Welcome

This lesson will help you develop essential techniques and skills for interviewing and screening taxpayers so you can:

• Conduct a probing interview
• Gather information you need to prepare a complete and accurate return
• Develop a relationship with the taxpayer that will allow you to accomplish the two items above

You will use these skills to clarify issues that may arise as you move through the tax return preparation process.

A probing interview is necessary before and during the preparation of the tax return, as well as during the quality review process. You will use the oral and written information gathered throughout the tax preparation process to prepare the taxpayer’s return and to facilitate a quality review of the return after it is completed.