aarp tax-aide introductory training - d18 introductory... · 1/26/2018 · rental property –...
TRANSCRIPT
TAX-AIDE
TAX-AIDE
Welcome
AARP Tax-Aide
Introductory Training
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
1
TAX-AIDE
Procedures
● Introductions
● Sign-in sheets
● Name tags
● Restrooms
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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Today’s Agenda
● 8:30 – 12:00 First Year Volunteers
Tax-Aide program overview
How to become a Tax-Aide Counselor
Prepare tax return #1
● 1:00 – 4:30 All Volunteers
Tax-Aide refreshers and changes
Prepare tax return #2
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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TAX-AIDE
What is AARP Tax-Aide ?
● Nationwide non-profit program
administered by AARP Foundation
● Funding from AARP Foundation and IRS
● Free confidential service for “low-to-
moderate income taxpayers with special
attention to age 60+” (but not exclusively)
Prepare and electronically file income tax
returns, federal and state
Answer tax questions
● Committed to high-quality results
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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TAX-AIDE
Tax-Aide in Colorado District 18
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
● District Coordinators
● Five tax preparation sites
Locations Local Coordinators
Boulder Judith Jaehning
Broomfield Andy Johnson
Erie Tom LaJeunesse
Lafayette Barry Berlin
Longmont Maggie Barrington
District Coordinator Mark Riley
Technology Coordinators Jim Askew, Jeff Bogart
Training Coordinator Tom LaJeunesse
Administrative Coordinator Mary Ann Grasser
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A Typical Tax-Aide Site
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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What Is Required To Become A
Tax-Aide Counselor?
● Study training materials
● Participate in training on tax law and
TaxSlayer software
● Pass certification tests
● Sign and submit Volunteer Standards of
Conduct Agreement
Signature indicates understanding and
compliance with Standards of Conduct
● Prepare qualification return for review
by Local Coordinator
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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TAX-AIDE
Tax Year 2017 Training Sessions
1. December Training
● Today for new Counselors, 8:30 – 12:00
● Today for all Counselors, 1:00 – 4:30
2. Four homework tax returns
● Complete before January training
3. January Training
● Two-day session, Jan 15-16 or Jan 17-18
● Discussion of homework returns
● Selected tax return topics
District 18 Introductory Training -
December 2017 8
TAX-AIDE
Training Materials
4491 Training Guide
(electronic only)
• Primary training book
• Descriptions of tax laws and
TaxSlayer implementation
NTTC Workbook (paper) • Scenarios to prepare practice
returns
6744 Test / Retest Questions
(paper)
• Certification test questions
4961 Standards of Conduct
(electronic)
5101 Intake/Interview/QR
(electronic)
• On-line Certification publications
4491-X Training Supplement
(electronic)
• On-line addendum to documents
• Available in December - January
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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Tax Preparation Reference Materials
4012 Volunteer Resource
Guide (paper)
•Primary reference book
•Decision trees, tables,
form instructions,
TaxSlayer procedures
•Organized like Form 1040
Pub 17 Your Federal
Income Tax
(paper)
•More detailed reference
information
•Paper copies mailed in
January
Wiki website • Customized online help
• Created by Jeff Bogart
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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How to Learn from Training and Reference Materials (1 of 2)
● We all have our own learning styles - use what works for you
● Begin reading with the 4491 Training Guide
We don't do International or Military so skip those sections
Read corresponding pages in 4012 Volunteer Resource Guide
Read sections on Cancellation of Debt and Affordable Care Act last
● After reading some 4491 / 4012 chapters, start doing exercises from NTTC Workbook using TaxSlayer
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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TAX-AIDE
How to Learn from Training and Reference Materials (2 of 2)
● Read on-line training publications in
preparation for certification tests
4961 Standards of Conduct
5101 Intake/Interview/Quality Review
● Don't memorize tax law details
● Learn where to find answers to questions
4012, Pub 17, Wiki, Form Instructions
Other experienced counselors
Digital search of documents or IRS.gov
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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● After reading training materials, preparing example returns, and going through training classes ….
● Complete tests to meet IRS/AARP Tax-Aide certification requirements
1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct test – Counselors & Greeters
2. Intake/Interview & Quality Review test – Counselors
3. Advanced (not Basic) Certification test – Counselors
4. Health Savings Accounts test – Counselors
● Verify understanding of Standards of Conduct and competency in tax laws and TaxSlayer software
● Tests are open book using all resources except neighbor
● Some test questions require preparation of a return District 18 Introductory Training -
December 2017
Volunteer Certification Process (1 of 2)
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TAX-AIDE
Volunteer Certification Process (2 of 2)
● Certification tests are online
(www.linklearncertification.com)
● Follow step-by-step instructions on handout
● Minimum score of 80% required on each test
(one retest if necessary)
● Sign online Volunteer Standards of Conduct
Agreement and send to your Local Coordinator
● Certification required by end of day Friday,
January 26, 2018
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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Certification test tips
● Wait until after January training to complete tests
● Know your answers before going online
Record your answers in 6744 book for all test and retest questions, look for test/retest answer consistency
Prepare required returns to get numeric answers
● Go to online tests with your completed answers
CAUTION – 6744 and online questions are identical but test questions may come from both test and retest sections
You can stop and resume anytime, skip a question and go back to it, and review all answers before final submittal
● When entering numbers as an answer
Round up or down to whole numbers (50 to 1, 49 to 0)
Don’t use $ signs, commas, or decimal points (enter 2000 not $2,000.25)
District 18 Introductory Training -
December 2017 15
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Volunteer Qualification Process
● Prepare specified tax return from NTTC
Workbook
● Scenario description and answers will be
provided later today
● Submit return to Local Coordinator for
quality review and feedback
● Deadline for qualification exercise is after
January training as specified by each Local
Coordinator
District 18 Introductory Training -
December 2017 16
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Tax Return Preparation Process
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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● Process steps established by IRS and AARP
● Process is generally the same at all sites
● There may be variations in minor procedures site-to-site
TAX-AIDE
Tax Return Preparation Process
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
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TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Greeter
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Tax Return Preparation Process
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer
Greeter
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Tax Return Preparation Process
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer
Greeter
Confirm identities • Photo IDs for taxpayer
& spouse • SSNs from an official
document for everyone on return
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Tax Return Preparation Process
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer
Greeter
Can I prepare this return? • Out of scope? • Not comfortable?
If in doubt talk to LC
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Tax Return Preparation Process
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer
Greeter
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Tax Return Preparation Process
Can I finish this return? • Missing taxpayer forms
or information • Absent spouse
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer
Greeter
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Tax Return Preparation Process
Can I finish this return? • Missing taxpayer forms
or information • Absent spouse
Do what you can • Prepare partial return • Indicate return status • Taxpayer may need
another appointment • Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Open TaxSlayer software
Prepare Federal and Colorado returns
(may need last year’s)
Review returns with Taxpayer
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer
Greeter
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Tax Return Preparation Process
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Open TaxSlayer software
Review returns with Taxpayer
Perform Quality Review of returns
Print returns and give to Taxpayer
Obtain Taxpayer concurrence and
signatures
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer Counselor/Reviewer
Greeter
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Tax Return Preparation Process
Perform Quality Review of returns
Print returns and give to Taxpayer
Obtain Taxpayer concurrence and
signatures
Counselor/Reviewer
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
Prepare Federal and Colorado returns
(may need last year’s)
TAX-AIDE District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Review and discuss Intake form and Taxpayer data
Open TaxSlayer software
Review returns with Taxpayer
Perform Quality Review of returns
Print returns and give to Taxpayer
Obtain Taxpayer concurrence and
signatures
Taxpayer makes appointment and
brings tax documents to site
Counselor/Preparer Counselor/Reviewer
Greeter
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Tax Return Preparation Process
File Fed & CO returns • E-file by site Electronic
Return Originator (ERO) or • Paper file by Taxpayer
• Sign-in taxpayer
•Hand out Intake form
• Introduce Counselor
Prepare Federal and Colorado returns
(may need last year’s)
TAX-AIDE
We Prepare Form 1040
● See Pub 4012, pages B-1 and B-2
● Some 1040 lines are out of scope for Tax-Aide
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
1040
Page 1
Personal information
Filing status
Exemptions
Income
Adjusted Gross Income (Adjustments)
1040
Page 2
Tax and Credits
• Itemized or standard deduction
• Taxable income
• Tax calculation
• Non-refundable credits
Other taxes
Payments and refundable credits
Refund / Amount owed
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● Examples Rental property – unless land only or personal residence
rented for less than 15 days
Self-employment with loss, or expenses > $25k
Bankruptcy or foreclosure
Moving expenses
Charity donations of car unless value is < $500
Entries in certain boxes on taxpayer forms
● OOS listed in 4012, Wiki, Tax-Aide Scope Manual
● For out of scope conditions Determine this early in interview process
Tell taxpayer we are not allowed to do the return
Taxpayer should go to paid preparer (no specific recommendations)
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
Out of Scope Situations
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Conclusion
● Learn where to find information Procedures, tax laws, TaxSlayer software
● Help is available Resource materials, training sessions,
other counselors, Local Coordinator
● Keep the goals in mind You will be helping many very thankful
people who can’t do this on their own
You are exercising all your brain cells
This really is enjoyable
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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Before we take a break….
Questions / Comments?
District 18 Introductory Training - December 2017
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Preparing Tax Returns in Training
● Stay together as we all prepare the tax return If you are falling behind or have questions – we will pause
Don’t jump ahead – we’ll be comparing intermediate results
We will not have time to read every word on every entry page
Consult reference documents as directed
● Navigating TaxSlayer Use Tab key or mouse click to move between entry boxes
Always Continue or Cancel to move off a page
Enter all data with CAPS LOCK on
Enter decimals (23.49, 23.50)
or
Round up or down to whole numbers (23, 24)
District 18 December Training
December 2017
TAX-AIDE
Brent Tax Return
● Purpose
How to open TaxSlayer, start a return,
navigate pages, enter taxpayer information,
view return forms, finish a return
● Go to page 1 in NTTC Workbook
● Don’t open TaxSlayer yet
District 18 December Training December 2017