For more information on the training course, read the Q&A below:

Q:  Who is the training is for?
A:  This training is intended for staff and/or volunteers of free tax preparation programs who will be acting as on-site Quality reviewers.  That is, they will be responsible for checking the accuracy of each completed return before it is mailed or e-filed to the IRS. 

Q:  Does this substitute for training that my site already provides?
A:  This is not training in tax law, tax return preparation or use of Taxwise software.  It does not replace the training that sites and the IRS already offer in these areas.  However, some sites may choose to offer the training to all certified tax preparation volunteers, and it can be helpful to build skills and accuracy.

Q:  How much does the training cost?
A:  The training is free to staff and volunteers referred by free and low-cost tax preparation programs serving low-income and EITC-eligible filers.

Q:  How does the training work?
A:  The training can be completed at your own speed and timetable.  Trainees will need a password provided by their tax site manager or program director, and will need to complete some brief information to log in for the first time.  After that, they can log on any time, 24/7, and enter and exit as convenient. 

Q:  What is the training course like?
A:  The training has been developed to mimic the real-world tax site environment.  It consists of a series of tax return scenarios.  When you enter each scenario, you will see the tax filer’s return on the computer (Taxwise screens).  You will also be able to examine all the filers documents, including social security cards, W-2s, etc.  And finally, you will be able to ask the filer questions about their situation and return.  You will be asked to identify the mistakes in each tax return.  You will also be timed on how quickly you can do so.

Q:  Is there a test or certification?
A:  Yes.  In order to complete and pass the training, you need to correctly identify the mistakes in a sample tax return.  An individualized “Certification Report” can be printed and submitted to the tax site manager or program director to let them know you have successfully completed the training.  The report will also note the time it took you to complete the quality review.

Q:  When will the training be available?
A:  The training will go on-line in late November/early December 2007 and will remain active through the end of the tax season.  Trainees can access the training at any time during that period.

Q:  Does this meet the IRS requirements for quality review?
A:  Yes.  The IRS requires that all VITA sites have a Quality Review process that includes the tax filer, source documents and an approved checklist.  This training has been reviewed by the IRS and the accompanying checklist has been approved as a substitute for Form 8158 (Quality Review Sheet).  Sites that implement an on-site return review process based on this training will meet the IRS requirements for quality review.