1. Instructor Training on TaxSlayer

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Discussion….