1. Instructor Responsibilities
And Certification

2. Scope of Authority
Instructors train Counselors to assist in the preparation of tax returns for the target population in accordance with program policy
Instructors do not supervise another volunteer position
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3. Qualifications Must be able to train volunteers in their district
Know basic principles of instruction
Have requisite knowledge in tax law and the preparation of tax returns
Must be able to work effectively with diverse adult learners
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4. Administrative
Instructors are appointed by the District Coordinator (DC) and report directly to the DC
Required Training:
Must acquire tax proficiency sufficient to train others
Must have knowledge of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program policies
Attends district and local meetings
Also any training sessions as necessary for performance of Instructor duties
The position requires the greatest time in the late fall and early winter when Instructors and Counselors are trained
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5. Responsibilities Attends Instructor Workshop (if possible)
Passes the Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Test for IRS certification
Is familiar with the NTTC Workbook problems required by their district for certification of a Counselor
The Policy Manual states that a minimum of four exercises should be completed by each student
Meadows, Parsons. Wells and Yale are recommended for experienced counselors
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6. Responsibilities Continued
Is familiar with training resources and tools available on the One Support Help Center (OSHC)
Schedules Counselor training classes
Provides instruction to all site level volunteers
Income tax information
Tax return preparation
Program policy and administrative procedures
Confidentiality and security of taxpayer data
Incorporates adult learning principles in all areas of instruction
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7. Responsibilities Continued
Grades and returns IRS test to Counselors and marks up workbook problems assigned by their district
Reviews test results and assigned problems with Counselors and provides guidance for weak areas that were identified
Signs the Volunteer Agreement for Counselors who have passed the IRS test and have completed any problems required by their district
This means that the Counselor is certified
Submits a list of Counselors who successfully certified to their District Coordinator
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8. Term of Service Appointed for a one-year term
Contingent upon satisfactory annual review and certification
May be reappointed for additional one-year terms indefinitely
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9. Certification

10. Resources AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Training Guide
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Policy and Procedures Manual
On list for READ AHEAD!
Discussion: Did you have a chance to review it; particularly, the section on Cortication? How familiar are you with the process in your state – comments?
As Counselor, to whom did you report your certification? As Instructor?
Sequa to next slide: There are other sources such as the Training Specialist (TRS) Position Description located on OneSupport>General Program Management>Position Descriptions
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11. All Volunteers:
Attend classroom training on Policy & Procedures and IRS Standards of Conduct
Pass the IRS Standards of Conduct test (score 80% or better, may re-test once)
Submit a signed Volunteer Agreement
Simply stated, what is the Process? Basic requirements met and APPROVED.
Next slide: Who is the APPROVING OFFICER? Depends……..
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12. All Client Facilitators, Local and Shift Coordinators:
In addition to above:
Complete Intake and Interview training
Complete Quality Review training
Pass IRS Intake/Quality Review test (score 80% or better, may re-test once)
Note: Current Colorado Exception for Greeters
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13. All Counselors, Instructors, TRCs, TRSs and EROs:
In addition to all of above:
Pass IRS Advanced test (score 80% or better, may re-test once) – recommend using Link & Learn test
Satisfactorily complete a specified number of practice returns (4 for Colorado)
Optionally, may certify in additional areas of tax law (HSA)
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14. Caution: Link & Learn Retest Issue
Currently Link & Learn does not allow a retest
Volunteers should be cautioned that failure to pass the retest will prevent them from participating during the current year
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15. The Approving Official…
TRS certified by IRS Spec RM (the Approving Official)
TRCs and Instructors certified by the TRS (the Approving Official)
Counselors, etc. certified by Instructors (the Approving Officials)
IRS Spec. signs off on the TRS’ Volunteer agreement.
TRS signs off on the ‘Instructors’ Volunteer agreements.
Instructors, TRCs & TRS certify and sign off on agreements
Counselors and all others – Approving Officer to be discussed later in the session.
Next slide: Clarification of Instructor Certification
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16. Instructors…
Must be certified for tax year that corresponds with tax law being taught in volunteer training classes prior to training other volunteers
Certification of TRS is straight forward .
Instructor certification: This scenario is going to come up! Be prepared!
In other words: for TY16 content, the instructor must be certified for TY2016 Tax Law and use of TaxSlayer software! The moment the instructor is teaching TY2017 Tax Law changes and using 2017 software, they must be certified TY2017.
Review: The APPROVING OFFICER for the TRS is……? The APPROVING OFFICER for TRCs & Instructors is…..?
Next slide: Counselor Certification
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17. Reporting Certifications
Report certifications to DC
TRS for TRCs/Instructors
TRCs/Instructors for other volunteers
Some Districts may pilot new Portal-based process
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18. Volunteer Agreement Retention
The paper and/or electronic copies of IRS Form must be retained by District in accordance with AARP policy as described in the Policy and Procedures Manual
Policy and Procedures Manual: OneSupport Help Center>General Program Management>General
Policy and Procedures Manual is available in the OneSupport Help Center>General Program Management>General
It is recommended that each volunteer bring a copy of the signed form to each session.
It is also recommended that each site have a list of all certified volunteers who could potentially work at the site. This is easily achieved by keeping a district-wide list of certified volunteers at the site.
The district coordinator, following the procedures in the policy procedure manual, should retain copies of Form  Each volunteer should have a copy of their form every time they volunteer. The final certification list also serves as proof that the Form has been signed.  In case a name was inadvertently omitted from the certification list, having the signed form available will meet the requirements of the IRS.
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19. Instructor Responsibilities and Certifications
??????
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