How to Train at Home to become a VITA Volunteer--see the steps below (there is also a PDF attached below with active links you can download with the same info) 

 Step One (ALL Volunteers): 
  1. ALL VITA VOLUNTEERS must Pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct/Ethics exam  
  2. ALL tax preparers are required to Pass the Intake/interview & Quality Review certification to better assist clients--GREETERS are strongly encouraged to take this exam as well so they can help with intake. 
  3. Check out this Online Interactive Training on INTAKE INTERVIEW/QUALITY REVIEW by Prosperity Now—it's really good!!  https://learning.prosperitynow.org/ 
  4. Watch these 2 videos to see an example of intake and review process (videos below-links here also)
    1.  https://vimeo.com/82165491 (intake process)
    2.  https://vimeo.com/82647083 (quality review)

Step Two (Tax Preparers, Reviewers & Coordinators): Become familiar with the tax forms, tax laws, and software.  
Tax forms/Tax Laws:
  1.  Remember:
    1.  YOU DO NOT have to memorize any of it. 
    2.  Our Software DOES ALL the calculations and selects the appropriate tax forms/schedules for you and is easy to use.
    3. We do simple returns—don’t get overwhelmed. You will always have more experienced people to answer questions and help you--and your work will ALWAYS be quality reviewed by someone else--this is an IRS requirement for everyone! 
    4. Review the material so you will have some knowledge and feel more confident.
  2. ​There are two ways to access the IRS Training Modules (PDF publication) or online modules(interactive slide show). Pick a method that works best for you or use both
    1. ​PDF Publication 4491 VITA Training Guide--Personally, I would start in Section 1, Page 4-1, Filing Basics, go through the book then come back to the the beginning of Part I. 
    2.  Online  Modules(interactive slide show)
​​     3.  This website Vitaresources.net has tons on online resources, videos and PDFs that cover all the tax topics required for certification. Explore the site and resources to become more knowledgeable and confident.
Software--Practice Lab:
  1. ​​Remember
    1. The more you play with the software, the more familiar you will be with it and the more confidence you will have and project to your client.
    2. You cannot mess anything up in the Practice Lab--it IS NOT LIVE!! You cannot accidentally e-file a return. SO PLAY PLAY PLAY--CHANGE VALUES AND SEE HOW REFUNDS AND CREDITS CHANGE!
    3. Practice Lab Website
      1. ​​ the password for everyone to access is TRAINPROWEB  (write this down)
      2. Create an account: (see image)
Tips & Tricks for Taxslayer
Use the navigation tree on the left to move around quickly-- and the Search feature is really useful. Not sure where to enter a 1099-R? Type 1099R in the search engine twala! it appears. Try typing PIN, 1098t, etc. it's a very useful tool!

When you are reviewing the 1040 on the summary screen--the numbers that are blue will take you back to the screen where you entered them for quick review/editing and when you hit continue there it will take you back to the Summary!

After you enter information that generates a Schedule, you will see printer icons appear on the menu. Click on the printer icon to see what the generated schedule looks like. (Schedule C, Schedule D, Schedule A-itemized deductions, etc.) Great for quick reviews and for catching errors--seeing if your Schedule C is at a loss, etc.
 VITA/IRS PUBLICATIONS

PUB 4012 (Volunteer Handbook)
PUB 6744 Volunteer Test Book
PUB 4491  (Training Guide)
PUB 4491-X (Training Supplement-pages that have been updated after initial printing of PUB 4011, 4012, 4491, 6744, and more)
PUB 17  (general rules for filing a federal income tax return)
PUB 4011 (Foreign Student & Scholar Guide)

  • PUB 4491 and PUB 17 will not be available in print form after 2018.
  • It is suggested that you download a copy of PUB 17 and PUB 4012 onto each computer you use when preparing taxes (with a shortcut on the desktop).
  • Code of Conduct and Intake Interview/Quality Review Training and test books can be found on my Certification page (click here)


The 2019 1040 Layout

Here is what the IRS Landing Page for VITA/TCE Volunteers looks like. Certification log-in on the left;  training modules and Practice Lab on the right
Downloadable PDF of Train at Home Document below

Step Three: (Tax Preparers, Reviewers & Coordinators)
You will be given PUB 4012 & PUB 6744 by your program manager once they come in mid-late November. However, they are available usually online mid-October to early November.
  • PUB 4012 (Volunteer Handbook)
    • Get used to how it is set up,
    • there are screen shots and instructions for how to enter the information
    • What is In/Out of Scope is in the beginning of the book
    • How to start and end a return
    • W-7 applications
    • Filing status decision tree
    • Healthcare info and so much more
    • It is our VITA Bible!
  • PUB 6744 Volunteer Test Book
    • ​Has test questions for both versions of each test
    • Some test questions require you to enter a tax return in the software--all documents and info in order to complete the scenario's tax return is in the book
    • Remember you must pass each test with 80% accuracy
    • Every year we have to re-certify as tax laws change--and we need refreshers after a tax hiatus
    • Use my study guides and certification checks to help you
Home
About
Contact Me
You can contact me at maryvitataxes@gmail.com 
Please note: I, Mary Meador, AM NOT a certified accountant or tax law expert. I volunteer with VITA providing free tax preparation for individuals and families whose income is less than $66,000 a year. We deal with simple returns at our sites.  I cannot guarantee the accuracy of all the information on this site as tax laws change and I may not have a clear understanding of complicated issues. I am trying to provide basic tax preparation information for our volunteers to get started--remember Publication 4012 is your go-to resource for questions, as well as irs.gov and Publication 17. ​