Quality Review Of Tax Return

1. Quality Review Of Tax Return Pub 4961 – Pg Pub 4012 – Pg K-10 Form 13614-C – Part VII NTTC Training – 2013

2. Quality Review Methods • Designated Review – preferred method –employs designated Quality Reviewer who is solely dedicated to reviewing returns prepared by other volunteers at site • Peer Review – volunteers exchange returns with each other • Self-Review – not acceptable NTTC Training – 2013

3. Who Conducts The Quality Review? • Second Certified Tax Counselor must Quality Review EVERY return • QR on computer rather than printed return • Incomplete forms or red fields are apparent • Ease of updating errors • Saves paper and ink/toner NTTC Training – 2013

4. Intake/Interview Sheet • Explain Quality Review Process • Line-by-line 1040 entries • Any other ‘issues’ that came up • Highlight any carryovers • Respond to any questions NTTC Training – 2013

5. Intake/Interview and QR Sheet Verify that Pages 1 and 2 of Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet are complete, unsure boxes changed, and information properly reported on return NTTC Training – 2013

6. Intake/Interview & QR Sheet NTTC Training – 2013

7. Quality Review Process Pub 4012, page K-10 • Review Intake/Interview Sheet for possible dependents and compare with return • Verify most advantageous filing status is selected • Verify dependent coding on Main Info Sheet, e.g., EIC NTTC Training – 2013

8. Quality Review Process • Look for typos, transposed digits, missing information, misspellings, etc. • Compare Intake/Interview Sheet and supporting documents to return • Ask probing questions • Ask: “Is there any other income?” NTTC Training – 2013

9. Quality Review Process • Verify adjustments • Verify deductions (Schedule A) • Verify credits – including required forms • Verify correct entry of withholding and any estimated payments • Verify direct deposit information • Bank routing number and account number NTTC Training – 2013

10. Quality Review Process • If returning client, review Summary form • Otherwise, compare 2013 return to 2012 return • Are differences reasonable? NTTC Training – 2013

11. TaxWise Quality Tools • Diagnostics • NO unnecessary overrides • NO e-file restrictions • No missing information • Create “e-File” • Clear any error messages NTTC Training – 2013

12. Quality Review Process • Validate use of scratch pads • Never use when a form or worksheet is available • Remove unnecessary overrides • Few exceptions • No red fields • No incomplete forms NTTC Training – 2013

13. Quality Review Process • Verify data entered for VA returns • Verify Practitioner PIN used, not Self-Select PIN • Verify counselor entered initials in Preparer Field in Preparer Use Form • QR person enters initials in QRField NTTC Training – 2013

14. Quality Review Process • Review tax return notes • Taxpayer diary • Notes for Preparer – bottom of MIS page • Taxpayer reminders – bottom of Prep Use form NTTC Training – 2013

15. Preparer Use Form • Complete for each return • Language/disability questions help gather info for funding grants • Taxpayer Reminder field • Enter information you need to convey to preparer for following year • Taxpayer Diary may be preferable NTTC Training – 2013

16. Preparer Use Form Select from Forms Tree NTTC Training – 2013

17. Preparer Use Form (cont) NTTC Training – 2013

18. Quality Review Summary • Verify all source documents accurately reflected in return • Verify counselor initials are in Preparer Field in Preparer Use Form and QR initials in QR Field • Re-run diagnostics and create e-file NTTC Training – 2013

19. Common Errors • Improper SSN • Incorrect name • Errors in entry: W-2, 1099R, EIN, name • Improper entry of 1099 information • Improper completion of EIC Worksheet • Improper use of Simplified Method 1099-R • Improper entry of RRB-1099R • Entry of 1099-OID as tax exempt • Transposed characters/numbers • Return prepared with out-of-scope issues NTTC Training – 2013

20. A good quality review takes time. Do not short-change the taxpayer by rushing through it. NTTC Training – 2013

21. Quality Review Questions? Comments? NTTC Training – 2013