Client Liaison Training
This training module is required for volunteers who are serving as Client Liaisons and is also suggested for Tax Preparer volunteers who want to learn more about the intake process. Complete at your own pace, and come back to it at any time when you need a refresher.
Please note that the training here, like all of our training, is designed to provide helpful information for volunteers getting started and to communicate important updates to experienced volunteers. Completing this training will not make you an expert, and we do not expect volunteers to know everything. You will build your knowledge and expertise over time. The more you volunteer, the more you'll learn!
Section A: Introduction
Video A-1: About this Training (2:31)
Video A-2: About Foundation Communities (1:10)
Section B: Who can use our services?
Video B-1: Income Eligibility (4:49)
Video B-2: Residency Requirements (4:46)
Video B-3: Clients Using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (7:29)
Video B-4: Clients with Self-Employment (8:25)
Section C: How we do it!
Reading C-1: Public Locations and Hours
Reading C-2: Greeting and Sign-in
Reading C-3: Frequently Asked Questions for Greeters
Reading C-4: Timeline for Walk-In Service
Video C-5: MyFreeTaxes.com (0:58)
Note: The income limit to file with MyFreeTaxes.com for free has increased to $66,000.
Reading C-6: Special Tax Services Program
Note: The IRS restricts the types of returns that VITA-funded programs can prepare. At Foundation Communities, we have a small team of volunteers who prepare some returns that are off-limits for our VITA program. This file is a handout that we give to clients as needed.
Video C-7: Paper Returns & Electronically Filed Returns (8:55)
Section D: The Intake Process
Video D-1: The Intake Interview (22:19)
Reading D-2: Basic Intake Interview Steps
Reading D-3: Cultural Sensitivity
Reading D-4: Drop-off Services Overview
Optional PowerPoint Training: We are using a new electronic sign-in software at Prosper North, Prosper South, Round Rock Public Library, and Asian American Resource Center. Staff will navigate the sign-in software if you are not comfortable. This resource is just for informational purposes for those are who interested. (Click the "Notes" at the bottom righthand corner of the PPT to read the notes while viewing the slides.)
The Quiz
Relax. This is just to make sure you understood the most important take-aways from the training. If you don't get the right answer the first time, try again. Click here for the quiz.
Review of IRS Standards of Conduct
After you pass the quiz, your next step is to review the online ethics training written by the IRS. This information was outlined earlier in this module, and you can find the full text here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4961.pdf. You do not need to memorize this material, but you should be familiar with the headings and what they mean.
Certification
You're ready to certify! You need to pass two short tests on the Standards of Conduct and Intake/Quality Review. Go to the Certification tab for step-by-step instructions.
This training module is required for volunteers who are serving as Client Liaisons and is also suggested for Tax Preparer volunteers who want to learn more about the intake process. Complete at your own pace, and come back to it at any time when you need a refresher.
Please note that the training here, like all of our training, is designed to provide helpful information for volunteers getting started and to communicate important updates to experienced volunteers. Completing this training will not make you an expert, and we do not expect volunteers to know everything. You will build your knowledge and expertise over time. The more you volunteer, the more you'll learn!
Section A: Introduction
Video A-1: About this Training (2:31)
Video A-2: About Foundation Communities (1:10)
Section B: Who can use our services?
Video B-1: Income Eligibility (4:49)
Video B-2: Residency Requirements (4:46)
Video B-3: Clients Using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (7:29)
Video B-4: Clients with Self-Employment (8:25)
Section C: How we do it!
Reading C-1: Public Locations and Hours
Reading C-2: Greeting and Sign-in
Reading C-3: Frequently Asked Questions for Greeters
Reading C-4: Timeline for Walk-In Service
Video C-5: MyFreeTaxes.com (0:58)
Note: The income limit to file with MyFreeTaxes.com for free has increased to $66,000.
Reading C-6: Special Tax Services Program
Note: The IRS restricts the types of returns that VITA-funded programs can prepare. At Foundation Communities, we have a small team of volunteers who prepare some returns that are off-limits for our VITA program. This file is a handout that we give to clients as needed.
Video C-7: Paper Returns & Electronically Filed Returns (8:55)
Section D: The Intake Process
Video D-1: The Intake Interview (22:19)
Reading D-2: Basic Intake Interview Steps
Reading D-3: Cultural Sensitivity
Reading D-4: Drop-off Services Overview
Optional PowerPoint Training: We are using a new electronic sign-in software at Prosper North, Prosper South, Round Rock Public Library, and Asian American Resource Center. Staff will navigate the sign-in software if you are not comfortable. This resource is just for informational purposes for those are who interested. (Click the "Notes" at the bottom righthand corner of the PPT to read the notes while viewing the slides.)
The Quiz
Relax. This is just to make sure you understood the most important take-aways from the training. If you don't get the right answer the first time, try again. Click here for the quiz.
Review of IRS Standards of Conduct
After you pass the quiz, your next step is to review the online ethics training written by the IRS. This information was outlined earlier in this module, and you can find the full text here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4961.pdf. You do not need to memorize this material, but you should be familiar with the headings and what they mean.
Certification
You're ready to certify! You need to pass two short tests on the Standards of Conduct and Intake/Quality Review. Go to the Certification tab for step-by-step instructions.