Tax Year 2025 Training

All returning counselors will need to re-certify. The steps to do that are listed below.  This year, a variety of refresher training options will be available.

Certification Process

See the process on one printable page here.

1. Complete Refresher Training (see below)

2. Complete the four Certification exercises in the Practice Lab:  

   • Garibaldi, Hanson, Janisch, and Miller (both federal and Virginia) (treat all tax exempt interest as earned outside of Virginia)

   • We encourage everyone who has never handled Social Security Lump Sum, or is uncomfortable handling it, to do the Newell exercise because we expect a high number of recipients this year.

   • Instructions for Accessing Practice Lab and Creating an Account  

   • Log in to Practice Lab

3. Pass Link-and-Learn tests

   • All Counselors  must pass 3 tests before being allowed to work at a Tax-Aide site: 

     • • Standards of Conduct 

       • Intake/Interview and Quality Review

       • Advanced Tax Preparation 

   • Log in to Link-and-Learn

   • As in previous years, returning counselors must certify at the "Advanced" level. If you are struggling, please contact your Local Coordinator.

4. Complete Mandatory LMS Training

   • All Tax Counselors must either test out of the LMS modules or complete the review of them:

     • • Tax-Aide Policies and Procedures Training

       • Technology and Security

       • Shift Coordinators will also be assigned the shift coordinator training module, which does not have a test out option.

   • See Using the Portal for help accessing the portal. If you have trouble, try using the Chrome browser. Once you are in the portal, select the Training tab, and you will see the courses assigned to you.

5. Sign the Volunteer Agreement and send it in

   • You need to complete and electronically sign the Volunteer Agreement. Save it as "LastName, FirstName - volunteer agreement" and send it to Jeanne Bond at jeannetaxaide@gmail.com at least a week before your first shift. (NOTE that Jeanne has a new email address!) It takes a week for the system to update and you will not have access to the production tax software until you are certified in the system. Please cc your LC on your email with your Volunteer Agreement.

   • In the email, please also let Jeanne know that you have completed:

     • • the required LMS courses,

       • the four required exercises,

       • the required VA training, 

       • any additional optional state training.

   • Jeanne has a lot of behind the scenes work to get your certification recorded.  Don’t jam her! Please complete your certification done by January 20.

Refresher Training