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Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet

January 2026

Video

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Lesson Topics

  • Interview process
  • Intake Booklet
    • Questions
    • Consents
  • Due diligence
  • https://ta-nttc.tiny.us/Intake-Booklet-video

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RC Meeting – TY2025

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Pub 5101

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Interview Process

  • Examine taxpayer ID, Intake Booklet, tax documents, and prior year return
  • Ask questions to help clarify taxpayer situation
  • Determine tax return is in scope
  • Tax data entered into computer
  • Return reviewed by a second certified Counselor
    • Explain reviewer also asks questions for verification

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Explain the Process (cont.)

  • Copy of consents printed for taxpayer (required; ok to duplex))
  • Taxpayer reviews return(s) for accuracy and completeness
  • Explain taxpayer is responsible for their tax return
  • Taxpayer/spouse sign Form 8879
  • Federal (state if applies) return E-filed (paper return mailed by taxpayer only if IRS requirement)
  • Taxpayer keeps all documents, including signed copies
    • Tax-Aide keeps no taxpayer data or documents

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Screening and Interviewing

  • Thorough screening and interview required prior to starting return
    • Review all pages of Intake Booklet with taxpayer
    • Ensure return is in scope
    • Ask questions when situation unclear
    • Exercise due diligence
  • Discuss/review consents and questions

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Intake Booklet

  • Comprised of eight bound pages:
    • Pages 1-3: Personal Information, Income, Expenses, Life Events, Additional Information and Questions,
    • Page 4: AARP Demographic Questions
    • Page 5: Instructions Page
    • Page 6: Consent to Disclose Tax Return Information to other Sites (Global Carry Forward)
    • Page 7: Consent to Disclose/Use Information to AARP Foundation
    • Page 8: Consent for AARP Foundation to Use Select Tax Return Information (information on free services)

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Intake Booklet

  • First three pages similar to prior years
    • Counselors complete gray shaded areas
  • Review Intake Booklet for out of scope items or items requiring additional certification
  • Add notes on Intake Booklet of any additional information to assist quality reviewer

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Intake Booklet Page 1

  • Counselor completes gray area

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New

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Intake Booklet Page 2

  • Counselor completes gray area

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New

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Intake Booklet Page 3 -

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Due Diligence During Interview Process

  • Ask sufficient and thorough questions
  • Verify accuracy of documents presented
    • Use good judgment when relying on oral or written statements
  • Can’t ignore information provided
  • Prepare accurate return
  • Don’t prepare return if suspicious
  • Can rely on oral or written evidence if reasonable

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Screening and Interviewing

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