1NTTC Training 2009

National Tax Training Committee

AARP Tax Aide

Helping Taxpayers

2NTTC Training 2009

Training - Whats New For 2009?

Update of Power Point Slides – Pub 4491 and Pub 4012 ERO Training ARRA Highlights and Changes Security and Privacy

Updating of Agendas for Counselor Training using Pub 4491 and the Power Point Slides “3 day” agendas for Returning Volunteers “6 day” agendas for New Volunteers or others wanting/needing

more detailed training

Use of 4491W – workbook and exercises in training Use of IRS Intake and Interview Form with QR checklist Use of Link & Learn and Practice Lab for Certification of

returning volunteers

3NTTC Training 2009

Roll-out of Power Point Slides for Pub 4491

List of slides follow each lesson in Pub 4491

Slides are used as talking points for each key area principle or

concept covered in each lesson

Goal is to help counselor understand and feel confident they

can use resources, apply tax law, and to prepare accurate tax

returns

Slides facilitate use of software and e-filing

Focus on good interviewing of clients and the Quality Review

Process

4NTTC Training 2009

Creating Agendas for Counselor Training using Pub 4491 and the Power Point Slides

Each state can modify the suggested agenda to fit their needs

Training agenda provides for minimum “3 days training” for

returning volunteers – however, suggest this be increased to

“4 days” to cover ARRA & other significant changes in 2009

All new volunteers and returning volunteers who need

additional training should attend a minimum of “5 to 6 days”

of training

5NTTC Training 2009

Use of 4491W – workbook and exercises in training

A minimum of four (4) exercises or Practice Problems completed in class

Training Agenda will incorporate an exercise or problem in each day of training Basic problem should be completed on first day Basic/Intermediate problems completed on second and third

day Intermediate/Advanced problems completed on fourth and

fifth day of training Some states may elect to use comprehensive problem

worked each day of class but still should complete four problems

6NTTC Training 2009

Use of New IRS Intake Form with QR checklist

Use the IRS intake and interview form (Form 13614C) at all sites

Section A (first two pages) – completed by tax payer Section B (third page) – completed by counselor Section C (third page) – QR checklist Additional notes and information (fourth page)

Form replaces the AARP IRS intake form and QR checklist (Form 8158)

No longer require taxpayers signature to retain data for following year

Form should be completed and returned to taxpayer after final quality review

7NTTC Training 2009

Use of Link & Learn and Practice Lab for Taking the Test and Certification

Returning volunteers to have at least one year in the program to use link & learn to take the test

Must pass a three part IRS test (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced)

Also may use form 6744 – paper test

Use Practice Lab in Link & Learn (www.irs.gov) to work

problems and for training using 2009 Tax Wise

Need high speed connection to use Practice Lab – can be

wireless (training site – no live taxpayer data)

8NTTC Training 2009

Link & Learn Taxes and the Practice Lab

How is Link & Learn accessed?• Go to www.irs.gov, Keyword/Search:

“Link & Learn”• Choose certification level (Basic,

Intermediate, Advanced, Military, International, Puerto Rico, or Foreign Students)

• Begin online learning!!

9NTTC Training 2009

Practice Lab Began in November 2008 the Electronic Tax Software

Practice Lab for VITA/TCE Volunteers (using Tax Wise Online software) and included in Link & Learn Taxes

Tax Year 2009 for Tax Wise will be installed when Link & Learn for 2009 is up and running – first week in November

A universal password of “learntwo” is used to access Practice Lab.

Once logged on as a first time user – you will create a unique account

You will be assigned your own user id (a 6 digit number assigned by Practice Lab) and your zip code is your password

Restricted to authorized IRS licensees only by requiring a password

10NTTC Training 2009

Link & Learn Taxes and the Practice Lab

11NTTC Training 2009

Link & Learn Taxes and the Practice Lab

12NTTC Training 2009

In-scope topics for 2009 (continued from 2008)

Schedule K-1s’ are included in Pub 4491 and test

Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 – (taxpayers may exclude certain debt forgiven or canceled on their principal residence) – is now included in Pub 4491 with a check list in Pub 4012 Form 1099-A, Acquisition on Abandonment of

Secured Property – (from the lender if the home was transferred in a foreclosure)

Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt

13NTTC Training 2009

Advanced Copies – Late October

SCs and TRS will receive a printed advance copy of the following products in late October. Publication 4491, VITA/TCE Student Guide Publication 4491-W, VITA/TCE Workbook Publication 4555, VITA/TCE Instructor Guide Publication 6744, Test/Retest Publication 4012, Volunteer Resource Guide A CD-ROM containing all the items will also be included.

Link & Learn Taxes, including the Practice Lab, is scheduled to launch the 1st week in November.

14NTTC Training 2009

National Tax Training Committee

QUESTIONS?

COMMENTS?