Drop-in For Help (All Welcome)
Every Tuesdays Oct 6 - January 26 7-9pm EST
Meeting ID:Meeting ID 625 713 8511
Passcode: 620362
One tap mobile +13052241968
Here is the link to tax year 2026s:
PUB 6744 Test Book (don't focus on the test now--focus on training!
IRS PUB 4491 Volunteer Training (COMING SOON!)
Why Study & practice?
-
Build confidence and accuracy by learning how to research and apply tax law.
-
Ensure quality service for clients with the support of resources and experienced teammates.
Follow in order-- trainings build on each other... Click on Images for presentation
EVERYONE MUST PASS THE
CODE OF CONDUCT TEST
& INTAKE INTERVIEW TEST.
<---CLICK IMAGES --->
TO SEE A STUDY GUIDE
FOR EACH.
Study Guides from United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
ALL TAX PREPARERS, QUALITY REVIEWERS NEED TO REVIEW THE FOLLOWING LESSONS. I TRIED TO KEEP THEM AS SHORT AS i COULD BUT i ALSO WANT TO TEACH IN A WAY THAT COVERS IMPORTANT INFORMATION I THINK YOU SHOULD KNOW. I HAVE PROVIDED PRACTICE FOR SOME OF THEM AS WELL.
YOU DONT NEED TO MEMORIZE ANYTHING--HAVE FUN!
I am starting to update training for Tax Year 2026-I will indicate on the left of each lesson when it is updated. --Note the scenarios are all still 2025 until the software is updated
LESSON NUMBER TRAINING PRACTICE
OCT 20 - ADDED WHAT TO DO WHEN DEPENDENT CAN BE CLAIMED BY MORE THAN ONE PERSON (GREEN SLIDES --ADDED AFTER RECORDING)
Who can be claimed as a dependents?
Make sure you VIEW this traiing & use your tools! It's easy to make mistakes on this topic.
Click here for PDF of the training Power Point Version (download as Powerpoint after opening for better viewing)
Click Image below for a video of the training - I added to the training after I recorded it--see the PDF or Powerpoint green slides for new material on what to do when a dependent can be claimed by more than one person.
Click image below for PDF
P.S. I added a lot of explanations to this quiz as requested-hope you find this a useful tool!
Updated for 2026!!
Selecting the correct and BEST is not always obvious--NEVER ASSUME!!
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image below for a recording of the training
Click image below for PDF of Quiz
P.S. I added a lot of explanations to this quiz as requested-hope you find this a useful tool!
Updated for 2026!!
A thorough Intake is KEY to an accurate return.
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image below for a recording of the training
I cannot stress the importance of a thorough intake interview.
Get to know your taxpayers and have fun!
Updated for 2026 -- updated 10/15 News slide on PFML
Earned vs Unearned Income
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
1040 below is from 2025 software
Lesson 5 PDF and PowerPoint updated- Recording is not done
Retirement Income 1099Rs --
Updated Aug 2026 to include Exceptions to Penalty Information
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image below for Recording
Changed Values a little in scenario 10/12/2026
1040 below is from 2025 software
Note: When calculating the taxable portion for a joint survivor beneficiaty using the Simplified Method (and Taxslayer now works great for this) -- if the employee was receiving benefits BEFORE passing away then use the same combined age after death. If the benefits started AFTER the employee passed away use only the survivor's age. (Note from PUB 4012 Section D)
2026 Re-Done except for Recording 10/23/26
Social Security & RailRoad Retirement
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Add in Wilma's Railroad Retirement
1040 below is from 2025 software
I revised Part 1 10/12/2026 - you may need to go back and adjust your return if you dod part 1 before 1/12/2026
1040 below is from 2025 software
2026 Re-Done except for Recording 10/20/26--added information on depreciation and Deminimis Election :)
Self-Employment
**ADVANCED TOPIC**
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
1040 below is from 2025 software
PDF and PowerPoint updated- Recording is not done
Interest, Dividends AND
Capital Gains
**ADVANCED TOPIC**
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Supplemental Training on Sale of Main Home will be added -i have to find where i put it LOL
1040 below is from 2025 software
1040 below is from 2025 software
2026 Re-Done except for Recording 10/15/26
Alimony, Gambling, Cancelled Debt, Unemployment, Poll Worker, Medicaid Waiver Payments & More!
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
1040 below is from 2025 software
2026 Re-Done except for Recording 10/15/26
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
2026 Re-Done except for Recording 10/15/26
Educator Expenses, IRA Contributions, Student Loan Interest
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Check In-- For Practice # 11 - Banta- Part 2 You should show for 2025 Tax Year..........
AGI $24,325 Total Tax (Line 24) $712 Results: Refund $0.00 UPDATED 12/5/2025
2026 Re-Done except for Recording 10/15/26
And the Differences Between them. *Includes NEW TAX LAW
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Added note about Proposed change - Federal Publilc Benefits Schedule 3-A
Training updated- not recorded yet
Differences Between them.
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Update 10/20/2026 Not Recording
Differences Between them.
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Update 10/22/2026 Not Recording
Differences Between them.
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Update 10/23/2026 Not Recording
Differences Between them.
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Update 10/23/2026 Not Recording
Types of Education Credits & Qualifications
Click Here for PDF of Training PowerPoint Version
Click Image Below for Recording of the training
Scenario updated - not the lesson
The lessons below are not yet updated for TY 2026
This lesson is not recommended for new tax preparers -
Deeper Dive - Maximizing the- Education Credit & Kiddie Tax; for dependent and parent; Getting more Education Credit--
This lesson is not recommended for new tax preparers
Deeper Dive - Maximizing the- Education Credit and affect on EITC
Check In-- For Practice # 9 - Cristano Part 2 You should show for 2025 Tax Year..........
AGI $ 46,224 Total Tax (Line 24) $0.00 Results: $7,590 12/5/2025
Hopefully you found that allocating doe NOT beneft Cristiano -take education w/o allocating
Lesson is not updated yet, but I did update the scenario itself for Cristiano Part 3 and 4-- Lawrance is not done
When updated, Everyone Needs to Review this Lesson -- Big changes for 2026 in what people will owe
Marketplace
Lawrance (Using Marketplace Tool's 2024 Values)
Scenario 7 - Refund $4,173 Marketplace Credit $964
Scenario 8 - Owes $1,068 MArketplace Repayment $3,034
Intake Form- Page 3 to end
TAX YEAR 2026 Study Guides & Certification coming soon
Message for volunteers: Volunteers should base their certification test/retest answers using the tax law content shown in the lessons of the Publication 4491 and Publication 4012. Volunteers should NOT base their test/retest answers on OBBBA tax law changes. The Link & Learn Taxes Certification site is programmed for pre-OBBBA tax law answers only.
TAX YEAR 2025 Scenario Results -- 2026 coming soon
Results from 11-23-2025 *if you get something different let me know
TAX YEAR 2026 Certification Review - coming soon
Once you have completed answering all the test questions in your book(or on paper), before you submit online on the IRS certification site, input your answers in these online forms to check your work. Feedback is given--if you get a question incorrect, it will guide you to the resource you should review. Remember, this is all about learning so we can do the best for our clients.
