Training & Testing Resources
(see links to the left for training requirements for your Volunteer Role)
(see links to the left for training requirements for your Volunteer Role)
Resources for All Classes
Pub. 4012 (Volunteer Resource Guide)
This is not updated for One Big Beautiful Bill.
We will post a link to Pub. 4491X with correction pages when it becomes available (IRS is projecting early February)
In the meantime: these charts are updated for OBBBA:
- 4012 page: A-3_ Who Must File Chart
- 4012 page: F-3_Standard Deduction
Pub. 4491 (text book)
We will post a link to Pub. 4491X with correction pages when it becomes available (IRS is projecting early February)
TaxSlayer practice lab Link
vita.taxslayerpro.com
password: TRAINPROWEB
Returning volunteer?
You can use forgot username and reset password if needed
Setting up a new account? Leave SIDN blank
Annual Mandatory Training for all volunteers
Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake, Interview and Quality Review
Volunteer Standards of Conduct
IRS Pub. 4961 (or In Spanish)
Intake, Interview and Quality Review (3 options):
A. Prosperity Now Slides
OR B. IRS Pub. 5101 (or in Spanish)
OR C. IRS Training Video
Additional resource:
IRS Intake Interview and QR handbook Pub. 5838
Exam Instructions and Resources
Plan to complete your exam and submit your agreement by Jan. 26. You MUST submit your agreement to CTA at least 1 week before your site opens.
Pub. 6744 (exam book)
NEW: Study companions
(ignore client names, just use Pub references for concepts)
and instructions for submitting your volunteer agreement.
RETURNING VOLUNTEERS READ!!
Take time to review the links above for important information on taking the test, accessing the exam portal and the mandatory process for submitting your exam and verifying your identity.
Do NOT wait to take your exam. The IRS exams do not cover OBBBA or state issues.
Pre Training for new volunteers and Client Navigators (optional for everyone else)
Introduction to Tax Law Webinar series.
Created by our partners at CASH MD, these videos introduce you to the fundamental concepts of tax law. It's important that you start here if you do not have prior tax knowledge.
01 Tax Fundamentals and Additional Topics
Finish Pre-training in preparation for this class (See above)
02 Applied Skills and Tax Slayer Return Prep
homework: view these Training Modules
Volunteer Standards of Conduct
IRS Pub. 4961 (or In Spanish)
Intake, Interview and Quality Review (3 options):
A. Prosperity Now Slides
OR B. IRS Pub. 5101 (or in Spanish)
OR C. IRS Training Video
03: Scenario Review
See homework above
Registering to take the Test and Exam Instructions
Click for instructions to access the IRS Certification Portal. (also for exam portal issues)
Click here for instructions on taking the exam
(also for exam portal issues)
Getting to Advanced
Recording: (Coming late January)
Slides: Getting to Advanced (Coming late January)
Part A slides
Part A recording
Part A practice scenario
Part A solution (Washington)
Part B slides
Part B recording
Part B practice scenario
Part B solution (Liu)
04. State Overview, Intake & Exit
(materials to be posted January 30th)
Intake & Exit slides
State Overview slides
Practice Scenario
Recording
Challenging Topics: Education Benefits
Coming soon: Scenario solution
Challenging Topics: Retirement Income
coming soon: Retirement Slides
coming soon: Retirement solution
Challenging Topics: Self-Employment
Form Schedule C and instructions
coming soon Self employment solution
Returning Preparer A & B
Returning Preparer Part A
Returning Part A: Slides (we will not be sharing a recording of Part A)
Additional Self Study & Resources:
From AARP Tax Aide 2025 Quick Reference Chart
Tax Law Changes: In Pub. 4491, Read “Important Changes for 2025” (PDF page 11+) AND Chapters 1 and 2 (PDF pages 20-42)
Additional Resources (if you want to dive deeper):
IRS Taxpayer Advocate on phasing out of paper checks https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/nta-blog/as-the-irs-phases-out-paper-checks-vulnerable-taxpayers-must-not-be-left-behind/2025/10/
IRS newsroom on phasing out of paper checks https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers
Treasury Guidance on Trump Accounts. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-issue-guidance-on-trump-accounts-established-under-the-working-families-tax-cuts-notice-announces-upcoming-regulations
Returning Preparer Part B
Part B: Practice return prep
Client interview notes: coming soon
State for Returning Volunteers
Looking for Additional Self-Study Practice Scenarios?
BASIC: Andrew Anderson
Interview Notes/Tax Documents
Intake Form
Tax Return Solution
BASIC: Kandace Kirk
Interview Notes/Tax Documents
Intake Form
Tax Return Solution
ADVANCED: Jason January
Interview Notes/Tax Documents
Intake Form
Tax Return Solution
Quality Review Essentials:
How to Quality Review
IRS Pub. 5838 starting on page 19 to see how to use the Quality Review Print set to Review returns.
Practice Scenarios
On-site Quality Review Tools
IRS Quality Review Checklist Pub. 4012, page K-15 (PDF page 277)
CTA Quality Review Reminders (old version) (new version coming soon)
Site Coordinator Training
See Returning Preparer Training materials
IRS Site Coordinator Training Pub. 5088
resource: IRS Site Coordinator Corner
resource: IRS Intake Interview and QR handbook Pub. 5838
VITA/TCE Handbook for Partners and Site Coordinators Pub. 5683
Identity Theft Affidavit Pub. 14039
Have feedback or suggestions for IRS on 4012, 6744, 4491?
Volunteers can use the new mobile-friendly Form 15247 to submit recommendations for corrections or updates to the VITA/TCE training materials. (Do not use this form to request changes in scope.)
To be considered for tax year 2026, submit suggestions by Monday April 27.
Select form, complete all fields marked with an asterisk, and choose Submit Electronically. https://www.irs.gov/dmaf/form/f15247