Instructor Training on TaxSlayer

TS Training Agenda Why are we here…what’s next Managing Student Accounts Exploring TaxSlayer Tools and Resources Navigating Data Entry Options California returns Quality Review Discussion Q & A August TRS Webinar TaxSlayer Workshop

Why Are We Here?..... Learn the TaxSlayer How to… Navigate Data entry and flow Automatic versus former manual Manual versus former automatic Both Federal and California Tax law hasn’t changed

And start thinking about Preparing for classes Lesson content Lesson sequence Resources Guiding and answering questions The sooner the better

Returning Counselor’s Workshop Schedule a workshop before refresher training Attendees: LC’s, all returning counselors Pre-Workshop: Complete at least three returns using Practice Lab Write down questions View at least one TaxSlayer video

Purpose Get Counselors “comfortable” with TaxSlayer, so you can do other things at refresher training

Suggested Agenda Introduction to TaxSlayer Review of Practice Lab Exercise discussion (returns prepared ahead of workshop) and Q&A Exercise walk-through Wrap-up discussion (Q&A) About 4 Hours

TaxSlayer Practice Lab – Ten Simple Rules Thou shalt complete a separate entry form for each dependent. Thou shalt use the tab key to navigate from one field to another. (Well, almost always.) Thou shalt always click on “continue” after completing an entry screen. Thou shalt not CAN’T enter any information directly on forms. Thou shalt not enter leading zeros when entering dates.

TaxSlayer Practice Lab – Ten Simple Rules Thou shalt remember that the deduction tab contains adjustments and credits as well as deductions. Thou shalt opt out of EIC rather than opt in. Thou shalt remember that there is no override function. Thou shalt not use the message center function while using the Practice Lab. Thou shalt not get frustrated by having to follow the first nine rules.

Thou shalt not use the term TaxWise And last but not least Thou shalt not use the term TaxWise

Final Thoughts There is bound to be some frustration and grumbling So think about this: What if we had been using TaxSlayer all along and we were now going to switch to TaxWise? How do you think our returning volunteers would react?

New vs Returning Counselors New Counselors Don’t know the difference Have probably used similar software Don’t need to listen to whining Need to learn Tax Law So recommend incorporating TS training in your regular classes

Returning Counselors No big changes in tax law Becoming proficient with TaxSlayer is paramount Practice will be the key So more than four exercises is warranted S L X A Y A T E R

TaxSlayer is a Black Box In the old software, we built a 1040 In TaxSlayer, it suddenly appears So, spend some time at the beginning of training discussing the “construction” of a tax return

Change = Opportunity It may be a great time to take a fresh look at our training Lesson format Lesson flow Required exercises ????.................

LC Training – A New Look LCs will need more than Policies and Procedures TaxSlayer Site Admin responsibility role needs attention LC’s need to be prepared for more OJT and dealing with TaxSlayer related issues (volunteer and taxpayer related) LC

Quality Review? Still being investigated Should get additional TaxSlayer improvements Can always retrace the preparer’s steps One size may not fit all More to come

Discussion….