Transcript Document

AARP Tax-Aide
FOR ALL
AARP TAX-AIDE SITES
AARP Tax-Aide 2007 - 2008
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Purpose of this document
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To provide District Coordinators (DCs) with
a useful and easy tool to acquaint or remind
Local Coordinators (LCs) of AARP Tax-Aide
site requirements
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These site requirements are designed to:
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Maximize the percentage of accurate returns
prepared,
Ensure a quality and confidential experience for
the taxpayer, and
Ensure site compliance with program policy and
IRS grant requirements
AARP Tax-Aide 2007 - 2008
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Site Checklist
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Secure Equipment and Tax Data
Post required Notices and have required
AARP Tax-Aide and IRS Materials
Certify all Counselors
Interview/Intake process for every TP
100% Quality Review by 2nd Counselor
Have process for tracking all e-files through
acceptance
Accurately Report Activity
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Secure Equipment and Tax Data
More info in Confidentiality and Security document in LC Guide and Extranet
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Store equipment in secure environment
Immediately call police and number on back of
volunteer badge (1-202-434-6021) if a
computer is stolen
Require encryption, passwords, and antivirus
software on all computers with Taxpayer data
Exit Tax software and encryption if you step
away
Never post passwords on or near computer
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Post Required Notices and have required
AARP Tax-Aide Materials
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AARP Tax-Aide Poster (D143)
Site sign-in sheets
AARP Tax-Aide Intake Sheets for every return
prepared (D18445)
AARP Tax-Aide Tax Record Envelopes D12225English & D17464 Spanish
(All of the above can be ordered from AARP TaxAide Fulfillment)
LCs should read and have a copy of the current
AARP Tax-Aide LC Digest available (will be mailed
to LCs directly in Nov or Dec)
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IRS Required Site Materials
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IRS Pub. 17
 IRS Pub. 4012
 IRS 1040 Instructions
 For e-filing sites - IRS Pub. 3189-EFILE
Handbook
 For paper sites - Instructions for Schedule A
(includes the state sales tax deduction
tables)
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Certified Counselors
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Pass the Advanced level of the IRS Test
Sign Standards of Conduct statement
(All AARP Tax-Aide volunteers must sign,
including Client Facilitators)
Must be trained in AARP Tax-Aide program
policies and procedures
Minimum of two certified Counselors at site
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All Counselors must:
(Some of those policies and procedures)
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Maintain confidentiality/security of data
Never solicit business for self or others
Refuse any type of compensation or tips
Stay within scope of training/certification
Provide Taxpayers with explanation (and a
copy) of tax return as taxpayers retain
responsibility of the accuracy of the return
 Assist taxpayers at sites, not at volunteer
homes
 Serve customers with courtesy regardless of
customer’s sex, race, age, religion, etc.
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100% Quality Review - All Returns
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Second set of eyes Quality Review (QR)
Second set of eyes is a certified Counselor
Review to source documents for data and
Intake Sheets to ensure nothing missed
Use Quality Review Checklist (slightly
modified IRS Form 8158) on the back cover of
the Counselor Digest as a guide for QR
Review entire return with Taxpayer
Initial Site Sign-in Sheet for QR
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Closing for the day and season
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All data must be returned to taxpayers at the end of
the session except for that required to e-file
Process exists to ensure all e-file returns are timely
transmitted, rejects corrected & accepted
Forms 8879, W-2, 1099s and 8453 with special
attachment must be sent to the local IRS SPEC office
by April 30
Taxpayer data can be retained only if the taxpayer
agrees and, even then, it must be deleted off all
computers by the end of April
Retained data is stored on disk and by only one
person in the state (ask your leader for name)
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Accurate Activity Reporting
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SIDN must be on every tax return
E-filing sites must use a EFIN assigned to
AARP Tax-Aide and record it on all returns
Stat reporting via new on-line method
Site lists must reflect correct dates, times
and locations.
Weekly updates to IRS STARS system after
September from AARP Tax-Aide
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Where LCs can go for help
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Your District Coordinator
 AARP Tax-Aide LC Digest
 AARP Tax-Aide volunteer extranet
www.aarp.org/tavolunteers
 IRS Volunteer Hotline: 1-800-829-8482
 IRS website: www.irs.gov
 IRS refund help: 1-800-829-1954
 TaxWise® help: 1-800-411-6391
 TaxWise® website: www.taxwise.com
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Thanks!
Please know that the work you do to ensure
the site is effectively operated is not only
appreciated by all of AARP Foundation and
Tax-Aide organization but, most especially,
the taxpayers served by the hardworking
volunteers at your site! What would the
taxpayers do without you?
Remember to have some fun and thank those
volunteers on behalf of all of us!
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