Volunteer Resources

Thank you for volunteering with Tax Help Colorado! We greatly appreciate volunteers like you putting the time and effort into helping us serve thousands of taxpayers each year. Below are resources to help you on your volunteer journey. If you are looking for general information about the volunteer experience, check out Volunteer With Us.

Volunteer Resources

The resources linked below will help you through your training, certification, and volunteer experience.

Tax Help Colorado Volunteer Training Guide – Our training guide includes tax training, practice quizzes and tax returns, and other resources. 2021 Volunteer Training Guide is now available. Click here for a printer-friendly black + white version.

Tax Help Colorado YouTube Channel – Access our library of training videos. Videos are periodically added 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.

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

Practice Tax Returns – Optional tax returns for volunteers to gain additional practice in the TaxSlayer Practice Lab. This document will be updated as new practice returns are added.

Practice Tax Return Answers– Completed Forms 1040 for the practice returns from the Volunteer Training Guide and supplemental practice returns. This document will be updated as new returns and answers are added.

Virtual Volunteer Procedures – Provides step-by-step instructions for all virtual volunteer roles during tax season.

2022 Tax Law Updates – Refer to this document for an overview of tax law changes affecting 2020 tax returns.

Virtual Supplemental Intake Sheet – For Intake Specialists – complete this sheet along with the 13614-C when screening clients.

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.

Training Tracks

Training Video Release Schedule: Training videos and resources will be posted starting in December

Use the following training tracks to keep track of the training, readings, and exams required for your desired volunteer role.

If you are interested in learning more about receiving continuing education (CE) credits for your volunteer service, please see Publication 5362. Continuing education credits require advanced certification.

Related Roles: Intake Specialist, Tax Preparer, Quality Reviewer

Orientation and welcome video

Sign up for in-person training at Mile High United Way

  • December 3, 2022: VITA Overview and Filing Basics (video)
  • December 17, 2022: Income, Adjustments, Deductions, and Credits
  • January 7, 2023: ACA, Residency Status, Colorado Returns, and Certification Exam Practice

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

Sign up to volunteer at Tax Help Colorado sites!

Related Roles: Intake Specialist, Tax Preparer, Quality Reviewer

*All modules will include both reading and video material. Total training time of 6-10 hours depending on experience.

Complete the Certification Training Video Sequence:

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

Sign up to volunteer at Tax Help Colorado sites!

Related Roles: Intake Specialist, Tax Preparer, Quality Reviewer

*All modules will include both reading and video material. Total training time of 6-10 hours depending on experience.

Complete the returning volunteer training sequence: 

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

Sign up to volunteer at Tax Help Colorado sites!

Related Roles: Interpreters, Virtual Client Liaison, Drop-Off Assistant

Complete the non–tax-certified training sequence: 

Take the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam

Sign up to volunteer at Tax Help Colorado sites!