Multiple Names on Social Security Card
I have seen returns reject because of a name mismatch--more often than not, it is because the person had multiple middle or last names, and the names were not entered correctly. Names have to match the Social Security database--one reason why we need the Social Security cards. With multiple names it is still easy to make a mistake. Please check out this really short document.
Client owes the IRS from prior year, and they are due a refund this year. And they are facing financial hardship like eviction or utility cut-off, read attached before e-filing, there may be help. Click Here
Misclassified Employee?  Client receive a 1099-NEC and you think they may have been misclassified and should be treated as an employee and receive a W2?  See this hand out for steps client should follow. In English and Spanish.

​Here is a great website with instructions the client can follow on their own. It is very informative. Click Here 

More from the IRS ​Click Here.
Reporting TIP Income for an EMPLOYEE that is not reported on a W2 CLICK HERE
​For self-employed, it goes on the Schedule C income menu-ok to enter in first box with other cash income
Are Awarded Damages Taxable? An article by Jonlyn & Associates (they have a great newsletter you can sign up for)
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ZOMBIE CLIENTS? 
What to do when the IRS says your cleint is deceased. Click image to learn more (HINT--Don't let them scratch/bite you)
SSCard Not Valid for Employment
Client has 1042-S for Gambling Winnings See how to enter, Click Here *Client must be able to file 1040; they have green card, have passed the Standard of Presence test, or are married to U.S. citizen (see PUB 4012 L1-2 for more info on this)
Inherited Property--A good article from TurboTax titled 4 Ways to Protect Your Inheritance   (though not really a VITA topic-- good to know for ourselves as well)
Received an Incorrect W-2? If the employer won't correct it, follow the steps outlined here ​https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/w-2-additional-incorrect-lost-non-receipt-omitted/w-2-additional-incorrect-lost-non-receipt-omitted
If a client had to move due to a disaster and they need to update their address with the IRS before their next tax return is processed, they should call  the IRS Disaster Hotline at 866-562-5227
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Marketplace & Unemployment TY2021
Florida Unemployment Form 1099-G and the darn pop-up blocker

Many people are having trouble getting their Florida Unemployment 1099-G because of the silly pop-up blockers. See PDF for  how to get through that.

Windows 11 Update-  what to do to avoid having a username/password on  a shared volunteer computer
We ordered some brand new computers—HP with Windows 11. We were  concerned about the need to have Microsoft Accounts on all—with user names and passwords for shared computers.  This is not an issue after all.
 
Once you have your new computer—turn on and go through the initial set-up (using your Microsoft Account) Then…
  • Go to Settings
  • Account
  • Other Users
  • Add an Account
    • Click on I don’t have this persons sign-in information
  • Add a user without a Microsoft  account
    • Enter name (we used the computer number we assigned it)
    • Skip password
    • <Next>
  • After the account is created
    • Change account type for the account  just created to ADMIN
  • Log out/sign out of your own Microsoft Account
  • Sign in with the NEW ACCOUNT you just created
  • Go to settings
  • Account
  • Other users
  • Edit
  • Remove your own Microsoft account used to start the process
 
That is all we had to do.
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Decedent Return
What to do if spouse, parent, or tax-payer of other relationship passes away.

Tool created by AARP 
Potential Identity Theft letter for clients when return rejects due to Social Security number of taxpayer or spouse already being used on a tax return.

Another great resource from AARP for NTCC volunteers
 Not something our VITA tax preparers need to worry about-send taxpayers to LITC or TAS   added 9/22/2024

How to decide if you need an IRS installment agreement--
See Warnings—there are drawbacks to this for some
(and other options like Offer in Compromise, and more) 
This I find interesting as I have had so very many taxpayers coming to me this Summer (sent by IRS) to file 3-10 years of taxes... so I made notes for myself

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You can contact me at [email protected] 
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.  I hope you find this information useful and easy to understand. Thanks for being a VITA/TCE volunteer!
**I am human, so if you find a mistake, please let me know so I can fix it--we are all in this together**
​All images from our UWLHG Canva account unless promoting the resource linked to​