Practice Lab is available 24/7-365 so you can go in and get used to the software, enter scenarios for fun or to enter scenarios for the certification tests. There are a few ways to access the practice lab.

• The software will generally be updated  to the new tax year (tax tables, credits, forms, etc) mid November.  Please note--it will not be 100% updated until closer to mid-January as the IRS and congress keep making changes and have to approve certain forms--which never seem to be done timely.  BUT-- use the software as much as you can-- get used to it, just know there may be some calculations that might be off--they generally advise us when there are issues like this.
• Remember, the more you play with the software, the better! You will be more familiar with it and the more confident.
• 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!
• The password for everyone to access is TRAINPROWEB  (write this down)

There are 2 ways to easily access Practice Lab--choose what works best for you:

Access through IRS's linklearncertification.com

Or through Taxslayer's VITA Springboard vita.taxslayerpro.com

To gain access you need this password: TRAINPROWEB  Then, create an account

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Once you have accessed Practice Lab you will see this screen.
FYI--There are 6 sections with training resources if you want to review them--

• Section 1,2,3, and 5 are more for program managers and coordinators--you can disregard these.
  
• Section 4 & 6 are areas for tax preparers and reviewers --Section 4 shows how to do certain things within the software, Section 6 has practice scenarios and recorded webinars. (those get updated end of November-December)
  

Click on GO TO Practice Area to use the software.

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Tips & Tricks for Taxslayer

• Use the navigation tree on the left to move around quickly
• Use the Search feature, it 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
• Click on the blue numbers on the summary screen to and it will take you back to the screen where you entered the data for quick review/editing and then, when you hit continue, it "should" take you back to the Summary page!
• After you enter information that generates a Schedule, you will see little 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. 
• Warning: Most of the time the summary screen does not display accurately as forms change and programming isn't completed--so it is best to generate a PDF of the return to see an accurate view of your return. 
  

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A nice feature in Taxslayer, when you have entered something that generates a Schedule, like a Schedule C for self-employment, or Schedule D for capital Gains, Itemizing for Schedule A, or Interest/Dividends for Schedule B, -- you can quickly view the Schedule from the Income menu without having to go all the way to the summary screen.

Just click the printer icons 

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How to Access Practice Lab, Create a return from beginning to end in Taxslayer. Click Here for Power Point

Practice Lab

Accessing & Creating A Return

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