Certification and Testing 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

Tax-Aide Certification Requirements (1) All Volunteers – IRS Standards of Conduct test Pub 4961 is available only in electronic format Support Coordinators – No further requirements Local Coordinators, Counselors and Client Facilitators Intake/Interview and Quality Review training and test –ten questions Link & Learn or Pub 5101 (on-line only) Training materials in Pub 4961 are good to use. The revision of Form 6744 on 10/19/15 will probably result in a difference between the electronic version of Form 6744 and the hardcopy version since the hardcopy version has already gone to press. 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

Tax-Aide Certification Requirements (2) Counselors – Anyone preparing or reviewing returns Advanced test 35 questions Complete at least four exercises from NTTC Workbook Training materials in Pub 4961 are good to use. The revision of Form 6744 on 10/19/15 will probably result in a difference between the electronic version of Form 6744 and the hardcopy version since the hardcopy version has already gone to press. 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

Certification Testing Recommend (URGE!!!) Link & Learn rather than paper Excellent on-line training reinforces classroom Easier for the Instructors However, Volunteer Agreement doesn’t show test score – only that the tests were passed 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

Reviewing Counselors Test Results On-line certification doesn’t indicate the test score Instructors may want to learn how they actually did Some options. Ask for: pdf’s of F1040 of test scenarios Print out of test results page Student’s log-in credentials to review answers 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

Optional Certification Tests Optional Certifications for Counselors HSA Military International HSA training and testing via Link & Learn or Pub. 4942 (electronic only) Pub 4942 also serves as good reference resource while counseling 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

“Printed” Training Materials (1) Pub 4012 (loose-leaf three-hole-punched) has been ordered for all Counselors Tax-Aide will create custom electronic version reflecting expanded scope – ENCOURAGE IT’S USE! Pub 4491 (2016) available only electronically. Pub 4491A (electronic) lists changes to 2015 edition Appendix has good ACA affordability exercises 4491X (errata) will be available late December 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

“Printed” Training Materials (2) Duck Books will be mailed in January All districts have ordered through the TRS Additional copies – use FTB form 2333V-CA Districts have varying policies for distributing 1040 Instructions, Pub. 17 and CA 540 booklets 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

New/Expanded Training Tools NTTC Workbook for Tax Year 2016 Several new practice returns Quizzes and exercises Loose leaf binder format Each district must obtain/distribute copies to trainees Available from AARP Fulfillment Last year’s NTTC Workbook has more returns Workbook based on previous years’ Pub 4491W problems updated for 2015 Slides – continue to incorporate feedback – more emphasis on using resources (Pubs 4012 and 17) 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

New/Expanded Training Tools NTTC Lesson Plans: (OSHC>Tax Training>Immersion Training) Series I – Designed for local customization Series II – Designed to be more turn-key with minimal customizing required Includes schedules for new and returning counselors NTTC Power-Point Training Slides Select/edit as appropriate to audiences CA-specific set available 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop

Certification and Testing Questions… Comments… 2016 CA-2 Instructor Workshop