Off Consent Form:
NO
|
SO
|
FSS
+
Hub Login
+
How to Create a Ticket in the Hub
+
Drop-Off Return Pick-Up: The Quick 4
+
How to Client-Review & Close Drop-Off Tax Returns
+
ScanSnap Scanning Instructions
+
Guide to Hub Ticket Naming and Modifiers
+
Hub Status/Stage Definition