Volunteer Training Resources

• Tax Help Colorado Volunteer Training Guide – Our training guide includes tax training, practice quizzes and tax returns, and other resources. The 2023 Volunteer Training Guide will be available soon!

 

• Tax Help Colorado YouTube Channel – Access our library of training videos. Videos are periodically added from November through January.

 

• Publication 4012 – Your go-to guide for training and certification, the 4012 contains helpful instructions for preparing accurate tax returns. Tax-certified volunteers should become familiar with the 4012 throughout training.

 

• Track It Forward– Register for virtual open labs, sign up for volunteer shifts, and log your hours.

 

• Link & Learn – Volunteers must certify each year by taking the exam(s) on Link & Learn. Professionals who volunteer can also access CE credits through their L&L profile.

 

• TaxSlayer Practice Lab – Prepare returns for the certification exams through a practice version of TaxSlayer. Initial password is: TRAINPROWEB.

 

• IRS Certification Exams – Volunteers are required to pass certain IRS certification exams based on their desired role. Find the electronic test booklet here. Physical copies are available upon request.

 

• Publication 4491 – The IRS’s VITA training guide provides additional information and context to the Tax Help Colorado Volunteer Training Guide.

 

• Publication 5101– Intake/Interview & Quality Review Training

 

• Publication 4961 – Volunteer Standards of Conduct – Ethics Training

• Colorado Tax Aide – Useful tools and calculators

 

• ACA Income Exemption Tool – Use this tool to determine if taxpayers qualify for an income-related exemption from paying the health coverage penalty (available for years 2016-18)

 

• Rideshare Resources – Useful information for rideshare drivers when figuring their income, deductions, quarterly payments, etc.

 

• First-time homebuyer credit lookup tool – Use this tool to lookup necessary information for the 2008 first-time homebuyer credit account.

For Intake Specialist, Tax Preparer and Quality Reviewer volunteer roles:

1. Watch the orientation and welcome video

2. Sign up for in-person training at Mile High United Way using Track It Forward. If you selected the virtual training option simple watch the videos linked below.

• December 6, 2023: VITA Overview and Filing Basics
• December 20, 2023: Income
• January 7, 2023:  Deductions, Credits, and Colorado Returns
• January 17, 2023: Live Virtual Session, Tax Law Updates and Site Procedures
• TaxSlayer Practice Video

3. Take the certification exams required for your desired role(s)

4. Sign up to volunteer at Tax Help Colorado sites!

For Intake Specialist, Tax Preparer and Quality Reviewer volunteer roles:

1. Complete the volunteer training sequence for returning volunteers. All modules will include both reading and video material. Total training time of 6-10 hours depending on experience.

2. Watch Orientation and Welcome Video

• Returning Volunteer Refresher Course
• TaxSlayer Practice
• Site Procedures 

3. Take the certification exams required for your desired role(s)

4. Sign up to volunteer at Tax Help Colorado sites!

For Interpreter, Virtual Client Liaison and Drop-Off Assistant volunteer roles

1. Complete the non–tax-certified training sequence:

• Orientation and Welcome Video
• New Non–Tax-Certified Training Video

2. Take the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam

3. Take the Intake/Interview & Quality Review Exam

4. Sign up to volunteer at Tax Help Colorado sites!