Quality Reviews are how we ensure the accuracy of the return. There are several ways to do a Quality Review:
  1. Some prefer to use the Quality Review Print Set reviewing all the documents that print out with the Intake Form and supporting documents. 
  2. While others prefer to review every entry in the system against the intake form and supporting documents.  To help you--when you click on the Navigation pane on the left--Federal--you can see the tree of all forms used on the left--click on each form and review entries.
  3. Did you know that if you view the 1040 Summary in Taxslayer, click on line 1 Wages--it will take you to the W2 section to review--when you are done and click on continue, it will take you back to the Summary 1040. 
Everyone has there one preference--just be thorough!

In PUB 4012, page K-12 thru K-17 (of the 2018 book) you will find the Quality Review Process, Printing, Refund, Payment Due, and Estimated Payment information.

No matter the method, here is what needs to be done by the Quality Reviewer for EVERY return:
  • Review the entire intake form making sure ALL questions are answered (no blanks or Unsure boxes checked) and all grey areas are complete
  • Double check the filing status by asking clarifying questions
  • Double check their are qualified to claim any dependents listed (or find out why someone may be on the intake form and not on return)
  • Verify ALL Social Security numbers, birthdays, and names are entered correctly, as well as mailing address
  • Review all documents are entered correctly and go over health insurance section
  • Double check the bank information is entered correctly, if applicable, and try to encourage splitting refund.
  • Make sure return is marked for correct filing method (paper or e-file),
  • Make sure to mark return complete, and select the appropriate return tag, and mark it approved.
  • Print return
  • Review the return in its entirety with the client (see column on left for help with that). We want to make sure the client understands their return --they will really appreciate you doing that too.
  • Ask if they have any questions about their return
  • Then, if they have no questions, say the following:  "For me to efile this for you, I have to say 'Under the penalty of perjury, you have reviewed your return and to the best of your knowledge it is true and accurate as you are the one who is ultimately responsible for your return. If you agree, sign here and I can e-file your return for you'" Then I have them sign the  8879 (for e-filing)
From Prosperity Now's TON VITA Train: Finishing the Return
From AARP-Gold Standards for Quality Reviews-a great resource!  Click image below to open full document
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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**
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