TAX-AIDE The Client Facilitator Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE What/Who is a Client Facilitator? ● Greeter/Interviewer ● Does not answer tax questions or give tax advice, unless a certified counselor ● Local Coordinator or a counselor can also be a Client Facilitator Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE Greeter – Client Facilitator 1 ● Greets taxpayer, facilitates orderly service of taxpayers and assists in collection and record of site service: Schedule and sign-In sheet Knowledge of acceptable ID and SS information – for all people on tax return Assists with completion of Intake/ Interview Sheet Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE Interviewer – Client Facilitator 2 ● Greeter tasks plus Organizes taxpayer documents (privacy permitting) Initial interview of taxpayer and review of Intake/Interview Sheet Basic screening of taxpayer situation to determine if there are potential scope issues Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE Client Facilitator Job Aids ● Form C Job Aid – Pub 4012 ● In Scope/Out of Scope Poster ● Local Social Security offices/addresses ● Other local city or state office addresses that might be needed or helpful ● List of frequently used acronyms Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE CF1 Tasks ● Greets and welcomes taxpayer ● Ensures taxpayer is logged on activity sheet ● Ensures taxpayer confidentiality and privacy ● Explains Interview/Intake Sheet Assists with completing as necessary Checks to make sure every applicable question is answered “YES” or “NO” or “UNSURE” Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE CF1 Tasks (cont) ● Alerts Local Coordinator if taxpayer requires/requests special assistance ● Assigns taxpayer to counselor following site procedures ● Ensures activity log updated when taxpayer departs site ● Additional duties as assigned by LC Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE CF2 Tasks – CF1 Tasks Plus Makes sure taxpayer has SSN or ITIN for everyone on return – verifies ID Sorts documents in 1040 order by taxpayer/spouse Check documents – are they in “In Scope”? Works with taxpayer to answer the ACA questions on the intake sheet part 4 Notifies LC for any taxpayer who doesn’t have MEC or if they had a PTC Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE Benefits of a CF ● Creates pleasant welcoming atmosphere at site ● Calms worried and impatient taxpayers ● Avoids unnecessary taxpayer delays ● Brings order to administration tasks ● Increases site productivity Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE CF Qualifications ● Personable, organized, patient, diligent ● Knows Tax-Aide policies and site procedures ● Need not be certified counselor Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE Requirements to be CF ● Trained: Intake/Interview Quality Review Volunteer Site Policy and Procedure training ● Must pass Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) test ● Must sign Volunteer Agreement Instructor Workshop

TAX-AIDE Client Facilitator Questions! Comments! Instructor Workshop