How to Get Technical Updates?

Updates to the volunteer training materials will be contained in Publication 4491-X, VITA/TCE Training Supplement. The most recent version can be downloaded at: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4491x.pdf

Volunteer Standards of Conduct

VITA/TCE Programs

The mission of the VITA/TCE return preparation program is to assist eligible taxpayers in satisfying their tax responsibilities by providing free tax return preparation. To establish the greatest degree of public trust, volunteers are required to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct and provide quality service.

Annually all VITA/TCE volunteers must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) certification test and agree that they will adhere to the VSC by signing and dating Form 13615, Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement – VITA/TCE Programs, prior to volunteering at a VITA/TCE site. In addition, return preparers, quality reviewers, coordinators, and tax law instructors must certify in Intake/Interview and Quality Review. Volunteers who answer tax law questions, instruct tax law classes, prepare or correct tax returns, or conduct quality reviews of completed returns must also certify in tax law prior to signing the form. Form 13615 is not valid until the sponsoring partner’s approving official (coordinator, instructor, administrator, etc.) or IRS contact confirms the volunteer’s identity, name and address, and signs and dates the form. Volunteers’ names and addresses in Link & Learn Taxes must match their government issued photo identification. Advise volunteers to update their My Account page in Link & Learn Taxes with their valid name and address.

As a volunteer in the VITA/TCE programs, you must adhere to the following Volunteer Standards of Conduct:

VSC 1 – Follow the Quality Site Requirements (QSR).

VSC 2 – Do not accept payment, ask for donations, or accept refund payments for federal or state tax return preparation from customers.

VSC 3 – Do not solicit business from taxpayers you assist or use the information you gained about them (their information) for any direct or indirect personal benefit for yourself, any other specific individual or organization.

VSC 4 – Do not knowingly prepare false returns.

VSC 5 – Do not engage in criminal, infamous, dishonest, notoriously disgraceful conduct, or any other conduct considered to have a negative effect on the VITA/TCE programs.

VSC 6 – Treat all taxpayers in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.

Failure to comply with these standards could result in, but is not limited to, the following:

•Your removal from all VITA/TCE programs;

•Inclusion in the IRS Volunteer Registry to bar future VITA/TCE activity indefinitely;

•Deactivation of your sponsoring partner’s site VITA/TCE EFIN (electronic filing ID number);

•Removal of all IRS products, supplies, loaned equipment, and taxpayer information from your site;

•Termination of your sponsoring organization’s partnership with the IRS;

•Termination of grant funds from the IRS to your sponsoring partner; and

•Referral of your conduct for potential TIGTA and criminal investigations.

TaxSlayer® is a copyrighted software program owned by Rhodes Computer Services. All screen shots that appear throughout the official Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) training materials are used with the permission of Rhodes Computer Services.

Confidentiality Statement:

All tax information you receive from taxpayers in your volunteer capacity is strictly confidential and should not, under any circumstances, be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.

4012 Table of Contents

How to Use This Guide

Scope of Service

VITA/TCE Quality Site Requirements

Legislative Extenders

Discharge of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness

Screening Sheet for Foreclosures/Abandonments and Cancellation of Debt (Page 1)

Screening Sheet for Foreclosures/Abandonments and Cancellation of Debt (Page 2)

Entering Forgiveness of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness

Foreclosure and Abandonment Key Highlights

Tab A: Who Must File

Chart A – For Most People Who Must File

Chart B – For Children and Other Dependents

Form 8615, Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income (Kiddie Tax)

Chart C – Other Situations When You Must File

Chart D – Who Should File

Tab B: Starting a Return and Filing Status

Form 1040 Job Aid

Form 1040 Schedules

Form 13614-C Job Aid for Volunteers (Page 1)

Form 13614-C Job Aid for Volunteers (Page 2)

Form 13614-C Job Aid for Volunteers (Page 3)

Starting a New Return

Determination of Filing Status – Decision Tree

Filing Status – Interview Tips

Who Is a Qualifying Person Qualifying You To File as Head of Household?¹

Cost of Keeping Up a Home

Entering Basic Information

Entering Dependent/Qualifying Person

Tab C: Dependents

Overview of the Rules for Claiming a Dependent

Qualifying Child of More Than One Person

Table 1: All Dependents

Table 2: Qualifying Relative Dependents

Table 3: Children of Divorced or Separated Parents or Parents Who Live Apart

Worksheet for Determining Support

Tab D: Income

Income Quick Reference Guide

Nontaxable Income

Armed Forces Gross Income

How/Where to Enter Income

Forms W-2 and W-2c Instructions

Form W-2 Reference Guide for Common Box 12 Codes

Entering Medicaid Waiver Payments

Interest Income

Seller Financed Mortgage Interest

Dividend Income (Form 1099-DIV)

State and Local Refund Worksheet

Schedule C Self-Employment Income

Form 1099-NEC

Connecting the Form 1099-NEC to Schedule C

Form 1099-K

Form 1099-K Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule C – Menu

Schedule C – Questions About Your Business

Schedule C – General Expenses

Schedule C – Car and Truck Expenses

Schedule D – Capital Gains and Losses

Entering Capital Gains and Losses

Adjustments to Basis in TaxSlayer

Capital Gains or Losses Sale of Main Home

IRA/Pension Distributions (Form 1099-R, Form SSA-1099)

Form 1099-R

Taxable Amount Not Determined

Form 1099-R Simplified Method

Form 1099-R Rollovers and Disability Under Minimum Retirement Age

Form 1099-R Roth IRA

Form 1099-R Box 7 Distribution Codes

Form 1099-R Nontaxable Income

Tax-Favorable Treatment of Coronavirus-Related Retirement Distributions

Form RRB-1099-R Distributions

Form SSA-1099/RRB-1099 Tier 1 Distributions

Form SSA-1099 Lump-Sum Distributions

Entering K-1 Information in TaxSlayer

Schedule K-1 Scope

Entering Rental and Royalty Income in TaxSlayer

Less Common Income

Form 1099-MISC

Entering Other Compensation in TaxSlayer

Publication 4731

Insolvency Determination Worksheet

Entering Cancellation of Credit Card Debt and Student Loan Debt Forgiveness in TaxSlayer

Entering Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Information in TaxSlayer

Tab E: Adjustments to Income

Adjustments to Income

Employee Business Expenses

Moving Expenses

Educator Expenses

Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction

Health Saving Accounts (HSA)

Alimony Requirements (Instruments Executed After 1984 and Before 2019)

IRA Deduction

Student Loan Interest Deduction at a Glance

Tab F: Deductions

Standard Deduction

Interview Tips – Itemized Deductions

Schedule A – Itemized Deductions

Schedule A – Medical Expenses

Schedule A – Taxes You Paid

Schedule A – Sales Tax Deduction

Schedule A – Interest Paid

Schedule A – Charitable Contributions

Schedule A – Other Itemized Deductions

Qualified Business Income Deduction

Tab G: Nonrefundable Credits

Nonrefundable Credits

Child Tax Credit

Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) – General Eligibility

Table 1: Does Your Qualifying Child Qualify You for the Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents?

Credit for Other Dependents

Table 2: Does Your Qualifying Relative Qualify You for the Credit for Other Dependents?

Form 1116 – Foreign Tax Credit

Child and Dependent Care Credit Expenses

Credit for Child & Dependent Care Expenses – Screening Sheet

Form 2441 – Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses

Retirement Savings Contributions Credit – Screening Sheet

Residential Energy Credits

Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled – Screening Sheet

Entering the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled

Tab H: Other Taxes, Payments, and Refundable Credits

Other Taxes

Additional Taxes on HSAs

Payments and Estimates

Premium Tax Credit

Premium Tax Credit: Form 1095-A Overview

Premium Tax Credit, Form 8962

Premium Tax Credit – Special Situations

How to Use the Healthcare.gov Tax Tool

Federal Poverty Lines

Applicable Figure Table Tax Year 2023 – Applicable Percentage/Decimal

Tab I: Earned Income Credit

Earned Income Table

Common EIC Filing Errors

Summary of EIC Eligibility Requirements

EIC General Eligibility Rules

EIC With a Qualifying Child

EIC Without a Qualifying Child

Qualifying Child of More than One Person

Disallowance of Certain Credits

Tab J: Education Benefits

Tax Treatment of Scholarship and Fellowship Payments

Highlights of Education Tax Benefits for Tax Year 2023

Education Credits

Determining Qualified Education Expenses

Entering Education Credits

Student Under Age 24 Claiming American Opportunity Credit

Tab K: Finishing the Return

Completing the e-File Section

Customer Portal

Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return

Quality Review Process

TaxSlayer Basic Quality Review – Print Set

Return Signature

Printing the Tax Return

Distributing Copies of Returns

Where to File Paper Returns

Pointers for Direct Deposit of Refunds

Balance Due Returns

Estimated Tax Payments

Tab L: Resident/NR Alien

Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Tree

Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Chart

Electronic Filing of Returns with Valid ITIN

Creating a Temporary ITIN when the Spouse and/or Dependent(s) are Applying for an ITIN

Tab M: Other Returns

Amended Returns

Prior Year Returns

Filing an Injured Spouse Allocation in TaxSlayer

Record Keeping

Filing an Extension Using TaxSlayer

Tab N: Using TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop

Navigating TaxSlayer® Pro (Desktop)

General Input Highlights

Personal Information

Premium Tax Credit

Income – Key Highlights

Credits – Key Highlights

Printing from Desktop

Tab O: Using TaxSlayer® Pro Online

Logging in to TaxSlayer® Pro Online

Pro Online Homepage

Navigating TaxSlayer® Pro Online

Navigating TaxSlayer

Tab P: Partner Resources

Resources for Assisting Taxpayers

IP PIN Guidance for Identity Theft Victims

Voluntary Opt-In IP PIN

Frequent Taxpayer Inquiries

Where to File

Where’s My Refund

Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)

Tab Q: TaxSlayer® Admin

Contingency Plans for Continuing VITA/TCE Return Preparation Operations

Contingency Plans for Continuing Site Operations

TaxSlayer Pro Alternative Solution Contingency Plan

Contingency Plan Option

Rejected Returns

Top Reject Codes

Tab R: Glossary and Index

How to Use This Guide

This publication is designed as a guide to assist you in preparing a return using TaxSlayer.* Not all forms are authorized for all volunteer programs. Forms intended specifically for the Military VITA Program will be annotated as such. Volunteers should only provide tax assistance based on their level of certification— Basic, Advanced, Military, International, Foreign Student and Puerto Rico 1 & 2.

The screening sheets/decision trees, charts and interview tips are from your training materials, Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), and other tax topic related publications. Use these tools during the dialogue with the taxpayer—“ask the right questions; get the right answers.”

Here are the Icons used for ease of navigation though-out this publication. Hyperlinks in blue bold type will link you to the link or document labeled. Also the Table of Contents is linked to jump to every listing.

Notes icon.
Some numbered bullet points correspond to a location on a form or screenshot that is marked with the same number in a blue circle; 2 for example. Such a number in a blue circle on a form or screenshot is always accompanied by a bullet point with a corresponding number that provides more details.

Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA), is an excellent tool to guide you through answers to tax law questions and is available www.irs.gov/help/ita.

SPEC allows volunteers to use the IRS provided software to prepare and electronically file their own tax return and the returns of family and friends. Unlike VITA/TCE returns, these returns have no income or tax law limitations.

Caution icon.
The software may change after this publication becomes available. Screen shots in this guide may depict last year’s version of the software. Follow the menus and prompts to enter current year tax information in the software. If additional information is needed, refer to TaxSlayer’s VITA/TCE Blog. The blog will keep you up to date with any changes and notifications regarding preparing, creating or modifying returns. Publication 4491-X, VITA/TCE Training Supplement, will be released in January to notify volunteers of any tax law and software updates.

* TaxSlayer is a copyrighted software program owned by Rhodes Computer Services. All screen shots that appear throughout the official Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) training materials are used with the permission of Rhodes Computer Services.

Scope of Service

When using the list, please note that column 3 (In Scope?) does not stand alone. Additional information contained in columns 4 and 5 (Scope Limitations and Certification Levels) may include topics or certification levels that affect whether volunteers may or may not prepare the return under the provisions of the Volunteer Protection Act.

If no certification level is listed, the topic is in scope for all certification levels.

Many forms and schedules that are out of scope are included as reference. If a form or schedule is not listed, it is out of scope because no training has been provided. In addition, if a volunteer has not been trained on an in-scope tax law topic, that topic is out of scope for that volunteer.

F(orm) or S(chedule) Number

Line or Box Number

In Scope? Y or N

Scope Limitations

Certification Levels

F 1040

Digital asset (virtual currency) question

Y

In scope if taxpayers can check the No box. Taxpayers check No if they:

•held no virtual currency for the tax year or if the taxpayer’s only transactions involving virtual currency during the tax year were purchases of virtual currency with real currency

•held virtual currency in a wallet or account

•transferred virtual currency from one wallet or account they own or control to another that they own or control

•received virtual currency as an inheritance or gift

F 1040

1

Yes

Wages, salaries, tips, etc.

Advanced certification required for unreported tip income

F 1040

2a, b

Yes

Tax-exempt and taxable interest

See F 1099-INT for limitations

F 1040

3a, b

Yes

Qualified and Ordinary dividends

See F 1099-DIV for limitations

F 1040

4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Yes

IRAs, pensions and annuities

See F 1099-R for limitations

Not in scope for:

•Foreign retirement arrangements that may need special reporting on FINCEN Form 114 or F 8938

Basic certification if taxable amount is determined

Advanced certification required if taxable amount is NOT determined

F 1040

6a, b, c

Yes

Social Security benefits

Not in scope for:

•Foreign social security from Canada or Germany that is treated as U.S. Social Security

F 1040

7

Yes

Capital gain or loss

See F 8949 limitations

Advanced certification required

F 1040

12

Yes

Standard deduction or Itemized deductions See F 1040 Schedule A limitations

Advanced certification required for itemized deductions

F 1040

13

Yes

Qualified Business Income deduction

In scope for:

•The 20% deduction for sole proprietors and taxpayers with qualifying REIT dividends

•Form 8995

Not in scope for:

•Taxable income over $182,100 ($364,200 if MFJ)

•Publicly traded partnership income

•Form 8995-A

F 1040

16

Yes

Tax

See Schedule 2 for limitations

F 1040

19

Yes

Child tax credit or credit for other dependents

F 1040

23

Yes

Other taxes

See limitations on Schedule 2

F 1040

25 a, b, c

Yes

Federal income tax withheld from Forms W-2, 1099, and other forms

F 1040

26

Yes

Estimated tax payments and amount applied from prior year return

F 1040

27, 28, 29

Yes

Earned income credit, Additional child tax credit, American opportunity credit

See Schedule 3 for limitations

F 1040

35 a, b, c, d

Yes

Direct deposit of refund

See also F 8888

F 1040

36

Yes

Refund applied to estimated tax

F 1040

37

Yes

Amount you owe

F 1040

38

No

Estimated tax penalty

F 1040-ES

Yes

Estimated Tax for Individuals

F 1040-NR

Yes

U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return

In scope (with Foreign Student certification only) for:

•Students on F, J, M, or Q Visa

•Teacher or trainee on J Visa

Not in scope for:

•Individuals having a dual status for the tax year

•Nonresident aliens who do not meet the green card or substantial presence test and are not married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien

Foreign Student certification required

F 1040-PR

Yes

Self-Employment Tax Return – Puerto Rico (in Spanish)

Puerto Rico certification required

F 1040-SP

Yes

Declaracion de Impuestos de los Estados Unidos Sobre los Ingresos Personales See limitations for F 1040

F 1040-SR

Yes

U.S. Income Tax Return for Seniors

See limitations for F 1040

F 1040-SS

Yes

U.S. Self-Employment Tax Return (Including the Additional Child Tax Credit for Bona Fide Residents of Puerto Rico)

Puerto Rico certification required

F 1040-X

Yes

Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

Not in scope for:

•Original return was out of scope and is not brought into scope by the amendment

•Taxpayers who may qualify for an exception to the three-year time limit for filing an amended return except for applying for standard refund of tax on military disability payments

Advanced certification required

F W-2

Yes

Wage and Tax Statement

See Form 8615 limitations for children with unearned income

Not in scope for:

•Box 12 codes:

○Q (Military certification required. Active duty military taxpayer returns only)

○R, T

○FF if premium tax credits are involved

○W (Advanced certification required)

○Z

•Ministers

•Other members of the clergy who present issues such as: parsonage/ housing allowance, whether earnings are covered under FICA or Self-Employed Contributions Act (SECA) or rules for determining exemption from coverage

All certification levels

International certification required for foreign employer compensation

F W-2G

Yes

Certain Gambling Winnings

Not in scope for:

Professional gamblers who use Schedule C

F W-7

Yes

Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

S 1

1

Yes

Taxable refunds, credits or offsets of state or local income taxes

Not in scope for:

Refund for other than previous tax year

S 1

2a, b

Yes

Alimony received, Date of original divorce or separation agreement

Not in scope for:

Pre-1985 divorces

S 1

3

Yes

Business income or loss

See Schedule C limitations

Advanced certification required

S 1

4

No

Other gains or (losses)

S 1

5

Yes

Rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, etc. See Schedule E limitations

Military certification required

active duty only

S 1

6

No

Farm income or (loss)

S 1

7

Yes

Unemployment compensation

S 1

8a–z

Yes

Other income

See F 1099-MISC, F 1099-PATR, F 1099-Q, F 1099-QA, F 1099-SA, F 982

and F 2555 for limitations

In scope for:

Cancellation of nonbusiness credit card debt

Discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness (if extended)

Not in scope for:

Cancellation of other debt income,

Rental, hobby or other income when “not for profit,” Net operating loss deduction

Advanced certification required for discharge of principal residence indebtedness

International certification required for foreign earned income exclusion

S 1

11

Yes

Educator expenses

S 1

12

Yes

Certain business expenses of reservists, performing artists and fee-basis government officials.

See F 2106 limitations

Military certification required

S 1

13

Yes

Health saving account deduction

See F 8889 limitations

Advanced certification required

S 1

14

Yes

Moving expenses for members of the Armed Forces

See F 3903 limitations

Military certification required

S 1

15

Yes

Deductible part of self-employment tax

Advanced certification required

S 1

16

No

Self-employed SEP, SIMPLE and qualified plans

S 1

17

Yes

Self-employed health insurance deduction See Schedule C for limitations

Not in scope for:

Insurance purchased through Marketplace when taxpayer is eligible for Premium Tax Credit

Advanced certification required

S 1

18

Yes

Penalty on early withdrawal of savings

S 1

19a, b, and c

Yes

Alimony paid recipient SSN, date of divorce or separation agreement

Not in scope for:

Pre-1985 divorces

S 1

20

Yes

IRA deduction

In scope for:

•Deductible traditional IRA contributions

Not in scope for:

•Nondeductible traditional IRA contributions

Advanced certification required

S 1

21

Yes

Student loan interest deduction

S 1

23

No

Archer MSA deductions

S 1

24 a–z

Yes

In scope for:

•Lines a, c, and z

Not in scope for:

•All other lines unless specifically mentioned in student training or resource guide

S 2

1

No

Alternative minimum tax

S 2

2

Yes

Excess advance premium tax credit repayment

See F 8962 limitations

Advanced certification required

S 2

4

Yes

Self-employment tax

Advanced certification required

S 2

5

Yes

Unreported Social Security and Medicare tax on unreported tip income

In scope for:

•F 4137

Advanced certification required

S 2

6

No

Uncollected Social Security and Medicare tax on wages

S 2

8

Yes

Additional tax on IRAs, other qualified retirement plans, and other tax-favored accounts

See F 5329 for limitations

Not in scope for:

•Taxpayers subject to additional tax due to excess IRA contributions

Basic certification if additional tax applies

Advanced certification required if exceptions to the additional tax apply

S 2

9

No

Household employment taxes

S 2

10

Yes

Repayment of first-time homebuyer credit from Form 5405

See F 5405 for limitations

S 2

11

No

Additional Medicare Tax

S 2

12

No

Net investment income tax

S 2

13

Yes

Uncollected Social Security and Medicare or RRTA tax on tips or group-term life insurance from Form W-2, box 12

Advanced certification required

S 2

14

No

Interest on tax due on installment income from the sale of certain residential lots and timeshares

S 2

15

No

Interest on the deferred tax on gain from certain installment sales with a sales price over $150,000

S 2

16

No

Recapture of low-interest housing credit

S 2

17

Yes

Other additional taxes

See F 8889 limitations

Not in scope for:

•Lines 17a, 17b, 17d–z

Advanced certification required

S 2

20

No

Section 965 net tax liability installment from Form 965-A

S 3

1

Yes

Foreign tax credit

See F 1116 for limitations

Advanced certification required for FTC without F 1116

International certification required for F 1116

S 3

2

Yes

Credit for child and dependent care expenses from Form 2441, line 11

S 3

3

Yes

Education credits

Not in scope for:

•Taxpayers who must repay (recapture) part or all of an education credit claimed in a prior year

S 3

4

Yes

Retirement savings contribution credit

S 3

5

Yes

Residential energy credits

See F 5695 for limitations

Advanced certification required

S 3

6a–z

Yes

Other credits from F 3800, 8801, and (write-in)

In scope for:

•Line 6d, Schedule R

Not in scope for:

•All other lines

S 3

9

Yes

Net premium tax credit

See F 8962 for limitations

Advanced certification required

S 3

10

Yes

Amount paid with request for extension to file

S 3

11

Yes

Excess Social Security and tier 1 RRTA tax withheld

S 3

12

No

Credit for federal tax on fuels

S 3

13

Yes

Other payments or refundable credits

In scope for: Line 13z, if topic is otherwise in scope

Not in scope for:

•All other lines

S A

Yes

Itemized Deductions

Not in scope for:

•Investment interest

•Taxpayers affected by a charitable contribution carryover

•Taxpayers affected by limits on charitable deductions

•F 8283 (noncash contribution exceeding $500)

•Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats and Airplanes

•Donation of property previously depreciated

•Donation of capital gain property (such as securities or art work)

•Casualty or theft losses

Advanced certification required

S B

Yes

Interest and Ordinary Dividends

Out of scope if FinCEN Form 114, F 3520 or F 8938 are required See F 1099-INT, F 1099-DIV, and F 1099-OID for limitations

S C

Yes

Profit or Loss from Business (Sole Proprietorship)

See F 1099-K for limitations

See F 1099-MISC for limitations

See F 1099-NEC for limitations

Not in scope for:

•Hobby income or not for profit activity

•Professional gamblers

•Bartering

•Any transactions involving digital assets

•Method of accounting other than cash

•Taxpayers who do not materially participate in the business

•Payments made that require F 1099 to be filed

•Returns and allowances

•Cost of goods sold (inventory)

•Total expenses over $35,000

•Vehicle expenses reported as actual expenses

•Contract labor

•Depletion

•Depreciation or when F 4562 is required

•Expenses for employees

•Car rental or lease more than 30 days (use standard mileage rate method only)

•Casualty losses, amortization

•Business use of home

•Net losses

Advanced certification required

S D

Yes

Capital Gains and Losses

See F 8949 for limitations

See F 1099-B for limitations

Not in scope for:

•Lines 4 and 11

•Taxpayers who sold any assets other than stock, mutual funds, or a personal residence

•Taxpayers who trade in options, futures, or other commodities, whether or not they disposed of any during the year

•Taxpayers who have transactions using digital assets. If the taxpayer can check the No box to the digital asset question on Form 1040, the return is in scope. Refer to scope limitations for the digital assets question at the beginning of the scope of service chart.

•Determination of basis issues:

○Basis of any asset acquired other than by purchase or inheritance, such as a gift or employee stock option, unless the taxpayer provides the basis and holding period

○Basis of inherited property determined by a method other than the FMV of the property on the date of the decedent’s death, unless the taxpayer provides the basis and holding period

•Like-kind exchanges and worthless securities

•Reduced exclusion computations/determinations for the sale of a home

•Married homeowners who do not meet all requirements to claim the maximum exclusion on the sale of a home

•Decreases to basis, including deductible casualty losses and gains a taxpayer postponed from the sale of a previous home before May 7, 1997

•Depreciation during the time the home was used for business purposes or as rental property

•Taxpayers with “nonqualified use” issues

•Sale of a home used for business purposes or as rental property

Advanced certification required

S E

Yes

Supplemental Income and Loss (Rental) See F 1099-MISC and S K-1 for limitations In scope for:

•Royalties reported on Form 1099-MISC, if there are no associated expenses (Advanced)

•Certain income from Schedules K-1 (Forms 1065, 1120S, and 1041) (Advanced)

•Home rental (including Part I, lines 5-19) if military certified and taxpayer is active duty military

•Rental of personal residence for less than 15 days for the year is not considered a rental activity and is not taxable income (Advanced) unless taxpayer is in the rental business or cleaning, linen, food or similar services were provided during the rental period (out of scope)

Not in scope for:

•Rental income and expenses for nonmilitary taxpayers

•Taxpayers who rent their property at less than fair rental value

•Rental-related interest expenses other than mortgage interest

•The actual expense method (auto and travel expense deductions)

•Casualty loss

•Completing Form 8582 if volunteers are required to enter additional data in Form 8582 in the software

•Completing Form 4562

•Taxpayers who are unable to provide an amount for depreciation

•Taxpayers who filed or need to file Form(s) 1099

Advanced certification required for royalties reported on Form 1099-MISC and

Schedule K-1

Military certification required for rental income

S EIC

Yes

Earned Income Credit

S F

No

Profit or Loss From Farming

S H

No

Household Employment Taxes

S J

No

Income Averaging for Farmers and Fishermen

S K-1

Yes

Beneficiary, Partner or Shareholder’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.

In scope for:

•Schedules K-1 (Forms 1065, 1120S, and 1041)

○Taxable and tax-exempt interest income

○Dividend and Qualified dividends income

○Net short- and long-term capital gains and losses

○Royalty income (Schedule E) with no associated expenses

Not in scope for:

•Other income, deductions, and credits not listed above

Advanced certification required

S LEP

Yes

Request for Alternative Language Products by Taxpayers With Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

S Q

No

Quarterly Notice to Resident Interest Holder of REMIC Taxable Income of Net Loss Allocation

S R

Yes

Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled

S SE

Yes

Self-Employment Tax

Not in scope for:

•Ministers or church workers if special rules apply

S 8812

Yes

Additional Child Tax Credit

F T (Timber)

No

Forest Activities Schedule

F 56

No

Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship

F 709

No

United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return

F 843

No

Claim for refund and request for abatement

F 982

Yes

Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness (and Section 1082 Basis Adjustment) – (if extended)

In scope for:

•Line 1e, Line 2, Line 10b

Not in scope for:

•Issues other than discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness

•Principal residence used in business or as rental property

•Taxpayer filed bankruptcy or was insolvent immediately before the debt was canceled

Advanced certification required

F 1040-C

No

U.S. Departing Alien Income Tax Return

F 1045

No

Application for Tentative Refund

F 1066

(Sch Q)

No

Quarterly Notice to Resident Interest Holder of REMIC Taxable Income or Net Loss Allocation

F 1095-A

Yes

Health Insurance Marketplace Statement

Advanced certification required

F 1095-B

Yes

Health Coverage

F 1095-C

Yes

Employer Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage

F 1098

Yes

Mortgage Interest Statement

Advanced certification required

F 1098-C

No

Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, Airplanes

F 1098-E

Yes

Student Loan Interest Statement

F 1098-MA

No

Mortgage Assistance Payments

F 1098-Q

Yes

Qualifying Longevity Annuity Contract Information (information only)

No tax reporting required.

F 1098-T

Yes

Tuition Statement

Not in scope for:

•Boxes 4 and 6 (Adjustments)

F 1099-A

Yes

Acquisition or Abandonment of Secured Property See F 982 for limitations

In scope for:

•Qualified principal residence

Advanced certification required

F 1099-B

Yes

Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions

Not in scope for:

•FATCA filing requirement box checked

•Boxes 1f, 3 and 7-11, 13

•Box 2 if Ordinary box is checked

Advanced certification required

F 1099-C

Yes

Cancellation of Debt See F 982 for limitations In scope only for:

•Nonbusiness credit card debt cancellation including interest in box 3 when taxpayer is solvent before the cancellation

•Discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness

•Discharge of certain student loan debt in 2021 through 2025

Not in scope for:

•Cancellation of debt when Form 1099-C includes an amount for interest (exception listed above)

Advanced certification required

F 1099-CAP

Yes

Changes in Corporate Control and Capital Structure (information only)

•No tax reporting required.

F 1099-DIV

Yes

Dividends and Distributions

Not in scope for:

•Taxpayer is a nominee

•Boxes labeled Unrecap Sec. 1250 gain, Section 1202 gain, Collectibles (28%) gain , Section 897 ordinary dividends, Section 897 capital gain, Cash liquidation distributions, and Noncash liquidation distributions

•FATCA filing requirement box checked

F 1099-G

Yes

Certain Government Payments

In scope for:

•Unemployment compensation

•Refunds, credits, or offsets of state or local income tax

•Box 5, RTAA payments

•Box 6, Taxable grants

Not in scope for:

•Box 3 is other than the current tax year

•Boxes 7-9

F 1099-INT

Yes

Interest Income

See F 8615 for limitations (children with unearned income)

Not in scope for:

•Taxpayer is a nominee

•An adjustment is needed to any amount reported

•Amounts reported in the box labeled Specified private activity bond interest if AMT applies

•Amounts reported in the box labeled Bond premium that exceed amounts reported in the box labeled Interest

•FATCA filing requirement box checked

•Accrued bond interest other than for savings bonds

•Bonds bought or sold between interest payment dates other than for savings bonds

•Bond premium on Treasury obligations that exceed Interest on U.S. Savings Bonds and Treasury obligations

•Bond premium on tax-exempt bond that exceed Tax-exempt interest

F 1099-K

Yes

Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions

In scope for:

•Taxable income received for self-employment income (such as shared-economy driving).

•Form 1099-K received for rental income is in scope for Military certification only.

Not in scope for:

•Forms 1099-K received for any other type of taxable income

Advanced certification required; Military certification if received for rental income

F 1099-LTC

Yes

Long-Term Care and Accelerated Death Benefits

Advanced certification required

F 1099-MISC

Yes

Miscellaneous Information

Not in scope for:

•Box 5 Fishing boat proceeds

•Boxes 7, 9–15

•FATCA filing requirement box checked

Military certification required for Box 1

Basic certification required for Box 3

Advanced certification required for all other entries

F 1099-NEC

Yes

Nonemployee compensation

Not in scope for:

•Athletes receiving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) income

Advanced Certification required

F 1099-OID

Yes

Original Issue Discount

Not in scope for:

•FATCA filing requirement box checked

•Box 6 Acquisition premium

•Adjustment needed, or no form received

F 1099-PATR

Yes

Taxable Distributions Received From Cooperatives

In scope for:

•Box 1 for personal use only

Advanced certification required

F 1099-Q

Yes

Payment From Qualified Education Programs (under section 529 and 530)

Not in scope for:

Distributions from Educational Savings Accounts if:

•Funds were not used for qualified education expenses or

•Distribution was more than the amount of the qualified expenses

F 1099-QA

Yes

Distribution from ABLE Account

Not in scope for:

•Distribution from ABLE Account that was more than the amount of the qualified expenses

F 1099-R F CSA 1099-R

Yes

Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc.

Not in scope for:

•IRA rollovers that do not meet the tax-free requirements

•Taxpayers who used the General Rule to figure the taxable portion of pensions and/or annuities for past years

•Box 7 codes 2 and 7, if the IRA/SEP/SIMPLE box is checked and there were nondeductible contributions

•Box 7 codes 5, 8, 9, A, E, J, K, N, P, R, T, U

Basic certification if taxable amount is determined

Advanced certification required if taxable amount is NOT determined

F RRB-1099

Yes

Payments by the Railroad Retirement Board

Annuities or Pensions by the Railroad Retirement Board

Advanced certification required

F 1099-S

Yes

Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions

In scope for:

•Personal residence

Not in scope for:

•Home was used for rental purposes

•Sales of business property

•Installment sales income

•Like-kind exchanges

Advanced certification required

F 1099-SA

Yes

Distributions From an HSA, Archer MSA or Medicare Advantage MSA See F 8889 for limitations

Not in scope for: Archer MSA, Medicare Advantage MSA

Advanced certification required

F SSA-1099

Yes

Social Security Benefit Statement

F 1116

Yes

Foreign Tax Credit (Individual, Estate or Trust)

In scope for:

•Taxpayers who have foreign tax paid reported on F 1099-INT, F 1099-DIV, or S K-1 and can elect to report foreign tax without filing Form 1116 (Advanced certification)

Not in scope for:

•Taxpayers who may deduct a foreign income tax that is not allowed as a credit in certain circumstances

•Certain expenses deducted to reduce foreign gross income

•Taxpayers who must report a carryback or carryover on Form 1116

•Taxpayers who must file a separate Form 1116 required for foreign income from a sanctioned country, using the “Section 901(j) income” category

International or Puerto Rico certification required for F 1116

F 1127

No

Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship

F 1310

Yes

Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer

F 2106

Yes

Employee Business Expenses

In scope for:

•Reservist expenses (adjustment to gross income)

•U.S. Armed Forces members who were provided a commuter highway vehicle (such as a van) by their employer

Military certification required

F 2120

Yes

Multiple Support Declaration

F 2210

No

Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals, Estates and Trusts

F 2439

No

Notice to Shareholder of Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains

F 2441

Yes

Child and Dependent Care Expenses

Out of scope for:

•Taxpayers who need assistance in determining if employment taxes are owed for household employees

F 2555

Yes

Foreign Earned Income

International certification required

F 2848

Yes

Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative

(Very limited uses in form instructions)

F 3468

No

Investment Credit

F 3520

No

Foreign Trusts/Foreign Gifts

F 3800

No

General Business Credit

F 3903

Yes

Moving Expenses

In scope for:

•Active duty military taxpayer only

Military certification required

F 4136

No

Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels

F 4137

Yes

Social Security and Medicare Taxes on Unreported Tip Income

Advanced certification required

F 4562

No

Depreciation and Amortization (including information on listed property)

F 4684

No

Casualties and Thefts

F 4797

No

Sales of Business Property

F 4835

No

Farm Rental Income and Expenses

F 4852

Yes

Substitute for F W-2 or F 1099-R

F 4868

Yes

Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

F 4952

No

Investment Interest Expense Deduction

F 4972

No

Tax on Lump-Sum Distributions

F 5329

Yes

Additional Tax on Qualified Plans (including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts

In scope for:

Part I

Not in scope for:

•IRA minimum distributions not withdrawn when required

•Excess contributions to an IRA that are not withdrawn by the due date of the return including extensions

•Parts II through IX

F 5405

Yes

Repayment of the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Not in scope for:

•Taxpayers who claimed credit and their home is destroyed, condemned or disposed of under threat of condemnation

•Taxpayers who claimed the first-time homebuyer credit may be required to repay the credit in the year of sale. The repayment is limited to the amount of gain on the sale. This situation is out of scope for VITA/TCE.

Advanced certification required

F 5498

Yes

IRA Contribution Information

Not in scope for:

•SEP or SIMPLE contributions

•Nondeductible contributions

Advanced certification required

F 5498-ESA

Yes

Coverdell ESA Contribution Information (Information only)

No tax reporting required

F 5498-QA

Yes

ABLE Account Contribution Information (Information only)

No tax reporting required

F 5498-SA

Yes

HSA, Archer MSA or Medicare Advantage MSA Information

Not in scope for:

•Archer MSA

•Medicare Advantage MSA

Advanced certification required

F 5695

Yes

Residential Energy Credit

Not in scope for:

•Clean Energy Credit (Part I)

Advanced certification required

F 6251

Yes

Alternative Minimum Tax

In scope for:

•Interest from private activity bond on Line 2g

Out of scope if AMT applies

F 6252

No

Installment Sales Income

F 6781

No

Gains and Losses From Section 1256 Contracts and Straddles

F 8275

No

Disclosure Statement

F 8275 R

No

Regulation Disclosure Statement

F 8283

Yes

Noncash Charitable Contributions

In scope for:

•Noncash contributions of $500 or less are reported on Schedule A and are in scope (Advanced certification required)

•Noncash charitable contributions over $500 are in scope for Military certification only

Advanced certification required

Military certification if

>$500

F 8332

Yes

Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent

F 8379

Yes

Injured Spouse Allocation

See F 8958 limitations (community property states)

F 8396

No

Mortgage Interest Credit

F 8453

Yes

U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return

F 8582

No

Passive Activity Loss Limitations

F 8606

No

Nondeductible IRAs

F 8615

Yes

Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income (also known as Kiddie Tax)

In scope for:

•Native Americans receiving per capita payments

•Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends

Advanced certification required

F 8621

No

Information Return by A Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualified Electing Fund

F 8801

No

Credit for Prior Year Minimum Tax

F 8805

No

Foreign Partner’s Information Statement of Section 1446 Withholding Tax

S 8812

Yes

Additional Child Tax Credit

F 8814

Yes

Parent’s Election to Report Child’s Interest and Dividends

In scope for:

•Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends

Advanced certification required

F 8815

No

Exclusion of Interest From Series EE and I U.S. Savings Bonds Issued after 1989

F 8821

No

Tax Information Authorization

F 8829

No

Expenses for Business Use of Your Home

F 8833

No

Treaty-Based Return Positive Disclosure Under Section 6114 or 7701 (b)

F 8834

No

Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit

F 8839

No

Qualified Adoption Expenses

F 8848

No

Consent to Extend the Time to Access the Branch Profits Tax Under Regulations Section 1.884-2 (a) and (c)

F 8853

Yes

Archer MSAs and Long-Term Care Insurance Contracts

In scope for:

•Section C

F 8857

No

Request for Innocent Spouse Relief

F 8862

Yes

Information to Claim Earned Income Credit After Disallowance

F 8863

Yes

Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits)

F 8865

No

Return of U.S. Persons With Respect to Certain Foreign Partnerships

F 8880

Yes

Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions

F 8886

No

Reportable Transaction Disclosure Statement

F 8888

Yes

Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases)

F 8889

Yes

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Not in scope for:

•Excess contributions to an HSA that are not withdrawn in a timely fashion

•Qualified HSA funding distributions from an IRA

•Death of an HSA holder (when spouse is not the designated beneficiary)

•Part III, Additional Tax for Failure to Maintain HDHP Coverage

•Deemed distributions from an HSA due to prohibited transactions, such as using an HSA as a security for a loan

•Archer Medical Saving Accounts (MSA)

•Medicare Advantage MSA

•Health Reimbursement Arrangement

Advanced certification required

F 8903

No

Domestic Production Activities Deduction

F 8908

No

Energy Efficient Home Credit

F 8910

No

Alternate Motor Vehicle Credit

F 8911

No

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit

F 8915-C

No

Qualified 2018 Disaster Retirement Plan Distributions and Repayments

F 8915-D

No

Qualified 2019 Disaster Retirement Plan Distributions and Repayments

F 8915-F

Yes

Qualified Disaster Retirement Plan Distributions and Repayments

In scope for:

•2020 Coronavirus repayments

Not in scope for:

•Any other disaster-related distributions

Advanced certification required

F 8919

No

Uncollected Social Security and Medicare Tax on Wages

F 8936

No

Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit

F 8938

No

Statement of Specified Foreign Assets

F 8948

No

Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically

•Not applicable to volunteers

F 8949

Yes

Sales and other Dispositions of Capital Assets

In scope for:

•Sale of stocks, mutual fund shares and personal residences

•Bond sales reported on a brokerage statement with capital gain or loss only (no ordinary income/loss)

•Capital gains and losses reported on K-1

•Capital loss carryovers

•Inherited property of types listed above in this section and, if inherited in 2010, taxpayer provides the basis

•Wash sales if reported on brokerage or mutual fund statement

Not in scope for:

•Adjustment codes C, D, N, Q, R, S, X, Y and Z

•Reduced exclusion on sale of home

•Residence inherited or received as gift and not used as personal residence. If used as personal residence, taxpayer must provide basis.

•Taxpayers who have sold any assets other than stock, mutual funds, or a personal residence

•Taxpayers who trade in options, futures, or other commodities, whether or not they disposed of any during the year

•Determination of basis issues:

○Basis of any asset acquired other than by purchase or inheritance, such as a gift or employee stock option, unless the taxpayer provides the basis and holding period

○Basis of inherited property determined by a method other than the FMV of the property on the date of the decedent’s death, unless the taxpayer provides the basis and holding period

•Like-kind exchanges and worthless securities

•Form 1099-B, boxes with entries for any of the following: Bartering; Profit or (loss) realized on closed contracts; Unrealized profit (loss) on open contracts – prior year; Unrealized profit or (loss) on open contracts – current year; or Aggregate profit (loss) on contracts; Proceeds from collectibles; or FATCA filing requirement

•Reduced exclusion computations/determinations for the sale of a home

•Married homeowners who do not meet all requirements to claim the maximum exclusion on the sale of a home

•Decreases to basis, including: Deductible casualty losses and gains a taxpayer postponed from the sale of a previous home before May 7, 1997

•Depreciation during the time the home was used for business purposes or as rental property

•Taxpayers with “nonqualified use” issues

•Sale of a home used for business purposes or as rental property

Advanced certification required

F 8958

Yes

Allocation of Tax Amounts Between Certain Individuals in Community Property States

In scope for:

•Taxpayers who are not certain they are in a common law marriage (rules are complex and differ from state to state)

•Applicable returns as limited by Site or Program Coordinator

•Depending on your tax assistance program, community property tax laws for married taxpayers who file a separate return from their spouse

F 8959

No

Additional Medicare Tax

F 8960

No

Net Investment Income Tax – Individuals, Estates and Trusts

F 8962

Yes

Premium Tax Credit (PTC)

Not in scope for:

•Self-employed health coverage deductions for taxpayers who are also allowed a PTC

•Form 8962 Part IV, Allocation of Policy Amounts, and Part V, Alternative Calculation for Year of Marriage

•If there is a code FF on Form W-2, box 12 and the employee has a Marketplace policy and is otherwise eligible for PTC

Advanced certification required

F 8995

Yes

Qualified Business Income Deduction Simplified Computation

Not in scope for:

•Certain rental real estate enterprises treated as a single trade or business

Advanced certification required

F 8995-A

No

Qualified Business Income Deduction

F 9000

Yes

Request for Alternative Format or Language

F 9465

Yes

Installment Agreement Request (See fee schedule)

F 13844

No

Application For Reduced User Fee For Installment Agreement

F 14039

Yes

Identity Theft Affidavit

F SS-8

No

Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding

FinCEN F 114

No

Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts

Notes icon.
Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding, is in scope only for volunteers with Foreign Student & Scholar certification.

VITA/TCE Quality Site Requirements

All taxpayers using the services offered through the VITA/TCE programs should be confident they are receiving accurate tax return preparation and quality service. The purpose of the Quality Site Requirements (QSR) is to ensure the quality and accuracy of tax return preparation and consistent site operations. The QSR must be communicated to and followed by all volunteers and partners to ensure IRS and partner quality goals are met. The ten requirements are listed below.

QSR 1: Certification

QSR 2: Intake/Interview and Quality Review Process

QSR 3: Confirming Photo Identification and Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN)

QSR 4: Reference Materials

QSR 5: Volunteer Agreement

QSR 6: Timely Filing of Tax Returns

QSR 7: Civil Rights

QSR 8: Correct Site Identification Number (SIDN)

QSR 9: Correct Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN)

QSR 10: Security

For detailed guidance on the QSR, refer to Publication 5166, VITA/TCE Volunteer Quality Site Requirements. For guidance on applying the QSR to alternative filing methods, see Publication 5324, Fact Sheet: Quality Site Requirements for Alternative Filing Models for SPEC Partners and Employees.

Legislative Extenders

Caution icon.
This provision has been renewed through tax year 2025. Refer to this tab and the Temporary Provisions lesson in Publication 4491 for additional information.

Discharge of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness

Use the job aid on the following page to determine if the debt forgiveness on the main home is within scope.

Taxpayers may exclude from income certain debt forgiven or canceled debt on their principal residence. This exclusion is applicable to the discharge of “qualified principal residence indebtedness.” If the canceled debt qualifies for exclusion from gross income, the debtor may be required to reduce tax attributes (certain credits, losses, and basis of assets) by the amount excluded.

If a property was taken by the lender (foreclosure) or given up by the borrower (abandonment), the lender usually sends the taxpayer Form 1099-A, Acquisition or Abandonment of Secured Property. Form 1099-A will have information needed to determine the gain or loss due to the foreclosure or abandonment.

•If the debt is canceled, the taxpayer will receive Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt. If foreclosure/ abandonment and debt cancellation occur in the same calendar year, the lender may issue only Form 1099-C, including the information that would be reported on Form 1099-A.

Volunteers may assist taxpayers who meet the following requirements:

•The home was never used in a business or as rental property

•The debt was not canceled because the taxpayer filed bankruptcy

•The taxpayer isn’t in bankruptcy when he/she comes to the site for assistance

•Form 1099-C doesn’t include an amount for interest

•The debt must be a mortgage used only to buy, build, or substantially improve the taxpayer’s primary residence, i.e., this money was not used to pay off credit cards, medical/dental expenses, vacations, etc.

•The mortgage was secured by the taxpayer’s primary residence

•The mortgage was not more than $750,000 ($375,000 if Married Filing Separately). The maximum amount a taxpayer can treat as qualified principal residence indebtedness for debt discharged after 2006 and before 2021 is $2 million ($1 million if married filing separately).

Navigation icon.
To exclude debt forgiven on principal residence, go to Income>Other Income>Cancellation of Debt>- Exclusions

Navigation icon.
Income>Capital Gain and Losses>Sale of Main Home Worksheet or use Capital Gains and Loss Items; or Keyword: CAP

Notes icon.
Form 1099-C, Box 3 (Interest if included in Box 2, Amount of Debt Canceled) and Box 6, Code A Out of Scope.

Notes icon.
If a bankruptcy, Out of Scope.

Notes icon.
If personally liable for the debt, sales price is the lesser of balance of principal outstanding (Form 1099-A, Box 2) or fair market value of property (Form 1099-A, Box 4); if not personally liable on the debt, sales price is the balance or principal outstanding.

Screening Sheet for Foreclosures/Abandonments and Cancellation of Debt (Page 1)

Screening Sheet for Foreclosures/Abandonments and Cancellation of Debt (Page 2)

Entering Forgiveness of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness

Navigation icon.
Income>Other Income>Cancellation of Debt 1099-C, 982>Exclusions (Form982) or Keyword: 982 or CANC

Use the job aid on the preceding pages to determine if the debt forgiveness on the main home is within scope.

Form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness, must be filed with the taxpayer's return to report the excluded amount of discharged indebtedness and the reduction of certain tax attributes.

1.Indicate whether the Form 1099-C was issued to the taxpayer or spouse.

2.Check the box for Discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness

3.Enter the amount of primary mortgage debt canceled (Form 1099-C, Box 2)

4.If the taxpayer had a portion of the mortgage debt canceled but kept the home (loan modification or mortgage workout), the basis of the principal residence is reduced as follows:

•In Part II, Reduction of Tax Attributes, on the line for “Basis of your principal residence” (line 10b) enter the smaller of:

○The amount entered in Part I (see prior page)

○The basis of your primary residence.

Foreclosure and Abandonment Key Highlights

If the taxpayer disposed of the home due to foreclosure or abandonment, and the lender canceled the remaining mortgage debt:

•No entry is made in Part II, Reduction of Tax Attributes

•Report the gain or loss from Form 1099-A in the Schedule D, Capital Gains section

○The basis is the taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the home

○The sale price (amount realized) is based on whether the taxpayer is personally liable (recourse loan) or not personally liable (nonrecourse loan) for the debt:

▪ If the taxpayer is personally liable, the sale price is the lesser of the balance of the principal mortgage debt outstanding or the fair market value

▪ If the taxpayer isn’t personally liable, then the sale price is the full amount of the outstanding debt, as reflected on Form 1099-A

▪ For both recourse and nonrecourse loans, add any proceeds the taxpayer received from the foreclosure sale to the amount realized.

○If the taxpayer ends up with a gain on the sale, some or all of the gain can be excluded under the rules for sale of main home, if the taxpayer qualifies

▪ A loss on the main home can’t be deducted

Tab A: Who Must File

Chart A – For Most People Who Must File

Notes icon.
If you may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, you must file as a dependent whether you are being claimed or not. See Chart B.

If your filing status is...

AND at the end of 2023 you were...¹

THEN file a return if your gross income was at least...²

Single

under 65

$13,850

65 or older

$15,700

Married filing jointly³

under 65 (both spouses)

$27,700

65 or older (one spouse)

$29,200

65 or older (both spouses)

$30,700

Married filing separately

(see the Instructions for Form 1040)

any age

$5

Head of household

(see the Instructions for Form 1040)

under 65

$20,800

65 or older

$22,650

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

(see the Instructions for Form 1040)

under 65

$27,700

65 or older

$29,200

¹ If you were born on January 1, 1959 you are considered to be age 65 at the end of 2023. (If your spouse died in 2023 or if you are preparing a return for someone who died in 2023, see Publication 501).

² Gross income means all income you received in the form of money, goods, property, and services that isn’t exempt from tax, including any income from sources outside the United States or from the sale of your main home (even if you can exclude part or all of it).

•Do not include any Social Security benefits unless

○you are married filing a separate return and you lived with your spouse at any time in 2023 or

○one-half of your Social Security benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest is more than $25,000 ($32,000 if married filing jointly).

If either situation applies, see the Form 1040 Instructions to figure the taxable part of Social Security benefits you must include in gross income.

•Gross income includes gains, but not losses, reported on Form 8949 or Schedule D.

•Gross income from a business means, for example, the amount on Schedule C, line 7, or Schedule F, line 9.

But, in figuring gross income, don’t reduce your income by any losses, including any loss on Schedule C, line 7, or Schedule F, line 9.

³ If you didn’t live with your spouse at the end of 2023 (or on the date your spouse died) and your gross income was at least $5, you must file a return regardless of your age.

Individuals who do not have a filing requirement based on this chart should also check Chart C, Other Situations When You Must File, and Chart D, Who Should File. Individuals with earned income but who do not have a filing requirement may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit.

Chart B – For Children and Other Dependents

Notes icon.
If your parent (or any other taxpayer) may claim you as a dependent, use this chart to see if you must file a return.

In this chart, unearned income includes taxable interest, ordinary dividends, and capital gain distributions. It also includes unemployment compensation, taxable Social Security benefits, pensions, annuities, and distributions of unearned income from a trust. Earned income includes salaries, wages, tips, professional fees, and taxable scholarship and fellowship grants. Gross income is the total of your unearned and earned income.

Single Dependents

Either 65 or over or blind

You must file a return if any of the following apply.

1. Your unearned income was over $3,100 ($4,950 if 65 or older and blind).

2. Your earned income was over $15,700 ($17,550 if 65 or older and blind).

3. Your gross income was more than the larger of —

a. $3,100 ($4,950 if 65 or older and blind) or

b. Your earned income (up to $13,450 plus $2,250 ($4,100 if 65 or older and blind).

Under 65 and not blind

You must file a return if any of the following apply.

1. Your unearned income was over $1,250.

2. Your earned income was over $13,850

3. Your gross income was more than the larger of —

a. $1,250, or

b. Your earned income (up to $13,450 plus $400).

Married Dependents

Either age 65 or older or blind

You must file a return if any of the following apply.

1. Your unearned income was over $2,750 ($4,250 if 65 or older and blind).

2. Your earned income was over $15,350 ($16,850 if 65 or older and blind).

3. Your gross income was at least $5 and your spouse files a separate return and itemizes deductions.

4. Your gross income was more than the larger of —

a. $2,750 ($4,250 if 65 or older and blind), or

b. Your earned income (up to $13,450 plus $1,900 ($3,400 if 65 or older and blind).

Under age 65 and not blind

You must file a return if any of the following apply.

1. Your unearned income was over $1,250.

2. Your earned income was over $13,850.

3. Your gross income was at least $5 and your spouse files a separate return and itemizes deductions.

4. Your gross income was more than the larger of —

a. $1,250, or

b. Your earned income (up to $13,450 plus $400).

Form 8615, Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income (Kiddie Tax)

Children under age 18 and certain older children who are required to file a tax return and have unearned income over $2,500 must file Form 8615. For this purpose, “unearned income” includes all taxable income other than earned income, such as taxable interest, ordinary dividends, capital gains, rents, royalties, etc. It also includes taxable Social Security benefits, pension and annuity income, taxable scholarship and fellowship grants not reported on Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, unemployment compensation, alimony (if taxable), and income received as the beneficiary of a trust. Form 8615 is in scope for Native Americans receiving per capita payments and Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends. For all other purposes, Form 8615 remains Out of Scope. To determine if Form 8615 must be filed, see the page titled Form 8615, Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income (Kiddie Tax) in Tab H, Other Taxes, Payments, and Refundable Credits. A child filing Form 8615 does not make the parent's return out of scope.

Notes icon.
Taxable scholarships and fellowship grants are considered as earned income for the purpose of determining if a dependent must file a tax return and for calculating the standard deduction for dependents. Taxable scholarships and fellowship grants not reported on Form W-2 are considered to be unearned income for the purpose of calculating kiddie tax.

Chart C – Other Situations When You Must File

You must file a return if any of the conditions below apply for 2023.

1.You owe any special taxes, including any of the following.

a.Alternative minimum tax (Out of Scope).

b.Additional tax on a qualified plan, including an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), or other tax-favored account. But if you are filing a return only because you owe this tax, you can file Form 5329 by itself.

c.Household employment taxes. But if you are filing a return only because you owe this tax, you can file Schedule H by itself (Out of Scope).

d.Social Security and Medicare tax on tips you did not report to your employer or on wages you received from an employer who did not withhold these taxes.

e.Recapture of first-time homebuyer credit. See Instructions for Form 1040, Schedule 2.

f.Write-in taxes, including uncollected Social Security and Medicare or RRTA tax on tips you reported to your employer or on group-term life insurance and additional taxes on health savings accounts. See the Instructions for Form 1040.

g.Recapture taxes. See the Instructions for Form 1040 (Out of Scope).

2.You (or your spouse, if filing jointly) received HSA distributions (in scope), Archer MSA distributions (Out of Scope), or Medicare Advantage MSA distributions (Out of Scope).

3.You had net earnings from self-employment of at least $400. Net earnings are Sch C profit multiplied by 92.35%. There is no self-employment tax on Sch C profit of less than $433.

4.You had wages of $108.28 or more from a church or qualified church-controlled organization that is exempt from employer Social Security and Medicare taxes (Out of Scope).

5.Advance payments of the premium tax credit were made for you, your spouse, or a dependent who enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace. You or whoever enrolled you should have received Form(s) 1095-A showing the amount of the advance payments.

6.You are required to include amounts in income under section 965 or you have a net tax liability under section 965 that you are paying in installments under section 965(h) or deferred by making an election under 965(i) (Out of Scope).

Chart D –  Who Should File

Even if a taxpayer is not required to file a federal income tax return, they should file if any of the following situations below apply.

1.You had income tax withheld from your pay, pension, Social Security or other income.

2.You made estimated tax payments for the year or had any of your overpayment from last year’s tax return applied to this year’s taxes.

3.You qualify for the earned income credit. See Publication 596, Earned Income Credit (EIC), for more information.

4.You qualify for the additional child tax credit. See the Instructions for Schedule 8812, Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents.

5.You qualify for a refundable American opportunity credit.

6.You qualify for the premium tax credit.

7.You receive a 1099-B, Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions, and the gross proceeds plus other income exceeds the filing limits in Chart A.

8.You receive Form 1099-S, Proceeds From Real Estate Transactions.

9.You are required to file a state return.

10.You want to file a $0 AGI return (such as to prevent tax identity theft, to claim a state credit, or for other assistance). Returns with zero AGI, no refund, and no balance due can't be electronically filed. To e-file, enter $1 as other income. Go to Income>Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere and describe as “IN ORDER TO E-FILE.”

11.You qualify for the refundable credit for prior year minimum tax. See Form 8801, Credit for Prior Year Minimum Tax — Individuals, Estates, and Trusts (Out of Scope).

12.You qualify to file Form 4136, Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels (Out of Scope).

Tab B: Starting a Return and Filing Status

Form 1040 Job Aid

Please reference the indicated Tabs for filling out the corresponding sections on the 1040 form.

Please reference the indicated Tabs for filling out the corresponding sections on the 1040 form.

Form 1040 Schedules

Below is a general guide to what schedule(s) you will need to file, based on your circumstances.

If You...

Then Use...

Refer to:

•Have additional income, such as unemployment compensation, prize or award money, or gambling winnings.

•Have any deductions to claim, such as student loan interest deduction, self-employment tax, or educator expenses.

Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income

Tabs D, E, and F

•Need to make an excess advance premium tax credit repayment.

•Owe other taxes, such as self-employment tax, additional tax on IRAs or other qualified retirement plans and tax-favored accounts or need to repay the first-time homebuyer credit.

Schedule 2, Additional Taxes

Tab H

•Can claim a nonrefundable credit other than the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents, such as the foreign tax credit, education credits, credit for child and dependent care expenses or retirement savings contributions credit.

•Can claim a refundable credit other than the earned income credit, American opportunity credit, or additional child tax credit. Have other payments, such as an amount paid with a request for an extension to file or excess Social Security tax withheld.

Schedule 3, Additional Credits and Payments

Tabs G, H, J

Form 13614-C Job Aid for Volunteers (Page 1)

1.View photo ID’s for each taxpayer and spouse (if filing a joint return)

2.Name as shown on Social Security records (see Tab B Determining the Last Name of a Taxpayer)

3.If not a US citizen,use Tab L, Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Tree to determine if return is within scope.

4.Taxpayer’s current address where IRS should mail refund and /or other correspondence.

5.Refer to Tab R for definition of Legally Blind, Permanently and Totally Disabled and a full time Student.

6.Use Tab C to verify taxpayer and spouse’s dependency status.

7.Refer to Tab P if taxpayer is a victim of identity theft or applied for and received an IP PIN.

8.If taxpayer’s marital status changed in 2023 (Married or Divorced), verify how it may affect ACA and if return is within scope.

9.Taxpayer must include everyone who lived with the taxpayer and anyone the taxpayer supported who lived elsewhere. Always confirm this information during the interview process, especially if the taxpayer did not list anyone.

10.Verify birth date for each person included on the tax return.

Notes icon.
Incorrect birth dates may cause efile rejection.

11.Verbally confirm the number of months each person listed lived in the home.

Notes icon.
Consider any temporary absences.

12.If not a US citizen, use Tab L, Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Tree to determine if return is within scope.

13.The Certified Volunteer Preparer will complete these questions for each listed person during the interview.

14.See Page 3 to verify if taxpayer listed additional names.

Important Reminder: Review all information in Part II before using Tabs B and C to determine Dependency Exemptions and Filing Status.

Important Reminder: The Intake/Interview process may be considered incomplete if:

•Questions are left unanswered in parts I thru V

•“Unsure” answers are not addressed with the taxpayer and then annotated “Yes” or No”

•Applicable Certified Volunteer Preparer shaded area is not completed.

Important Reminder: Do not refer taxpayers to the Voltax e-mail address for IRS help or refund information. Refer to the back cover of Pub 4012 for appropriate IRS referrals.

Form 13614-C Job Aid for Volunteers (Page 2)

Important Reminder: During the interview, question taxpayer about any items marked “Unsure” and mark them “Yes” or “No”. Modify any taxpayer answers to correctly reflect all information obtained during the interview.

1.Certification indicators B, A and M should only be used to assign returns to preparers. Final certification level should be made by using the Scope of Service Chart after completing interview.

2.If yes, verify tips were reported to employer. If not, complete Form 4137, Social Security and Medicare Tax on Unreported Tip Income (Advanced).

3.See Tab D Form W-2 Instructions.

4.See Tab D for information on how to enter taxable scholarships.

5.Verify the return is within the scope of VITA/TCE Programs.

6.If yes, determine if taxable.

7.Not all of these are reported on Schedule 1, Line 8. See Pub 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals).

8.See Tab E for definition of alimony.

9.Verify eligibility for Retirement Savings Contribution Credit.

10.See Tab J and compare credits and adjustments.

11.Verify if taxpayer can itemize.

12.If yes, ask taxpayer for child care provider’s TIN

13.Student Loan Interest adjustment. See Tab E.

14.See Tabs I, G or J for impact of a “yes” answer on any credits for this year.

15.Taxpayer may have a requirement to repay their credit.

16.Ask taxpayer for a copy of last year’s return to locate necessary information.

17.Taxpayer must provide Form 1095-A if receiving insurance through the Marketplace.

Form 13614-C Job Aid for Volunteers (Page 3)

1.The “written communication” answer will be entered into TaxSlayer software.

2.President Election Campaign Fund answer will be entered into TaxSlayer software.

3.See Tab K on how to enter information about a refund.

4.Check for tax benefits for declared disaster areas.

5.Determine if the letter may impact the return and refer them to any available resources if help is needed.

6.Answers to these questions will be transfered and collected inside TaxSlayer software.

Important Reminder: A Quality Review of each return must be completed using the Quality Review Checklist in Tab K.

Starting a New Return

Notes icon.
These options will not appear for all users. Your screen may have different options based on the security template you are assigned

Social Security Number Entry

The next step in creating a new tax return is entering the taxpayer’s Social Security number (SSN) in the space provided. To ensure accuracy, you are required to enter the SSN twice.

Notes icon.
All returns are completed using the Basic (No Profile) Create a return without a Taxpayer Profile.

If the SSN is already in use, or the two entries don’t match, the software will display an error message. Re-enter the numbers.

Pulling Prior Year Data

If prior year data is found for this SSN, TaxSlayer Pro displays the following:

Caution icon.
Be sure to verify that all EINs and addresses on Forms W-2 and 1099-R are still the same as the prior year when using carryforward.

Determination of Filing Status – Decision Tree

Footnotes

1 Answer “NO” to this question if, on the last day of the year, you were legally separated from your spouse under a divorce or separate maintenance decree. Answer “NO” for individuals who have entered into a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or other similar relationship that is not called a marriage under state (or foreign) law. Answer YES if taxpayer is married regardless of where the spouse lives.

2 Include in the cost of upkeep expenses such as rent, mortgage interest, real estate taxes, insurance on the home, repairs, utilities and food eaten in the home. Under proposed regulations, a taxpayer may treat a home’s fair market rental value as a cost of maintaining a household instead of the sum of payments for mortgage interest, property taxes and insurance. See “Cost of Keeping Up a Home” worksheet later in this tab.

3 See Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), Filing Status, for rules applying to birth, death, or temporary absence during the year. There are special rules for claiming your parent as a qualifying person for head of household. See the Who Is a Qualifying Person Qualifying You To File as Head of Household? Chart later in this tab.

4 Unless the child’s other parent claims him or her under rules for children of divorced or separated parents or parents who lived apart.

5 You are considered unmarried for head of household purposes if your spouse was a nonresident alien at any time during the year and you do not choose to treat your nonresident spouse as a resident alien. However, your spouse is not a qualifying person for head of household purposes. You must have another qualifying person (see the Who Is a Qualifying Person Qualifying You To File as Head of Household? chart later in this tab) and meet the other tests to be eligible to file as a head of household. You are considered married if you choose to treat your nonresident alien spouse as a resident alien. See chapter 1 of Pub 519, U.S. Tax Guide For Aliens.

6 Your spouse is considered to live in your home even if he or she is temporarily absent due to illness, education, business, vacation, military service, or incarceration.

7 If the taxpayer wants to file MFS, emphasize the advantages to Married Filing Jointly and the possibility of filing Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation (if appropriate). See Pub 17, Filing Status, MFS Special Rules for list of disadvantages. Respect a taxpayer’s decision to file MFS. If domiciled in a community property state see Pub 555, Community Property.

8 There may be multiple filing statuses (for example, two families filing head of household or one family filing married filing jointly and another head of household) in shared living quarters if each household meets their determined filing requirements.

Notes icon.
If one spouse dies and the other remarries in the same year, the deceased spouse files Married Filing Separately.

Filing Status – Interview Tips

Step

Probe or Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Were you married on December 31 of the tax year?6 You are considered unmarried if, on the last day of the year, you were legally separated from your spouse under a divorce or separate maintenance decree. State law governs whether you are married or legally separated under a divorce or separate maintenance decree. Individuals who have entered into a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or other similar relationship that is not called a marriage under state (or foreign) law are not considered married. A taxpayer is married regardless of where the spouse lives.

If YES, go to Step 2.

If NO, go to Step 4.

2

Do you and your spouse wish to file a joint return?

If YES, your filing status is married filing jointly.

If NO, go to Step 32.

3

Do all the following apply?

•You file a separate return from your spouse

•You paid more than half the cost of keeping up your home for the required period of time.1

•Your spouse didn’t live in your home during the last 6 months of the tax year3

•Your home was the main home of your child, stepchild, or foster child for more than half the year (a grandchild doesn’t meet this test)

•You claim an exemption for the child (unless the noncustodial parent claims the child under rules for divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart)

If YES, STOP. You are considered unmarried and your filing status is head of household.

If NO, STOP. Your filing status is married filing separately5.

4

Did your spouse die in 2021 or 2022?

If YES, go to Step 5.

If NO, go to Step 6.

5

Do all the following apply?

•You were entitled to file a joint return with your spouse for the year your spouse died

•You didn’t remarry before the end of this tax year

•You have a child or stepchild who lived with you all year, except for temporary absences or other limited exceptions, and who is your dependent or who would qualify as your dependent except that: he or she does not meet the gross income test, does not meet the joint return test, or except that you may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. Don’t include a grandchild or foster child.

•You paid more than half the cost of keeping up the home for the required period of time.1

If YES, STOP. Your filing status is qualifying surviving spouse.

If NO, go to Step 6.

6

Do both of the following apply?

•You paid more than 1/2 the cost of keeping up your home for the required period of time.1

•A “qualifying person,” (see Who Is a Qualifying Person Qualifying You To File as Head of Household? chart), lived with you in your home for more than 1/2 the year.4

YES – Head of Household7

NO – Single

Footnotes

1 Include in the cost of upkeep expenses such as rent, mortgage interest, real estate taxes, insurance on the home, repairs, utilities and food eaten in the home. Under proposed regulations, a taxpayer may treat a home’s fair market rental value as a cost of maintaining a household instead of the sum of payments for mortgage interest, property taxes and insurance. See “Cost of Keeping Up a Home” worksheet later in this tab.

2 You are considered unmarried for head of household purposes if your spouse was a nonresident alien at any time during the year and you do not choose to treat your nonresident spouse as a resident alien. However, your spouse is not a qualifying person for head of household purposes. You must have another qualifying person (see Who Is a Qualifying Person Qualifying You To File as Head of Household? chart later in this tab) and meet the other tests to be eligible to file as a head of household.

3 Your spouse is considered to live in your home even if he or she is temporarily absent due to illness, education, business, vacation, military service, or incarceration.

4 You can’t use head of household filing status based on any person who is your dependent only because he or she lived with you for the entire year (for example, a companion or a friend).

5 If filing a MFS return in a community property state, allocate income and expense according to state law. This situation may be treated as Out of Scope.

6 If your spouse died during the year, you are considered married for the whole year for filing status purposes. If you didn’t remarry before the end of the year, you can file a joint return for yourself and your deceased spouse. If you remarried before the end of the tax year, you can file a joint return with your new spouse. In that case, your deceased spouse’s filing status is married filing separately for that year.

7 There may be multiple filing statuses (for example, two families filing head of household or one family filing married filing jointly and another head of household) in shared living quarters if each household meets their determined filing requirements.

Who Is a Qualifying Person Qualifying You To File as Head of Household?¹

DON’T use this chart alone. Use as directed by the interview tips on the previous page.

IF the person is your...

AND...

THEN that person is...

qualifying child (such as a son, daughter, or grandchild who lived with you more than half the year and meets certain other tests)2

he or she is single

a qualifying person, whether or not the child meets the Citizen or Resident Test7.

he or she is married and you can claim him or her as a dependent

a qualifying person.

he or she is married and you can’t claim him or her as a dependent

not a qualifying person3.

qualifying relative4 who is your father or mother

you can claim him or her as a dependent5

a qualifying person6.

you can’t claim him or her as a dependent

not a qualifying person.

qualifying relative4 other than your father or mother.

he or she lived with you more than half the year, and you can claim him or her as a dependent, and is one of the following: son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant of any of them; your brother, sister, half brother, half sister or a son or daughter of any of them; an ancestor or sibling of your father or mother; or stepbrother, stepsister, stepfather, stepmother, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law5

a qualifying person.

he or she didn’t live with you more than half the year

not a qualifying person.

he or she isn’t related to you in one of the ways listed above and is your qualifying relative only because he or she lived with you all year as a member of your household (for example, a companion or a friend)

not a qualifying person.

you can’t claim him or her as a dependent

not a qualifying person.

Footnotes

1 A person can’t qualify more than one taxpayer to use the head of household filing status for the year.

2 The term “qualifying child” is covered in Tab C, Dependents. Note: If you are a noncustodial parent, the term “qualifying child” for head of household filing status doesn’t include a child who is your dependent only because of the rules described in the Children of Divorced or Separated Parents table. If you are the custodial parent and those rules apply, the child generally is your qualifying child for head of household filing status even though the child isn’t a qualifying child who you can claim as a dependent. A grandchild is not a qualifying person for head of household status if the taxpayer is married filing a separate return from their spouse.

3 This person is a qualifying person if the only reason you can’t claim him or her as a dependent is that you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.

4 The term “qualifying relative” is covered in Tab C, Dependents.

5 If you can claim a person as a dependent only because of a multiple support agreement, that person isn’t a qualifying person. See Multiple Support Agreement, in Publication 17.

6 You are eligible to file as head of household even if your parent, whom you can claim as a dependent, doesn’t live with you. You must pay more than half the cost of keeping up a home that was the main home for the entire year for your parent. This test is met if you pay more than half the cost of keeping your parent in a rest home or home for the elderly.

7 The Citizen or Resident Test states: You generally can’t claim a person as a dependent unless that person is a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.

Cost of Keeping Up a Home

Keep for Your Records

Amount You Paid

Total Cost

Property taxes*

$ __________

$ __________

Mortgage interest expenses*

$ __________

$ __________

Rent

$ __________

$ __________

Utility charges

$ __________

$ __________

Property insurance*

$ __________

$ __________

Food eaten in the home

$ __________

$ __________

Other household expenses

$ __________

$ __________

Fair market rental value*

$ __________

$ __________

*Under proposed regulations, fair market rental value may be used (instead of the sum of payments for property taxes, mortgage interest expenses, and property insurance)

Totals

Minus total amount you paid    (__________)

Amount others paid                 $__________

If the total amount you paid is more than the amount others paid, you meet the requirement of paying more than half the cost of keeping up the home

Notes icon.
Costs you include. Include in the cost of keeping up a home expenses such as rent, mortgage interest, real estate taxes and insurance on the home, repairs, utilities, and food eaten in the home.
As an alternative to including mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and insurance under proposed regulations, you may include the fair market rental value of the home.

Costs you don’t include. Don’t include the cost of clothing, education, medical treatment, vacations, life insurance, or transportation. Also, don’t include the value of your services or those of a member of your household.

Notes icon.
Payments received under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or other public assistance programs used to pay the costs of keeping up the home can be counted as money you paid. Amounts paid out of funds received in the child’s or qualifying person’s name, such as Social Security, are considered paid by the child, not you.

Entering Basic Information

Navigation icon.
Basic Information>Filing Status

After collecting necessary information from Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet, and properly applying the tax law, you should choose the taxpayer’s filing status.

Notes icon.
If the taxpayer’s spouse died during the year, the taxpayer is considered married for the whole year for filing status purposes. If the taxpayer didn’t remarry before the end of the tax year, a joint return can be filed for the taxpayer and deceased spouse. If remarried before the end of the tax year, taxpayer can file a joint return with the new spouse. The deceased spouse’s filing status is Married Filing Separately for that year.

Notes icon.
Most nonresident aliens and dual status aliens have different filing requirements and may have to file Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. In this case, the return is Out of Scope.

The second screen titled Married Separate, is used to determine the spouse’s return status.

Notes icon.
Individuals who are married and living apart but not legally separated under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance are considered married for federal tax purposes. Individuals who are married in a foreign country are married for federal tax purposes if the relationship would be recognized as marriage under the laws of at least one state, possession, or territory of the United States, regardless of domicile. Individuals are not lawfully married for federal tax purposes if they have entered into a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or other similar formal relationship not denominated as marriage under the law of the state, possession or territory of the Untied States where such relationship was entered into, regardless of domicile.

Notes icon.
While there are legitimate reasons for married taxpayers to file separately, there are also drawbacks. A limited list is provided here. It is not all-inclusive and is provided for informational purposes only. Taxpayers filing married filing separately:

•Can’t claim American opportunity credit, lifetime learning credit or the student loan interest deduction

•Can’t claim either the child and dependent care credit or the earned income credit unless the taxpayer meets the requirements to be considered unmarried

•Who lived with the spouse at any time during the year can’t claim the credit for the elderly or the disabled and must include in income a greater percentage of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

•Are limited to $1,500 in capital losses

•Can’t claim the standard deduction if the spouse itemizes

•Who lived with the spouse at any time during the year have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) limit for contributions to Roth IRAs of $10,000

•Who is covered, or whose spouse is covered, by a retirement plan at work have a MAGI limit for deductible contributions to traditional IRAs of $10,000

See Tab M, Other Returns, if taxpayers opt to file an injured spouse allocation rather than filing separately.

Determining the Last Name of Taxpayer

A name control is a sequence of letters derived from a taxpayer’s last name that is used by IRS in processing the tax return filed by the taxpayer. It is important that the combination of name control and taxpayer identification number (TIN) provided on an electronically filed return match IRS’s record of name controls and TINs.

In e-file, a taxpayer’s TIN and name control must match the data in the IRS database. If they don’t match, the e-filed return will reject and generate an Error Reject Code.

Individuals may create a mySocialSecurity account to see how their information shows up on Social Security Administration records. For additional information, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.

Name Controls for Individual Tax Returns

1.Primary Name Control (SEQ 0050) of Form 1040 must equal the first significant characters of the primary taxpayer’s last name. No leading or embedded spaces are allowed. The first left-most position must contain an alpha character. Omit punctuation marks (except hyphens), titles and suffixes within last name field.

Examples:

Individual Name Primary/Secondary Name Control

Individual Name on SSN/ITIN Card(s)

Enter in TaxSlayer

IRS Database Primary/ Secondary Name Control

First Name Field

Last Name Field

John Brown

John

Brown

BROW

Walter Di Angelo

Walter

Di Angelo

DIAN

Ronald En, Sr.

Ronald

En

EN

Thomas Lea-Smith

Thomas

Lea-Smith

LEA-

Joseph Corn & Mary Smith

Joseph

Corn

CORN

Mary

Smith

SMIT

Roger O’Neil

Roger

ONeil

ONEI

Kenneth McCarty

Kenneth

McCarty

MCCA

FNU Smith (First Name Unknown)

FNU

Smith

SMIT

Smith (No First Name)

Smith

SMIT

2.Consider certain suffixes as part of the last name (i.e., Armah-Bey, Paz-Ayala, Allar-Sid). Particular attention must be given to those names that incorporate a mother’s maiden name as a suffix to the last name. For example, traditional Hispanic last names include the taxpayer’s father’s name followed by a space and the taxpayer’s mother’s maiden name. A married taxpayer’s last name remains the same and either simply adds on the spouse’s father’s name (resulting in 3 names forming the last name) or deletes the mother’s maiden name and adds on the spouse’s father’s name (sometimes the spouse’s father’s name is preceded by “de”).

Examples:

Individual Name Primary Name Control

Individual Name on SSN/ ITIN Card

Enter in TaxSlayer

IRS Database Primary Name Control

First Name Field

Last Name Field

Abdullah Allar-Sid

Abdullah

Allar-Sid

ALLA

Jose Alvarado Nogales

Jose

Alvarado Nogales

ALVA

Juan de la Rosa Y Obregon

Juan

de la Rosa Y Obregon

DELA

Pedro Paz-Ayala

Pedro

Paz-Ayala

PAZ-

Donald Vander Neut

Donald

Vander Neut

VAND

Otto Von Wodtke

Otto

Von Wodtke

VONW

John Big Eagle

John

Big Eagle

BIGE

Mary Her Many Horses

Mary

Her Many Horses

HERM

Ted Smith Gonzalez

Ted

Gonzalez

GONZ

Maria Acevedo Smith

Maria

Smith

SMIT

Robert Garcia Garza Hernandez

Robert

Garza Hernandez

GARZ

Caution icon.
Please note that these are examples for how the name is shown on a return. Asking the taxpayer how their name was shown on their return if they filed the previous year may help prevent a reject.

3.Below are examples of Indo-Chinese last names and the derivative Name Control. Some Indo-Chinese names have only two characters. Indo-Chinese names often have a middle name of “Van” (male) or “Thi” (female).

Examples:

Individual Name Primary/Secondary Name Control

Individual Name on SSN/ ITIN Card

Enter in TaxSlayer

IRS Database Primary Name Control

First Name Field

Last Name Field

Binh To La

Binh

La

LA

Kim Van Nguyen

Kim

Nguyen

NGUY

Nhat Thi Pham

Nhat

Pham

PHAM

Jin Zhang Qui & Yen Yin Chiu

Jin Zhang

Qui

QUI

Yen Yin

Chiu

CHIU

Tips icon.
If this is a newer issued Social Security card with a name on more than one line, the last name is on the bottom line.

Navigation icon.
Basic Information>Personal Information

The input screens below gather the taxpayer’s personal information.

Notes icon.
If a taxpayer is deceased, make the surviving spouse the primary taxpayer so their information will carryover in the next year.

1.You must input a birth date. Use drop down boxes to select month, date and year.

2.Check the box if another taxpayer can claim this person as a dependent.

3.Check the box if the taxpayer is between the ages of 18 and 24 and is a full-time student during some part of each of any 5 calendar months of the year. See Tab R, Glossary and Index for definition of a full-time student.

4.Check the Taxpayer is deceased box to generate a Date of Death box, which must be completed. The word Deceased and the date of death will print next to the deceased person’s name at the top of Form 1040 page 1, as required by the IRS.

5.Checking the “yes” box to contribute to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund does not increase the amount of tax that taxpayers owe, nor does it decrease any refund to which they are entitled

6.This option will only appear if MFS filing status is selected.

7.Do not mark the taxpayer was a nonresident alien box if taxpayer or spouse is married to a citizen or resident alien and they have elected to treat the non-resident alien as a resident alien.

8.The return is Out of Scope if the taxpayer must check the box. Taxpayers are not required to check the box if they held no virtual currency for the tax year or if the taxpayer’s only transactions involving digital assets (virtual currency) during the tax year were purchases of virtual currency with real currency.

9.Taxpayers may choose to receive written communications from IRS in a language other than English or in an accessible format. Check the box and select the language or format from the drop down menu.

This section is important for calculation of filing status, standard deduction, Presidential Election Fund, and military status.

Tips icon.
Identity Protection PINs are entered in the Miscellaneous Forms Menu or in the Basic Information section.

10.Verify the spouse’s last name with their Social Security card. If different from the taxpayer’s, correct the auto-filled entry.

11.Enter spouse’s SSN. If the taxpayer is filing MFS and does not know the SSN of the spouse, enter the spouse’s SSN as 111-00-1111. You may leave the spouse’s DOB blank. Without the spouse’s actual SSN, the return must be marked for paper filing. It will be rejected if filed electronically.

12.Check the military or foreign address boxes if they apply.

13.Entering the ZIP code will cause the city and state to auto-fill. Correct the city name if needed.

14.See Note on following page for residency status.

15.Always ask for the best telephone number (i.e. cell phone) to contact the taxpayer so the site can follow up with clients about return rejects or if additional information is needed.

16.Select and enter the email address for an option to send the taxpayer a link to the Customer Portal.

Notes icon.
Resident State Return – This option will allow you to select the taxpayer’s state of residency. Once the state has been chosen, selecting Continue will prompt the state questions. The program will create the state return based on the state selected. The program will automatically transfer basic information into the state return for you. Any additional states that are needed will be selected within the State Return section of the return. If a taxpayer lived in more than one state during the year, enter the state he or she lived in with the highest federal poverty line (FPL) figure. See Tab H. That FPL will be used to make ACA calculations. If there isn’t a state return to complete, select None from the list.

Notes icon.
For Military Certification – Ask the taxpayer their state of legal residence. The civilian spouse of an active duty service member, under Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) can choose to keep their prior residence or domicile for tax purposes (tax residence) when accompanying the service member spouse, who is relocating under military orders, to a new military duty station in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory. Before relocating, both spouses must have the same tax residence.

Entering Dependent/Qualifying Person

Navigation icon.
Basic Information>Dependents/Qualifying Person

Notes icon.
To determine if a person qualifies as the taxpayer’s dependent, see Tab C, Dependents.

Notes icon.
In order for the IRS to accept the tax return electronically, ensure that:

•The correct date of birth is entered

•The dependent’s name is spelled correctly

•The correct Social Security number is entered

If any of these three items are entered incorrectly, the IRS will reject the tax return for electronic filing purposes.

1.The taxpayer’s name carries forward to the dependent. Make changes as needed based on the dependent’s Social Security card.

2.Select Check box if the dependent does not have an SSN/ITIN/ATIN, if applicable. If checked, the software will ask if the dependent will be completing a Form W-7, Application for ITIN. The Form W-7 is located in the Federal Section, Miscellaneous Forms. If not applying for an ITIN, answer no and enter the reason (such as the death of the child, which requires attaching a death certificate) if e-filing that the child does not have a TIN.

3.When a dependent’s information is carried forward, be sure to check the citizenship box.

4.If the taxpayer has a dependent whose relationship is not listed, pick the relationship that has the same tax treatment. For example, if the taxpayer’s dependent is their great-grandchild, select grandchild for the relationship.

5.Use the drop down list to enter the number of months or select Lived in Mexico or Lived in Canada. Enter 12 months if the dependent was born or died during the year or was temporarily absent (school, vacation, etc.). If you are the noncustodial parent claiming your child as a dependent, select Divorce/ Separation for the number of months. For a qualifying relative who did not live with the taxpayer more than 6 months, select Other reasons for the number of months.

6.Carefully read the selections under the “Check any of these that apply to you:” list. Check all that apply.

7.Select the not your dependent box if the custodial parent is not claiming the child because:

a.the child provides more than half of his or her own support but qualifies the taxpayer for EIC, or

b.the noncustodial parent is claiming the dependent, but the child qualifies the taxpayer as head of household or for dependent care credit or EIC, or

c.the child is not a dependent but qualifies the taxpayer as head of household or as a qualifying surviving spouse.

8.If the dependent is not your qualifying child for EIC, select Check if you wish to NOT claim this dependent for Earned Income Credit purposes.

9.If no one person contributed over half of the support of the taxpayer’s relative (or a person who lived with the taxpayer all year as a member of their household) but the taxpayer and another person(s) provided more than half of that person’s support, special rules may apply that would treat the taxpayer as having provided over half of the support. For details, see Pub. 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.

Qualifying Child(ren) for Earned Income Credit (EIC):

EIC is considered for every return unless the program determines that it is not viable. Verify names, SSNs, and dates of birth with Social Security cards to prevent rejected returns.

TaxSlayer calculates the amount of earned income credit if the client qualifies based on income and other requirements. Reminder: Although age, relationship and residency requirements are the same for EIC as for dependency, support is NOT an issue for EIC (it does not matter whether or not the child, parent, or another provides over half of the child’s support).

Tab C: Dependents

Overview of the Rules for Claiming a Dependent

Caution icon.
This table is only an overview of the rules. For details, see Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals).

•You can’t claim any dependents if you, or your spouse if filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.

•You can’t claim a married person who files a joint return as a dependent unless that joint return is only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid.

•You can’t claim a person as a dependent unless that person is a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.1

•You can’t claim a person as a dependent unless that person is your qualifying child or qualifying relative.

Tests To Be a Qualifying Child

Tests To Be a Qualifying Relative

1. The child must be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them. An adopted child is always treated as your own child. The term “adopted child” includes a child who was lawfully placed with you for legal adoption.

2. The child must be: (a) under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), (b) under age 24 at the end of the year, a full-time student, and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), or (c) any age if permanently and totally disabled.

3. The child must have lived with you for more than half of the year.2

4. The child must not have provided more than half of his or her own support for the year.5

5. The child isn’t filing a joint return for the year (unless that joint return is filed only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid).

6. If the child meets the rules to be a qualifying child of more than one person, you must be the person entitled to claim the child as a qualifying child. See the “Qualifying Child of More Than One Person” chart.

1. The person can’t be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. A child isn’t the qualifying child of any other tax-payer if the child’s parent (or any other person for whom the child is defined as a qualifying child) isn’t required to file an income tax return or files an income tax return only to get a refund of income tax withheld.

2. The person either (a) must be related to you in one of the ways listed under Relatives who don’t have to live with you (see Table 2, step 2), or (b) must live with you all year as a member of your household2 (and your relationship must not violate local law).

3. The person’s gross income for the year must be less than $4,700.3 Gross income means all income the person received in the form of money, goods, property and services, that isn’t exempt from tax. Don’t include Social Security benefits unless the person is married filing a separate return and lived with their spouse at any time during the tax year or if 1/2 the Social Security benefits plus their other gross income and tax exempt interest is more than $25,000 ($32,000 if MFJ).

4. You must provide more than half of the person’s total support for the year.4, 5

Footnotes

1 There is an exception for certain adopted children.

2 There are exceptions for temporary absences, children who were born or died during the year, children of divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart, and kidnapped children. If you obtained a final decree of divorce or separate maintenance during the year, you can’t take your former spouse as a dependent. This rule applies even if you provided all of your former spouse’s support.

3 There is an exception if the person is disabled and has income from a sheltered workshop.

4 There are exceptions for multiple support agreements, children of divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart, and kidnapped children.

5 A worksheet for determining support is provided later in this tab. If a person receives Social Security benefits and uses them toward his or her own support, those benefits are considered as provided by the person. Benefits provided by the state to a needy person are generally considered support provided by the state. A proposed rule on which taxpayers may choose to rely treats governmental payments made to a recipient that the recipient uses, in part, to support others as support of the others provided by the recipient, whereas any part of such payment used for the support of the recipient would constitute support of the recipient by a third party. For example, if a mother receives Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) and uses the TANF payments to support her children, the proposed regulations treat the mother as having provided that support.

Qualifying Child of More Than One Person

Tiebreaker Rules

If the child meets the conditions to be the qualifying child of more than one person, only one person can claim the child as a qualifying child dependent for all tax benefits associated with an exemption unless the special rule for children of divorced or separated parents applies1.

•Credit for other dependents

•Child Tax Credit

•Head of Household

•Earned Income Credit

•Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses

•Exclusion from income for Dependent Care Benefits

No other person can take any of the six tax benefits listed above unless he or she has a different qualifying child. To determine which person can treat the child as a qualifying child to claim these six tax benefits, the following tiebreaker rules apply. Subject to these tiebreaker rules, the taxpayer and the other person may be able to choose which person claims the child as a qualifying child.

If only one of the persons is the child’s parent, the child is treated as the qualifying child of the parent.

If the parents file a joint return together and can claim the child as a qualifying child, the child is treated as the qualifying child of the parents.

If the parents don’t file a joint return together but both parents claim the child as a qualifying child, the IRS will treat the child as the qualifying child of the parent with whom the child lived for the longer period of time during the year. If the child lived with each parent for the same amount of time, the IRS will treat the child as the qualifying child of the parent who had the higher adjusted gross income (AGI) for the year.

If no parent can claim the child as a qualifying child, the child is treated as the qualifying child of the person who had the highest AGI for the year.

If a parent can claim the child as a qualifying child but no parent claims the child, the child is treated as the qualifying child of the person who had the highest AGI for the year, but only if that person’s AGI is higher than the highest AGI of any of the child’s parents who can claim the child.

Example: Your daughter meets the conditions to be a qualifying child for both you and your mother. Under the rules above, you are entitled to treat your daughter as a qualifying child for all of the six tax benefits listed above for which you otherwise qualify. Your mother isn’t entitled to take any of the six tax benefits listed above unless she has a different qualifying child. However, if your mother’s AGI is higher than yours, you can let your mother treat your daughter as her qualifying child. If you do that, your daughter isn’t your qualifying child for any of the six benefits.

For more details and examples, see Publication 17 and Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.

Footnote

1 When the special rule for children of divorced or separated parents applies (see Table 3, later in this tab) and the noncustodial parent claims the child as a dependent, the noncustodial parent may also claim the child tax credit and any educational benefit, if all other rules are met. The custodial parent should enter the child as a nondependent in the software (see software entries in Tab B, Starting a Return and Filing Status), because they may be eligible for the EIC, Child and Dependent Care Credit, Exclusion from income for Dependent Care Benefits and Head of Household filing status.

Table 1: All Dependents

Begin with this table to determine both Qualifying Child and Qualifying Relative dependents.

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Can you or your spouse (if filing jointly) be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s tax return this year?5

If YES: If you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, you may not claim anyone else as your dependent.

If NO: Go to Step 2

2

Was the person married as of December 31 of the tax year?

If YES: Go to Step 3

If NO: Go to Step 4

3

Is the person filing a joint return for this tax year?

(Answer “NO” if the person is filing a joint return only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid.)

If YES: You can’t claim this person as a dependent. If NO: Go to Step 4

4

Was the person a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico?

(Answer “YES” if you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and you adopted a child who lived with you as a member of your household all year.)

If YES: Go to Step 5

If NO: You can’t claim this person as a dependent.

5

Was the person your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them (i.e., your grandchild, niece, or nephew)?4

If YES: Go to Step 6

If NO: This person isn’t your qualifying child. Go to Table 2: Qualifying Relative Dependents

6

Was the person:

•under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) OR

•under age 24 at the end of the year, a full-time student (see definition in the glossary) and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) OR

•any age if permanently and totally disabled1 at any time during the year?

If YES: Go to Step 7

If NO: This person isn’t your qualifying child. Go to Table 2: Qualifying Relative Dependents

7

Did the person live with you as a member of your household, except for temporary absences2, for more than half the year?

(Answer “YES” if the child was born or died during the year.)

If YES: Go to Step 8 (Use Table 3 to see if the dependency for children of divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart applies.)

If NO: This person isn’t your qualifying child. Go to Table 2: Qualifying Relative Dependents

8

Did the person provide more than half of his or her own support3 for the year?

If YES: You can’t claim this person as a dependent

If NO: Go to Step 9

9

Is the person a qualifying child of any other taxpayer?

If YES: Go to the chart: Qualifying Child of More Than One Person

If NO: You can claim this person as a qualifying child dependent

Footnotes

1 A person is permanently and totally disabled if he or she can’t engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental condition, AND a doctor determines the condition has lasted or can be expected to last continuously for at least a year or can lead to death.

2 A child is considered to have lived with you during periods of time when one of you, or both, are temporarily absent due to illness, education, business, vacation, military service, institutionalized care for a child who is permanently and totally disabled, or incarceration. In most cases a child of divorced or separated parents is the qualifying child of the custodial parent. See Table 3: Children of Divorced or Separated Parents or Parents Who Live Apart to see if an exception applies. There is an exception for kidnapped children. See Publication 17.

3 A worksheet for determining support is included later in this tab. If a child receives Social Security benefits and uses them toward his or her own support, those benefits are considered as provided by the child. Benefits provided by the state to a needy person (welfare, food stamps, housing, SSI) are generally considered support provided by the state.

4 An adopted child is treated the same as a natural child for the purposes of determining whether a person is related to you in any of these ways. For example, an adopted brother or sister is your brother or sister. An adopted child includes a child who was lawfully placed with a person for legal adoption.

5 An individual is not a dependent of a person if that person is not required to file an income tax return and either does not file an income tax return or files an income tax return solely to claim a refund of estimated or withheld taxes.

Table 2: Qualifying Relative Dependents

You must start with Table 1. (To claim a qualifying relative dependent, you must first meet the Dependent Taxpayer, Joint Return and Citizen or Resident Tests in steps 1-4 of Table 1)

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Is the person your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer? A child isn’t the qualifying child of any other taxpayer if the child’s parent (or any other person for whom the child is defined as a qualifying child) isn’t required to file a U.S. income tax return or files an income tax return only to get a refund of income tax withheld.

If YES, the person isn’t a qualifying relative. (See Table 1: All Dependents)

If NO, go to Step 2.

2

Was the person your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant of any of them (i.e., your grandchild)? OR

Was the person your brother, sister, half brother, half sister, or a son or daughter of any of them? OR

Was the person your father, mother, or an ancestor or sibling of either of them? OR

Was the person your stepbrother, stepsister, stepfather, stepmother, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law?1

If NO, go to Step 3.

If YES, go to Step 4.

Note: The relatives listed in Step 2 are considered “Relatives who don’t have to live with you”

Note: To enter into TaxSlayer a qualifying relative who did not live with the taxpayer more than 6 months, choose “Other reasons” from the months drop-down menu.

3

Was the person any other person (other than your spouse) who lived with you all year as a member of your household?2

If NO, you can’t claim this person as a dependent. If YES, go to Step 4.

Exceptions: There are exceptions for kidnapped children; a person who was born or died during the year; certain temporary absences—school, vacation, medical care, etc.

Divorced or separated spouse. If you obtained a final decree of divorce or separate maintenance during the year, you can’t take your former spouse as a dependent. This rule applies even if you provided all of your former spouse’s support.

4

Did the person have gross income of less than $4,700 in 2023?3

If NO, you can’t claim this person as a dependent.

If YES, go to Step 5.

5

Did you provide more than half the person’s total support for the year?4

See Worksheet for Determining Support, later in this tab, to calculate the total support for the year.

If YES, you can claim this person as your qualifying relative dependent. (Use Table 3 to see if the exception for children of divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart applies.)

If NO, go to Step 6.

6

Did another person provide more than half the person’s total support?4

If YES, you can’t claim this person as a dependent.

If NO, go to Step 7.

7

Did two or more people, each of whom would be able to take the dependent but for the support test, together provide more than half the person’s total support?

If YES, go to Step 8.

If NO, you can’t claim this person as a dependent.

8

Did you provide more than 10% of the person’s total support for the year?

If YES, go to Step 9.

If NO, you can’t claim this person as a dependent.

9

Did the other person(s) providing more than 10% of the person’s total support for the year provide you with a signed statement agreeing not to claim the dependent?

If YES, you can claim this person as a dependent. You must file Form 2120, Multiple Support Declaration, with your return.

If NO, you can’t claim this person as a qualifying child dependent.

Navigation icon.
To include Form 2120 with the return: Basic Information>Dependents/Qualifying Person>Dependents/ Qualifying Person>This dependent qualifies for a Multiple Support Declaration

Footnotes

1 An adopted child is treated the same as a natural child for the purposes of determining whether a person is related to you in any of these ways. For example, an adopted brother or sister is your brother or sister. An adopted child includes a child who was lawfully placed with a person for legal adoption. Any of these relationships that were established by marriage aren’t ended by death or divorce.

2 A person doesn’t meet this test if at any time during the year the relationship between you and that person violates local law.

3 For purposes of this test, the gross income of an individual who is permanently and totally disabled at any time during the year doesn’t include income for services the individual performs at a sheltered workshop. Gross income means all income the person received in the form of money, goods, property and services, that isn’t exempt from tax. Don’t include Social Security benefits unless the person is married filing a separate return and lived with their spouse at any time during the tax year or if 1/2 the Social Security benefits plus their other gross income and tax exempt interest is more than $25,000 ($32,000 if MFJ).

4 See Table 3, Children of Divorced or Separated Parents or Parents Who Live Apart, for the exception to the support test.

If a child receives Social Security benefits and uses them toward his or her own support, those benefits are considered as provided by the child. Benefits provided by the state to a needy person are generally considered support provided by the state. A proposed rule, on which taxpayers may choose to rely, treats governmental payments made to a recipient that the recipient uses, in part, to support others as support of the others provided by the recipient, whereas any part of such payment used for the support of the recipient would constitute support of the recipient by a third party. For example, if a mother receives TANF and uses the TANF payments to support her children, the proposed regulations treat the mother as having provided that support.

If the taxpayer remarries, the support provided by the new spouse is treated as provided by the taxpayer.

Table 3: Children of Divorced or Separated Parents or Parents Who Live Apart

Use this table when directed from Table 1 or Table 2 to determine if the exception applies to the qualifying child residency test or the qualifying relative support test

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Did the child receive over half of his or her support4 from the parents who are:

•Divorced OR

•Legally separated under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance OR

•Separated under a written separation agreement OR

•Lived apart at all times during the last 6 months of the year?

If YES, go to Step 2.

If NO, Table 3 doesn’t apply.

2

Was the child in the custody of one or both parents for more than half the year?1

If YES, go to Step 3.

If NO, Table 3 doesn’t apply.

3

Did the custodial parent (parent with whom the child lived for the greater number of nights during the year) provide the taxpayer a signed written declaration (Form 8332, Release/ Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption to Child by Custodial Parent, a copy of Form 8332, or similar document) releasing his or her claim to the child as a dependent?

If YES, the Table 3 exception applies.2 Return to the appropriate step in Table 1 or Table 2.

If NO, go to Step 4.

4

Are either of the following statements true?

The taxpayer has a post-1984 and pre-2009 decree3 or agreement that is applicable for the current tax year and states all three of the following:

•The noncustodial parent can claim the child as a dependent without regard to any condition, such as payment of support.

•The other parent won’t claim the child as a dependent for the year.

•The years for which the noncustodial parent can claim the child as a dependent.

OR

The taxpayer has a pre-1985 decree of divorce or separation maintenance or written separation agreement between the parents that provide that the noncustodial parent can claim the child as a dependent, and the noncustodial parent provides at least $600 for support of the child during the current tax year.

If YES, the Table 3 exception applies. Return to the appropriate step in Table 1 or Table 2.

If NO, Table 3 doesn’t apply.

Footnotes

1 If the child is emancipated under state law, either by reaching age of majority or other means, child is treated as not living with either parent (see Publication 17).

2 Post-2008 decree or agreement. If the divorce decree or separation agreement went into effect after 2008, the noncustodial parent can’t attach pages from the decree or agreement instead of Form 8332. The custodial parent must sign, and the noncustodial parent must attach to his or her return, either Form 8332, or a copy of Form 8332 or a substantially similar statement the only purpose of which is to release the custodial parent’s claim to a child. For an e-filed return, attach and submit the Form 8332 with Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return. Alternatively, scan Form 8332 and upload to the return as a Scanned Document. See Tab K.

3 Post-1984 and Pre-2009 divorce decrees or agreements: The noncustodial parent must attach all of the following pages from the decree or agreement.

•Cover page (include the other parent’s SSN on that page)

•The pages that include all the information identified in (1) through (3) above

•Signature page with the other parent’s signature and date of agreement.

4 If you remarry, the support provided by your new spouse is treated as provided by you.

Release of certain tax benefits revoked

A custodial parent who has revoked his or her previous release of a claim to certain tax benefits for a child must attach a copy of the revocation to his or her return. For the revocation to be effective for the current tax year, the custodial parent must have given (or made reasonable efforts to give) written notice of the revocation to the noncustodial parent in the prior tax year or earlier. (See Form 8332 for more details).

Other decrees or agreements that don’t meet step 4:

Noncustodial parents must attach the Form 8332, or a copy of Form 8332 or similar statement to their return.

Worksheet for Determining Support

Notes icon.
Taxpayers should keep a completed copy of this worksheet for their records. See the following page for important notes.

The following items aren’t included in total support:

•Federal, state, and local income taxes paid by persons from their own income

•Social Security and Medicare taxes paid by persons from their own income

•Life insurance premiums

•Funeral expenses

•Scholarships received by your child if your child is a student

•Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance payments used for the support of the child who receives them

Notes icon.
TANF and other governmental payments. Under proposed Treasury regulations, if you received Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) payments or other similar payments and used the payment to support another person, those payments are considered support you provided for that person, rather than support provided by the government or other third party.

Notes icon.
Social Security benefits. If spouses each receive benefits that are paid by one check made out to both of them, half of the total paid is considered to be for the support of each spouse, unless they can show otherwise. If a child receives Social Security benefits and uses them toward his or her own support, the benefits are considered as provided by the child.

Notes icon.
Foster care payments and expenses. Payments you receive for the support of a foster child from a child placement agency are considered support provided by the agency. Similarly, payments you receive for the support of a foster child from a state or county are considered support provided by the state or county.

Notes icon.
Armed Forces dependency allotments. The part of the allotment contributed by the government and the part taken out of your military pay are both considered provided by you in figuring whether you provide more than half of the support. If your allotment is used to support persons other than those you name, you can claim them as dependents if they otherwise qualify.

Notes icon.
Tax-exempt income. In figuring a person’s total support, include tax-exempt income, savings, and borrowed amounts used to support that person. Tax-exempt income includes certain Social Security benefits, welfare benefits, nontaxable life insurance proceeds, Armed Forces family allotments, nontaxable pensions, and tax-exempt interest.

Tab D: Income

Income Quick Reference Guide

This list is a quick reference and volunteers should refer to Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for more information. Don’t rely on this list alone. Some of the income items on this chart are Out of Scope for VITA/TCE. Review the Scope of Service chart to identify Out of Scope items. Refer taxpayers with Out of Scope income to a professional tax preparer. Confirm that all income received by the taxpayer has been discussed and shown on the return, if required. To determine taxability at the state level, check with your state’s department of revenue.

Table A – Examples of Taxable Income

(Examples of income to consider when determining whether a return must be filed or if a person meets the gross income test for qualifying relative)

•Wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions

•Alimony (for divorce before 2019, see How/ Where to Enter Income, later)

•Annuities

•Awards

•Back pay

•Breach of contract payment

•Business income/Self-employment income

•Cash income

•Compensation for personal services

•Canceled debts1

•Director’s fees

•Disability benefits (employer-funded)

•Discounts

•Dividends

•Employee awards

•Employee bonuses

•Estate and trust income

•Farm income

•Fees

•Gains from sale of property or securities

•Gambling winnings

•Hobby income

•Grants to businesses, even disaster related, unless exempted by law

•Interest

•Interest on life insurance dividends

•IRA distributions

•Jury duty fees

•Military pay (not exempt from taxation)

•Military pension

•Nonemployee compensation

•Notary fees

•Partnership, Estate and S-Corporation income (Schedule K-1s, Taxpayer’s share)

•Pensions

•Prizes

•Punitive damage award

•Railroad retirement—Tier I (portion may be taxable)

•Railroad retirement—Tier II

•Recovery of prior year deduction2 (medical, property taxes, etc.)

•Refunds of State and local income tax (if reportable)2

•Rents (gross rent)

•Rewards

•Royalties

•Severance pay

•Self-employment (gross income)

•Social Security benefits (including SSDI) – portion may be taxable – (See Tab D, Income, Form SSA-1099/RRB-1099 Tier 1 Distributions)

•Supplemental unemployment benefits

•Taxable scholarships and grants

•Tips and gratuities

•Tribal per capita payments

•Unemployment compensation

Footnotes

1 If the taxpayer received a Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, in relation to their main home, it can be nontaxable, as is forgiveness of certain student loans

2 If itemized in year paid and taxes were reduced because of deduction

Nontaxable Income

Table B – Examples of Nontaxable Income

(Examples of income items to exclude when determining whether a return must be filed)

•Child support

•Civil damages, restitution or other monetary award paid to someone because that person was wrongfully incarcerated

•Damages for physical injury (other than punitive)

•Death payments

•Dividends on life insurance

•Federal Employees’ Compensation Act payments

•Federal income tax refunds

•Gifts

•Grants to individuals if due to a qualified disaster (otherwise taxable unless exempted by law)

•Inheritance3 or bequest

•Insurance proceeds (Accident, Casualty, Health, Life)

•Interest on tax-free securities

•Interest on EE/I bonds redeemed for qualified higher education expenses

•Meals and lodging for the convenience of employer

•Olympic and Paralympic Games medals and prizes4

•Payments in lieu of worker’s compensation

•Qualified Medicaid waiver payments

•Relocation payments

•Rebate/Patronage Dividends issued by co-ops for personal use are not taxable

•Reimbursements by employers or volunteer organizations for ordinary and necessary actual expenses

•Rental less than 15 days5

•Rental allowance of clergyman

•Reverse mortgages

•Sickness and injury payments

•Social Security benefits - portion may not be taxable (See Tab D, Income, Railroad Retirement, Civil Service, and Social Security Benefits)

•Student loan forgiveness (2021-2026)

•Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

•Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

•Terrorist or military action, certain payments received as a result

•Veterans’ benefits

•Welfare payments (including TANF) and food stamps

•Worker’s compensation and similar payments

Footnotes

3 An inheritance isn’t reported on the income tax return, but a distribution from an inherited pension or annuity is subject to the same tax as the original owner would have had to pay

4 The exclusion does not apply to a taxpayer for any year in which the taxpayer’s AGI exceeds $1 million (or $500,000 for an individual filing a MFS return)

5 If you use a dwelling unit as a home and you rent it less than 15 days during the year, you are not required to report the rental income and rental expenses from this activity. See Publication 527, Residential Rental Property. Reportable rental income is in scope for Military certification only.

Armed Forces Gross Income

Members of the Armed Forces receive many different types of pay and allowances. Some are included in gross income while others are excluded from gross income. Table 1 lists included items that are subject to tax and must be reported on your tax return. Table 2 lists excluded items that are not subject to tax, but may have to be shown on your tax return. See Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, for additional information. To determine taxability at the state level, check with your state’s department of revenue.

Table 1—Included Items

These items are included in gross income, unless the pay is for service in a combat zone

Basic pay

•Active duty

•Attendance at a designated service school

•Back wages

•Cadet/midshipman pay

•Drills (Inactive Duty Training)

•Reserve training

•Training Duty

Special pay

•Aviation career incentives

•Career sea

•Diving duty

•Foreign duty (outside the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia)

•Foreign language proficiency

•Hardship duty

•Hostile fire or imminent danger

•Medical and dental officers

•Nuclear-qualified officers

•Optometry

•Other Health Professional Special Pay (for example, nurse, physician assistant, social work, etc.)

•Pharmacy

•Special compensation for assistance with activities of daily living (SCAADL)

•Special duty assignment pay

•Veterinarian

•Voluntary Separation Incentive

Incentive pay

•Submarine

•Flight

•Hazardous duty

•High altitude/Low altitude (HALO)

Bonus pay

•Career status

•Continuation pay

•Enlistment

•Officer

•Overseas extension

•Reenlistment

Other pay

•Accrued leave

•CONUS COLA

•High deployment per diem

•Personal money allowances paid to high ranking officers

•Student loan repayment from programs such as the Department of Defense Educational Loan Repayment Program when the year's service (requirement) isn't attributable to a combat zone, to the extent that qualified higher education expenses exceed $5,250 annually

•Certain payments made by an employer after March 27, 2020, and before January 1, 2026, of principal or interest on certain qualified educational loans.

In-kind military benefits

•Personal use of government-provided vehicle

Table 2—Excluded Items

The exclusion for certain items applies whether the item is furnished in-kind or is a reimbursement or allowance.

Combat zone and qualified hazardous duty area pay

•Compensation for active service while in a combat zone Note: Limited amount for commissioned officers

•Leave earned or accrued while performing service in a combat zone

Family allowances

•Certain educational expenses for dependents

•Emergencies

•Evacuation to a place of safety

•Separation

Living allowances

•BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)

•BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence)

•Housing and cost-of-living allowances abroad paid by the U.S. Government or by a foreign government

•OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)

Other pay

•Certain amounts received under Armed Force Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program payments

•Disability, including payments received for injuries incurred as a direct result of a terrorist or military action

•Disability severance payments

•Group-term life insurance

•Professional education

•ROTC educational and subsistence allowances

•State bonus pay for service in a combat zone

•Survivor and retirement protection plan premiums

•Uniform allowances

Moving allowances

•Dislocation (limited to actual moving expenses)

•Military base realignment and closure benefit (Limits apply. See 42 U.S.C. 3374(c))

•Move-in housing

•Move household and personal items

•Moving trailers or mobile homes

•Storage

•Temporary lodging and temporary lodging expenses

In-kind military benefits

•Dependent-care assistance program

•Defense Counsel Services

•Legal assistance

•Medical/dental care

•Commissary/exchange discounts

•Space-available travel on government aircraft

•Uniforms furnished to enlisted personnel

Travel allowances

•Annual round trip for dependent students

•Leave between consecutive overseas tours

•Reassignment in a dependent restricted status

•Transportation for you or your dependents during ship overhaul or inactivation

•Per diem

Death allowances

•Burial services

•Death gratuity payments to eligible survivors

•Travel of dependents to burial site

How/Where to Enter Income

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Federal Section>Income

1.To go directly to a specific form, use the box to enter the form number or name. See Tab O, Using TaxSlayer® Pro Online, for entries.

2.If the taxpayer received a state refund in 2023 and itemized deductions for 2022 that included a deduction for state income tax, select the State and Local Refunds option and complete the State Refund worksheet.

3.Select Quick File from this pull-down menu next to the taxpayer's name to create a list of entry screens for this return.

4.You can go directly to the Income section from the quick link.

5.To enter unemployment compensation from Form 1099-G, go to:

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Income>Form 1099-G Box 1.

If unemployment benefits are repaid in the same year, enter the amount in Repayment of Unemployment. To enter current year unemployment, select Add or Edit a 1099-G.

6.Alimony received pursuant to a divorce or separation instrument executed on or before December 31, 2018 is included as income on the return. For divorces after December 31, 2018, alimony is not included as income on the return. The alimony is also not included in income if the instrument is modified after December 31, 2018, and the modification expressly provides that the amendments made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Section 11051, apply to the modification.

7.To enter Taxable Scholarship, Prisoner Earned Income, or Foreign Compensation - select Other Income then choose Other Compensation. In certain situations, taxpayers may wish to e-file a $0 AGI return. To e-file, enter $1 as other income. Go to Income>Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere and describe as "IN ORDER TO E-FILE."

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Taxpayers who receive an incorrect Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the issuing state agency to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did not receive these benefits. Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from states should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the income they received.

Forms W-2 and W-2c Instructions

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Income>Form W-2>Add a W-2 Wage Statement; or Keyword: W

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If the taxpayer has not received a W-2 from all employers by the end of January, they should contact their employer for the missing copy.

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A taxpayer with multiple Forms W-2 could possibly have a different address on several of the Forms W-2. Check them carefully; the change must be made on every Form W-2 that is different from the current address. Be sure to enter every item from the taxpayer’s original W-2 – key what you see.

1.For a Form W-2c, check the box for This is a corrected W-2 and enter the original W-2 data except where corrections are provided on the W-2c.
If a Form W-2 can’t be obtained from the employer, select the box to indicate this is a substitute W-2. TaxSlayer will generate a Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. The taxpayer will need to provide employer EIN, total income and withholding from their year-end pay stub. See Publication 5396-A. The return can be e-filed if Form 4852 includes the EIN, otherwise it must be a paper return.

2.Indicate if W-2 is for Taxpayer or Spouse. The software will not allow you to proceed until this is completed.

3.Compare the taxpayer’s address to Form W-2 address. If the address on the W-2 is different, correct the W-2 address here to match the original Form W-2. This won’t change the tax return address.

4.Review Box 2 and Box 17 to ensure tax withheld was entered and is correct.

5.The entries in Boxes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 16 will auto-populate based on the Box 1 entry. If the figures don’t match taxpayer’s Form W-2, correct the data so that it matches the information on Form W-2.

6.If there is an entry in Box 10, Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses, must be completed.

7.Be sure to complete Box 11 if there is an entry on the original Form W-2. An entry here may indicate that the taxpayer is receiving deferred compensation earned in a prior year.

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IRS requires that information on electronically filed Form(s) W-2 match the printed Form(s) W-2 exactly if possible; however, the name cannot be changed, and the software will not accept special characters.

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If the taxpayer earned tips that weren’t reported to the employer, enter in the Unreported Tips box. This will add Form 4137, Social Security and Medicare Tax on Unreported Tip Income, to the return. If the taxpayer received tips that weren’t reported to the employer because they were less than $20 a month, go to Other Taxes, select Form 4137 and also enter the amount there. If a taxpayer wishes to use their tip log instead of allocated tips in box 8, leave box 8 blank and report it as unreported tips within the W-2.

8.For Boxes 12 and 14, choose the code from the drop-down menu and enter the dollar amount. If there are more than 4 items in Box 12, enter the items that impact the tax return (Code D, E, F, G, H, M, N, P, Q, W, AA, BB, EE). If Box 12 has Code W, add Form 8889, Health Savings Account, to the return. See Tab E, Adjustments to Income.

9.Be sure to select the correct items for Box 13 as indicated on Forms W-2. This is important in calculating the deductibility of IRA contributions.

10.If statutory employee is marked, employment taxes are withheld by the employer, but the taxpayer will report income and deduct expenses using Schedule C. Re-enter income as statutory income on Schedule C Income screen. Also enter related expenses. Do not mix statutory employee income with other income on the same Schedule C.

11.Third party pay, Box 13, is taxable income and reported in Box 1.

12.Select from the drop-down list for Box 14. If the amount is eligible for the retirement saver’s contributions credit, select Retirement (Not in Box 12)- Carry to Form 8880. To qualify for this treatment, the contribution must be a voluntary, not a mandatory, contribution. Employers use this box for any other information that they want to give to their employees. For mandatory contributions to state disability and paid family leave programs, see Schedule A – Taxes You Paid in Tab F, Deductions. If none of the drop-down options apply, select Other and enter the amount.

13.A taxpayer may choose to include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in the calculation of earned income for the EIC and the ACTC. These are payments received for providing non-medical support services under a plan of care to someone in the taxpayer’s home. If these payments were incorrectly reported in box 1 of Form(s) W-2, enter the amount again in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box. For more information about these payments, see the Entering Medicaid Waiver Payments, later in this section.

If the Form W-2 shows withholding from more than one state, select the Add State button to add the additional information.

Form W-2 Reference Guide for Common Box 12 Codes

AUncollected Social Security or RRTA tax on tips

BUncollected Medicare tax on tips

CTaxable cost of group term life insurance over $50,000 included in boxes 1, 3 (up to Social Security wage base) & 5.

D Elective deferrals to a section 401(k) cash or deferred arrangement

E Elective deferrals under a section 403(b) salary reduction agreement

F Elective deferrals under a section 408(k)(6) salary reduction SEP

G Elective deferrals and employer contributions (including nonelective deferrals) to a section 457(b) deferred compensation plan

H Elective deferrals to a section 501(c)(18)(D) tax-exempt organization plan. Included in Box 1 as wages, but see Pub 525 Taxable and Nontaxable Income instructions on how to deduct on Form 1040.

J Nontaxable sick pay (If Box 1 is blank, do not include on return unless there is withholding. If there is withholding, enter under Payments & Estimates, Other [Federal or State] Withholding)

P Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to employee

Q Nontaxable combat pay (Military certification)

R Employee Contributions to MSA, Out of Scope

T Adoption benefits (Out of Scope)

W Employer contributions (including amounts the employee contributes through a cafeteria plan) to employee’s health savings account

Z Income under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that fails to satisfy section 409 (Out of Scope)

AA Designated Roth contributions under a section 401(k) plan

BB Designated Roth contributions under a section 403(b) plan

DD Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage (not taxable)

EE Designated Roth contributions under a governmental section 457(b) plan

Codes D through H, S, AA, BB, and EE also indicate elective (voluntary) contributions which qualify for retirement savings credit. See Tab G, Nonrefundable Credits. For less common Box 12 codes, see Form W-2.

Entering Medicaid Waiver Payments

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Income>W-2; or Keyword: W

A taxpayer may choose to include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in the calculation of earned income for the EIC and the ACTC. The taxpayer may include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in earned income even if the taxpayer chooses to exclude those payments from gross income.

•A taxpayer may not choose to include or exclude only a portion of qualified Medicaid waiver payments. Either include all or none of the qualified Medicaid waiver payments for the taxable year in earned income.

•If the taxpayer chooses to include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in earned income, that amount will be included in the calculation for both the EIC and the ACTC.

Qualified Medicaid waiver payments reported on Form W-2, Box 1

In the TaxSlayer software, complete the Form W-2 as provided. Enter the amount of qualified Medicaid waiver payments received in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box at the bottom of the screen. Check the box just above the payment box if the taxpayer chooses to include the amount in the calculation of earned income for the EIC and the ACTC.

Qualified Medicaid waiver payments that are wages not reported on Form W-2, Box 1

The payments are already excluded from gross income and earned income. The tax preparer should complete the tax return as usual if the taxpayer does not choose to include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in earned income. A taxpayer who chooses to include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in earned income must report the payments as wages on Line 1. In TaxSlayer, complete the Form W-2, and include the Medicaid Waiver payment amount in Box 1. (In some cases, this amount can be found in Box 14). Then delete the entries that will auto-fill in Boxes 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Include the same amount in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box that appears below Box 14 in the software. If beneficial to the TP, check the box just above the Medicaid Waiver Payment box that will include the amount in Earned Income for the purposes of figuring the EIC.

This process will enter the amount on Line 1 of Form 1040, and subtract it back out on Line 8 so there will be no tax effect. If the amount is included in earned income, an EIC will be calculated if the TP is otherwise eligible.

Qualified Medicaid waiver payments reported on Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC and the taxpayer is in the business of providing home health care services

Complete a Schedule C and enter the Form 1099-MISC as provided. Enter the amount of qualified Medicaid waiver payments received in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box at the bottom of the screen. Check the box just above the payment box if the taxpayer chooses to include the amount in the calculation of earned income for the EIC and the ACTC.

Qualified Medicaid waiver payments reported on Form 1099-MISC and the taxpayer is not in the business of providing home health care services

These payments are considered “other income” and are not reported on a Schedule C. Complete the Form 1099-MISC as provided. Enter the amount of qualified Medicaid waiver payments received in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box at the bottom of the screen. These payments are not subject to employment taxes and are not earned income, because they are not employee compensation or earnings from self-employment.

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Qualified Medicaid waiver payments may be excluded from gross income only when the care provider and the care recipient reside in the same home. When the care provider and the care recipient do not live together in the same home, the Medicaid waiver payments may not be excluded from gross income. See Volunteer Tax Alert VTA 2020-03 (March 3, 2020).

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Refer to the previous page and the Form 1099-MISC page, later in this tab for screenshots of where to enter Medicaid Waiver payment and optionally include in earned income.

Interest Income

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Income>Schedule B - Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income; or Keyword: INT

1.If the aggregate value of foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year, the FinCEN Report 114 is required to be filed electronically with Treasury, and the return is Out of Scope.

2.If U.S. Savings Bond interest is used to pay for higher education expenses, return is Out of Scope.

3.Form 1099-OID interest is treated like other interest. Boxes 5 and 10 are in scope.

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Return is Out of Scope if:

•there is a FATCA filing requirement (box is checked)

•alternative minimum tax (AMT) is generated on Form 6251 (seen on line 1 of Schedule 2), which may occur with a large amount of dividends or interest

•adjustment to Form 1099-OID is needed, no form was received, or there is an entry in Box 6

•net investment income tax (Form 8960) is generated.

Enter each Form 1099-INT separately.

4.Enter the name of payer. Don’t use punctuation. Enter Payer's TIN and address if required for state return (not required for federal returns).

5.Enter the taxable interest paid in Box 1. This doesn’t include interest shown in Box 3.

6.The early withdrawal penalty is carried as an adjustment to Schedule 1.

7.Enter any taxable amount from Box 3 on the Interest on U.S. Savings Bonds and Treasury obligations line.

8.A warning may appear if tax withheld is more than 40% of Box 1. If your entries are correct, ignore the warning.

9.If 1099-INT shows foreign tax paid, enter it in Box 6 if the taxpayer is eligible to use the Simplified Limitation Election. Any entry in Foreign Tax Withheld (Box 6) will flow as a foreign tax credit to Schedule 3. Only the simplified limitation method is in scope with Advanced Certification. If total foreign taxes exceed $300 ($600 if filing joint) Form 1116 is required. Using Form 1116 requires International Certification. See Tab G, Nonrefundable Credits for Foreign Tax Credit Information.

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Taxpayers who received less than $10 in interest from one payer may not receive a Form 1099-INT. This income must still be reported. Use the Interest Income Screen as if entering Form 1099-INT information.

10.Enter the amount of tax-exempt interest from Box 8 of Form 1099-INT.

11.The entry for Specified Private Activity Bond will automatically carry to Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax. Return is Out of Scope if AMT is actually generated (as shown on Schedule 2).

12.Bond Premium – If less than the amount reported as interest in Box 1 – In Scope.

If greater than the amount reported as interest in Box 1 – Out of Scope.

13.IMPORTANT – Entries are transferred directly when a state return is added. If state tax law treats the interest differently, enter the amount of Box 3 interest that is exempt from state tax and select the state from the drop down list. Generally, interest on U.S. government obligations (such as savings bonds, treasury bonds/bills/notes) is taxable on the federal return but isn’t taxable on the state return.

14.If any of the tax exempt interest isn’t exempt from state taxes, select the Add/ Edit button to add a Taxable State Interest item. Interest on out-of-state municipal bonds isn’t taxable on the federal return but is generally taxable on the state return.

15.Nominee interest – Interest transferred to another person – Out of Scope.

16.Accrued interest – Interest paid to seller at time of purchase – Out of Scope.

17.Enter the state, owner, and amount and select Continue To Next Step.

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Always enter tax-exempt interest or dividend income. This may affect the amount of Social Security income that is taxable and the amount of Premium Tax Credit.

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Interest on in-state municipal bonds is generally not taxable on the federal and state returns.

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Income from a reverse mortgage is not considered a taxable event because it is a loan.

Seller Financed Mortgage Interest

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Income>Schedule B - Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income>Seller Financed Interest Income; or Keyword: INT

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Must have identification number of payer to e-file the return.

Dividend Income (Form 1099-DIV)

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Income >Schedule B Forms 1099-DIV, INT, OID>Interest or Dividend Income ; or Keyword: DIV

1.Enter each Form 1099-DIV separately. Enter the Payer's Name. Do not enter Payer's TIN and address unless required for state return (not required for federal returns). Don’t use punctuation.

2.In the capital gain line, enter Box 2a total capital gain distributions from a regulated investment company (mutual fund) or real estate investment trust. This entry flows to Schedule D.

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A dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) is when the cash dividend is automatically used to buy more shares. The dividend is income and included on Form 1099-DIV. The payer/broker will keep track of the new purchase.

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Return is Out of Scope if

•there is a FATCA filing requirement (box is checked)

•alternative minimum tax (AMT) is generated on Form 6251 (seen on line 1 of Schedule 2), which may occur with a large amount of dividends or interest

•adjustment to Form 1099-OID is needed, no form was received, or there is an entry in Box 6

•net investment income tax (Form 8960) is generated.

3.Nondividend distribution is a return of basis, not taxed until all cost is recovered. The taxpayer must reduce their cost by these distributions at the time of sale. Once all costs are recovered, report as capital gain.

4.Box 5 amount is carried to qualified business income deduction. No additional entry needed.

5.An entry in Foreign tax withheld (Box 7) will flow as a foreign tax credit to Schedule 3.

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Only the simplified limitation method is in scope. If total foreign taxes exceed $300 ($600 if filing joint), the simplified method cannot be used. In that case Form 1116, Foreign Tax Credit, is required, with International certification only. See Tab G, Nonrefundable Credits for Foreign Tax Credit information.

6.Specified Private Activity Bond will automatically carry to Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Return is Out of Scope if AMT is actually generated (as shown on Line 1 of Schedule 2)

7.On the amount of interest on U.S. Savings Bonds and Treasury obligations line, enter dividends from federal bond funds which are fully taxable on the federal return but taxexempt on the state return.

8.If any of the exempt interest dividends listed in Box 12 isn't exempt from state taxes, select the Add/Edit Dividend Items to add a Taxable State Dividend item. See state rules.

State and Local Refund Worksheet

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Income>Form 1099-G Box 2

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Use this worksheet only if the taxpayer itemized deductions last year claiming state income taxes as a deduction and received a state or local income tax refund.

Tips icon.
None of your refund is taxable if, in the year you paid the tax, you either:

1.didn’t itemize deductions, or

2.elected to deduct state and local general sales taxes instead of state and local income taxes.

Tips icon.
You may need to look up the sales tax that could have been deducted using the IRS sales tax calculator.

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If the taxpayer’s prior year state and local taxes were limited to $10,000, the current year state and local refund may not be taxable. Complete the worksheet to determine taxability.

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See Instructions for Recipient for Box 2 on Form 1099-G amounts which may appear in the unnumbered box beside Box 9. Amounts in this unnumbered box are interest and are in scope. Report it as interest income on the tax return.

1.Use this worksheet to determine the portion of the taxpayer’s prior year state refund that is considered taxable in the current year. Use a copy of the taxpayer’s previous year return to enter all amounts in the spaces provided. The taxable portion will be included on the return as taxable income.

2.Include state tax withheld and state estimated payments made during 2022.

3.Enter any calculated sales tax not deducted on your prior year Schedule A. If the amount is not shown on last year’s return, you can go to the Sales Tax Deduction Calculator on IRS. gov to determine the amount.

4.If last year’s filing status was MFS, indicate if spouse itemized deductions.

Schedule C Self-Employment Income

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Income>Schedule C; or Keyword: SC

1.Income reported on Form 1099-MISC that is not self-employment income is not entered on a Sch C. See Less Common Income, later in this tab.

2.If any of the self-employment income is reported on Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, select Form 1099-NEC first. Self-employment income reported on a Form 1099-NEC will be in Box 1, Nonemployee compensation.

3.Select Profit or Loss From A Business (Schedule C) to enter self-employment income that isn’t reported on a Form 1099-NEC. This would include income reported on Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions, as well as all other cash and any other income received related to the business activity. Also, enter expenses related to the self-employment income.

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A taxpayer who received less than $600 in income from one payer may not receive a Form 1099-NEC or Form 1099-K. This income must still be reported. See Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, and Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for additional information.

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For taxpayers who have earnings as a notary, review the Instructions for Schedule SE, Self-Employment Tax, for reporting instructions. In TaxSlayer, make the following entries:

•Report the notary income on a Schedule C.

•Navigation icon. Other Taxes>Self-Employment Tax>Enter Exempt Notary Income

Notes icon.
Gig economy workers such as rideshare drivers and delivery drivers can find tax information specific to their work at the IRS Gig Economy Tax Center (www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center)

Form 1099-NEC

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Income>1099-NEC; or Keyword: NEC

Notes icon.
Add a Form 1099-NEC in TaxSlayer for each 1099-NEC received.

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Newspaper carriers under age 18 are only subject to self-employment tax if they must deliver or distribute newspapers to a point for delivery or distribution. Otherwise, earnings are generally not subject to self-employment tax for a newspaper carrier who is under age 18.

1.Self employed taxpayers will include amounts from Box 1 on Schedule C. Taxpayers with an amount on Form 1099-NEC, Box 1, who are not an employee or self-employed, do not need to complete Schedule C but should report this income as Other Income on Schedule 1. In that case, select Other Income in the Federal Section and then select Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere. Taxpayers with nonemployee compensation that is related to a hobby (an activity that isn't engaged in for profit) are Out of Scope. See Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for more information.

Connecting the Form 1099-NEC to Schedule C

1.Link the information from the 1099-NEC to Schedule C by selecting the Schedule C button and then selecting Continue.

2.If there is more than one Form 1099-NEC for the same business, ensure that they are all linked to the same Schedule C. To link a second Form1099-NEC click on Add another Form 1099-NEC, enter data, and select Continue. On the next screen select Form C, select Report this income on a Schedule C I already created for my business then choose business description and Continue.

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If the taxpayer has more than one business, you must use a separate Schedule C for each.

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Check to ensure the Form 1099-NEC is carried to the correct section of Form 1040.

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If the Carried To section says “None” the income is not being reported on the return. Select Edit and link to the appropriate Schedule.

Form 1099-K

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Income>Schedule C

Taxpayers will receive Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions if they received payments:

•From payment card transactions (e.g., debit, credit, or stored-value cards), AND/OR

•In settlement of third-party payment network transactions above the minimum reporting thresholds as follows:

For returns for calendar years prior to 2023: Gross payments that exceed $20,000, AND More than 200 such transactions

For returns for calendar years after 2022: Gross payments that exceed $600, AND Any number of transactions

Notes icon.
Form 1099-K reporting by third-party settlement organizations applies only for transactions for the provision of goods or services settled through a third-party payment network.

1.Box 1a shows the aggregate gross amount of payment card/third party network transactions made to you through the Payment Settlement Entity (PSE) during the calendar year.

2.Box 1b shows the subset of Box 1a where the card was not present at the time of the transaction or the card number was keyed into the terminal.

Caution icon.
Taxpayers may receive a Form 1099-K representing the total dollar amount of total reportable payment transactions. This may not be the amount you should report as income, as it may not include all the receipts and it may include items that are not included in receipts (such as sales tax). You should consider the amounts shown on Form 1099-K, along with all other amounts received, when calculating gross receipts for the taxpayer’s income tax return.

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Taxpayers who receive a Form 1099-K that does not belong to them should contact the PSE. If there is an error on the form, request a corrected Form 1099-K from the PSE. Taxpayers should keep a copy of any corrected Form 1099-K with their records as well as any correspondence with the PSE.

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If taxpayers shared a credit card terminal with another person or business, the Form 1099-K they receive will include payment card transactions belonging to the person or business that shared the terminal, in addition to their own payments. Where required, the taxpayer should file and furnish the appropriate information return (e.g., Form 1099-K or Form 1099-MISC) for each person or business with whom they shared a card terminal. In this case, the return is Out of Scope.

General FAQs on New Payment Card Reporting Requirements (www.irs.gov/payments/general-faqs-on-new-payment-card-reporting-requirements)

Understanding Your Form 1099-K (www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k)

Gig Economy Tax Center (www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center)

Form 1099-K Frequently Asked Questions

For details about these or other FAQs, see Fact Sheet 2023-06 and Form 1099-K Frequently Asked Questions on IRS.gov.

Is the gain or loss on the sale of a personal item used to compute my taxable income? Is that reported on a Form 1099-K?

The gain on the sale of a personal item is taxable. Taxpayers must report the transaction (gain on sale) on Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets, and Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses. This is Out of Scope.

The loss on the sale of a personal item is not deductible. If you receive a Form 1099-K for the sale of a personal item that resulted in a loss, you should make offsetting entries on Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income, as follows:

•Report your proceeds (the Form 1099-K amount) on Part I – Line 8z – Other Income, using the description "Form 1099-K Personal Item Sold at a Loss."

•Report your costs, up to but not more than the proceeds amount (the Form 1099-K amount), on Part II – Line 24z – Other Adjustments, using the description "Form 1099-K Personal Item Sold at a Loss.”

Example: If you bought a refrigerator for $1,000 (the purchase price) and sold it for $600 (the sales price), you have a loss of $400. Form 1040, Schedule 1, Part I – Line 8z, Other Income. List type and amount: "Form 1099-K Personal Item Sold at a Loss …. $600" to show the proceeds from the sale reported on the Form 1099-K. and,

Form 1040, Schedule 1, Part II – Line 24z, Other Adjustments. List type and amount: "Form 1099-K Personal Item Sold at a Loss…. $600" to show the amount of the purchase price that offsets the reported proceeds. Do not report the $1,000 you paid for the refrigerator because the loss on the sale of a personal item is not deductible.

How do I account for the fees I paid to an online marketplace related to the sale of my personal items?

You should include all fees (e.g., selling fees, payment processing fees, etc.) associated with the sale of your personal items in your basis when computing your gain or loss on the sale.

My friend and I went to a concert, and my friend reimbursed money to me for her concert ticket through an online application. If I get a Form 1099-K for the reimbursement, do I need to pay taxes on it?

Because the money is not payment for the sale of goods or the provision of services, generally the reimbursement would not be taxable to you. If you cannot get the form corrected, the error should be reported on Form 1040, Schedule 1, Part I, Additional Income, Line 8z, Other Income, with an offsetting entry in Part II, Adjustments to Income, Line 24z, Other Adjustments. List type and amount in both entries. For example: “Form 1099-K Received in Error.... $1,000.”

Schedule C – Menu

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TaxSlayer Navigation: Federal Section>Income>Form 1099-NEC; or Keyword “SC”

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Businesses with inventory, employees, contract labor, depreciation, business use of the home, expenses over $35,000 or a net loss are Out of Scope.

1.Complete Basic Information About your Business and Questions About the Operation of Your Business for every Schedule C.

2.Select Income to enter any income for the business that was not reported on Form 1099-NEC, such as cash income or income from a Form 1099-K.

3.Most business expenses are entered in the General Expenses section. See Pub 334 for more detail on business expenses.

4.See Schedule C – Car and Truck Expenses, later in this tab

5.Select Other expenses to enter any expenses not listed under General Expenses.

6.Qualified Business Income Deduction – See Tab F

If the business accepted credit or debit cards in payment or received payments via 3rd party network, it may receive Form 1099-K Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions (see note below).

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Taxable income reported on Form 1099-K is in scope if received for self-employment income (such as shared-economy driving). Make sure the total shown on the 1099-K is included, along with any cash income, on Schedule C income section. A Form 1099-K received for rental income is in scope for Military certification only. Forms 1099-K received for any other type of taxable income are Out of Scope.

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Income from the manufacture, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances (such as marijuana) is Out of Scope.

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Taxpayers may elect to apply a de minimis safe harbor to amounts up to $2,500 per invoice or item paid to acquire or produce tangible property used in the taxpayer's trade or business. To elect the de minimis safe harbor for the tax year, enter in Other Expenses. Attach a statement to the taxpayer's timely filed original tax return (including extensions) for the tax year when qualifying amounts were paid. See Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, for details.

Schedule C – Questions About Your Business

1.To be in scope, the Accounting Method must be Cash Method and there can be no inventory, no cost of goods sold, no employees, no business use of the home, and no depreciation (completing Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization).

2.Even if there is no inventory, leave the default inventory method (Cost) as is.

3.In most cases, the taxpayers do materially participate in the business. This means that the taxpayer ran the business and did the work.

4.If the taxpayer has a business loss carried over from another tax year or is required to file a Form 1099, the tax return is Out of Scope.

Schedule C – General Expenses

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Income>Schedule C>General Expenses; or Keyword SC or BUS

1.Do not enter allowable LTC premiums here. Enter on the Health Insurance line.

To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your industry. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your trade or business. An expense does not have to be indispensable to be considered necessary. Taxpayers can deduct the cost of their own education expenses (including certain related travel) related to the trade or business. They must be able to show the education maintains or improves skills required in their trade or business, or that it is required by law or regulations for keeping their license to practice, status, or job.

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All allowable and documented expenses must be reported on Sch C. If any deductible expenses are Out of Scope, the entire return is Out of Scope and taxpayer should be referred to professional preparer. There is no option to disregard allowable expenses.

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The following expenses are Out of Scope: Contract Labor, Depletion, Employee benefit program, Mortgage interest, Pension and profit sharing, and Wages. Health Insurance is in scope for Self-Employed Health Insurance deduction only.

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Use the TaxSlayer Schedule C entry screen Health Insurance box for this Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction. See Tab E, Adjustments, for information about the self-employed health insurance deduction. Calculations with Premium Tax Credit are Out of Scope with respect to the self-employed health insurance deduction.

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Car and truck expenses aren’t entered on this page. Those expenses are entered on a separate page.

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Rentals or leases of equipment (including vehicles) for more than 30 days are Out of Scope. If the taxpayer uses the standard mileage rate method for business miles of a leased vehicle, the return remains in scope.

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Expenses that aren’t deductible include bribes and kickbacks; charitable contributions; demolition expenses or losses; and dues paid to business, social, athletic, luncheon, sporting, airline, and hotel clubs.

Schedule C – Car and Truck Expenses

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Income>Schedule C>Car and Truck Expenses; or Keyword: SC or BUS

1.Using actual expense deductions, such as gas, repairs, and depreciation, is Out of Scope.

2.Enter a brief description of the vehicle; for example, 2008 Ford.

3.Business miles: Miles related to the business activity that aren’t commuting miles. For-hire drivers who have mileage in between customer pick-ups can claim the mileage as a business expense.

4.Commuting miles: Miles driven each day from home to the first business location and driven from the last business location back home.

5.Other: Miles driven for personal purposes.

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The total of Business, Commuting and Other miles should add up to the total miles on the vehicle for the year.

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Refer to Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses, for help determining deductible business mileage and nondeductible commuting mileage.

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The car and truck expense deduction will automatically be calculated using the standard mileage rate, based on the number of business miles entered. The rate for 2023 is 65.5 cents per mile. In addition, the taxpayer can deduct the cost of business parking and tolls. Commuting and other personal automobile expenses such as depreciation, lease payments, maintenance and repairs, gasoline (including gasoline taxes), oil, insurance, parking tickets, traffic fines, or vehicle registration fees are not deductible.

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If you are self-employed and use your vehicle in your business, you can deduct the business part of state and local personal property taxes on motor vehicles on Schedule C. Enter this on the Taxes line on the Schedule C Expenses screen. If you are self-employed and use your vehicle in your business, you can deduct that part of the interest expense that represents your business use of the vehicle. You cannot deduct the part of the interest expense that represents your personal use of the vehicle. Enter the deductible amount on the Other Interest line on the Schedule C Expenses screen.

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If you are an employee, you cannot deduct any interest paid on a vehicle loan. This applies even if you use the vehicle 100% for business as an employee.

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The standard mileage deduction includes depreciation, gas/oil, repairs, insurance, and nontax portion of registration, but not parking, tolls, or business part of registration tax. Taxpayer should have a written record (log or appointment book).

Self-employed taxpayers can use this chart. Don’t use this chart if your home is your principal place of business (Out of Scope). This chart can also be used for Armed Forces reservists (Military Certification only), fee-based state or local government officials, and employees with impairment-related work expenses. Employees who do not fit into one of the listed categories may not use this chart.

Home: The place where you reside. Transportation expenses between your home and your main or regular place of work are personal commuting expenses.

Regular or main job: Your principal place of business. If you have more than one job, you must determine which one is your regular or main job. Consider the time you spend at each, the activity you have at each, and the income you earn at each.

Temporary work location: A place where your work assignment is realistically expected to last (and does in fact last) one year or less. Unless you have a regular place of business, you can only deduct your transportation expenses to a temporary work location outside your metropolitan area. For overnight travel expenses, see IRS Topic 511 Business Travel Expenses

Second job: If you regularly work at two or more places in one day, whether or not for the same employer, you can deduct your transportation expenses of getting from one workplace to another. If you do not go directly from your first job to your second job, you can deduct the transportation expenses of going directly from your first job to your second job. You cannot deduct your transportation expenses between your home and second job on a day off from your main job.

Schedule D – Capital Gains and Losses

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Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Capital Gains and Loss Items and Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Other Capital Gains Data (including Capital Loss Carryover); or Keyword: CAP

1.Enter all capital transactions, such as sale of stock and loss carryover here. Information regarding sale of stock is found on Form 1099-B, Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions, or similar statement, such as a broker's list of consolidated transactions. See the capital loss carryover worksheet from the taxpayer's prior year return for the capital loss carryover amount(s). The software will carry the transactions to the appropriate Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets. The totals for each Form 8949 will automatically carry to the correct line of Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses.

2.Select PDF Attachments to attach required documents to the return, such as a Form 8332, Release/ Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent, Power of Attorney, Court Certificate of Appointment, or Consolidated Broker Statement with transactions in which the cost basis was not reported to the IRS and using Adjustment Code M-Reporting Multiple Transactions on a Single Row.

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Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>PDF Attachments

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Transactions involving digital assets (virtual currency), such as a disposition, sale, exchange or transfer, are Out of Scope. However, the tax return is in scope if the taxpayer is able to select No to the digital asset question on Form 1040. See Scope of Service in this publication and www.irs.gov/virtualcurrencyfaqs

3.If the prior year return shows a capital loss, check the Capital Loss Carryover Worksheet generated with the prior year return to see if there are short- or long-term carryover losses to enter on this screen. Note: for certain low-income taxpayers, capital losses less than $3,000 (or $1,500 if MFS) may also carry forward.

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Compare fields automatically filled with carryover amounts to the prior year return. Also, remember to print the Capital Loss Carryover Worksheet for the taxpayer to keep as part of their records.

Entering Capital Gains and Losses

If you check the box for Alternate Option for Date Acquired or Date Sold, a drop down list will appear. Choose the correct option for the transaction.

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If a block of stock (or similar property) was acquired through several different purchases, the sale may be reported on one row.

1.Check the Alternate Option box and select one of three options: Various - Short Term, Various - Long Term or Inherited - Long Term.

•Short term = 1 year or less

•Long term = more than 1 year

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If various (short or long term) is selected as an Alternate Option for Date Acquired, check Alternate Option under Date Sold but do not select an item from the drop menu or enter a date. Check M as the Adjustment Code.

2.If investment property is inherited, the capital gain or loss is treated as long-term. This is true regardless of how long the property is held. Check the box for Alternate Option for Date Acquired and select Inherited - Long Term.

3.Enter the date from Form 1099-B Box 1b

4.Enter the date from Form 1099-B Box 1c

5.Enter the amount from Form 1099-B Box 1d

6.Choose the cost basis type that applies to this transaction.

7. Enter the amount from Form 1099-B Box 1e or provided by taxpayer. If the statement or taxpayer does not provide cost basis, historical data can be used. See Publication 551, Basis of Assets, for details. If basis can’t be determined, use zero. Special rules apply to property inherited from a decedent who died in 2010. If the taxpayer cannot provide the basis for the property, refer the taxpayer to a professional tax preparer. For more information, refer to Historical: Publication 4895, Tax Treatment of a Property Acquired from a Decedent Dying in 2010 (Rev. October 2011) under Prior Year Forms and Instructions on IRS.gov.

8.For most transactions, no adjustment to gain or loss is needed. If an adjustment to basis or net capital gain is required, enter the adjustment amount and mark the reason(s) from the list. You may need to enter an adjustment if the basis provided is incorrect, another situation applies that requires a change to the basis, or if the taxpayer is able to exclude some or all of the capital gain.

9.If summarizing transactions, check the box for Reporting Multiple Transactions on a Single Row. See Note on prior page.

10.Wash sales are in scope only if reported on Form 1099-B or on a brokerage or mutual fund statement. Enter the code W amount as a positive number.

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For securities reported on a brokerage statement as “Worthless" use the Alternate Option and “Worthless” for the date sold. If securities have any value (even $1), they are not worthless.

Exception to Entering Each Transaction on a Separate Row

When a taxpayer’s Form 1099-B includes so many transactions that it isn’t practical to enter each one into TaxSlayer, use the following procedure.

11.Divide the transactions into four categories:

a.Short term transactions with basis reported to the IRS – categorized as “Box A.”

b.Short term transactions with basis not reported to the IRS – categorized as “Box B.”

c.Long term transactions with basis reported to the IRS – categorized as “Box D.”

d.Long term transactions with basis not reported to the IRS – categorized as “Box E.”

12.Enter the total Sales Price, Cost and Adjustments of each category on the capital gain entry screen.

13.If any of the transactions requires an adjustment to the reported basis, select the reason from the check box that includes that transaction.

14.If there are transactions with basis not reported to the IRS, the broker’s list of transactions must be submitted as an attachment to the tax return. Submit the document using either of the following two methods:

a.Electronic: Scan the pages and save as a PDF. Attach the PDF to the electronic return prior to creating the e-file.

b.Hardcopy: Make a photocopy and attach it to Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return, to be mailed to the IRS Service Center in Austin, Texas.

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Common Items Found on Brokers’ Statements

Look for all of the following items: (You may or may not find them all.)

•1099-INT (Summary-NOT detail)

•1099-DIV (Summary-NOT detail)

•1099-B (Summary and Detail) and “Cost basis” or “Transaction detail” for sale of stock: Input as capital gains or losses.

•If there are dividends from mutual funds, look for an insert or chart that says what percentage came from federal government interest: Enter on the dividend input screen and select their state (check their state rules).

•The chart should also show what percentage came from municipal bonds from each state: Input exempt interest from states other than theirs by selecting tax-exempt interest income and making the state adjustment (check their state rules).

•Foreign taxes paid: Enter foreign taxes paid on the dividend input screen only if all foreign taxes relate to passive income and the total on all tax statements (1099, etc.) is less than $300 ($600 MFJ); otherwise, in scope only if certified in International.

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Net capital losses greater than $3,000 ($1,500 if MFS) will carry forward to future tax years. For certain low-income taxpayers, capital losses smaller than this amount may also carry forward. See the capital loss carryover worksheet for the short-term and long-term loss carryover amounts.

Adjustments to Basis in TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer icon.
Enter Capital Gain/Loss Transactions in TaxSlayer

For most transactions, you do not need to adjust the basis. You may need to adjust the basis if the taxpayer received a Form 1099-B or 1099-S (or substitute statement) that is incorrect, are excluding or postponing a capital gain, have a disallowed loss, or certain other situations. Details are in the table below.

IF THE…

THEN…

Check the box with this description

Adjustment Code that will appear on Form 8949

Taxpayer received a Form 1099-B (or substitute statement) and the basis shown in box 3 is incorrect or not reported to the IRS

Enter the correct basis and make no adjustment if the basis was not reported to IRS Enter the basis shown on Form 1099-B (or substitute statement) and correct the error by entering an adjustment. Use Worksheet for Basis Adjustment in Column (g) in Instructions for Form 8949, Sale and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets.

Form 1099-B with Basis in Box 3 is Incorrect & Correct Basis is Lower or Higher

B

Taxpayer received a Form 1099-B or 1099-S (or substitute statement) and there are selling expenses that are not reflected on the form or schedule…

Enter the proceeds as reported in Box 1d. Enter as an adjustment using a minus sign for any selling expenses paid (and that are not reflected on the form or statement received).

Form 1099-B or Form 1099-S with selling expenses or options not reflected on the form.

E

Taxpayer sold or exchanged their main home at a gain, must report the sale or exchange and can exclude some or all of the gain…

Report the sale or exchange as if the taxpayer were not taking the exclusion. Then enter the amount of excluded (nontaxable) gain as a negative number.

Exclude Some/All of the Gain from the Sale of Your Main Home

H

Taxpayer has a nondeductible loss other than a loss indicated by code W…

Report the sale or exchange and enter the amount of the nondeductible loss as an adjustment. See Nondeductible Losses in the Instructions for Schedule D.

Nondeductible loss other than a Wash Sale*

See Tab R, Glossary and Index, for the definition of wash sale.

L

Taxpayer reports multiple transactions on a single row as described in Exception to Reporting each Transaction on a Separate Row…

Enter -0- as the adjustment amount unless an adjustment is required because of another code.

Reporting Multiple Transactions on a Single Row

M

Taxpayer received a Form 1099-B (or substitute statement) and the type of gain or loss (short term or long term) shown in box 1c is incorrect)…

Enter transaction with correct term (long or short). Enter -0- as the adjustment amount unless an adjustment is required because of another code.

Form 1099-B and Type of Gain/Loss indicated in Box 2 is incorrect

T

Taxpayer has a nondeductible loss from a wash sale*…

Report the sale or exchange and enter as a positive amount the nondeductible loss as an adjustment.

Nondeductible loss from a Wash Sale* (See Tab R, Glossary and Index, for definition of wash sale)

W

Taxpayer has an adjustment not explained earlier in this column…

Report the appropriate adjustment amount.

Other adjustment

O

* Wash sales are in scope only if reported on Form 1099-B or on a brokerage or mutual fund statement.

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Out of Scope Transactions

IF the…

Adjustment Code

Taxpayer received a Form 1099-B showing accrued market discount in box 1f

D

Taxpayer received a Form 1099-B or 1099-S (or substitute statement) as a nominee for the actual owner of the property.

N

Taxpayer sold or exchanged qualified small business stock and can exclude part of the gain.

Q

Taxpayer can exclude all or part of their gain under the rules explained in the Schedule D instructions for DC Zone assets or qualified community assets.

X

Taxpayer is electing to postpone all or part of their gain under the rules explained in the Schedule D instructions for any rollover of gain (for example, rollover of gain from QSB stock or publicly traded securities).

R

Taxpayer had a loss from the sale, exchange, or worthlessness of small business (section 1244) stock and the total loss is more than the maximum amount that can be treated as an ordinary loss.

S

Taxpayer disposed of collectibles (see the Schedule D instructions).

C

Taxpayer is electing to postpone all or part of their gain under the rules explained in the Schedule D instructions for investments in qualified opportunity funds (QOFs)

Z

Taxpayer is reporting their gain from a QOF investment that was deferred in a prior tax year

Y

Capital Gains or Losses Sale of Main Home

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Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Capital Gains and Loss Items; or Keyword -S

The sale or exchange of a main home must be reported as a Capital Gain or Loss if:

•The taxpayer can’t exclude all of their gain from income,

•The taxpayer has a gain and chooses not to exclude it, or

•The taxpayer received a Form 1099-S for the sale or exchange.

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The taxpayer does not have to report the sale of their main home if they qualify and choose to exclude all of their gain and did not receive Form 1099-S. See Tab R, Glossary and Index, for a definition of main home. Taxpayers with more than one home cannot choose which home to designate as their main home.

Generally, if the following two tests below are met, the taxpayer can exclude up to $250,000 of gain. If both the taxpayer and their spouse meet these tests and file a joint return, they can exclude up to $500,000 of gain (but only one spouse needs to meet the ownership requirement in Test 1). Reduced exclusions are Out of Scope.

•Test 1. During the 5-year period ending on the date the taxpayer sold or exchanged their home, they owned it for 2 years or more (the ownership requirement) and lived in it as their main home for 2 years or more (the use requirement).

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Military members may be able to suspend the 5-year period while serving on qualified official extended duty.

•Test 2. The taxpayer hasn’t excluded gain on the sale or exchange of another main home during the 2-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange of their home.

If the taxpayer has a gain that can’t be excluded, it is taxable. Any loss is not deductible.

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Sale of a home received through inheritance or as a gift is Out of Scope unless it has been used as a personal residence by the taxpayer or spouse. The taxpayer must provide the cost basis of the residence. Tests 1 and 2 then apply to exclude the gain.

Death of spouse. If the taxpayer sells their home within 2 years after their spouse dies and has not remarried as of the sale date, they can count any time their spouse owned the home as time they owned it and any time when the home was their spouse’s residence as time when it was their residence. In addition, the taxpayer may be able to increase their exclusion amount from $250,000 to $500,000 if the taxpayer or their deceased spouse meet the requirements for Test 1 and both the taxpayer and their deceased spouse meet the requirement for Test 2.

1.If the taxpayer is required to report the sale and it results in a gain, enter the purchase date, sale date, purchase price, and sales price in the Sale of Home Worksheet (you will enter capital improvements and other adjustments to basis on the next screen).

2.Enter the number of days the dwelling was used as the main home (separate entry for spouse).

3.Enter the number of days the taxpayer owned the home (separate entry for spouse).

4.If the taxpayer received the 2008 First-Time Homebuyers Credit, select the box. Form 5405, Repayment of the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, will be required to determine how much of the credit must be repaid.

5.If the taxpayer meets the ownership, residence, and look-back requirements, taking the exceptions into account, then the Eligibility Test is met and the taxpayer is eligible for the Maximum Exclusion, select the box (reduced maximum exclusion is Out of Scope; refer to a professional).

•The closing disclosure or HUD-1 Settlement Statement will give details about closing costs.

•If the sale must be reported and results in a gain, it will be listed on the appropriate Form 8949 (basis type C or F). The gain will be included with the other capital gains and losses on Schedule D.

•Enter the fees from the purchase of the home that weren’t included in the purchase price already entered.

•Enter the selling expenses, cost of improvements and other increases or decreases to the basis of the home. See Publication 523, Selling Your Home, for more information about basis.- Additions or Improvements to a home having a useful life of more than one year increase the basis. Repairs that maintain the home in good condition are not considered improvements and do not increase the basis.

•This will calculate the adjusted basis of the home, which will be shown on Form 8949.

•The information will carry to Form 8949 and Schedule D.

•If you’ve checked the box to exclude the entire gain, Form 8949 will show the adjustment as a negative number in the amount of the net gain, with adjustment code H and basis type F and no net gain/loss.

Example: The taxpayer received a Form 1099-S for the sale of their main home. The taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the home is $150,000. The proceeds from the sale is $200,000. The taxpayer meets the ownership and use tests. The taxpayer’s Form 8949 is shown below.

6.If the sale resulted in a gain but was not eligible for the exclusion, it will be reported on the appropriate Form 8949 as a gain.

A loss on the sale of a main home can’t be deducted, but must be reported if Form 1099-S was received. To report the sale,

•Use the Sale of Main Home worksheet to assist with determining the basis, but the information will NOT carry to Form 8949

•Add a new Capital Gain or Loss Item

•Enter the description of property, dates, sales price and adjusted basis amount

•Select the basis type as “Did not receive Form 1099-B”

•Enter the adjustment of the nondeductible net loss as a positive number to reduce the amount to $0.

7.Select the adjustment reason as “nondeductible loss other than a wash sale” which will show as adjustment code L. Select other adjustments, if applicable.

IRA/Pension Distributions (Form 1099-R, Form SSA-1099)

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Income>1099-R, RRB, SSA

There are four items to choose from, and within each item you can make entries for as many documents as needed.

1.Select Nontaxable Distributions to record Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and eligible retired public safety officer distributions for health insurance premiums. Qualified Health Savings Accounts funding distributions are out of scope.

Form 1099-R

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Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R; or Keyword: -R

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See the Box 7 Distribution Codes later in this tab for scope limitations.

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Box 2a will automatically fill in with the amount in Box 1. If a different amount is shown on the document, enter that amount directly. You may need to use the Simplified Method to calculate the taxable amount of the distribution if:

•Box 2a is zero or blank and an amount is shown in Box 9b.

•Box 1 and 2a contain the same amount and Taxable amount not determined box is marked.

Refer to the Taxable Amount Not Determined and Form 1099-R Simplified Method sections later in this Tab.

1.If a joint return, choose who the document belongs to.

2.After completing the Simplified Method Worksheet or entering the Public Safety Officer Exclusion for Health Insurance Premiums, the taxable portion of the distribution will carryover to Box 2a. Manual adjustments are required to make sure Box 2a reflects changes due to rollovers, qualified charitable distributions, return of excess contributions, etc.

3.Payer's ID/TIN and the first four letters of their name must be entered accurately. Payer ID/ Name mismatch is a common e-file reject.

4.If marked, the taxable amount will not carry to Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions, line 4 as a current year distribution. See Tab G, Nonrefundable Credits.

5.If Simplified Method is required or if the taxpayer has public safety officer health insurance deduction, click here for worksheet.

6.If Box 2b indicates "Taxable amount not determined" or "Total distribution", mark the appropriate box as shown on the document.

7.If Box 4 has an entry, ensure that the tax withheld is entered and is correct.

8.Box 5 on the document may be current year’s amount of employee contributions or insurance premiums (recovery of cost basis or investment in the contract). If Box 5 is the same as Box 1, none of the distribution is taxable. If the payer has calculated the taxable amount of the pension in Box 2a, generally the difference between Boxes 1 and 2a will appear in Box 5. If Box 5 is the amount of health insurance premiums, (typically only on a CSA 1099-R) you must manually carry the amount to the Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, Medical or Dental Expenses (alternatively, this can be used for the PSO deduction if eligible as described on the next page).

9.Box 7 is a required entry – Enter exactly as shown on document. If IRA/SEP/Simple is marked, check to enter exactly as shown on the document. See Distribution Codes Chart in this tab. The simplified method cannot be used for code “D” or other non-qualified plan distributions.

10.Box 9b shows the total employee contributions and may be needed if Box 2 has no entry – usually requires Simplified Method Worksheet (see Box 2a).

Taxable Amount Not Determined

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Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R>Calculate taxable amount; or Keyword: -R

Special Circumstances

The following screen is displayed when “Click here for options” link under “Do you need to calculate your taxable income?” is selected.

1.Select begin for the Simplified Method Worksheet. If the taxpayer has both retired public safety officer (PSO) health insurance exclusion and Simplified Method features, select the Simplified Method Worksheet.

2.If the retired PSO does not need a Simplified Method calculation, select the PSO Distribution.

3.Enter the amount of PSO health insurance premiums paid from the pension (up to $3,000). Deduct any amount of premiums paid in excess of $3,000 as an itemized deduction.

Distributions Used To Pay Insurance Premiums for Public Safety Officers (PSO)

If the taxpayer is an eligible retired public safety officer (police/law enforcement officer, firefighter, chaplain, or member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew), they can elect to exclude from income distributions made from an eligible retirement plan used to pay the premiums for accident or health insurance or long-term care insurance. The premiums can be for coverage for the taxpayer, spouse, or dependents. The taxpayer can exclude from income the smaller of the amount of the insurance premiums or $3,000. The taxpayer can only make this election for amounts that would otherwise be included in their income. The amount excluded from their income can’t be used to claim a medical expense deduction. If both spouses are eligible retired PSOs, then each can exclude up to $3,000. Following the death of the PSO, this exclusion does not extend to the surviving spouse or dependents.

The definition of qualified public safety employees also includes federal law enforcement officers, federal customs and border protection officers, federal firefighters, air traffic controllers, nuclear materials couriers, members of the United States Capitol Police or Supreme Court Police, and diplomatic security special agents of the Department of State.

Form 1099-R Simplified Method

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Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R>Click here for options (under Box 2a Taxable Amount); or Keyword: -R

If the taxpayer made after-tax contributions toward a pension, a portion of the annuity payment has already been taxed and isn’t taxable now. Generally, if the starting date of the payments was prior to July 2, 1986, the Simplified Method wouldn’t apply. If the taxpayer used the 3-year rule, the annuity is fully taxable. If they used the general rule, refer the taxpayer to a professional tax preparer.

1.Enter the Plan cost (shown in Box 9b of 1099-R).

2.Enter the annuity start date. If the disability benefits were paid under this plan during the tax year, enter the date beginning after the taxpayer reached minimum retirement age as the annuity start date. The plan administrator should issue two separate 1099-R statements. If not, prorate the amount to be treated as wages based on the annuity start date.

3.Enter the age of the taxpayer on the date the pension started – this may be different than the taxpayer’s age at the end of that year.

For a joint and survivor annuity, add the ages of both spouses on the start date. For the beneficiary of an employee who died, see Publication 575, Pensions and Annuities.

For a joint and survivor annuity that starts:

•After the death of the employee, use only the survivor’s age and do not check the box for Joint and Survivor Annuity.

•Before the death of either beneficiary, continue with the same exclusion amount after the first death.

4.Enter the amount that could have been recovered tax free in prior years even if not claimed. Look at last year’s tax return to find this amount, or calculate the amount using the monthly tax free amount computed by TaxSlayer for the 2023 tax year times the number of months prior to 2023. For annuitants who retired between July 2, 1986 and Dec. 31, 1986, enter zero.

The taxable amount is calculated and carried to Box 2a on Form 1099-R.

Form CSA 1099-R – Civil Service Retirement Benefits

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Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R; or Keyword: -R

The Office of Personnel Management issues Form CSA 1099-R for annuities paid or Form CSF 1099-R for survivor annuities paid. The CSA-Form 1099-R box numbers reflect the standard numbering on a Form 1099-R. If the taxable amount isn’t calculated in Box 2 the Simplified Method must be used.

Tips icon.
If you use TaxSlayer’s simplified method worksheet, enter a note with the taxpayer’s annuity start date, age at the start date, and amounts previously recovered to help next year’s preparer. To make a note that will not be transmitted to the IRS but will stay with the file, select the pull-down arrow to the right of the taxpayer’s name in top right corner. Choose Notes. Then give the note a name and enter details. This note will be attached to the page where you created it and it will also be accessible from the Client Search List.

Form 1099-R Rollovers and Disability Under Minimum Retirement Age

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Minimum retirement age generally is the age at which you can first receive a pension or annuity if you aren’t disabled. Ask the taxpayer for the minimum retirement age. It may differ between employers.

1.If any portion was rolled over, check to bring up screen to enter the amount. Even if Box 7 is Code G, this entry must be made.

2.Enter the difference between the taxable part of the gross distribution (Box 1) and the rollover amount as the taxable distribution in Box 2a.

3.Check if Code 3 is in Box 7 and the taxpayer is disabled and under the minimum retirement age of the employer’s plan. This will reclassify the disability income as wages on Form 1040. It will be considered earned income in the calculation of some credits.

Notes icon.
There is no cost recovery of employee contributions prior to minimum retirement age.

Tips icon.
Two 1099-R's should be issued by the plan administrator for the year that minimum retirement age occurs. If not, preparer will have to prorate amount to be treated as wages based on the day the former employee reached the minimum retirement age during the year, then enter as two 1099-R forms into TaxSlayer.

Rollover – Key Points

•A taxpayer should not receive a Form 1099-R for a trustee-to-trustee transfer from one IRA to another, but should receive a Form 1099-R for a trustee-to-trustee direct rollover from an employer qualified plan to an IRA with code G.

•A rollover that involves a distribution of funds to the participant isn’t taxable if the funds are deposited into an IRA (or the same IRA) or an employer plan within 60 days. Form 1099-R will have either a code 1 or code 7. Subtract the rollover amount from the gross distribution (Box 1) and enter the difference as the taxable amount in Box 2a.

•A participant is allowed only one rollover from an IRA to another (or the same) IRA in any 12-month period, regardless of the number of IRAs owned. However, you can continue to make unlimited trustee-to-trustee transfers between IRAs because it is not considered a rollover.

•Sometimes a distribution includes both a regular distribution (generally taxable) and a rollover (generally nontaxable). The Form 1099-R Rollover or Disability section is used to input the amount that won’t be taxed and Box 2a needs to be adjusted.

•If taxpayer inadvertently missed the 60-day rollover deadline for one of several reasons, they can submit a certification to the trustee, and the amount can be considered a rollover on his tax return. See Revenue Procedure 2020-46 for details.

Internal Revenue Code 402(c)

Extended rollover period for plan loan offset amounts. Provides that the period during which a qualified plan loan offset amount may be contributed to an eligible retirement plan as a rollover contribution is extended from 60 days after the date of the offset to the due date (including extensions) for filing the Federal income tax return for the taxable year in which the plan loan offset occurs, that is, the taxable year in which the amount is treated as distributed from the plan. Qualified plan loan offset amounts are shown on Form 1099-R, Box 7 Code M.

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The above applies to pre-tax accounts (e.g. traditional IRAs) and to post-tax accounts (e.g. Roth IRAs) within each group. If rolling or converting from pre-tax to post-tax, the amount will generally be taxable.

Form 1099-R Roth IRA

The basis of property distributed from a Roth IRA is its fair market value (FMV) on the date of distribution, whether or not the distribution is a qualified distribution.

You don’t include in your gross income qualified distributions or distributions that are a return of your regular contributions from your Roth IRA(s).

Distributions from a Roth IRA are tax free and may be excluded from income if the following requirements are met:

•The distribution is made after the 5-year period beginning with the first day of the first taxable year for which a contribution was made to a Roth IRA set up for the taxpayer’s benefit, and

•The distribution is:

○Made on or after age 59½, or

○Made because the taxpayer was disabled, or

○Made to a beneficiary or to an estate, or

○To pay certain qualified first-time homebuyer amounts (up to a $10,000 lifetime limit)

Is the Distribution From Your Roth IRA a Qualified Distribution?

See the list of Roth IRA distribution codes on the following page that are In Scope and Out of Scope for the VITA/TCE programs.

Form 1099-R Box 7 Distribution Codes

Box 7 Distribution Codes

Explanations

1 – Early distribution, no known exception

•If this amount was rolled over within 60 days of the withdrawal and—if the distribution was from an IRA--no prior rollover was made in the same 12-month period. Check the box under Rollover or Disability on Form 1099-R, and enter the amount rolled over. Trustee to trustee transfer isn’t considered a prior rollover. If more than one rollover from an IRA in the 12-month period, return is Out of Scope.

•If this wasn’t rolled over, a 10% additional tax will be applied unless the taxpayer qualifies for an exception. See Tab H, Other Taxes, Payments and Refundable Credits, for a list of exceptions. If the taxpayer qualifies for an exception, go to Form 5329, Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans and Other Tax-Favored Accounts, enter the amount that qualifies for an exception and select the reason for the exception from the drop-down list.

2 – Early distribution, exception applies

Code 2 applies if the taxpayer is under 59 ½ but the payer knows that an exception to the additional tax applies. If the IRA/SEP/SIMPLE box ISN’T checked, no further action needed. If the IRA/SEP/SIMPLE box IS checked, ask the taxpayer if any non-deductible contributions were made. If so, the return is Out of Scope.

3 – Disability

Code 3 is for a disability pension.

•If the taxpayer is under the minimum retirement age for the company he retired from, then check the box under Rollover or Disability that says, “Check here to report as wages on the Form 1040.” This will reclassify the disability income as wages. It will also include the amount in earned income for calculation of the earned income credit, the dependent care credit and the additional child tax credit.

•If the taxpayer has reached the minimum retirement age, no further action is needed.

4 – Death

Code 4 is for a survivor’s benefit or an inherited IRA. If it’s an inherited IRA and the original owner had a basis, the survivor takes over that basis (Out of Scope).

6 – Section 1035 exchange

Code 6 is a tax-free exchange of life insurance, annuity, qualified long-term care insurance, or endowment contract. It is not reported on the tax return.

7 – Normal distribution

Code 7 is for normal distributions. It may occur in several different situations:

•If the amounts in Box 1 and 2a are the same, and Box 2b isn’t checked, the pension is fully taxable.

•If the taxpayer makes a rollover from one IRA to another and holds the money less than 60 days, enter the amount rolled over into the Rollover or Disability field.

•If the Box 2b is checked and there is an amount in Box 9b, complete the Simplified Method. Be sure to use the taxpayer’s age at the time of retirement—not current age.

•If there is an amount in Box 2a that is different than Box 1, no further action is needed.

•If there is no amount (or zero) in Box 2a, check to see if there is an amount in Box 5. If this is the same amount as Box 1, the distribution is the taxpayer’s own money coming back. None of the distribution will be taxed.

•If any portion of this distribution was sent directly from the trustee to a charity, and the taxpayer is over 70 1/2 years old, enter the net taxable amount in box 2a (which may be zero). Select Continue and at the IRA/ Pensions Distributions page, select Nontaxable Distributions and check the box to mark that there is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). No itemized deduction may be taken for the donation. If taxpayers receive or expect to receive a state or local tax credit for their QCD, the amount treated as a QCD may be reduced by the amount of the state or local tax credit. See Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, for details.

•If the IRA/SEP/SIMPLE box IS checked, ask the taxpayer if any non-deductible contributions were made. If so, the return is Out of Scope.

B – Designated Roth account distribution

Code B is for a distribution from a designated Roth account. This code is in scope only if taxable amount has been determined.

D– Annuity payments from nonqualified annuities

Code D is used for a distribution from a private annuity in conjunction with the regular code. The distribution is subject to the net investment income tax. If the taxpayer has AGI over a threshold amount ($200,000 for a single taxpayer or HoH; $250,000 MFJ or QW; $125,000 MFS), then this code means the return is Out of Scope. If the AGI is less than the threshold amount the return is in scope and no further action is needed.

F – Charitable gift annuity

Code F is used for the annuity payments from a charitable gift annuity. To determine the amount to enter in Box 2a (Taxable amount), subtract the amount in Box 3 Capital gain, and Box 5 (Employee contributions) from the Gross distribution (Box 1) and enter that difference in the Form 1099R screen Box 2a. Also, navigate to Income>Capital Gains and Losses>Additional Capital Gain Distributions and enter the amount in Box 3 as a long-term capital gain.

G – Direct rollover of distribution and direct payment

Code G is for a direct rollover from a qualified plan to an eligible retirement plan. If Box 2a, taxable amount, is zero or blank, it won’t be taxed. If there is an amount in Box 2a, the direct rollover is fully or partially taxable. Check the rollover box and enter the amount rolled over.

H – Direct rollover of a designated Roth account distribution to a Roth IRA

Code H is for a direct rollover of a distribution from a designated Roth account to a Roth IRA. It won’t be taxed. No further action is needed. Box 2a should be blank.

L – Loans treated as deemed distributions

Code L is for loans treated as deemed distributions. This code could possibly be combined with codes 1, 4, or B. For more information on how it is treated see the codes on this chart.

M – Qualified plan loan offset

Code M is used for a qualified plan loan offset distribution due to plan termination or severance from employment. The taxpayer has until the due date, including extensions, to rollover any of the amount. It is always used with another code 1,2,4,7 or B. Treat the distribution based on the other code.

Q – Qualified distribution from a Roth IRA

This distribution isn’t taxable. Box 2a should be blank. TaxSlayer enters the distribution amount on Form 1040 on the IRAs, pensions, and annuities line. No further action is needed.

S – Early distribution from a SIMPLE IRA in the first 2 years, no known exception

A 25% additional tax will be applied unless the taxpayer qualifies for an exception. See Tab H, Other Taxes, Payments, and Refundable Credits, for a list of exceptions. If the taxpayer qualifies for an exception, go to Form 5329 and enter the amount of the distribution not subject to the additional tax and select the exception reason from the dropdown list.

W – Charges or payments for purchasing qualified long-term care insurance contracts under combined arrangements.

This distribution is excludable from gross income. It is not entered on the tax return.

5, 8, 9, A, E, J, K, N, P, R, T, U

These codes are Out of Scope.

Form 1099-R Nontaxable Income

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Income>1099-R, RRB, SSA>Nontaxable Distributions

1.Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) may be used if the person was at least 70½. This makes that portion of the distribution nontaxable.

2.Qualified Health Savings Account funding distribution from an IRA (related to a Form 1099-R ) if rolled over, is Out of Scope.

3.Do not use this checkbox as it alone will not produce the required Public Safety Officer (PSO) notation on Form 1040. See Tab D, Income, Taxable Amount Not Determined (Special Circumstances) page.

Qualified Charitable Distributions:

•The QCD can only be made from a traditional IRA.

•The QCD is not included in income.

•The QCD is not allowed as a charitable deduction.

•The QCD counts toward the taxpayer’s Required Minimum Distribution.

•It must be a direct distribution from the trustee to the qualified charitable organization.

•The amount of the QCD should be deducted from the gross distribution and the result entered in Box 2a on the Form 1099-R input screen.

Notes icon.
A qualified charitable contribution (QCD) can be made by a taxpayer who is age 70 ½ or older (unchanged). However, the excludable portion of a QCD distribution is reduced by IRA deductions once the taxpayer attains age 70½. This provision applies cumulatively for tax years beginning after 2019 as to both distributions and deductions.

Caution icon.
If taxpayers receive or expect to receive a state or local tax credit for their QCD, the amount treated as a QCD may be reduced by the amount of the state or local tax credit. See Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, for details.

Notes icon.
Subtract the QCD amount in Box 2a, but do not adjust the amount in Box 16, State Distribution, to match (other than as outlined in the Caution statement above).

Tax-Favorable Treatment of Coronavirus-Related Retirement Distributions

There are no coronavirus-related distributions in 2023. Taxpayers will use Form 8915-F, Qualified Disaster Retirement Plan Distributions and Repayments, to report repayments of all or a portion of the 2020 coronavirus-related distribution in 2023. Each spouse who is a qualified individual will file a separate Form 8915-F.

Three Year Ratable Inclusion in Income

Distributions received in 2020 that were qualified coronavirus-related distributions are included in income in equal amounts over 3 years (tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022). Taxpayers could elect to include the entire distribution in income in 2020.

Taxpayers could not make or change this election after the due date (including extensions) for their 2020 tax return.

Repayments

A qualified individual who received a coronavirus-related distribution eligible for tax-free rollover treatment is permitted to repay any portion of the distribution to the same plan or another eligible retirement plan (such as an IRA) within 3 years from the day after the date of distribution. Not all coronavirus-related distributions qualify for repayment. These amounts cannot be repaid:

•Any coronavirus-related distribution (whether from an employer retirement plan or an IRA) paid to a qualified individual as a beneficiary of an employee or IRA owner (other than the surviving spouse of the employee or IRA owner).

•Any distribution (other than from an IRA) that is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made (at least annually) for:

○A period of 10 years or more,

○The individual’s life or life expectancy, or

○The joint lives or joint life expectancies of the individual and the individual’s beneficiary.

•Required minimum distributions.

Thus, pensions are not eligible for repayment. Since RMDs were waived for 2020, qualified individuals can repay a distribution that would have been a 2020 RMD.

Repayments made in 2023 after the due date of the 2022 return and within the 3 year period will result in an excess repayment, since there is no income to report. The excess repayment will need to be carried back via an amended return.

A repayment of a coronavirus-related distribution will not be treated as a rollover contribution for purposes of the one-rollover-per-year limitation.

Example:

Joe is a qualified individual and treated his 2020 distribution as a coronavirus distribution. Joe includes the $30,000 distribution ratably over a 3-year period. Without any repayments, Joe would include $10,000 in income on his 2020, 2021 and 2022 tax returns. In October 2023, Joe repays $12,000 to an IRA. He made no other repayments in the 3-year period. Joe is permitted to file an amended return for 2022 to exclude the $10,000 he included in income as a coronavirus distribution. Joe can also file an amended return to claim the $2,000 excess repayment in 2021, reducing his coronavirus distribution to $8,000.

Reporting in TaxSlayer

Qualified individuals will use Form 8915-F to report any repayments made in 2023 within the 3 year period. Taxpayers will also need to file an amended return to claim the repayment.

Tips icon.
Volunteers should review the taxpayer's prior year return. If a Form 8915-F is present:

•Check Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet, Part IV, to see if taxpayer indicated a contribution or repayment to a retirement account. If a repayment, determine if it's repayment of a coronavirus distribution.

•Ask the taxpayer if they repaid any amount in 2023 or before the due date of their 2023 return (including extensions). If so, see the Repayment section on the previous page. For additional details, see the Instructions for Form 8915-F.

1.Check the Coronavirus Related box. This form is Out of Scope for any other use.

2.Enter any repayments for 2023 made within the 3 year period. Enter in the appropriate IRA or Non-IRA box.

3.Enter the total amount of the previous years' repayment, not just the excess amount. Enter in the appropriate IRA or Non-IRA box.

For more information refer to Coronavirus-related relief for retirement plans and IRAs questions and answers at: www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers

Disaster-related distributions that are not coronavirus distributions are Out of Scope. For more information, refer to:

•Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses at www.irs.gov/disasters

•Publication 5396, Fact Sheet for VITA/TCE Sites Impacted by Federally Declared Disasters at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5396.pdf

•Publication 5396-A, Job Aid: Using Form 4852 when Missing the Form W-2 or 1099-R for VITA/TCE Volunteers at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5396a.pdf

•Publication 5396-B, Casualty Loss Screening Tool at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5396b.pdf

Form RRB-1099-R Distributions

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Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>RRB-1099-R; or Keyword: RRB

Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) are reported on two forms and require two entry screens. Social Security Equivalent Benefits, Form RRB 1099 Tier 1 (Blue Form) are entered on the Social Security Benefits screen. Treat the benefits reported on the Blue Form just like the information reported on Form SSA-1099. The screenshot below shows the entry screen for Form RRB 1099-R Tier 2 (Green Form).

Notes icon.
See Publication 915, Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits, and Publication 575, Pensions and Annuity Income, for additional information.

1.A spouse of a railroad retiree receives a spouse annuity and will have a separate RRB-1099-R even though the spouse was not employed by the railroad.

2.Taxable amount may have to be determined using Simplified Method. Railroad retirement pensions which start when the spouse is alive must use the joint and survivor simplified method. Survivor annuities are available for all surviving spouses. The simplified method is always needed for a railroad retiree, but it is never needed for the spouse's RRB-1099-R paid to the spouse while the retiree is alive.

Generally, for a joint and survivor annuity, use the combined ages to calculate the taxable amount for the employee’s pension. As a reminder, place a note with the combined ages used for carry forward purposes.

For a joint and survivor annuity that starts BEFORE the death of either beneficiary, continue with the same combined age after the first death. For a survivor annuity that starts AFTER the death of the employee, use only the survivor’s age.

Form SSA-1099/RRB-1099 Tier 1 Distributions

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Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Social Security Benefits/RRB-1099; or Keyword: SSA

1.Enter amount from Box 5 of Form SSA-1099 or from Form RRB-1099 - Tier 1 (Blue form) Net Social Security Equivalent Benefits (SSEB).

2.Be sure to check for any tax withheld. Often taxpayers choose this option. This is found in Box 6 of the SSA-1099 and Box 10 of the RRB-1099.

3.Enter the total of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Repeat for spouse. If Medicare premiums have been used for the Self Employed Health Insurance deduction, do NOT enter on this screen.

4.If an amount is present in the description of Box 3 on Form SSA-1099, or Boxes 7, 8 and 9 on Form RRB-1099, the taxpayer received benefits attributable to a prior year. If the taxpayer is able to provide prior year tax returns, use the Social Security Lump-Sum Payment worksheet on the next page to see if the taxable amount of Social Security is reduced.

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Foreign social security from Canada or Germany that is treated as U.S. Social Security is Out of Scope.

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If Box 5 of an SSA-1099 or RRB-1099 is a negative amount, then the taxpayer repaid more than was received. Combine the amounts in Box 5 across all Forms SSA-1099 or RRB-1099 received (including for both spouses if filing jointly), to determine the combined net benefit.

•If the combined net benefit is positive, then enter that amount into TaxSlayer.

•If the combined net benefit is a negative amount less than or equal to $3,000, then it would be a 2% miscellaneous itemized deduction not federally deductible through 2025 (so no entry is required in TaxSlayer for either the combined net benefit or miscellaneous deduction).

•If the combined net benefit is a negative amount in excess of $3,000, then the return is OOS. Taxpayer may be able to take an itemized deduction or a credit for part of the excess repayments if they were for benefits included in income in an earlier year. However, this deduction or credit is Out of Scope.

Form SSA-1099 Lump-Sum Distributions

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Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Social Security Benefits/RRB 1099>Begin Worksheet; or Keyword SSA

1.Enter relevant year, as shown on Form SSA-1099. If more than one year has prior year payments use additional Lump-Sum worksheet.

2.Drop-down menu is available for prior year Filing Status.

3.If the prior year return was MFJ, include Social Security payments received that year by BOTH taxpayer and spouse.

4.Leave the SSA payments received in an earlier year and/or the taxable benefits reported in an earlier year boxes empty if not applicable. All other boxes require entries. The calculation won't be correct without the prior year Modified AGI. The software will determine total taxable Social Security based on these entries.

Tips icon.
Modified AGI for the purpose of calculating the lump-sum distribution is AGI plus:

•Tax-exempt interest

•Adoption benefits (Form 8839)

•Qualified U.S. Savings Bond interest (Form 8815)

•Student loan interest deduction

•Foreign earned income exclusion or housing deduction (Form 2555)

•Exclusion of certain income of bona fide residents of American Samoa (Form 4563) or Puerto Rico

Entering K-1 Information in TaxSlayer

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Income>Other Income>K-1 Earnings ; or Keyword: K-1

1.The taxpayer's Schedule K-1 may come from a Form 1065 (Partnership).

2.The taxpayer's Schedule K-1 may come from a Form 1120S (S-Corporation)

3.Or, the taxpayer's Schedule K-1 may come from Form 1041 (Estate) Tax Return. Be careful to choose the right form.

4.This situation would be Out of Scope.

Income reported on Schedule K-1 that is within the scope of the VITA/TCE programs includes:

•Interest income

•Dividend income

•Qualified Dividend income

•Net short-term capital gains and losses (Schedule D)

•Net long-term capital gains and losses (Schedule D)

•Tax-exempt interest income

•Royalty income (Schedule E)

•Foreign tax credit

•199A dividends

If the K-1 includes any deductions, expenses, credits, or other items not listed above, the return is Out of Scope.

Notes icon.
Most in scope K-1s will be from a passive entity, and the taxpayer’s investment will be at risk. Be sure to select these boxes in the software, if applicable. TaxSlayer may give you a warning if the At-Risk box is left blank.

Schedule K-1 Scope

OOS = Out of Scope

1.Box 14b does not appear in the TaxSlayer Form 1041 K-1 entry screen. Instead make the following entries:

•Enter amounts for Code B in Deductions>Credits>Foreign Taxes Paid.

•Enter in state as needed.

Tips icon.
Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S) – S Corporation income passes directly to shareholders.

2.No need to enter in TaxSlayer

3.No need to enter in TaxSlayer

4.Box 21 does not appear in the TaxSlayer Form 1065 K-1 entry screen. Instead make the following entries:

a.Enter amounts from Line 21 in Deductions>Credits>Foreign>Taxes Paid.

b.Enter in state as needed.

Entering Rental and Royalty Income in TaxSlayer

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Income>Schedule E; or Keyword: SC

Volunteers must certify at Military level to prepare Schedule E for rental income. Rental income and expenses are in-scope only for military families renting their personal residences.

1.Check the box if the taxpayer had any days of personal use while the property was available for rent. Enter the number of days here.

2.Enter the total rental payments received for the tax year.

3.Enter number of days rented at fair rental value. If the property is temporarily rented for less than 15 days during the tax year, the rental income is not taxable and the expenses are not deductible on a Schedule E.

4.Check here if the taxpayer actively participated. A rental loss will not appear on Form 1040, unless the taxpayer actively participated. In order to actively participate, the taxpayer must have substantial involvement in managing the rental property, such as making management decisions and arranging for repairs.

5.Use Schedule E to report rental income only when the taxpayer is not a real estate professional (determination of professional status is Out of Scope). Refer taxpayers who are real estate professionals to a professional tax preparer.

6.Select to edit the physical address, type of property, and to report the number of fair rental and personal use days.

7.If Form 4562 is required, the tax return is Out of Scope.

8.Select to enter rental expenses. See the next page.

9.Select to enter vehicle expenses.

Ordinary and necessary expenses incurred while holding a property out for rent are deductible expenses. See Publication 527, Residential Rental Property, for details. Enter expenses on this screen.

10.Enter taxpayer-provided depreciation amount here as a positive number.

Caution icon.
If the property has both personal and rental use days, you must manually compute the portion of the expenses allowable on Schedule E and Schedule A. For example if the house was available for rent for six months, and you paid $4,000 for Mortgage Interest, you have to manually input $2,000 on the Mortgage Interest lines on both Schedule E and on Schedule A.

Less Common Income

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Federal Section>Income>Other Income

Detailed information for each income type found on subsequent pages.

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Income>Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere

1.Use Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere and make the appropriate drop-down selection to enter amounts from:

•Form 1099-MISC Box 3 (Other Income), (hobby income-activities not for profit are Out of Scope) or Box 8 (Substitute payments in lieu of dividends or interest.)

•Jury Duty Pay (Not earned income for EIC)

•Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

•Gambling winnings not reported on a Form W-2G

•Reemployment trade adjustment assistance (RTAA) payments from Form 1099-G, Box 5 or taxable grants from Form 1099-G, Box 6

•Other income not entered elsewhere on the return

2.Gambling winnings are reported to the taxpayer on Form W-2G, fully taxable, and must be reported as income on the tax return. Gambling losses up to the amount of winnings reported may be deducted as an other itemized deduction on Schedule A.

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Income>Other Income>Gambling Winnings W-2G; or Keyword: W2G

3.Use the Other Compensation menu to report scholarships and grants, taxable fringe benefits, household employee income, prisoner earned income, and foreign compensation.

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Income>Other Income>Other Compensation>Household Employee Income; or Keyword: OTHER

4.Distributions from qualified education programs are tax free if they aren't more than the beneficiary's adjusted qualified education expenses for the year. Tax-free distributions are not reported on the tax return. See Highlights of Education Tax Benefits in Tab J for qualified expenses. Taxable distributions from Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), Qualified Tuition Programs (QTPs)/529 or Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are Out of Scope.

5.Cancellation of Debt from a credit card and Discharge of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness are in scope for preparers with Advanced certifications.

6.Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is in scope only for those with International certification: United States citizens and resident aliens who live and work abroad may be able to exclude all or part of their foreign salary or wages from their income when filing their U.S. federal tax return. They may also qualify to exclude compensation for their personal services or certain foreign housing costs. See Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad.

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See Tab I, Earned Income Credit, Earned Income Table for examples of other income that may be earned income.

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Qualified State or local tax benefits and qualified reimbursement payments (up to $50 per month) provided to members of qualified volunteer emergency response organizations are excluded from income.

Form 1099-LTC, Long-Term Care Benefits:

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Deductions>Adjustments>Medical Savings Account Form 8853>scroll to Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance Contracts (Form 1099-LTC); or Keyword: 8853 or LTC

•Answer the questions based on the information on Form 1099-LTC. Most payments will not be taxable.

•If Box 3 is checked for reimbursement, no reporting is necessary.

Form 1099-MISC

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Income>1099-MISC; or Keyword: MIS

1.The Payer Information relates to the entity that paid the taxpayer and issued the Form 1099-MISC. In most cases, the Federal ID will be an employer identification number, not an SSN.

On a joint return, indicate if the Form 1099-MISC recipient is the Taxpayer or the Spouse.

2.Some income that isn’t self-employment, such as prizes and awards, and strike benefits is reported in Box 3, Other Income. To report strike benefits on the return, do not enter a 1099-MISC. Instead:

•Go to Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere, select Other Income from the drop down, enter the description as “Strike Benefits” and check the earned income box.

•Then remove the SE tax. Go to Other Taxes>Self-Employment Tax. In the "Adjustment to nonfarm income” field, enter the amount of strike benefits as a negative (-). This will remove any SE tax associated with the strike benefit income.

3.Report Box 8 amount as Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere.

Self-employment income generally appears on Form 1099-NEC. If there is income reported in other boxes on Form 1099-MISC and it was earned by the business, it should also be reported in gross receipts on the Schedule C.

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There is usually no income tax withholding on a Form 1099-MISC. But always double check to make sure.

Entering Other Compensation in TaxSlayer

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Income>Other Income>Other Compensation; or Keyword: OTHER

1.Scholarships and grants used to pay for tuition, fees and course-related expenses are not taxable. Use this link to report only amounts that were used for nonqualifying expenses. The amount will appear on Form 1040, Schedule 1. Taxable scholarship is considered unearned income for most purposes but is considered earned income for determining filing requirement.

2.Enter wages received as a household employee for which the taxpayer did not receive a Form W-2 because the employer paid less than $2,600 in 2023. The amount will appear on Form 1040.

3.Enter the amount received for work while an inmate in a penal institution. For purposes of the Earned Income Credit, this isn’t considered earned income. This includes amounts received for work performed while in a work release program or while in a halfway house. Wages earned while incarcerated will appear on Form 1040, Schedule 1. This entry is made in addition to entering the Form W-2 from the penal institution.

4.Enter foreign earned income (wages, salaries, etc.) paid by a foreign employer for work performed while the taxpayer lived in a foreign country.

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If Rebate/Patronage Dividends issued by co-ops on Form 1099-PATR Box 1 are for personal use only, the amount is nontaxable and is not entered into TaxSlayer. Enter note on intake sheet and tax return noting it is for personal use only. No other box or use is in scope.

Publication 4731

Ask if the taxpayer was insolvent or in bankruptcy. The return is Out of Scope if the taxpayer had credit card debt canceled as part of a bankruptcy discharged during the tax year, or the taxpayer was insolvent during the tax year.

Insolvency Determination Worksheet

Determining insolvency is Out of Scope for the volunteer. This sample worksheet is for reference only.

Insolvency Determination Worksheet

Assets (FMV)

Liabilities

Homes

$

Mortgages

$

Cars

Home equity loans

Recreational vehicles, etc.

Vehicle loans

Bank accounts

Personal signature loans

IRAs, 401Ks, etc.

Credit card debts

Jewelry

Past-due mortgage interest, real estate taxes, utilities, and child care costs

Furniture

Clothes

Misc.

Student loans

Other assets

Other liabilities

Total Assets:

$ __________

Total Liabilities:

$

Total Assets minus Total Liabilities = $

(Negative amount equals insolvency)

Positive amount equals solvency

Entering Cancellation of Credit Card Debt and Student Loan Debt Forgiveness in TaxSlayer

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Income>Other Income>Cancellation of Debt 1099-C, 982>Cancellation of Debt (Form 1099-C); or Keyword CANC

Generally, if a debt for which a taxpayer is personally liable is canceled or forgiven, the taxpayer must include the canceled amount in income.

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Be sure to ask if the taxpayer was insolvent or in bankruptcy. The return is Out of Scope if the taxpayer had credit card debt canceled as part of a bankruptcy discharged during the tax year, or the taxpayer was insolvent during the tax year.

1.Cancellation of Credit Card Debt and Forgiveness of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness is within the scope of the Advanced certification of the volunteer program.

2.Enter the information from the Form 1099-C. Be sure to indicate whether the canceled debt was for the taxpayer or the spouse.

If the Form 1099-C was for mortgage forgiveness on the taxpayer’s main home, see Discharge of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness in Tab EXT, Legislative Extenders.

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The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 excludes from gross income amounts related to the discharge of certain student loan debt in 2021 through 2025, applicable to discharges of loans after December 31, 2020. If the taxpayer qualifies to exclude discharged student loan debt, the return is in scope. If the taxpayer has any other type of debt forgiven, or may have been insolvent at the time of the debt forgiveness, the taxpayer should be referred to a professional tax preparer. If discharge of student debt qualifies for exclusion, then no Form 1099-C should be issued. If issued, and taxpayer meets the requirements noted above, the taxpayer should try to obtain a corrected document. If unable, input as Income>Less Common Income> Cancellation of Debt (Form 1099-C) and again as a negative amount in Other Income with the description Student Loan Debt Forgiveness.

Entering Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Information in TaxSlayer

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Federal Section>Income>Less Common Income>Foreign Earned Income Exclusion; or Keyword “2555”

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Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is in scope only for preparers with International Certification.

U.S. citizens and U.S. resident aliens are required to report worldwide income on a U.S. tax return.

However, certain taxpayers can exclude income earned while living in foreign countries.

To claim the foreign earned income exclusion, taxpayers must:

•Demonstrate that their tax home is in a foreign country

•Meet either the Bona Fide Residence Test or the Physical Presence Test

•Have income that qualifies as foreign earned income (reported on Form 1040 as taxable wages or as self-employment income)

The foreign earned income exclusion doesn’t apply to wages and salaries of U.S. military members and civilian employees of the U.S. government.

For 2023, the maximum exclusion is $120,000. For MFJ returns, both spouses can claim the exclusion up to the maximum amount per person.

You can’t exclude or deduct more than the taxpayer’s foreign earned income for the year.

The taxpayer’s tax home is the taxpayer’s regular or principal place of business, employment, or post of duty, regardless of where the taxpayer maintains a family residence. A taxpayer may have more than one tax home during the year.

To meet the period of stay requirement, the taxpayer must be either:

•A U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien who is physically present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 full days during any period of 12 consecutive months, or

•A U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien from a tax treaty country who is a bona fide resident of a foreign country (or countries) for an uninterrupted period that includes an entire tax year

•A U.S. resident alien who is a citizen or national of a country with which the United States has an income tax treaty in effect and who is bona fide.

1.The 12-month period on which the physical presence test is based must include 365 days, part of which must be in 2023. The dates may begin or end in a calendar year other than 2023.

To figure 330 full days, add all separate periods the taxpayer was present in a foreign country or countries during the 12-month period.

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Waiver of minimum time requirements (for physical presence and bona fide residence tests): The taxpayer must leave the country because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions.

2.If the taxpayer left the principal country of residence during the tax year, enter the information requested for each additional country he or she visited.

If more than one additional country was visited, select Add Country. Select Clear if the taxpayer did not visit any other countries during their time abroad.

3.Days in the United States are entered in a separate field.

4.If no money was earned in the country to which the taxpayer traveled, enter $0.

Bona Fide Residence Test

•To meet the bona fide residence test, taxpayers must show that they have set up permanent quarters in a foreign country for an entire, uninterrupted tax year. Simply going to another country to work for a year or more isn’t enough to meet the bona fide residence test. A taxpayer must establish a residence in the foreign country.

•If the taxpayer was present in the United States or its possessions during the tax year, enter the information for each trip.

○To add another trip, Select Add New

○If the taxpayer did not visit the U.S. or its possessions during the year, select Clear to remove this item

•Don’t include income earned while in the United States in the amount of foreign earned income to be excluded (next page).

•A brief trip to the U.S. will not prevent the taxpayer from being a bona fide resident, as long as the intention to return to the foreign country is clear.

5.Enter the income the taxpayer earned during the tax year for services performed in a foreign country. This income should already have been entered on the tax return as wages, foreign compensation, or net self-employment income.

Amounts paid by the United States or its agencies to its employees don’t qualify for the exclusion

6.Enter the number of days in your qualifying period that fall within the 2023 tax year. Your qualifying period is the period during which you meet the tax home test and either the Bona Fide Residence or the Physical Presence Test.

Notes:

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Tab E: Adjustments to Income

Adjustments to Income

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Deductions>Adjustments

1.MSA Out of Scope.

2.In tax year 2023, eligible educators can deduct up to $300 for materials and supplies used in the classroom.

3.For military reservist, see notes on the next page in the Other Expenses section. Reservist's expenses are in scope only with Military Certification.

4.Health Savings Account – select to open Form 8889, Health Savings Accounts.

5.Moving expenses apply to active duty military only. Must be Certified for Military. Check the box near the top of the form to indicate an Armed Forces PCS move.

6.Adjustments to income for contributions to Self-employed SEP, SIMPLE, and Qualified Plans – Out of Scope.

7.Self-employed health insurance deduction is in scope (Advanced certification required).

8.Early withdrawal penalty auto-populates from Form 1099-INT.

9.If the taxpayer paid alimony to more than one person, add a second payee after entering the first. See Alimony Requirements, later in this tab, for post-2018 divorces.

10.Taxpayers have until the tax filing deadline to make TY2023 traditional IRA deductions.

11.Form 8606 Nondeductible IRAs is Out of Scope.

12.Taxpayers may deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest they paid. See Student Loan Interest Deduction at a Glance later in this tab.

13.Select Other Adjustments for jury duty pay turned over to employer.

Employee Business Expenses

1.Check the box to indicate that the taxpayer is a member of a Reserve Component.

2.Enter parking or ferry fees and tolls.

3.Enter lodging expense The amount of expenses that can be deducted is limited to the:

•actual lodging costs, limited to the federal per diem rate.

•federal per diem rate for meals and incidental expenses.

•standard mileage rate (for car expenses) plus any parking fees, ferry fees and/or tolls.

Enter this information on Form 2106.

4.Enter meal expenses at the federal per diem rate.

Select Continue and enter vehicle information and mileage from the menu on the next screen.

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Form 2106 , Employee Business Expenses, is in scope for Military certification only.

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Military reservists who must travel more than 100 miles away from home to attend a drill or reserve meeting may deduct their travel expenses as an adjustment to income. Entertainment expenses are not allowed.

Moving Expenses

Moving expenses apply to active duty military only. Must be certified for Military.

1.Check the box to indicate a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move.

2.Enter amount from Form W-2, Box 12, code P.

3.Enter lodging costs. You can’t deduct the cost of unnecessary side trips or lavish and extravagant lodging.

4.If yes, enter number of miles or the taxpayer’s actual amounts for gas and oil if they maintained receipts. Don’t enter both.

You can deduct the expenses of moving your household goods and personal effects, including expenses for hauling a trailer, packing, crating, in-transit storage, and insurance. You can’t deduct expenses for moving furniture or other goods you bought on the way from your old home to your new home. You can include only the cost of storing and insuring your household goods and personal effects within any period of 30 consecutive days after the day these goods and effects are moved from your former home and before they are delivered to your new home.

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You can deduct the expenses that are more than your reimbursements in the year you paid or incurred the expenses.

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22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for the year.

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You can’t deduct the following items as moving expenses.

•Any part of the purchase price of your new home.

•Car tags.

•Driver’s license.

•Expenses of buying or selling a home (including closing costs, mortgage fees, and points).

•Expenses of entering into or breaking a lease.

•Home improvements to help sell your home.

•Loss on the sale of your home.

•Losses from disposing of memberships in clubs.

•Mortgage penalties.

•Real estate taxes.

•Refitting of carpet and draperies.

•Return trips to your former residence.

•Security deposits (including any given up due to the move).

•Storage charges except those incurred in transit and for foreign moves.

Educator Expenses

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Deductions>Adjustments> Educator Expenses; or Keyword: EDUCA

Don’t rely on this table alone. Refer to Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions, for more details.

Question

Answer

What is the maximum benefit?

$300 (If the taxpayer and spouse are both eligible educators, they can deduct up to $600, but neither can deduct more than their own expenses up to $300).

Who can claim the expense?

Eligible Educators — an eligible educator is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide who worked in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year.

What are qualifying expenses?

Qualifying expenses include ordinary and necessary expenses paid in connection with books, supplies, equipment (including computer equipment, software, and services), and other materials used in the classroom. Qualified expenses include amounts paid or incurred for personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus. Additionally, professional development expenses are allowed unless reimbursement is offered by the school but not accepted.

What are nonqualifying expenses?

Expenses for home schooling or nonathletic supplies for courses in health or physical education.

What other issues apply?

Taxpayer must reduce qualified expenses by

•Excludable U.S. series EE and I savings bond interest from Form 8815

•Nontaxable qualified tuition program earnings or distributions

•Nontaxable distribution of earnings from a Coverdell education savings account

•Any reimbursements received for expenses that weren’t reported on the Form W-2 education.

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Professional development expenses include courses related to the curriculum in which the educator provides instruction.

Caution icon.
The deduction amount is indexed for inflation and may change in future years.

Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction

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Income>Schedule C>General Expenses>Health Insurance; or Keyword: HEA

1.Enter total amount of premiums paid here for health insurance

2.Enter the net profit from Schedule C in the field below the insurance payment amounts (the adjustment amount cannot be greater than the net profit from the business). TaxSlayer will automatically subtract the adjustment for ½ of SE tax.

3.LTC premiums limited by age for 2023:

•Age 40 or under: $480

•Age 41 to 50: $890

•Age 51 to 60: $1,790

•Age 61 to 70: $4,770

•Age 71 and over: $5,960

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For most returns (just one Schedule C) enter the qualifying health insurance and LTC insurance premiums (limit based on age) on the Schedule C - Expenses screen, under health insurance in the software (see Tab D, Income, Schedule C - General Expenses). TaxSlayer will automatically take any excess to Schedule A.

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Calculations with Premium Tax Credit are Out of Scope with respect to the self-employed health insurance deduction.

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For taxpayers who are itemizing deductions, test to see if claiming the health insurance on Schedule A yields a better result.

Health Saving Accounts (HSA)

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Deductions>Adjustments>Health Savings Account Form 8889; or Keyword: HSA

Tips icon.
Don’t rely on this document alone. Refer to HSA references to provide assistance.

How will you know if the taxpayer has an HSA issue?

•The Interview/Intake & Quality Review Sheet has the Yes or Unsure HSA box checked.

•The taxpayer’s (or spouse’s) Form W-2 will contain code W in box 12 for employer contributions.

•The taxpayer (or spouse) has a Form 1099-SA with an X in the box showing distributions from an HSA.

•The taxpayer (or spouse) may receive Form 5498-SA for their HSA contributions. If taxpayers don’t have this form they can provide the information regarding HSA contributions based on their records.

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Contributions to an employee’s account through a Section 125 (cafeteria) plan are treated as employer contributions and aren’t deductible.

2023 Contribution Limits

•Family Plan: $7,750

•Self only Plan: $3,850

•Add $1,000 if the owner is age 55 or over at end of year

1.Add a second Form 8889 if taxpayer and spouse have separate HSAs.

2.Select the appropriate HDHP coverage for the individual. Self-only or family. This determines the maximum HSA contribution limits.

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Use family coverage amount if taxpayer or spouse had an HDHP with family coverage.

"Check here if you and your spouse have separate HSAs" only appears if family coverage is selected. Only check this box if both spouses had contributions to their own separate HSAs. If checked, adjustments to Form 8889 Lines 3 and 6 are mandatory.

3.Employee contributions are entered here. Contributions by relatives and friends are considered to be made by taxpayer. Don’t include employer contributions or contributions through a pre-tax cafeteria plan. The account holder needs to tell you how much was put in the HSA, because the Form 5498-SA may not have been received prior to preparing the return.

4.Enter number of months you had a Health Savings Account, a high deductible policy and no other major medical policy (including Medicare) and could not be claimed as dependent. Enter “12” if “12 month rule” applies (you were eligible on December 1st and will continue coverage for the full next year).

5.Enter HSA distributions here. Ask the taxpayer for Form 1099-SA, with the HSA box checked. If not an HSA distribution, refer the taxpayer to a professional tax preparer.

6.Enter amount spent on qualifying expenses not reimbursed by insurance. See list below.

7.If Form 8889 Line 2 exceeds Line 13, there are excess contributions.

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If the excess contributions and earnings are not withdrawn by the due date of the return, including extensions, then the return is out of scope.

8.If the taxpayer meets one of exceptions to the 20% additional tax, check this box. The exceptions are that the account beneficiary dies, becomes disabled, or turns age 65.

9.If no adjustments to calculated amounts are needed, stop here.

10.Adjustment to Line 3 is required for:

•Account owner had changes in coverage or eligibility during the year. See Instructions for Form 8889 and Caution below.

•Married couples where each spouse had contributions to their own separate HSAs and they had family HDHP coverage at any time during the year. If they had 12 months of family coverage, enter $7,750 in the first adjustment box. Otherwise see Instructions for Form 8889 and Caution below.

11.If "Check here if you and your spouse have separate HSAs" was checked, then this entry for the Line 6 adjustment is mandatory. If they had family coverage for all 12-months, then the $7,750 limit can be split between the spouses however they'd like. Otherwise see Instructions for Form 8889 and the Caution below.

12.An entry is not needed in the age 55 or older box. This is a calculated amount.

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The scenarios that require adjustments as indicated in 10 and 11 above require complex calculations as described in the Instructions for Form 8889. If the volunteer is not trained on the scenario encountered, they should refer the taxpayer to a paid preparer.

Qualifying Medical Expenses

Except for health insurance premiums, qualifying expenses include all medical and dental expenses deductions allowed on Schedule A. Additional items are considered “qualified medical expenses” and may be reimbursed by HSAs, Archer MSAs, Health FSAs, and HRAs. Specifically, the cost of menstrual care products is now reimbursable. These products are defined as tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges or other similar products. In addition, over-the-counter products and medications are now reimbursable without a prescription. The purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are also eligible to be paid or reimbursed. The cost of home testing for COVID-19 is also an eligible medical expense.

Only these insurance premiums can be included:

•Long-term care insurance premiums subject to limits see Tab F, Deductions.

•Health care continuation coverage such as coverage under COBRA,

•Health care coverage while receiving unemployment compensation, and

•Medicare and other health care coverage if the taxpayer was 65 or older (other than premiums for a Medicare supplemental policy, often called Medigap coverage).

Alimony Requirements (Instruments Executed After 1984 and Before 2019)

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Deductions>Adjustments>Alimony Paid; or Keyword: ALIM and Income>Alimony Received; or Keyword ALIM

Payments ARE defined as alimony if all of the following are true:

Payments aren’t alimony if any of the following are true:

Payments are required by a divorce or separation instrument.

Payments aren’t required by a divorce or separation instrument.

Payer and recipient spouse don’t file a joint return with each other.

Payer and recipient spouse file a joint return with each other.

Payment is in cash or cash equivalents (including checks or money orders).

Payment is:

•Not in cash,

•A noncash property settlement,

•Spouse’s part of community income, or

•To keep up the payer’s property.

Payment isn’t designated in the instrument as not alimony.

Payment is designated in the instrument as not alimony.

Spouses legally separated under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance aren’t members of the same household.

Spouses legally separated under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance are members of the same household.

Payments aren’t required after death of the recipient spouse.

Payments are required after death of the recipient spouse.

Payment isn’t treated as child support.

Payment is treated as child support.

These payments are deductible by the payer and includible in income by the recipient.

These payments are neither deductible by the payer nor includible in income by the recipient.

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Alimony paid pursuant to a divorce or separation instrument executed on or before December 31, 2018, is deductible. For divorce or separation agreements executed after Dec 31, 2018, or executed before 2019 but later modified, if the modification expressly states the repeal of the deduction for alimony payments applies to the modification, alimony is not deductible for the spouse who makes the payments and will not be included in income for the spouse that receives the payment.

IRA Deduction

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Deductions>Adjustments>IRA Deduction; or Keyword: IRA D

For 2023, the maximum combined traditional IRA deduction or Roth contribution is $6,500 ($7,500 if age 50 or older).

1.Check if the taxpayer's or spouse's Form W-2, Box 13 has Retirement plan checked.

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If the total of traditional and Roth IRA contributions exceed the lesser of total compensation or the allowable limit, the taxpayer must withdraw the excess plus earnings before the filing deadline. If not, a penalty will apply and the return will be Out of Scope.

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If a taxpayer receives difficulty of care payments, then those amounts may increase the amount of nondeductible IRA contributions he/she an make but not above the $6,500 IRA contribution limitation amount ($7,500 if age 50 or older).

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Starting in 2020, the long-standing 70½ age limit for making contributions to traditional IRAs is eliminated. Contributions for the current tax year can be made until the filing deadline, generally April 15 of the year following the tax year. Your filing status has no effect on the amount of allowable contributions to your traditional IRA. However, if during the year either you or your spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, your deduction may be reduced or eliminated, depending on your filing status and income. See Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements, for details.

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Compensation for purposes of an IRA contribution includes wages, salaries, commissions, net profit from self-employment, taxable alimony and separate maintenance, certain taxable non-tuition fellowship and stipend payments and nontaxable combat pay.

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Contributions to a Roth IRA can be made after taxpayer reaches 70½, but no deduction can be taken.

Tips icon.
If the taxpayer made a Traditional IRA contribution, select Adjustments from the Deductions menu, then select IRA Deduction. Don’t enter a Roth IRA contribution on this screen. Enter it in the Credits section. If eligible, the software will calculate a Retirement Savings Contributions Credit. Be sure to enter any applicable retirement plan distributions. See Tab G, Nonrefundable Credits for more information on this credit.

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To enter Roth IRA contributions: Deductions>Credits Menu>Retirement Savings Credit Form 8880>Enter Any Current Year Traditional or Roth IRA Contributions (Do not re-enter Traditional IRA contributions already reported in the IRA Deduction menu); or Keyword: 8880

Student Loan Interest Deduction at a Glance

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Deductions >Adjustments>Student Loan Interest Deduction; or Keyword: STU

Caution icon.
This table is only an overview of the rules. For details see Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

Feature

Description

Maximum benefit

Taxpayers can reduce their income subject to tax by up to $2,500.

Loan qualifications

Taxpayer must be legally liable for the loan.

•must have been taken out solely to pay education expenses, and

•can’t be from a related person or made under a qualified employer plan.

Student qualifications

The student must be:

•the taxpayer, spouse, or a person who was the taxpayer's dependent when the loan was taken out, or could’ve been a dependent except that they filed MFJ, had gross income over the exemption amount, or the taxpayer could be claimed as a dependent.

•enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate or other recognized educational credential.

Time limit on deduction

Taxpayer can deduct interest paid during the remaining period of the student loan.

Phaseout

The amount of deduction depends on the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income and filing status.

If student loan interest is paid by someone who isn’t legally liable for it, the payment is treated as made by the person who’s legally liable, and the person legally liable is allowed to take the adjustment. Student loan interest is generally reported to the taxpayer on Form 1098-E. For payments made after March 27, 2020, and before January 1, 2026, do not deduct as interest on a student loan any interest paid by an employer under an educational assistance program.

Notes icon.
Taxpayer cannot claim the deduction if filing status is Married Filing Separately or if the taxpayer or spouse (if MFJ) is claimed as a dependent.

Student Loan Interest and Secure Act of 2019

The SECURE Act of 2019 allows a distribution from a Section 529 education savings account of up to $10,000 total (not annually) to be applied to the principal or interest for any qualified student loan for the designated beneficiary or sibling of the designated beneficiary effective for distributions made after December 31, 2018.

Any interest paid with a Section 529 plan distribution cannot also be taken as a student loan adjustment to income on Form 1040.

Notes:

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Tab F: Deductions

Standard Deduction

This chart provides the standard deduction amounts for tax year 2023.

Standard Deduction Chart for Most People*

If the taxpayer’s filing status is...

Their standard deduction is ...

Single or married filing separate return

$13,850

Married filing joint return or qualifying surviving spouse with dependent child

$27,700

Head of household

$20,800

*Don’t use this chart if the taxpayer was born before January 2, 1959, or is blind, or if someone can claim the taxpayer as a dependent (or their spouse if married filing jointly). (See the chart on the following page.)

Persons Not Eligible for the Standard Deduction

Your standard deduction is zero and you should itemize any deductions you have if:

•Your filing status is married filing separately, and your spouse itemizes deductions on his or her return. It doesn’t matter who files first.

•You are filing a tax return for a short tax year because of a change in your annual accounting period (Out of Scope)

•You are a nonresident or dual-status alien during the year. You are considered a dual-status alien if you were both a nonresident and resident alien during the year (Out of Scope).

•If you are a nonresident alien who is married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien at the end of the year, you can choose to be treated as a U.S. resident. (See Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.) If you make this choice, you can take the standard deduction.

Notes icon.
If you can be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return (such as your parents’ return), your standard deduction may be limited.

Standard Deduction Chart for People Born Before January 2, 1959 or Who are Blind

Don’t use this chart if someone can claim you (or your spouse if filing jointly) as a dependent. Use the second worksheet below. Note: Blind is defined in Tab R, Glossary and Index

Standard Deduction Worksheet for Dependents

Use this worksheet only if someone else can claim you (or your spouse if filing jointly) as a dependent.

Interview Tips – Itemized Deductions

These interview tips will assist you in determining whether a taxpayer’s itemized deductions are more than their standard deduction amount. It may be more advantageous for a taxpayer to itemize their deductions if the amount is larger than the allowable standard deduction amount.

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Do you have expenses in the following categories: medical and dental expenses, taxes you paid, home mortgage interest you paid, gifts to charity, gambling losses and expenses incurred in gambling activities (to the extent of gambling winnings) and work related expenses for disabled individuals that enables them to work.

Note: Casualty and theft losses are beyond the scope of VITA/TCE.

If YES, go to Step 2.

If NO, generally speaking, you should take the standard deduction if eligible. For further explanation see exceptions in Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.

2

Were the medical and dental expenses paid by an employer under a pre-tax plan (not included in Box 1 of the taxpayer’s Form W-2) or were the expenses reimbursed by an insurance company?

If YES, you can’t deduct reimbursed expenses. Go to Step 4.

If NO, you can claim these expenses. Go to Step 3.

3

Were the medical and dental expenses more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income?

Note: You can include medical and dental bills you paid for:

•Yourself and your spouse

•All dependents you claim on your return

•Your child whom you don’t claim as a dependent because of the rules for children of divorced or separated parents

•Any person you could have claimed as a dependent on your return except that person received $4,700 or more of gross income or filed a joint return

•Any person you could have claimed as a dependent except that you, or your spouse if filing jointly, can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s 2023 return

If YES, you can claim qualified expenses. Go to Step 4.

If NO, you can’t deduct these expenses. Go to Step 4.

4

Were the following taxes you paid imposed on you: state and local general sales tax, state or local income tax, real or personal property taxes?

Note: The total amount of these taxes is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 MFS) per return.

If YES, go to Step 5.

If NO, you can’t claim this expense as a deduction because you weren’t obligated to pay the taxes. Go to Step 6.

5

Did you pay these taxes during this tax year?

If YES, you can claim these expenses and go to Step 6.

If NO, you can’t deduct taxes for this year that were paid in another year. Go to Step 6.

6

Are you legally liable for a home mortgage loan?

If YES, go to Step 7.

If NO, you can’t take an interest expense for a mortgage for which you aren’t legally liable. Go to Step 13.

7

Was the mortgage a secured debt on a main or second home?

If YES, go to Step 8.

If NO, you can’t take an interest expense. Go to Step 13.

8

Did you pay the mortgage interest in this tax year?

If YES, go to Step 9.

If NO, you can’t take the mortgage interest deduction. Go to Step 13.

9

Did you take out the mortgage on or before October 13, 1987?

If YES, your mortgage interest is fully deductible. Go to Step 10.

If NO, follow the flowchart, “Is My Home Mortgage Interest Fully Deductible” in Publication 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction, to determine what is deductible. Go to Step 13. See Note 4

10

Did you pay premiums in 2023 for qualified mortgage insurance for a home acquisition debt that was issued after 2006?

If YES, you can take a deduction for qualified mortgage insurance as home mortgage interest with AGI limitations if the provision is extended for 2023. See Publication 4491-X.

If NO, you can’t take a deduction for qualified mortgage insurance as home mortgage interest. Go to Step 11.

11

Did you pay points to obtain a home mortgage (on a main home or second home or home improvement loan or to refinance your home)?

If YES, follow the “Are My Points Fully Deductible This Year” flowchart in Publication 936 and then go to Step 12. See Note 1.

If NO, go to Step 12.

12

Did you have home equity interest that was used to buy, build, or improve your home?

If YES, your home equity interest is deductible.

If NO, go to Step 13.

13

Did you make a cash contribution to a qualified organization?

If YES, you must have a written record from that particular organization, and then go to Step 14.

If NO, go to Step 14.

14

Did you make a noncash donation to a qualified organization?

Note: Generally the value of a donation is the lesser of your cost or fair market value.

If YES, advise the taxpayer that generally he or she must have a written receipt from that particular organization. Go to Step 15. See Note 2.

If NO, Go to Step 15.

15

Is the total of all noncash donations $500 or less?

If YES, see Note 3 for more details.

If NO, this is beyond the scope of VITA/TCE unless certified in Military. Refer taxpayer to a professional tax preparer.

Notes icon.
1: If you refinanced in an earlier year, and weren’t eligible to take all the points in that year, you can add in this year’s portion of those prior year points.

Notes icon.
2: For noncash donations less than $250, you are not required to have a receipt where it is impractical to get one (for example if you leave property at a charity’s unattended drop site).

Notes icon.
3: For more details on charitable contributions, see Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. To search for qualified organizations see www.irs.gov/TEOS.

Notes icon.
4: A Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) payment is a qualified disaster relief payment and is not included in the homeowner’s gross income. Eligible homeowners who received a Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) payment may use a safe harbor to calculate the homeowner’s itemized deduction for qualified mortgage interest expenses and/or qualified real property tax expenses, as applicable. See Revenue Procedure 2021-47 details.

Schedule A – Itemized Deductions

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Medical and Dental Expenses; or Keyword: MED

1.If MFS and spouse itemizes, taxpayer must also itemize. Standard deduction can’t be used. It doesn’t matter which spouse files first. Select Use Standard or Itemized Deduction then select the option Must itemize because spouse itemized.

2.Select to enter medical expenses. Do not include any medical insurance included in the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction.

3.Select to enter taxes not entered elsewhere in the software.

Tips icon.
Personal protective equipment, such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical expenses. The cost of home testing for COVID-19 is also an eligible medical expense.

Schedule A – Medical Expenses

Schedule A Deductible and Nondeductible Medical Expenses

You can include:

You can’t include:

•Bandages

•Birth control pills prescribed by your doctor

•Body scan

•Braille books

•Breast pump and supplies

•Capital expenses for equipment or improvements to your home needed for medical care (see Worksheet A, Capital Expense Worksheet, in Pub. 502)

•Diagnostic devices

•Expenses of an organ donor

•Eye surgery (to promote the correct function of the eye)

•Fertility enhancement, certain procedures

•Guide dogs or other animals aiding the blind, deaf, and disabled

•Hospital services fees (lab work, therapy, nursing services, surgery, etc.)

•Lead-based paint removal

•Legal abortion

•Legal operation to prevent having children such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation

•Long-term care contracts, qualified

•Meals and lodging provided by a hospital during medical treatment

•Medical services fees (from doctors, dentists, surgeons, specialists, and other medical practitioners)

•Medicare Part D premiums

•Medical and hospital insurance premiums

•Nursing services

•Oxygen equipment and oxygen

•Part of life-care fee paid to retirement home designated for medical care

•Physical examination

•Pregnancy test kit

•Prescription medicines (prescribed by a doctor) and insulin

•Psychiatric and psychological treatment

•Social Security tax, Medicare tax, FUTA, and state employment tax for worker providing medical care (see Wages for nursing services below)

•Special items (artificial limbs, false teeth, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, crutches, wheelchair, etc.)

•Special education for mentally or physically disabled persons

•Stop-smoking programs

•Transportation for needed medical care

•Treatment at a drug or alcohol center (includes meals and lodging provided by the center)

•Wages for nursing services

•Weight loss, certain expenses for obesity

•Baby sitting and childcare

•Bottled water

•Contributions to Archer MSAs (see Pub. 969)

•Diaper service

•Expenses for your general health (even if following your doctor’s advice) such as—Health club dues—Household help (even if recommended by a doctor)— Social activities, such as dancing or swimming lessons—Trip for general health improvement

•Flexible spending account reimbursements for medical expenses (if contributions were on a pre-tax basis)

•Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses

•Health savings account payments for medical expenses

•Operation, treatment, or medicine that is illegal under federal or state law

•Life insurance or income protection policies, or policies providing payment for loss of life, limb, sight, etc.

•Maternity clothes

•Medical insurance included in a car insurance policy covering all persons injured in or by your car

•Medicine you buy without a prescription

•Nursing care for a healthy baby

•Prescription drugs you brought in (or ordered shipped) from another country, in most cases

•Nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc., unless recommended by a medical practitioner as a treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician

•Surgery for purely cosmetic reasons

•Toothpaste, toiletries, cosmetics, etc.

•Teeth whitening

•Weight-loss expenses not for the treatment of obesity or other disease

Caution icon.
You can’t include in medical expenses amounts you pay for controlled substances that aren’t legal under federal law, even if such substances are legalized by state law.

1.If taxpayer has medical insurance through the Marketplace, remember to adjust the total premium after the PTC is calculated. Increase for APTC repayment, decrease for additional PTC.

To enter multiple expenses of a single type, click on the small calculator icon beside the line. Enter the first description, the amount, and Continue. Enter the information for the next item. They will be totaled on the input line and carried to Schedule A.

2.Enter number of miles. Standard mileage rate for medical purposes is 22 cents per mile driven for tax year 2023.

Qualified long-term care premiums up to the amounts shown below can be included as medical expenses on Schedule A, or in calculating the self-employed health insurance deduction.

•Age 40 or under: $480

•Age 41 to 50: $890

•Age 51 to 60: $1,790

•Age 61 to 70: $4,770

•Age 71 and over: $5,960

The limit on premiums is based on age of the insured person.

Notes icon.
Medical and dental floor percentage is 7.5%.

Notes icon.
Some senior residences as part of a life-care arrangement have an amount in the entry fee and monthly cost which is a medical expense. Taxpayers can include in medical expenses the cost of medical care in a nursing home, home for the aged or similar institution. This includes the cost of meals and lodging if the principal reason for being there is to get medical care.

Notes icon.
You can include parking fees and tolls even when you use the standard mileage rate.

Schedule A – Taxes You Paid

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Taxes You Paid; or Keyword: TAX

Caution icon.
The itemized deduction for state and local taxes and sales and property taxes is limited to a combined total deduction of $10,000 ($5,000 if Married Filing Separately).

1.Enter amount paid with last year’s state return and any other state and local income tax payments not entered elsewhere. Mandatory contributions to state disability, paid family leave programs, and certain other state programs qualify as state income taxes and should be included in the additional state and local income tax box if not automatically carried there by TaxSlayer. Sometimes these amounts are reported on Form W-2, Box 14. See Instructions for Schedule A for details.

2.Click here to open the sales tax worksheet. See the next page for details.

3.If real estate taxes are only reported on Form 1098, enter them on the Mortgage Interest Reported on the 1098 screen.

Otherwise, calculate the total real estate taxes and enter in the Real Estate Taxes box.

4.Enter vehicle license registration fee if based on value (ad valorem) under Personal Property taxes.

5.If taxpayers wish to deduct their foreign income taxes (instead of claiming a credit) enter in Other Taxes and describe as “Foreign Income.”

6.Calculated MAGI is an auto populated field.

7.Enter any nontaxable income that should be added for sales tax calculation purpose.

If taxpayers purchased or sold a home in the tax year, they may not be able to deduct all Real Estate Taxes. See Publication 17, “Real Estate Taxes” section, for more information.

Taxes you cannot deduct: utilities, fees/licenses (drivers, marriage, dog); assessments for improvements that increase property value; assessments for services to the property (sewer, trash collection, etc.).

Notes icon.
The following items aren’t deductible on Schedule A: Federal income and excise taxes, Social Security or Medicare taxes, federal unemployment (FUTA), railroad retirement taxes (RRTA), customs duties, federal gift taxes, per capita taxes, or foreign real property taxes.

Schedule A – Sales Tax Deduction

1.If the taxpayer has a large amount of nontaxable income, calculate their sales tax deduction using the IRS sales tax deduction calculator. See the link to the IRS sales tax deduction calculator at the bottom of the page. The calculator adds nontaxable income to AGI to give the taxpayer a larger sales tax deduction. Use the override button to enter the amount calculated.

2.If not using the override feature, enter the ZIP code and number of days for TaxSlayer to calculate the deduction.

3.Leave the local and general sales tax fields blank if you want the software to use the default rates.

4.If not using the override feature, enter the amount of sales tax for large items purchased during the year (such as a car) in the general sales taxes paid box.

5.Link to the IRS sales tax deduction calculator.

Notes icon.
If using the override feature, leave all other fields on the Sales Tax Deduction screen blank.

Schedule A – Interest Paid

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Mortgage Interest and Expenses>Mortgage Interest Reported on Form 1098

OR

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Mortgage Interest and Expenses>Mortgage Interest Not Reported on Form 1098

For mortgage acquisition debt secured after December 15, 2017, the amount of interest you can deduct is on no more than $750,000 of debt used to buy, build, or substantially improve your principal home and a second home ($375,000 in the case of married taxpayers filing separate tax returns) for tax years 2018 through 2025. If the taxpayer secured a mortgage for acquisition debt on or before December 15, 2017, the new tax law doesn’t change the amount of the deductible mortgage interest. Deductible interest remains limited to mortgage interest on up to $1 million ($500,000 MFS).

Points from refinancing must be spread over the life of the mortgage unless used to remodel (see section in Publication 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction, labeled “Points”). Enter loan origination fee from closing statement as points not reported on Form 1098 if not included as points on Form 1098.

1.Select for mortgage interest reported on Form 1098. Enter amount from Form 1098, Box 1 (and Box 6, if applicable).

2.Private mortgage insurance premiums are not deductible for 2023 at the time this publication was printed. Congress may enact additional legislation. Any changes will be reflected in Publication 4491-X, VITA/TCE Training Supplement, available in mid-January.

Notes icon.
The deduction for home equity debt is disallowed as a mortgage interest deduction unless the home equity debt was used to build, buy, or substantially improve the taxpayer’s qualified residence.

Notes icon.
A reverse mortgage is a loan where the lender pays you (in a lump sum, a monthly advance, a line of credit, or a combination of all three) while you continue to live in your home. With a reverse mortgage, you retain title to your home. Depending on the plan, your reverse mortgage becomes due with interest when you move, sell your home, reach the end of a preselected loan period, or die. Because reverse mortgages are considered loan advances and not income, the amount you receive isn’t taxable. Any interest (including original issue discount) accrued on a reverse mortgage is considered interest on home equity debt and isn’t deductible.

3.If there are multiple mortgages, make additional Schedule A Interest entries.

4.Enter real estate taxes on the 1098 screen if all real estate tax paid was reported on the Form 1098. Otherwise, enter on the Other Taxes Paid screen.

Schedule A – Charitable Contributions

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Gifts to Charity; or Keyword: CHAR

Notes icon.
Enter amounts given by cash or check under Cash Gifts to Charity. See Publication 526 for definitions. Enter the value of noncash items (including miles (14 cents per mile) driven in service to a charity) donated under Noncash Gifts to Charity. Be careful to list them separately.

If noncash contributions are greater than $500, Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions must be completed and this form is Out of Scope (In Scope for Military certification).

Notes icon.
Although you can’t deduct the value of your services given to a qualified organization, you may be able to deduct some volunteer expenses you pay in giving services to a qualified organization. The amounts must be:

•Unreimbursed;

•Directly connected with the services;

•Expenses you had only because of the services you gave; and

•Not personal, living, or family expenses.

These types of donations are not deductible: political; country club/fraternal lodge; chambers of commerce; raffle, bingo, or lottery tickets; tuition; value of time/services; gifts to lobby groups; civic leagues, social clubs; labor unions, homeowners association dues.

Schedule A – Other Itemized Deductions

Notes icon.
No miscellaneous itemized deductions will be allowed for job expenses and certain miscellaneous deductions subject to the 2% limitation. These expenses may be deductible on state returns.

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Other Itemized Deductions

1.Gambling losses and expenses incurred in gambling activities up to the amount of winnings are deducted here. You can’t deduct gambling losses that are more than the taxpayer’s winnings.

2.A retired taxpayer who contributed to the cost of an annuity or pension can exclude from income a part of each payment received as a tax-free return of the investment. If the retired taxpayer dies before the entire investment is recovered tax free, any unrecovered investment can be deducted on the retired taxpayer’s final income tax return in the unrecovered investment pension box.

Notes icon.
Unrecovered Investment in pension = Total Employee Contribution less amount recovered using Simplified Method prior to death.

Notes icon.
Nondeductible expenses: commuting; home repair; rent; loss from sale of home; personal legal expenses; lost/ misplaced cash or property; fines/penalties; safe deposit box rental; tax return preparation; investment fees and expenses.

Qualified Business Income Deduction

Notes icon.
If taxable income (before the QBI deduction) exceeds $364,200 for married filing joint returns and $182,100 for all other returns, the return is Out of Scope.

For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026, there is a deduction for “pass through” businesses. Sole proprietors are categorized as “pass through” businesses.

•A sole proprietor that reports a profit on Schedule C will be able to take up to 20% of qualified business income (QBI) as a deduction on the tax return.

•The calculations on Schedule C and Schedule SE are not affected by the deduction.

•Taxable income is not reduced below zero by the 20% deduction.

•The 20% deduction is limited for higher income.

•The deduction will also be limited for specified service trades or businesses. Refer to Form 1040 instructions for more information.

For taxable income that does not exceed the applicable threshold amount, the QBI deduction is the lesser of:

•20% of qualified business income (for example, it is the net profit reported on a Schedule C plus 20% of qualified real estate investment trust (REIT) section 199A dividends) or

•20% of taxable income (equals adjusted gross income minus the applicable standard or itemized deduction) minus net capital gains and qualified dividends. See Form 8995 instructions for more details.

Qualified business income is reduced by the deductible part of the SE tax, the SE health insurance deduction and by contributions to qualified retirement plans. The deduction is claimed on Form 1040 and can be taken in addition to the standard deduction or itemized deduction. TaxSlayer will compute the allowable QBI deduction based on the income and expenses entered into the return.

The 20% deductions for sole proprietors and qualified REIT Section 199A dividends are in scope; however, taxpayers with a qualified business net loss carryforward from a prior year or publicly traded partnership are Out of Scope.

See Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, for additional information.

Tab G: Nonrefundable Credits

Nonrefundable Credits

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Deductions>Credits Menu

1.Select for Form 1116, Foreign Tax Credit

2.Select for Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses. See Child and Dependent Care Credit Expenses/ Screening Sheet later in this tab.

3.Select for Form 8863 Education Credits. See Tab J, Education Benefits

4.Select for Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions. Complete this screen if taxpayer (or spouse) made any contributions to a qualified retirement plan.

5.Select for Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits. See Residential Energy Credits later in this tab.

6.EIC checklist is not required for VITA/TCE.

7.If taxpayer qualifies for the credit for the elderly or the disabled, open Schedule R. Refer to the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled – Screening Sheet later in this tab.

Tips icon.
Nonrefundable credits can’t exceed the taxpayer’s federal income tax.

Form 8863

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Deductions>Credits Menu>Education Credits; or Keyword "8863". For complete education credit information refer to Tab J, Education Benefits

Child Tax Credit

Notes icon.
Make sure the taxpayer's credit hasn't been disallowed previously. If previously disallowed, see Form 8862, Information To Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance, in Tab I, Earned Income Credit.

This is a credit intended to reduce tax. This part of the credit isn’t refundable. The credit is up to $2,000 per qualifying child and calculates automatically.

Qualifying child:

1.Under age 17 at the end of the tax year.

2.A U.S. citizen or U.S. national* or resident alien of the United States. See Tab L, Resident/NR Alien.

3.Child must be claimed as your dependent.**

4.Your:

a. son or daughter, adopted child, stepchild, eligible foster child, or a descendant of any of them

b. brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them (for example, your niece or nephew)

5.Didn’t provide over half of his or her own support.

6.Lived with the taxpayer for more than half of the tax year. (See exceptions to time lived with taxpayer in the Overview of the Rules for Claiming a Dependent chart)

7.Must have a Social Security number that is valid for employment issued before the due date of the return, including extensions.

*A national is an individual who, although not a U.S. citizen, owes his or her allegiance to the United States. U.S. nationals include American Samoans and Northern Mariana Islanders who chose to become U.S. nationals instead of U.S. citizens.

**Refer to the tables in Tab C, Dependents, for the rules governing who may be claimed as a dependent.

Caution icon.
If the taxpayer is able to claim the dependent under the rules for divorced and separated parents, he or she is the only parent entitled to claim the child tax credit or additional child tax credit.

Schedule 8812 (Form 1040), Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents, is intended to be filed by all taxpayers claiming the child tax credit, the additional child tax credit, or the credit for other dependents. See Tab C, Dependents, for additional information (including definitions and special rules relating to an adopted child, foster child, or qualifying child of more than one person).

Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) – General Eligibility

The child tax credit is generally a nonrefundable credit; however, certain taxpayers may be entitled to a refundable additional child tax credit:

•Taxpayers with more than $2,500 of taxable earned income may be eligible for the additional child tax credit if they have at least one qualifying child.

•Taxpayers with three or more children may also be eligible for additional child tax credit regardless of their income.

•Limited to $1,600 per qualifying child.

Notes icon.
The IRS cannot issue refunds before mid-February for returns that claim the earned income credit (EIC) or the ACTC.

Notes icon.
Taxpayers may not file an amended return to retroactively claim the additional child tax credit for a qualifying child if a valid SSN for the child is issued after the due date of the tax return.

Notes icon.
(International Certification only) If you claim the foreign earned income exclusion, the housing exclusion, or the housing deduction on Form 2555, you can’t claim the additional child tax credit.

Notes icon.
See Disallowance of Certain Credits in Tab I, Earned Income Credit, if the taxpayer received a letter saying they had to complete Form 8862.

Table 1: Does Your Qualifying Child Qualify You for the Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents?

Remember to apply the steps for each dependent. To claim the child tax credit and/or the credit for other dependents, you can’t be a dependent of another taxpayer.

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Is this person your qualifying child dependent? See Tab C, Dependents, Table 1: All Dependents

If YES, go to Step 2.

If NO, you can’t claim the child tax credit for this person. This person may qualify for the credit for other dependents, go to Table 2.

2

Did the child have an SSN, ITIN, or adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN) issued on or before the due date of your return (including extensions)? (Answer "Yes" if you are applying for an ITIN or ATIN for the child on or before the due date of your return (including extensions.)

If YES, go to Step 3.

If NO, you can’t claim the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents for this child.

3

Was the child a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien? (See Pub. 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, for the definition of a U.S. national or U.S. resident alien. If the child was adopted, see Exception to citizen test, below.)

If YES, go to Step 4.

If NO, you can't claim the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents for this child.

4

Was the child under age 17 at the end of 2023?

If YES, go to Step 5.

If NO, you can claim the credit for other dependents for this child.

5

Does this child have a Social Security Number valid for employment issued before the due date of the return (including extensions)?

If YES, you can claim the child tax credit for this person. Use Schedule 8812 to calculate the credit.

If NO, you can claim the credit for other dependents for this child.

Modified Adjusted Gross Income Limits

•Married filing jointly - $400,000

•All other filing statuses - $200,000

Children of Divorced or Separated Parents

If the noncustodial parent can claim the child as a dependent, the noncustodial parent can also claim the child as a qualifying child for the child tax credit, the credit for other dependents, or the additional child tax credit.

Exception to Citizen Test

If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and your adopted child lived with you all year as a member of your household, that child meets the citizen test.

Credit for Other Dependents

There is a $500 credit for other dependents who do not qualify for the child tax credit. The dependent must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or resident of the U.S. The dependent must have a valid identification number (ATIN, ITIN, or SSN).

The $500 nonrefundable credit is available for dependents who don’t qualify for the child tax credit, such as children who are age 17 and above, dependents with other relationships (such as elderly parents), or children who do not have a valid SSN. Taxpayers cannot claim the credit for themselves (or a spouse if Married Filing Jointly).

Caution icon.
Dependents who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, but are residents of Canada or Mexico do not qualify for either the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents.

Notes icon.
If previously disallowed, see Form 8862, Information To Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance, in Tab I, Earned Income Credit.

Table 2: Does Your Qualifying Relative Qualify You for the Credit for Other Dependents?

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Is this person your qualifying relative dependent? See Tab C, Dependents, Table 2: Qualifying Relative Dependents.

If YES, go to Step 2.

If NO, you can't claim the credit for other dependents for this person.

2

Did your qualifying relative have a SSN, ITIN, or ATIN issued on or before the due date of your 2023 return (including extensions)? (Answer “Yes” if you are applying for an ITIN or ATIN for the qualifying relative on or before the return due date (including extensions).

If YES, go to Step 3.

If NO, you can’t claim the credit for other dependents for this person.

3

Was your qualifying relative a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien?

If YES, you can claim the credit for other dependents for this person.

If NO, stop. You can’t claim the credit for other dependents for this person.

Form 1116 – Foreign Tax Credit

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Credits Menu>Foreign Tax Credit Form 1116; or Keyword: 1116

1.ONLY the Simplified Limitation Election for the foreign tax credit is in scope for Advanced certification. To be eligible for this election, qualified foreign taxes must be $300 ($600 if MFJ) or less, all foreign source income is passive category (such as interest and dividends) and taxpayer meets the other requirements as explained in Instructions for Form 1116. Do not enter amounts from Forms 1099-INT, Box 6, or 1099-DIV, Box 7. The software will include these in the foreign tax credit calculation. Foreign taxes from Forms K-1 should be entered here.

Both the tax return preparer and quality reviewer must have International certification to prepare Form 1116.

Notes icon.
If the taxpayer has a carryback or a carryforward of unused foreign tax, refer taxpayer to a professional tax preparer.

Caution icon.
Foreign income tax is also eligible to be claimed on Schedule A as an itemized deduction. While that is an option, foreign tax claimed as a credit is generally more advantageous for taxpayers.

2.Passive and General limited income are in scope with International or Puerto Rico Level II certification only. Select the appropriate category. If taxpayer has income in more than one category or from more than one country, another form can be added later.

3.Select country of residence

4.Indicate whether the foreign tax was actually paid during the tax year (paid) or if the tax was billed in one year but paid in another (accrued). A taxpayer using the cash basis can choose to use either the cash or accrual method to determine the foreign tax credit. However, if the accrual method is chosen, the taxpayer must continue to use the accrual method for the foreign tax credit on all future returns.

5.Select the country that imposed the tax.

6.Enter the gross income (not the tax) of this category type where indicated. Enter income from this category type only, not total income. Do not enter any income excluded by Form 2555.

7.Enter the gross income of this category type where indicated. Enter income from this category type only, not total income. Include any income excluded by Form 2555, but only if that income is of the category selected (passive or general income).

8.If your gross foreign source income (including income excluded on Form 2555) does not exceed $5,000, you can allocate all your interest expense to U.S. source income. Otherwise, deductible home mortgage interest (including points and qualified mortgage insurance premiums) is apportioned using a gross income method. See Instructions for Form 1116.

9.Enter the date the tax was paid or accrued.

10.Select the itemized amounts boxes to enter taxes paid in foreign currency in the appropriate category.

11.Generally, you must enter the amount of foreign taxes, in both the foreign currency denomination(s) and as converted into U.S. dollars, that relate to the category of income checked (Passive or General limited income).

12.Enter the taxes paid (in U.S. dollars) in the appropriate category.

Child and Dependent Care Credit Expenses

To determine if a taxpayer qualifies for the Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses, ask the taxpayer for information from the screening sheet on the next page.

Who is a qualifying person?

•A qualifying child who was under the age of 13 when the expenses were incurred and who can be claimed as a dependent, see the first caution below.

•Any person who was incapable of self-care* whom the taxpayer can claim as a dependent or could’ve been claimed as a dependent except that the person had gross income of more than $4,700 or filed a joint return or that the taxpayer or spouse, if married filing jointly, could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s 2023 return.

•A spouse who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care*.

*Incapable of self-care - persons who can't dress, clean, or feed themselves. Also, persons who must have constant attention to prevent them from injuring themselves or others.

•The qualifying person must live with the taxpayer more than 1/2 the year.

See Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses, for special rules regarding divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart.

Qualified work-related expenses

•Expenses must be paid for the care of the qualifying person to allow the taxpayer and spouse, if married, to work or look for work.

•The care includes the costs of services for the qualifying person’s well-being and protection.

•Expenses to attend kindergarten or a higher grade aren’t an expense for care. Expenses for before-school care and after-school care qualify.

•Expenses for summer day-camp are qualifying, but those for overnight camp aren’t. Refer to Tab C, Dependents, for the rules governing who may be claimed as a dependent.

Caution icon.
Only the custodial parent may claim the child and dependent care credit even if the child is being claimed as a dependent by the noncustodial parent under the rules for divorced or separated parents.

Caution icon.
If Dependent Care Benefits are listed in Box 10 of a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, then the taxpayer MUST complete Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses. If Form 2441 isn’t completed, the Box 10 amount is added as taxable wages.

Notes icon.
If the qualifying child turned 13 during the tax year, the qualifying expenses include amounts incurred for the child while under age 13 when the care was provided.

Caution icon.
Dependent care benefits can include amounts paid for items other than the care of your child (such as food and schooling) only if the items are incidental to the care of the child and can't be separated from the total cost.

Credit for Child & Dependent Care Expenses – Screening Sheet

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Was the care for one or more qualifying persons? See prior page for definition.

YES – Go to Step 2

NO – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

2

Did you (and your spouse if applicable) have earned income¹ during the year? Refer to the Earned Income Table in Tab I, Earned Income Credit.

YES – Go to Step 3

NO – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

3

Did you pay the expenses to allow you to work or look for work? See prior page for qualifying expenses.

YES – Go to Step 4

NO – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

4

Were your payments made to someone you or your spouse could claim as a dependent?

YES – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

NO – Go to Step 5

5

Were your payments made to your spouse or to the parent of your child who is your qualifying person? Answer NO if your qualifying child is a disabled person over age 13.

YES – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

NO – Go to Step 6

6

Were your payments made to your child who was under the age of 19 at the end of the year?

YES – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

NO – Go to Step 7

7

Are you single?

YES – Go to Step 10

NO – Go to Step 8

8

Are you filing a joint return?

YES – Go to Step 10

NO – Go to Step 9

9

Do you meet the requirements to be considered unmarried?⁴

YES – Go to Step 10

NO – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit ²

10

Do you know the care provider’s name, address, and identifying number? Or did you make a reasonable effort to get this information? (See Due Diligence in Publication 503.)

YES – Go to Step 11

NO – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

11

Did you have only one qualifying person and exclude or deduct at least $3,000 of dependent care benefits?³

YES – You CAN’T claim the child and dependent care credit²

NO – You CAN claim the child and dependent care credit. Fill out Form 2441

Footnotes

¹Your spouse is treated as having earned income for any month that he or she is a full-time student, or physically or mentally not able to care for himself or herself. (Your spouse also must live with you for more than half the year.) If the taxpayer's spouse died during the year and he/she files a return as a surviving spouse, the taxpayer may, but isn't required to, take into account the earned income of the spouse who died during the year.

²If you had expenses that met the requirements for 2022, except that you didn’t pay them until 2023, you may be able to claim those expenses in 2023.

³If two or more, the amount you can exclude or deduct is limited to a total of $6,000.

⁴All of the following requirements must be met to be considered unmarried:

•You file a return apart from your spouse,

•Your home is the home of the qualifying person more than half the year,

•You paid more than half the cost of keeping up your home for the year, and

•Your spouse doesn't live in your home for the last 6 months of the year.

Form 2441 – Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Credits Menu>Child Care Credit; or Keyword 2441

1.Add a Child Care Provider.

2.Next, enter the total amount of qualified expenses paid for each dependent. Select Edit next to the appropriate dependent. Remember, it's possible for one qualifying person to have 0 expenses and another qualifying person have expenses exceeding $3,000. The $6,000 limit applies.

3.Add qualifying persons who are not your dependents and their qualifying expenses in Step 3.

Tips icon.
The tax return can't be filed electronically without a valid Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number for the child care provider.

Caution icon.
Only check the “qualifying person had no expenses” box if the person is both a qualifying person for the credit and had no expenses.

4.Form 2441 Page 2:

•If the taxpayer or spouse is a full-time student or disabled, enter $250 per month ($500 per month if more than one qualifying person was cared for during the year).

•If the person also worked during the month, use the higher of $250 (or $500) or his or her actual earned income for that month.

5. If the taxpayer is a surviving spouse and did not remarry, add $3,000 ($6,000 if there is more than one qualifying child).

6. Select Yes if the taxpayer is MFS but can be considered unmarried for the purposes of claiming the credit.

Caution icon.
Only enter dependent care benefits not reported on a Form W-2.

Notes icon.
Foreign earned income and the foreign housing exclusion are subtracted from wages when figuring the credit. Subtract any amount earned while incarcerated or on work release.

Notes icon.
Both spouses must have earned income in order to claim the credit. Complete the additions to income for taxpayer if the taxpayer or spouse was either a full-time student or disabled. If the taxpayer has a filing status of surviving spouse, you may, but aren't required to, take into account the earned income of your spouse who died during the year.

Retirement Savings Contributions Credit – Screening Sheet

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Did you make a voluntary contribution or deferral to an IRA or other qualified plan for 2023?¹

YES – Go to Step 2

NO – Not qualified for credit

2

Is AGI $36,500 or less ($54,750 if head of household, $73,000 if married filing jointly)?

YES – Go to Step 3

NO – Not qualified for credit

3

Were you born before January 2, 2006?

YES – Go to Step 4

NO – Not qualified for credit

4

Are you being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return for 2023?

YES – Not qualified for credit

NO – Go to Step 5

5

Were you a full-time student² during 2023?

YES – Not qualified for credit

NO – Qualified for credit

Footnotes

¹Plans that qualify are listed on Form 8880. Answer yes if the taxpayer will make a qualifying IRA contribution for tax year 2023 by the due date of the return.

²You were a student if during any part of 5 calendar months of 2023 you:

•Were enrolled as a full-time student at a school, or

•Took a full-time, on-farm training course given by a school or a state, county, or local government agency. Note: A school includes technical, trade and mechanical schools. It does not include on-the job training courses, correspondence schools, or schools offering courses only through the Internet.

Important Reminders for Retirement Savings Contributions Credit

•Be sure to look at the taxpayer’s Form(s) W-2. An entry in box 12 or an “X” in the Retirement box is an indicator that the taxpayer may be eligible for this credit. A full description of all codes used in box 12 can be found in Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements.

•An entry in box 14 on the Form W-2 may also indicate a contribution to a state retirement system. In TaxSlayer, if the contribution qualifies, from the drop down menu in Box 14 of Form W-2, select Retirement (Not in Box 12) Carry to Form 8880. If these are treated as employer contributions they aren’t eligible for the credit. See Instructions for Form W-2.

•If the taxpayer seems to qualify for the credit, be sure to visit the Form 8880 entry screen in the Credits Menu and address any necessary questions there.

•A contribution to a traditional or Roth IRA qualifies for this credit, but may not appear on any taxpayer document. Remember to review the expenses section on page 2 of the Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet, and ask taxpayers if they made any IRA contributions.

•Some distributions reduce the eligible contributions for this credit. In addition to distributions for the current year as shown on Forms 1099-R, Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc., be sure to ask about distributions from the two prior years or between January 1 and the tax filing deadline.

•See a list of distributions later in this tab that don’t reduce the eligible contributions for this credit.

•Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions, is used to claim this credit.

•If taxpayer (or spouse if MFJ) is a full-time student, be sure to mark it in the Personal Information Section in the software. This credit is not available to full-time students.

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Credits Menu>Retirement Savings Credit Form 8880; or Keyword SAVE or 8880

Open the Retirement Savings Contributions Credits screen if the taxpayer meets eligibility criteria and any of the following are true:

•The taxpayer(s) make a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA contribution before the filing deadline.

•The taxpayer or spouse’s Form W-2 includes:

◦Box 12 entries of D, E, F, G, H, S, AA, BB, EE

◦Box 14 amounts that are voluntary retirement contributions or marked as “Does not carry to Form 8880”

•The designated beneficiary of an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account made a contribution to their ABLE account.

Verify total contribution amounts with the taxpayer. Total IRA contributions cannot exceed the lesser of total compensation or the annual limit. See Tab E, Adjustments for limits.

Caution icon.
Internal Revenue Code Section 414(h)(2) provides that any plan established by a governmental unit, where the contributions of employing units are designated employee contributions, but the employer “picks up” the contributions, the contributions are treated as employer contributions, not voluntary contributions made by the employee. They do not qualify for the credit.

1.Distributions entered on Form 1099-R will be calculated by the software. Any other distributions from the 2 prior years or between January 1 and the tax filing deadline must be entered manually where indicated.

2.TaxSlayer cannot identify which current tax year distributions are relevant, so it automatically reports all tax year distributions. If one of these distributions is listed on the following page as a distribution that should not be included (e.g., military pensions), go to the Form 1099-R entry screen for that distribution and check the box labeled "Does not qualify for Form 8880."

Notes icon.
Certain distributions received after 2020 and before the due date (including extensions) of your 2023 tax return from any of the following types of plans are subtracted from contributions:

•Traditional or Roth IRAs, or ABLE accounts

•401(k), 403(b), governmental 457, 501(c)(18)(D), SEP, or SIMPLE plans

•Qualified retirement plans (including the federal Thrift Savings Plan).

Don’t include any of the following as distributions. See Tab D, Income, Form 1099-R Box 7 Distribution Codes.

•Distributions from a military retirement plan (other than the federal TSP)

•Distributions not taxable as the result of a rollover or a trustee-to-trustee transfer

•Distributions from your eligible retirement plan (other than a Roth IRA) rolled over or converted to your Roth IRA

•Loans from a qualified employer plan treated as a distribution

•Distributions of excess contributions or deferrals (and income allocable to such contributions or deferrals)

•Distributions of contributions made during a tax year and returned (with any income allocable to such contributions) on or before the due date (including extensions) for that tax year

•Distributions of dividends paid on stock held by an employee stock ownership plan under IRC section 404(k)

•Distributions that are taxable as the result of an in-plan rollover to your designated Roth account

•Distributions from an inherited IRA by a nonspousal beneficiary

The credit is calculated using the following percentages:

If AGI is-

And your filing status is-

Over-

But not over-

Married filing jointly

Head of household

Single, Married filing separately, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse

---

$21,750

.5

.5

.5

$21,750

$23,750

.5

.5

.2

$23,750

$32,625

.5

.5

.1

$32,625

$35,625

.5

.2

.1

$35,625

$36,500

.5

.1

.1

$36,500

$43,500

.5

.1

.0

$43,500

$47,500

.2

.1

.0

$47,500

$54,750

.1

.1

.0

$54,750

$73,000

.1

.0

.0

$73,000

---

.0

.0

.0

Residential Energy Credits

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Credits>Residential Energy Credits; or Keyword: ENER

Notes icon.
This provision has been extended through December 31, 2032.

Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, is used to calculate and claim the residential energy credits.

Part I, Residential Clean Energy Credit, taxpayers may be eligible to claim an energy credit for solar panels, solar water heaters, fuel cell property expenditures, wind turbines, geothermal heat pump property expenditures, and battery storage technology expenditures. This part of the form is Out of Scope. Taxpayers that have these expenses should be referred to a professional tax preparer.

Part II, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit – Key Points:

The following energy efficient home improvements are eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit:

•Building envelope components satisfying the energy efficiency requirements:

◦exterior doors (30% of costs up to $250 per door, up to a total of $500);

◦exterior windows and skylights (30% of costs up to $600); and

◦insulation materials or systems and air sealing materials or systems (30% of costs).

Building envelope components must have an expected lifespan of at least 5 years. Labor costs for installing building envelope components don't qualify for the credit.

•Home energy audits (30% of costs up to $150, must meet guidelines).

•Residential energy property (30% of costs, including labor, up to $600 for each item) satisfying energy efficiency requirements:

◦central air conditioners;

◦natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters;

◦natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces and hot water boilers; and

◦improvements to or replacements of panelboards, sub-panelboards, branch circuits, or feeders that are installed along with building envelope components or other energy property listed and enable its installation and use.

•Heat pumps and biomass stoves and biomass boilers (30% of costs, including labor) satisfying energy efficiency requirements:

◦electric or natural gas heat pump water heaters;

◦electric or natural gas heat pumps; and

◦biomass stoves and biomass boilers.

•There is a $1,200 aggregate yearly tax credit maximum for all building envelope components, home energy audits, and energy property. Electric or natural gas heat pump water heaters, electric or natural gas heat pumps, and biomass stoves and biomass boilers have a separate aggregate yearly credit limit of $2,000. Thus, the maximum total yearly energy efficient home improvement credit amount may be up to $3,200. There is no lifetime limit for the credit.

•Qualifying improvements must be placed into service by the taxpayer during the tax year.

•When calculating the credit, taxpayers may need to subtract subsidies, rebates, or other financial incentives from qualified property expenses because they're considered a purchase price adjustment.

•The credit is taken on Part II, Form 5695. See Form 5695 and Instructions for more information.

Notes icon.
Energy efficiency standards can be found at: www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/frequently-asked-questions-about-energy-efficient-home-improvements-and-residential-clean-energy-property-credits-energy-efficiency-requirements.

To qualify, they must be new systems and materials, not used.

Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled – Screening Sheet

Figure A. Are You a Qualified Individual?

Use the following chart to determine if the taxpayer is eligible for the credit for the elderly or the disabled:

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer:

Action

1

Were you married at the end of the tax year?

YES – Go to Step 2

NO – Go to Step 4

2

Did you live with your spouse at any time during the year?

YES – Go to Step 3

NO – Go to Step 4

3

Are you filing a joint return with your spouse?

Answer YES if you qualify to be considered unmarried and file as Head of Household.

YES – Go to Step 4

NO – You aren't a qualified individual and can't take the credit for the elderly or the disabled

4

Are you a U.S. citizen or resident alien?¹

YES – Go to Step 5

NO – You aren't a qualified individual and can't take the credit for the elderly or the disabled

5

Were you 65 or older at the end of the tax year?

YES – You are a qualified individual and may be able to take the credit for the elderly or the disabled unless your income exceeds the limits in Figure B

NO – Go to Step 6

6

Are you retired on permanent and total disability?

YES – Go to Step 7

NO – You aren't a qualified individual and can't take the credit for the elderly or the disabled

7

Did you reach mandatory retirement age before this year?²

YES – You aren't a qualified individual and can't take the credit for the elderly or the disabled

NO – Go to Step 8

8

Did you receive taxable disability benefits this year?

YES – You are a qualified individual and may be able to take the credit for the elderly or the disabled unless your income exceeds the limits in Figure B

NO – You aren't a qualified individual and can't take the credit for the elderly or the disabled

Footnotes

¹If you were a nonresident alien at any time during the tax year and were married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien at the end of the tax year, see the Qualified Individual section of the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled chapter in Publication 524, Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. If you and your spouse choose to treat you as a U.S. resident alien, answer “yes” to this question.

²Mandatory retirement age is the age set by your employer at which you would have been required to retire, had you not become disabled.

Figure B. Income Limits (See TaxSlayer Hint on the next page)

IF you are...

THEN you generally can't take the credit if...

Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is...

OR the total of your nontaxable Social Security and other nontaxable pension annuities or disability income is equal to or more than...

single, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse with dependent child

$17,500

$5,000

married filing a joint return and both spouses qualify in Figure A

$25,000

$7,500

married filing a joint return and only one spouse qualifies in Figure A

$20,000

$5,000

married filing a separate return and you lived apart from your spouse for all of 2023

$12,500

$3,750

Caution
Be sure to include the taxpayer’s total Social Security benefits, regardless of the taxability, to ensure the correct calculation of the credit. The software does not calculate this credit automatically. If the taxpayer appears to qualify for the credit, refer to the navigation path below and answer the questions.

Entering the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Credits Menu >Credit for the Elderly or Disabled Schedule R; or Keyword: ELD

1.Check the box if the statements above regarding the taxpayer's disability are true. Not checking the box does not prevent the taxpayer from claiming the credit. However, they must obtain a physician’s statement for their records. See the Instructions for Schedule R for a sample statement.

2.Enter the taxpayer’s taxable disability income, if any, (such as from Form 1099-R) where indicated.

3.Enter pension, annuity or disability benefits excluded from income as indicated. Do not enter Social Security benefits. Enter Social Security income in the Social Security SSA-1099 screen in TaxSlayer.

Tab H: Other Taxes, Payments, and Refundable Credits

Other Taxes

1.See self-employment tax below

2.In scope only for Native Americans receiving per capita payments and Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends.

3.In scope only for Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends.

Tips icon.
TaxSlayer provides all the forms and schedules you need in order to figure and report these taxes, and in most cases, performs the calculations.

Self-Employment Tax

Entered automatically from Schedule SE. TaxSlayer calculates the amount using the entries from Schedule C. Navigate from this screen only to exclude exempt notary income from the SE Tax calculation.

4.Enter the net profit from a Notary’s business on the SE Tax input screen so that SE tax is not computed.

Unreported Social Security and Medicare Tax

Unreported Social Security and Medicare Tax comes from Form 4137, Social Security and Medicare Tax on Unreported Tip Income, not reported on Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Income>W-2>Unreported tips (on W-2 below line 10); or Keyword “W-2”. If unreported because tips were less than $20 per month, also enter at Other Taxes>Tax on Unreported Tip Income; or Keyword: 4137

Tips icon.
Self-employment tax is Social Security and Medicare taxes collected primarily from individuals who work for themselves, similar to the Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from the pay of most wage earners.

The self-employment tax rate on net earnings is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security tax plus 2.9% Medicare tax).

Tips icon.
The Social Security Administration uses the information from Schedule SE to figure a person’s benefits under the Social Security program. Not reporting all of a taxpayer’s self-employment income could cause their Social Security benefits to be lower when they retire. This tax applies no matter how old the taxpayer is and even if they are already getting Social Security or Medicare.

Form 5405, Repayment of the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Navigation icon.
Other Taxes>Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit; or Keyword: FIR

5.Use the First-Time Homebuyer Credit Account Look-up tool on IRS.gov to determine the amount of the repayment.

Taxpayers who purchased a home in 2008 and received the First Time Homebuyer Credit (maximum $7,500 loan) started repayments in 2010 and must enter the repayment on Form 5405, Repayment of the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. (See 5405 instructions for when it is required.) Repayment ends in 2024.

Form 8615, Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income (Kiddie Tax)

Do you have to use Form 8615 to figure your child’s tax?

Step

Probe / Ask the Taxpayer

Action

1

Was the child’s unearned income, including taxable scholarships and grants, more than $2,500?

YES – Go to Step 2

NO – Don’t use Form 8615 to figure the child’s tax.

2

Is the child required to file a tax return for the tax year? See Chart B - For Children and Other Dependents in Tab A.

YES – Go to Step 3

NO – Don’t use Form 8615 to figure the child’s tax.

3

Was the child under age 18 at the end of the tax year?

YES – Go to Step 8

NO – Go to Step 4

4

Was the child age 18 at the end of the tax year?

YES – Go to Step 7

NO – Go to Step 5

5

Was the child under age 24 at the end of the tax year?

YES – Go to Step 6

NO – Don’t use Form 8615 to figure the child’s tax.

6

Was the child a full-time student during the tax year?

YES – Go to Step 7

NO – Don’t use Form 8615 to figure the child’s tax.

7

Did the child have earned income that was more than half of his or her support?

YES – Don’t use Form 8615 to figure the child’s tax.

NO – Go to Step 8

8

Was at least one of the child’s parents alive at the end of the tax year?

YES – Go to Step 9

NO – Don’t use Form 8615 to figure the child’s tax.

9

Is the child filing a joint return?

YES – Don’t use Form 8615 to figure the child’s tax.

NO – Go to Step 10

10

Form 8615 must be used to figure the child’s tax. Form 8615 is in scope for Native Americans receiving per capita payments and Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends. For all other purposes, Form 8615 remains Out of Scope.

Notes icon.
If the child’s parent chooses to report the child’s income by filing Form 8814, Parents’ Election To Report Child’s Interest and Dividends, the child isn’t required to file a tax return. Don’t use Form 8615. (See Parent’s Election to Report Child’s Interest and Dividends.) Form 8814 is in scope for Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends. For all other purposes, Form 8814 remains Out of Scope.

Additional Tax on IRAs and Other Qualified Plans

Navigation icon.
Other Taxes>Tax on Early Distribution; or Keyword: 5329

A 10% penalty is calculated on Form 5329, Additional Tax on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts, for early withdrawal before age 59½. If an exception applies, complete Part 1 - Additional Tax on Early Distributions.

Advanced Certification required for this topic.

6.Funds distributed from a SIMPLE IRA in the first two years are subject to a 25% early distribution tax. If an exception applies, enter the amount not subject to the tax here.

7.Enter the amount not subject to additional tax.

8.Select the appropriate exception from the drop down menu.

Exception codes and explanations for early distributions from IRAs or retirement plans:

Do not rely on this list alone. For exceptions that apply to IRAs, see Publication 590-B for rules and details pertaining to each exception. For exceptions that apply to pensions or annuities, see Publication 575. See also Form 5329 Instructions.

No

Exception

01

Qualified retirement plan distributions (doesn’t apply to IRAs) if you separated from service in or after the year you reach age 55 (age 50 for qualified public safety employees).

02

Distributions made as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments (made at least annually) for your life (or life expectancy) or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of you and your designated beneficiary (if from an employer plan, payments must begin after separation from service).

03

Distributions due to total and permanent disability. Does not apply if the disability occurred after the distribution.

04

Distributions made on or after the date of death (doesn’t apply to modified endowment contracts).

05

Qualified retirement plan distributions up to (1) the amount you paid for unreimbursed medical expenses during the year minus (2) 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for the year. Expenses can also be entered on Schedule A.

06

Qualified retirement plan distributions made to an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order (doesn’t apply to IRAs).

07

IRA distributions made to unemployed individuals for health insurance premiums.¹

08

IRA distributions up to the amount you paid for qualified higher education expenses during the year, unless paid with tax-free education aid or Pell grant.

09

IRA distributions made for purchase of a first home, up to $10,000 per taxpayer and paid within 120 days of distribution.

10

Distributions due to an IRS levy on the qualified retirement plan.

11

Qualified distributions to reservists while serving on active duty for at least 180 days.

12

Distributions incorrectly indicated as early distributions by code 1, J, or S in box 7 of Form 1099-R. Include on line 2 the amount you received when you were age 59½ or older.

13

Distributions from a section 457 plan, which aren't from a rollover from a qualified retirement plan.

14

Distributions from a plan maintained by an employer if:

•You separated from service by March 1, 1986;

•As of March 1, 1986, your entire interest was in pay status under a written election that provides a specific schedule for the distribution of your entire interest; and

•The distribution is actually being made under the written election.

15

Distributions that are dividends paid with respect to stock described in section 404(k).

16

Distributions from annuity contracts to the extent that the distributions are allocable to the investment in the contract before August 14, 1982. For additional exceptions that apply to annuities, see Tax on Early Distributions under Special Additional Taxes in Pub. 575.

17

Distributions that are phased retirement annuity payments made to federal employees. See Pub. 721 for more information on the phased retirement program.

18

Permissible withdrawals under section 414(w).

19

Qualified birth or adoption distributions. Attach a statement that provides the name, age, and TIN of the child or eligible adoptee. See Note on the following page.

20

Distributions due to terminal illness made on or after December 30, 2022. Distributions that are made after the date on which your physician has certified that you have an illness or physical condition that can reasonably be expected to result in death in 84 months or less after the date of the certification.

21

Corrective distributions made on or after December 29, 2022, the income on excess contributions distributed before the due date of the tax return (including extensions).

99

Enter this code if more than one exception applies

Footnotes for previous table

¹Medical insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents (no 7.5% of AGI reduction). All of the following conditions must apply:

•You lost your job.

•You received unemployment compensation paid under any federal or state law for 12 consecutive weeks because you lost your job.

•You receive the distributions during either the year you received the unemployment compensation or the following year.

•You receive the distributions no later than 60 days after you have been reemployed.

Notes icon.
An IRA owner or a participant in a workplace defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, can withdraw up to $5,000 for the birth or adoption of a child without incurring the usual 10% additional tax on early distributions. The distribution must be made within one year after the child is born or the adoption is finalized and cannot be from a defined benefit plan. Individuals may repay qualified birth or adoptions distributions at any time during the 3-year period beginning on the day after the date on which the distribution was received. For distributions made on or before December 29, 2022, repayment must be made before January 1, 2026.

Additional Taxes on HSAs

Additional taxes for HSA distributions not used for qualified medical expenses are reported on Form 1040 Schedule 2, Additional Taxes. All other additional taxes on HSAs are Out of Scope. See Instructions for Form 8889, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

The additional 20% tax does not apply to distributions made after the account beneficiary:

•Dies,

•Becomes disabled, or

•Turns age 65

Payments and Estimates

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Payments & Estimates

1.2023 Estimated Tax Payments – Federal and/or State – Open Federal Estimated Payments for 2023 or State Estimated Payments and enter:

•Any refund amount from last year that was credited toward estimated taxes for the current year

•Enter actual amount paid in each quarter.

2.Federal or State Income Tax Withheld – Entered automatically from the entries made on Forms W-2, 1099, SSA 1099, etc. For Form 1099 withholding not listed elsewhere, enter in Other Federal Withholdings or Other State Withholdings.

3.TaxSlayer should not calculate a penalty. If it does, a waiver can be requested. To remove, check the box to request a waiver and use reason of “To be calculated by IRS.”

4.Amount to be Applied to 2024 Estimated Tax. Enter the amount of overpayment to apply to 2024.*

5.See Tab K, Finishing the Return, Estimated Tax Payments page.

6.Amount Paid with Extension – Directly enter any payment made. When preparing a prior year return, remember to ask if payments have been made.

Excess Social Security – Calculated automatically if there are multiple W-2s for an individual and the combined wages exceed the maximum subject to Social Security for the year.

*To apply state refunds to next year’s taxes, go to State>Payments>Apply Your State Refund

Premium Tax Credit

Navigation icon.
Access the Health Insurance section from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen

1.Answer Yes if Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, was received for coverage of the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse if taxpayer is filing a joint return, or a dependent for any part of the year.

2.If the taxpayer applied for coverage via the Marketplace but was instead enrolled in Medicaid, answer No.

A Yes answer will lead to additional screens and require entry of information from Form 1095-A. If taxpayers answer No, no further action is necessary.

If the federal return is rejected because Form 8962 is missing and the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent confirms that they did not have Marketplace coverage at any time during the tax year, go to the Health Insurance section and re-answer the questions presented. If no tax family member had coverage, click the appropriate option and the return can be e-filed a second time.

Notes icon.
Never override the calculated tax family size.

Premium Tax Credit: Form 1095-A Overview

A taxpayer who purchased insurance for himself/herself or for a dependent through the Marketplace will receive Form 1095-A. If advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) were made for coverage of the taxpayer or a dependent, the taxpayer must complete Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PTC). You cannot prepare the return for taxpayers who received the benefit of APTC for themselves or a dependent without Form(s) 1095-A.

Carefully examine Form 1095-A to make sure it reflects the taxpayer’s account of coverage. Look for critical errors that will affect the PTC calculation, such as errors in enrollment premiums, second lowest cost silver plan (SLCSP) premiums, or APTC.

Examine these areas:

•Recipient information (Part I)

•Policy start or end date (Part I, Part II)

•Covered individuals (Part II) – Are all listed individuals included in this tax return?

•Premium cost (Part III, Column A)

•APTC (Part III, Column C)

Marketplace call center:

1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)
For states not using Healthcare.gov, look up state Marketplace at Healthcare.gov

To obtain an original or corrected Form 1095-A the taxpayer can log into his or her online account, or call the Marketplace call center.

Column A – Monthly Premium: These are the monthly enrollment premiums for the policy in which the individuals are covered. This is the full premium, including the amount paid by APTC for essential health benefits. The amount does not include the cost of certain “extra” benefits such as adult dental coverage. It may not match the taxpayer’s actual monthly premium.

Column B – Monthly SLCSP premium: If this column is blank and the individual is enrolled in a plan through a federally facilitated Marketplace, go to Healthcare.gov and use the tax tool to find the SLCSP premium to enter in Column B. If the individuals enrolled through a state-based Marketplace, go to the state’s website or call your state’s marketplace to determine the SLCSP premium. The SLCSP premium is the premium for the second lowest cost silver-level plan that covers all the members of the coverage family.

You may need to look up the SLCSP premium if:

•It is incorrect, perhaps because a change in family size was not reported.

•It is missing. When someone paid the full premium because he or she did not request APTC, Marketplaces routinely leave this space blank.

•There are multiple Forms 1095-A with conflicting information or the taxpayer otherwise thinks it’s incorrect.

Column C – Advance payment of PTC

Notes icon.
The taxpayer should seek a corrected Form 1095-A if information is incorrect, except for SLCSP premium information that can be completed or fixed.

Tips icon.
A person may be entitled to PTC even if no APTC was paid for the coverage. Do not assume someone is ineligible for PTC just because Columns B and C of Form 1095-A are blank. If an individual meets all the eligibility rules in the Form 8962 instructions but only the enrollment premium amounts in Column A appear on Form 1095-A and Columns B and C are blank, look up the person’s SLCSP premiums and enter them on the 1095-A screen in the SLCSP section.

For taxpayers who purchased insurance through the Marketplace, complete this screen using their Form 1095-A.

1.This question appears for all taxpayers with APTC. This question is really asking whether the taxpayer is liable for unlimited APTC repayment. Answer NO in most cases. Only answer YES if all individuals on the tax return for whom APTC was paid are not lawfully present in the United States.

2.Answer YES in most cases in which household income is below 100% of the FPL. Answer YES if:

•There is an amount in column C of Form 1095-A (APTC) for one or more months; or

•One of the individuals on the taxpayer’s Form 1095-A is lawfully present but ineligible for Medicaid

Answer NO ONLY if:

Income is below 100% (FPL), no APTC was paid, and the second bullet from above does not apply.

3.If Form 1095-A shows the same monthly amounts for all 12 months, select YES and enter the annual amounts below. Otherwise, select NO and enter monthly amounts. If one or more of the amounts in column B is incorrect and the correct SLCSP premium amounts are not the same for all 12 months, select NO.

If the taxpayer is Married Filing Separately a checkbox will appear on this screen. If the taxpayer cannot file a joint return because of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment check the box. See Instructions for Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit for details. If a taxpayer is Married Filing Separately and is not eligible for relief, he/she is not eligible for a premium tax credit and must repay APTC, subject to the repayment limitation (however, the return is Out of Scope due to requiring allocation of policy amounts).

Out of Scope Situations

Allocation of Policy Amounts (Shared Policy)

If the following situations apply, the taxpayer may have to allocate policy amounts with another taxpayer. If so, the return is Out of Scope:

•The 1095-A lists a covered person who is not on this tax return or,

•A person on the tax return was enrolled in another taxpayer’s Marketplace coverage. (The person is listed on a Form 1095-A sent to a taxpayer not on this tax return.)

•If a taxpayer is Married Filing Separately and is not eligible for relief from the requirement to file MFJ because of spousal abuse or abandonment.

Alternative Calculation for Year of Marriage

If the following situation applies, an Alternative Calculation for Year of Marriage may be elected. If the taxpayer elects this option, the return is Out of Scope.

•Taxpayers got married during 2023, are filing a joint return for 2023, and both spouses were unmarried as of January 1, 2023, and

•A member of the taxpayers’ tax family was enrolled in a qualified health plan for which APTC was paid for months prior to the first full month of marriage, and

•Taxpayers have excess APTC (their APTC exceeds their allowed PTC).

Caution icon.
Taxpayers may choose to file MFJ or MFS without the alternative calculation, which remains in scope.

Self-employed Taxpayers

Self employed taxpayers can deduct their health insurance premiums as an adjustment to gross income. When a taxpayer is eligible for PTC, the computation of each is a circular calculation and the return is Out of Scope for VITA/TCE.

See Publication 974, Premium Tax Credit (PTC), for more details about these out of scope topics.

Premium Tax Credit, Form 8962

1.If a taxpayer is MFS and is eligible for relief from the requirement to file MFJ because of spousal abuse or abandonment, this box should be checked. If MFS but not eligible for relief, he/she is not eligible for a PTC and must repay APTC, subject to the repayment limitation. Refer taxpayer to Part IV, Allocation Situation 2, of the Form 8962 instructions to determine the amount of APTC the taxpayer must repay (Out of Scope).

2.The dependents’ MAGI should appear on line 2b ONLY IF the dependents’ gross income is above the filing threshold. See Tab A, Who Must File, Chart B - For Children and Other Dependents.

Notes icon.
Form 8962, Line 7 will be determined automatically by TaxSlayer based on the Applicable Figure Table later in this tab.

Reminder – Household income is MAGI of taxpayer (and spouse if filing jointly) plus MAGI of dependents claimed by the taxpayer who are required to file a return because the dependent’s gross income is above the tax return filing threshold. MAGI is:

•Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), plus

•Tax-exempt interest, plus

•Social Security income not included in AGI, plus

•Foreign earned income

3.The net premium tax credit a taxpayer can claim (the excess of the taxpayer’s premium tax credit over APTC) will appear on Form 1040, Schedule 3. This amount will increase taxpayer’s refund or reduce the balance due.

4.The amount of excess APTC (amount by which APTC exceeds the taxpayer’s premium tax credit) that needs to be repaid will appear on Form 1040, Schedule 2.

Notes icon.
If a taxpayer must repay APTC or gets additional PTC, remember to adjust the insurance premium deduction on Schedule A if itemizing. Increase the deduction for APTC repayment; decrease the deduction for additional PTC.

Premium Tax Credit – Special Situations

See Instructions for Form 8962 and Publication 974, Premium Tax Credit, for additional information.

Multiple Forms 1095-A

Some taxpayers will have multiple Forms 1095-A. This will happen if the taxpayer:

•Changed Marketplace plans during the year

•Updated their application with new information that resulted in a new enrollment

•Had family members enrolled in different Marketplace plans

•Had more than 5 family members in the same plan

Entering multiple Forms 1095-A on one Form 8962

Only one Form 8962 may be submitted with the tax return. Make sure everyone on each Form 1095-A is also on the tax return. If not, this may require the taxpayer to allocate policy amounts with another taxpayer, which makes this return Out of Scope.

Column A: Add the premiums together.

Column B: If everyone is enrolled in the same state, the SLCSP premium should be the same on all Forms 1095-A for a given month. Enter that amount. If the enrollees are enrolled in different states, add the SLCSP premiums. When in doubt, look it up in the Tax Tool for your Marketplace. See the Tax Tool section later in this tab.

Column C: (entered in Column F of Form 8962): Add the amounts together.

The taxpayer stopped paying premiums

What you’ll see: Numbers in Columns B and C but no premium in Column A (-0-) for a month on Form 1095-A, Part III

What to do:

•The taxpayer can only claim a PTC for a month of enrollment if the premium for the month is paid by the tax return due date (without extensions). If the APTC covers most of the premium, it may be more cost-effective to pay the premium than to repay the APTC. When the taxpayer pays the premium, they need to get a corrected Form 1095-A. Failure to get a corrected Form 1095-A may result in an IRS notice.

•If the premium payment has not and will not be made, enter -0- in Column A and Column B for the month and enter the APTC for the month in Column C.

Notes icon.
If there are consecutive months with no premium payment, there is likely an error on Form 1095-A.

The taxpayer is ineligible for the PTC

•See Form 8962 instructions

•Enter -0- in Column B

PTC Eligibility – QSEHRA

Employers may offer a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA) to their eligible employees. Under a QSEHRA, an eligible employer can reimburse eligible employees for health care costs, including premiums for Marketplace health insurance. If taxpayers were covered under a QSEHRA, their employer should have reported the annual permitted benefit in box 12 of Form W-2 with code FF. If the QSEHRA is affordable for a month, no PTC is allowed for the month. If the QSEHRA is unaffordable for a month, taxpayers must reduce the monthly PTC (but not below -0-) by the monthly permitted benefit amount. If there is a code FF on Form W-2 box 12, the employee has a Marketplace policy and is otherwise eligible for PTC, the return is Out of Scope.

PTC Eligibility – ICHRA

Employers may offer an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) to reimburse their employees for individual market coverage, including premiums for Marketplace health insurance. An ICHRA is considered affordable if the employee’s monthly premium for the lowest-cost silver plan offered by the employee’s Marketplace, after subtracting the employer’s ICHRA contribution, does not exceed the employee’s required contribution (household income times the applicable figure below and in the Form 8962 instructions). If the ICHRA is affordable for a month, no PTC is allowed for the month for the Marketplace coverage of those offered the ICHRA. If the ICHRA is unaffordable for a month, a PTC may be allowed for those offered the ICHRA only if the employee opted out of the employer’s ICHRA. This is Out of Scope for the VITA/TCE programs.

Overlapping Coverage

There are special rules for taxpayers who wish to claim PTC when they had another offer of coverage. See Publication 974 for additional information.

In general:

•A person who is eligible for PTC and becomes eligible for other coverage after the first day of the month can claim PTC for that month.

•If a person eligible for PTC for whom APTC is being paid informs the Marketplace that he or she is now eligible for other minimum essential coverage and APTC should be discontinued, and the Marketplace does not discontinue APTC by the first day of the following month, the person remains eligible for PTC until the first day of the second month the individual may enroll in other coverage.

Employer-sponsored coverage:

•Except as provided above (a person for whom APTC is being paid informs the Marketplace that he or she is now eligible for other minimum essential coverage and APTC should be discontinued), a person cannot claim PTC for his or her Marketplace coverage for any full month the person was enrolled in employer-sponsored coverage; if APTC was paid for a person’s Marketplace coverage for a month the person was enrolled in employer-sponsored coverage, it must be repaid (unless the person informed the Marketplace of the eligibility and the APTC was not discontinued, as noted above) up to the repayment limitation.

•PTC can be claimed for an individual who was eligible for, but not enrolled in, employer-sponsored coverage only if:

◦The employer coverage was unaffordable, or

◦The taxpayer advised the Marketplace of the employer offer and the Marketplace determined the coverage was unaffordable for the employee (see Exception below), or

◦The coverage did not provide a minimum level of benefits, referred to as “minimum value.” A taxpayer can check with the employer if he or she suspects coverage did not meet minimum standards.

•Exception: A person who is eligible for employer-sponsored coverage and gave the Marketplace accurate information about the offer of coverage but was still determined eligible for APTC can claim PTC for his or her Marketplace coverage, if otherwise eligible, even if the employer coverage is affordable based on the taxpayer’s actual household income.

•See Publication 974 for more information and special rules on employer-sponsored coverage, including coverage waiting periods, health reimbursement arrangements, and coverage after employment ends.

Medicaid/CHIP:

•If the Marketplace determined the taxpayer was eligible for APTC and therefore ineligible for Medicaid or CHIP, and APTC was paid for the taxpayer, the taxpayer will generally remain ineligible for Medicaid or CHIP for the plan year, even if actual household income suggests the person may have been eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. If this is the case, answer Yes to the question in TaxSlayer which asks “Is your household income below 100% of the Federal poverty line, and do you meet all of the requirements under either “Estimated household income at least 100% of the Federal poverty line” or “Alien lawfully present in the United States”?

•If an individual for whom APTC is being paid is determined to be eligible for government-sponsored coverage retroactively, the individual is not considered eligible for that coverage until the month after the eligibility determination is made. (For example, a person who enrolled at the beginning of the year in Marketplace coverage with APTC, but in July is determined eligible for Medicaid retroactive to April 1, can, if otherwise eligible, claim PTC for January through July, despite concurrent enrollment in Medicaid in April through July.)

Medicare:

•A person eligible for Medicare loses eligibility for PTC for the person’s Marketplace coverage even if he or she fails to enroll in Medicare. The loss of eligibility occurs the first day of the fourth full month after the person became eligible for Medicare. For example, a person who is enrolled in Marketplace coverage with APTC, but becomes Medicare-eligible on his 65th birthday on May 17, loses eligibility for PTC on September 1, the first day of the fourth full month after Medicare eligibility.

Handling Unexpected APTC Repayments

You may encounter a taxpayer with an unexpected repayment of APTC on Form 8962, Line 29, that he or she must repay. An unexpected repayment may occur when the taxpayer receives unanticipated income, such as retroactive disability, lump-sum Social Security benefits, a work bonus or gambling winnings.

Review the Health Care section in the software:

•Make sure Form 1095-A is correct and complete (see Premium Tax Credit: Form 1095-A Overview, earlier in this tab).

•Ask the taxpayer to contact the Marketplace if the form doesn’t reflect premiums that were paid or if there are other errors.

•If the taxpayer received Form 1095-A, make sure the question “Is your household income below 100%...” is answered correctly in the Health Insurance section of the software (see the Premium Tax Credit entry screens, earlier in this tab).

•Check the Health Insurance section of the software to see if the question “Are you required to repay all of the APTC received?” is answered correctly (see the Premium Tax Credit entry screens, earlier in this tab).

•If the taxpayer or spouse lived in Hawaii or Alaska at any point during the year, ensure that state is selected as the resident state in the Basic Information section.

Consider income adjustments to reduce household income:

•If the taxpayer is eligible to claim an IRA deduction, remember that taxpayers can contribute to an IRA until the tax filing deadline.

•If the taxpayer or spouse has an HSA and has not contributed the maximum for the tax year, he or she may contribute to their HSA until the tax filing deadline.

•If the taxpayer or spouse is self-employed, ensure all business expenses have been claimed. The taxpayer may be able to claim the self-employed health insurance deduction which reduces household income, in which case the return is Out of Scope.

•If the taxpayer or spouse is eligible and wishes to establish a SEP-IRA, refer him/her to a professional return preparer.

Consider married filing separately:

•The taxpayer may be ineligible for the PTC, but filing separately may cap repayment of APTC at a lower level if one or both spouses’ household income is less than 400% of FPL. However, if both spouses are on the same Form 1095-A, filing separately makes this a shared policy and Out of Scope.

Caution icon.
Important! If the taxpayer is currently enrolled in Marketplace coverage and has a 2023 repayment of APTC, the taxpayer should contact the Marketplace now to adjust their 2024 APTC to avoid similar repayments for the 2024 tax year!

Repayment Caps for APTC

Income
(as % of federal poverty line)

Taxpayers Filing as SINGLE

Taxpayers Using Other Filing Statuses

Under 200%

$350

$700

200% – 299%

$900

$1,800

300% – 399%

$1,500

$3,000

400% and above

No cap (full repayment)

No cap (full repayment)

How to Use the Healthcare.gov Tax Tool

Who should use this tool?

The tool is available for taxpayers who live in federal Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) states, or in a state that uses the Healthcare.gov technology. If you live in a state with a state-based Marketplace, contact the Marketplace by phone or online.

To begin, go to www.healthcare.gov/tax-tool/

The tool allows a taxpayer to find their SLCSP Premium to complete or correct Column B of the Form 1095- A. The Tax Tool will ask you to enter all members of the household, even those with other coverage. Several screens will ask for the family’s ZIP code and whether they lived in the same place for all months.

Confirm the information for each family member.

Enter information for the following steps:

1.Choose a tax year, then select appropriate state(s).

2.Provide information about the taxpayer’s household.

This section determines for each family member whether he or she will be included in determining the SLCSP premium, which you will enter in TaxSlayer.

Follow the instructions closely!

3.Leave the boxes unchecked for months John was eligible for other coverage (such as employer or Medicaid) or did not pay the premium for that month and click Continue.

4.In the Review screen, confirm the information for each family member.

5.The results page shows the premium for the SLCSP for the household. Use these amounts as if they appeared on Form 1095-A, Column B.

Caution icon.
Remember: Print out the review information and the results page screens for the taxpayer’s records.

Federal Poverty Lines

For purposes of the premium tax credit, eligibility for a certain year is based on the most recently published set of poverty lines as of the first day of open enrollment for coverage for that year. As a result, the tax credit for 2023 will be based on the 2022 federal poverty lines.

2022 Poverty Lines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,720 for each additional person (100% Poverty Line)

Persons in family/household

100% Poverty Line

138% Poverty Line

400% Poverty Line

1

$13,590

$18,754

$54,360

2

$18,310

$25,268

$73,240

3

$23,030

$31,781

$92,120

4

$27,750

$38,295

$111,000

5

$32,470

$44,809

$129,880

6

$37,190

$51,322

$148,760

7

$41,910

$57,836

$167,640

8

$46,630

$64,349

$186,520

2022 Poverty Lines for Alaska

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,900 for each additional person (100% Poverty Line)

Persons in family/household

100% Poverty Line

138% Poverty Line

400% Poverty Line

1

$16,990

$23,446

$67,960

2

$22,890

$31,588

$91,560

3

$28,790

$39,730

$115,160

4

$34,690

$47,872

$138,760

5

$40,590

$56,014

$162,360

6

$46,490

$64,156

$185,960

7

$52,390

$72,298

$209,560

8

$58,290

$80,440

$233,160

2022 Poverty Lines for Hawaii

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,430 for each additional person (100% Poverty Line)

Persons in family/household

100% Poverty Line

138% Poverty Line

400% Poverty Line

1

$15,630

$21,569

$62,520

2

$21,060

$29,063

$84,240

3

$26,490

$36,556

$105,960

4

$31,920

$44,050

$127,680

5

$37,350

$51,543

$149,400

6

$42,780

$59,036

$171,120

7

$48,210

$66,530

$192,840

8

$53,640

$74,023

$214,560

Applicable Figure Table Tax Year 2023 – Applicable Percentage/Decimal

The decimal number from this table is used to calculate the taxpayer’s contribution amount when completing Form 8962.

Income as % of FPL

Applicable Decimal

<150

0.0000

150

0.0000

151

0.0004

152

0.0008

153

0.0012

154

0.0016

155

0.0020

156

0.0024

157

0.0028

158

0.0032

159

0.0036

160

0.0040

161

0.0044

162

0.0048

163

0.0052

164

0.0056

165

0.0060

166

0.0064

167

0.0068

168

0.0072

169

0.0076

170

0.0080

171

0.0084

172

0.0088

173

0.0092

174

0.0096

175

0.0100

176

0.0104

177

0.0108

178

0.0112

179

0.0116

180

0.0120

181

0.0124

182

0.0128

183

0.0132

184

0.0136

185

0.0140

186

0.0144

187

0.0148

188

0.0152

189

0.0156

190

0.0160

191

0.0164

192

0.0168

193

0.0172

194

0.0176

195

0.0180

196

0.0184

197

0.0188

198

0.0192

199

0.0196

200

0.0200

201

0.0204

202

0.0208

203

0.0212

204

0.0216

205

0.0220

206

0.0224

207

0.0228

208

0.0232

209

0.0236

210

0.0240

211

0.0244

212

0.0248

213

0.0252

214

0.0256

215

0.0260

216

0.0264

217

0.0268

218

0.0272

219

0.0276

220

0.0280

221

0.0284

222

0.0288

223

0.0292

224

0.0296

225

0.0300

226

0.0304

227

0.0308

228

0.0312

229

0.0316

230

0.0320

231

0.0324

232

0.0328

233

0.0332

234

0.0336

235

0.0340

236

0.0344

237

0.0348

238

0.0352

239

0.0356

240

0.0360

241

0.0364

242

0.0368

243

0.0372

244

0.0376

245

0.0380

246

0.0384

247

0.0388

248

0.0392

249

0.0396

250

0.0400

251

0.0404

252

0.0408

253

0.0412

254

0.0416

255

0.0420

256

0.0424

257

0.0428

258

0.0432

259

0.0436

260

0.0440

261

0.0444

262

0.0448

263

0.0452

264

0.0456

265

0.0460

266

0.0464

267

0.0468

268

0.0472

269

0.0476

270

0.0480

271

0.0484

272

0.0488

273

0.0492

274

0.0496

275

0.0500

276

0.0504

277

0.0508

278

0.0512

279

0.0516

280

0.0520

281

0.0524

282

0.0528

283

0.0532

284

0.0536

285

0.0540

286

0.0544

287

0.0548

288

0.0552

289

0.0556

290

0.0560

291

0.0564

292

0.0568

293

0.0572

294

0.0576

295

0.0580

296

0.0584

297

0.0588

298

0.0592

299

0.0596

300

0.0600

301

0.0603

302

0.0605

303

0.0608

304

0.0610

305

0.0613

306

0.0615

307

0.0618

308

0.0620

309

0.0623

310

0.0625

311

0.0628

312

0.0630

313

0.0633

314

0.0635

315

0.0638

316

0.0640

317

0.0643

318

0.0645

319

0.0648

320

0.0650

321

0.0653

322

0.0655

323

0.0658

324

0.0660

325

0.0663

326

0.0665

327

0.0668

328

0.0670

329

0.0673

330

0.0675

331

0.0678

332

0.0680

333

0.0683

334

0.0685

335

0.0688

336

0.0690

337

0.0693

338

0.0695

339

0.0698

340

0.0700

341

0.0703

342

0.0705

343

0.0708

344

0.0710

345

0.0713

346

0.0715

347

0.0718

348

0.0720

349

0.0723

350

0.0725

351

0.0728

352

0.0730

353

0.0733

354

0.0735

355

0.0738

356

0.0740

357

0.0743

358

0.0745

359

0.0748

360

0.0750

361

0.0753

362

0.0755

363

0.0758

364

0.0760

365

0.0763

366

0.0765

367

0.0768

368

0.0770

369

0.0773

370

0.0775

371

0.0778

372

0.0780

373

0.0783

374

0.0785

375

0.0788

376

0.0790

377

0.0793

378

0.0795

379

0.0798

380

0.0800

381

0.0803

382

0.0805

383

0.0808

384

0.0810

385

0.0813

386

0.0815

387

0.0818

388

0.0820

389

0.0823

390

0.0825

391

0.0828

392

0.0830

393

0.0833

394

0.0835

395

0.0838

396

0.0840

397

0.0843

398

0.0845

399

0.0848

≥ 400

0.0850

Tab I: Earned Income Credit

Earned Income Table

Earned Income for EIC²

Includes

Doesn’t include

•Taxable wages, salaries, and tips

•Union strike benefits

•Taxable long-term disability benefits received prior to minimum retirement age

•Net earnings from self-employment

•Gross income of a statutory employee

•Household employee income

•Nontaxable combat pay election

•Nonemployee compensation

•The rental value of a home or a housing allowance provided to a minister as part of the minister’s pay (Out of Scope)

•Interest and dividends

•Social Security, including SSI and SSDI, and railroad retirement benefits

•Welfare benefits

•Workfare payments

•Pensions and annuities (except if disability pension and taxpayer is under minimum retirement age)

•Veteran’s benefits (including VA rehabilitation payments)

•Workers’ compensation benefits

•Alimony

•Child support

•Nontaxable foster-care payments

•Unemployment compensation

•Taxable scholarship or fellowship grants that aren’t reported on Form W-2

•Earnings for work performed while an inmate at a penal institution or on work release¹

•Salary deferrals (for example, under a 401(k) or 403(b) plan or the Federal Thrift Savings Plan)

•The value of meals or lodging provided by an employer for the convenience of the employer

•Disability Insurance payments resulting from premiums paid by the taxpayer

•Excludable dependent care benefits (line 25 of Form 2441)

•Salary reductions such as under a cafeteria plan

•Excludable employer-provided educational assistance benefits (may be shown in box 14 of Form W-2)

¹This particular income is entered as other income on the return and not counted as earned income.

²The same definitions can be applied to the Additional Child Tax Credit and the Dependent Care Credit.

Common EIC Filing Errors

•Claiming a child who doesn’t meet the residency and relationship requirements

•Married taxpayers incorrectly filing as a single or head of household

•Incorrectly reporting income, particularly income and expenses from self-employment

•Incorrect Social Security numbers

•Not claiming a qualifying child because the child is not a dependent, e.g., a full time student under age 24 who supported themselves. Support is not a test for EIC

Summary of EIC Eligibility Requirements

Part A
Rules for Everyone

Part B
Rules If You Have a Qualifying Child

Part C
Rules If You Don’t Have a Qualifying Child

Part D Earned Income and
AGI Limitations

Taxpayers & qualifying children must all have SSN that is valid for employment by the due date of the return (including extensions).¹

Child must meet the relationship, age, residency test and joint return tests but not the support test. The child doesn’t have to be your dependent.²

Must be at least age 25 but under age 65 as of December 31.³

You must have earned income to qualify for this credit.

Your earned income and AGI must be less than:

$56,838 ($63,398 for married filing jointly) if you have three or more qualifying children,

$52,918 ($59,478 for married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying children,

$46,560 ($53,120 for married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying child, or

$17,640 ($24,210 for married filing jointly) if you don’t have a qualifying child.

You must meet certain requirements if you are separated from your spouse and not filing a joint return.⁴

Qualifying child can’t be used by more than one person to claim the EIC.

Can’t be the dependent of another person.

Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year.

The taxpayer can’t be a qualifying child of another person.

Must have lived in the United States more than half the year.

Can’t file Form 2555 (relating to foreign earned income).

Can’t be a qualifying child of another person.

Investment income must be $11,000 or less.

Can’t be a qualifying child of another person.

¹If the taxpayer’s Social Security card says “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS OR DHS AUTHORIZATION,” the taxpayer can use the Social Security number to claim EIC if they otherwise qualify.

If taxpayer (or spouse, if filing a joint return) or dependent has an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), they can’t get the EIC. ITINs are issued by the IRS to noncitizens who can’t get an SSN. Singles and couples who have Social Security numbers can claim the credit, even if their children don’t have SSNs. In this instance, they would get the smaller credit available to childless workers. In the past, these filers didn’t qualify for the credit.

If the taxpayer‘s Social Security card has a “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT” imprint, and if the card-holder obtained the SSN to get a federally funded benefit, such as Medicaid, they can’t get the EIC.

²To meet the joint return test, the child cannot file a joint return for the year unless it’s only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid.

³Taxpayers turning 25 on January 1st are considered to be 25 as of December 31st. Taxpayers reaching the age 65 on January 1st are still considered to be 64 as of December 31st.

⁴Married taxpayers who don’t file a joint return can claim the EIC only if they had a qualifying child living with them for more than 1/2 the year and either lived apart from their spouse for the last 6 months of the year or are legally separated according to state law under a legal separation agreement or a decree of separate maintenance and didn’t live in the same household as the spouse at the end of the year. If the separated spouse has a qualifying child but no qualifying child has a valid SSN, the separated spouse can still meet this special rule and claim self-only EITC.

Navigation icon.
Basic Information>Personal Information>Filing Married Filing Separate and meets the requirements to claim the EIC; or Keyword: PER

Caution icon.
Taxpayers cannot file an amended return to claim the credit for a year they did not originally have a valid Social Security number.

EIC General Eligibility Rules

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer

Action

1

Calculate the taxpayer’s earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) for the tax year. Are both less than:

•$56,838 ($63,398 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children;

•$52,918 ($59,478 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children;

•$46,560 ($53,120 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child; or

•$17,640 ($24,210 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children?

If YES, go to Step 2.

If NO, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

2

Do you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) have a Social Security number (SSN) that allows you to work?¹

Answer “NO” if the taxpayer’s Social Security card has a “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT” imprint, and if the cardholder obtained the SSN to get a federally funded benefit, such as Medicaid.

If YES, go to Step 3.

If NO, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

3

Were you not married at the end of 2023 or are you filing a joint return with your spouse?

If YES, go to Step 4.

If NO, you can’t claim the EIC unless you meet the special rule for separated spouses. See Footnote 4 on the previous page.

4

Are you a nonresident alien?

Answer “NO” if the taxpayer is married filing jointly, and one spouse is a citizen or resident alien and the other is a nonresident alien.

If YES and you are either unmarried or married but not filing a joint return, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

If NO, go to Step 5.

5

Are you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) filing Form 2555

(Foreign Earned Income) to exclude income earned in a foreign country?

If YES, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

If NO, go to Step 6.

6

Is your investment income (interest, tax exempt interest, dividends, capital gains distributions & capital gains) more than $11,000?

If YES, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

If NO, go to Step 7.

7

Are you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) the qualifying child of another taxpayer?

If YES, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

If NO, go to the interview tips for EIC—With a Qualifying Child or EIC—Without a Qualifying Child.

¹If the taxpayer’s Social Security card says VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS OR DHS AUTHORIZATION, the taxpayer can use the Social Security number to claim EIC if they otherwise qualify.

Notes icon.
Separated spouses who are eligible to claim the EIC must check the checkbox on Schedule EIC and list a qualifying child to show they meet the special rule for claiming the credit.

TaxSlayer icon.
If the taxpayer is filing MFS and meets the requirements to claim EIC, go to Basic Information>Personal Information>Filing Married Filing Separate and meets the requirements to claim the EIC.

TaxSlayer icon.
The Due Diligence Worksheet in TaxSlayer is not required for volunteer preparers.

EIC With a Qualifying Child

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer

Action

1

Does your qualifying child have an SSN that allows him or her to work? Answer NO if the child’s Social Security card says “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT” and his or her SSN was only obtained to get a federally funded benefit.

If YES, go to Step 2.

If NO, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC on the basis of this qualifying child, however, you may qualify to claim the childless EIC if you meet the requirements.

2

Is the child your son, daughter, stepchild, adopted child, or eligible foster child, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them?

If YES, go to Step 3.

If NO, STOP. This child isn’t your qualifying child. Go to interview tips for EIC Without a Qualifying Child.

3

Was the child any of the following at the end of the tax year?

•Under age 19 and younger than the taxpayer (or spouse, if filing jointly)

•Under age 24 and a full-time student and younger than the taxpayer (or spouse, if filing jointly), or

•Any age and permanently and totally disabled

If YES, go to Step 4.

If NO, STOP. This child isn’t your qualifying child. Go to interview tips for EIC Without a Qualifying Child.

4

Did the child file a joint return for the year?¹

Answer NO if the child and his or her spouse filed a joint return only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid.

If NO, go to Step 5.

If YES, STOP. This child isn’t your qualifying child (failed the joint return test). Go to interview tips for EIC Without a Qualifying Child.

5

Did the child live with you in the United States for more than half (183 days for 2023) of the tax year?²

Active duty military personnel stationed outside the United States are considered to live in the United States for this purpose.

If YES, go to Step 6.

If NO, STOP. This child isn’t your qualifying child. Go to interview tips for EIC Without a Qualifying Child.

6

Is the child a qualifying child of another person?

There may be a case when a qualifying child can’t be claimed by anyone. Example: The only parent that the child lives with doesn’t work or file a tax return and another adult can’t meet the general eligibility rules. In this example, no one qualifies to claim this child as a qualifying child for EIC.

If YES, explain to the taxpayer what happens when more than one person claims the EIC using the same child (Qualifying Child of More than One Person rule). If the taxpayer chooses to claim the credit with this child, compute the EIC using the appropriate EIC worksheets.

If NO, compute the EIC using the appropriate EIC worksheet.

¹If your child was married at the end of the year, he or she doesn’t meet the joint return test unless you can claim the child as a dependent or you can’t claim the child as a dependent because you gave that right to the child’s other parent.

²Temporary absences. Count time that you or your child is away from home on a temporary absence due to a special circumstance as time the child lived with you. Examples of a special circumstance include illness, school attendance, business, vacation, military service, and detention in a juvenile facility.

EIC Without a Qualifying Child

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer

Action

1

Can you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) be claimed as a dependent by another person?

If NO, go to Step 2.

If YES, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

2

Were you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) at least 25 but under age 65 on December 31 of the tax year?

If NO, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC unless an exception applies. See the Note below.

If YES, go to Step 3.

3

Did you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) live in the United States for more than half (at least 183 days) of the tax year?

If NO, STOP. You can’t claim the EIC.

If YES, compute EIC using the appropriate EIC worksheet.

Notes icon.
Taxpayers born on January 1st are considered to be of age as of December 31st. Taxpayers reaching the age of 65 on January 1st are still considered 64 as of December 31st.

Qualifying Child of More than One Person

If the child meets the conditions to be the qualifying child of more than one person, only one person can claim the child. The tiebreaker rules, which follow, explain who, if anyone, can claim the EIC when more than one person has the same qualifying child. However, the tiebreaker rules don’t apply if the other person is your spouse and you file a joint return. Review all of the conditions to see which one applies.

•If only one of the persons is the child’s parent, the child is treated as the qualifying child of the parent.

•If the parents don’t file a joint return together but both parents claim the child as a qualifying child, the IRS will treat the child as the qualifying child of the parent with whom the child lived for the longer period of time in 2023. If the child lived with each parent for the same amount of time, the IRS will treat the child as the qualifying child of the parent who had the higher adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2023.

•If no parent can claim the child as a qualifying child, the child is treated as the qualifying child of the person who had the highest AGI for 2023.

•If a parent can claim the child as a qualifying child but no parent does so claim the child, the child is treated as the qualifying child of the person who had the highest AGI for 2023, but only if that person’s AGI is higher than the highest AGI of any of the child’s parents who can claim the child.

Notes icon.
If the taxpayers can’t claim the EIC because their qualifying child is treated under the tiebreaker rules as the qualifying child of another person for 2023, they may be able to take the EIC using a different qualifying child, or take the EIC if they qualify using the rules for people who don’t have a qualifying child.

Notes icon.
Subject to these tiebreaker rules, the taxpayer and the other person may be able to choose which of them claims the child as a qualifying child. See Publication 596, Earned Income Credit (EIC), for examples. Only parents have the option to choose which parent will claim the child. All other taxpayers wanting to claim the qualifying child must follow the tiebreaker rules. See Pub 596 for examples. The IRS will apply the tiebreaker rules when the child is claimed by multiple taxpayers.

Disallowance of Certain Credits

Navigation icon.
Federal section>Deductions>Credit menu>Claiming Refundable Credits After Disallowance

Form 8862, Information to Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance, must be completed for any taxpayer whose EIC, credit for other dependents (ODC), child tax credit (CTC), additional child tax credit (ACTC), or American opportunity tax credit (AOTC), was previously reduced or disallowed and the taxpayer received a letter saying they had to complete and attach Form 8862 to claim the credit(s) the next time.

If the IRS determined a taxpayer claimed the credit(s) due to reckless or intentional disregard of the rules (not due to math or clerical errors) the taxpayer can’t claim the credit(s) for 2 tax years. If the error was due to fraud, then the taxpayer can’t claim the credit(s) for 10 tax years.

Two situations may require completion of Form 8862

1.The IRS advised the taxpayer that Form 8862 must be completed for a future tax return.

2.A return has been rejected with reject code IND-046-01 – “Incorrect Data: Form 8862 must be present in the return. The e-File database indicates the taxpayer must file Form 8862 to claim Earned Income Credit after disallowance.”

TaxSlayer icon.
Steps for completing Form 8862:

•Enter 8862 in the forms search box

•Select Information to Claim Certain Refundable Credits After Disallowance

•Select BEGIN for the Credit to be claimed, e.g. Claim EIC After Disallowance

Notes icon.
Credits listed will be the ones for which the taxpayer is eligible.

For EIC disallowance

•Do not click the first box “Check here if the only reason your EIC was reduced or disallowed in the earlier year was because you incorrectly reported your earned income or investment income” unless that is the actual reason the EIC was reduced/eliminated.

•Answer remaining questions and click Continue. Questions must be answered for all children.

For CTC/ACTC

•Select Claim Credit then Continue

For AOTC

•Select Form 8863 and confirm entries

Not Eligible for EIC:

If the taxpayer is not eligible for Earned Income Credit for any reason (including a previous year disallowance), click BEGIN on the Not Eligible for EIC line. Select both the check boxes after reading them carefully to determine that the taxpayer agrees to not claim earned income credit on this return.

Tab J: Education Benefits

Tax Treatment of Scholarship and Fellowship Payments

A scholarship or fellowship is tax free (excludable from gross income) only if:

•You are a candidate for a degree at an eligible educational institution. You are a candidate for a degree if you attend a primary or secondary school or are pursuing a degree at a college or university, or attend an educational institution that offers a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and is authorized under federal or state law to provide such a program and is accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency.

A scholarship or fellowship is tax free only to the extent:

•It doesn’t exceed your qualified education expenses;

•It isn’t designated or earmarked for other purposes (such as room and board), and doesn’t require (by its terms) that it can’t be used for qualified education expenses; and

•It doesn’t represent payment for teaching, research, or other services required as a condition for receiving the scholarship. (But for exceptions, see Payment for services in Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.)

Use Worksheet 1–1 to figure the amount of a scholarship or fellowship you can exclude from gross income.

Education Expenses

The following are qualified education expenses for the purposes of tax-free scholarships and fellowships:

•Tuition and fees required to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution.

•Course-related expenses, such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment that are required for the courses at the eligible educational institution. These items must be required of all students in your course of instruction.

Qualified education expenses don’t include the cost of:

•Room and board

•Research

•Equipment and other expenses not required for enrollment in or attendance at an eligible educational institution

•Travel

•Clerical help

¹However, a scholarship or fellowship grant isn’t treated as tax free to the extent the student includes it in gross income (the student may or may not be required to file a tax return) for the year the scholarship or fellowship grant is received and either:

•The scholarship or fellowship grant (or any part of it) must be applied (by its terms) to expenses (such as room and board) other than qualified education expenses.

•The scholarship or fellowship grant (or any part of it) may be applied (by its terms) to expenses (such as room and board) other than qualified education expenses.

You may be able to increase the combined value of an education credit and certain educational assistance if the student includes some or all of the educational assistance in income in the year it is received. See Publication 970 for more information.

Highlights of Education Tax Benefits for Tax Year 2023

This chart highlights some differences among the benefits discussed in Publication 970. See the text for definitions and details. Don’t rely on this chart alone.

Notes icon.
Expenses for professional development of an educator can be claimed as an educator expense adjustment.

Caution icon.
You generally can’t claim more than one benefit for the same education expense.

What type of benefit?

What is your benefit?

What is the annual limit?

Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Tuition Reductions

Amounts received may not be taxable

None

American Opportunity Credit

Credits can reduce the amount of tax you have to pay.

40% of the credit may be refundable (limited to $1,000 per student).

$2,500 credit per student (100% of the first $2,000 plus 25% of the second $2,000 of qualified expenses per student)

Lifetime Learning Credit

Credits can reduce amount of tax you must pay

$2,000 credit per tax return (20% of up to $10,000 of qualified expenses)

Student Loan Interest Deduction

Can deduct interest paid on qualified loans. See Tab E, Adjustments, for more information.

$2,500 deduction per return

Coverdell ESA*

OOS if taxable

Earnings not taxed

$2,000 contribution per beneficiary

Qualified Tuition Program (QTP) (529 Plan)*

OOS if taxable

Earnings not taxed

None

Education Exception to Additional Tax on Early IRA Distributions*

No 10% additional tax on early distribution

Amount of qualified education expenses reduced by any tax-free educational assistance

Education Savings Bond Program*

OOS

Interest not taxed

Amount of qualified education expenses

Employer - Provided Educational Assistance*

Employer benefits not taxed

$5,250 exclusion

Business Deduction for Work-Related Education

Can deduct expenses

Amount of qualifying work-related education expenses

*Any nontaxable distribution is limited to the amount that doesn’t exceed qualified education expenses.
OOS = Out of Scope

What is the type of benefit?

What expenses qualify besides tuition and required enrollment fees?

Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Tuition Reductions

Course-related expenses such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment

American Opportunity Credit

Course-related books, supplies, and equipment. See What are Qualifying Expenses later for additional information.

Note: The maximum amount of qualified education expenses is $4,000.

Lifetime Learning Credit

Amounts paid for required books, etc., that must be paid to the educational institution, etc., are required fees.

Note: The maximum amount of qualified education expenses is $10,000

Coverdell ESA*

OOS if taxable

•Books, Supplies, Equipment

•Expenses for special needs services

•Payments to QTP

•Higher education: Room and Board if at least half-time student

•Elem/sec (K-12) education: Tutoring, Room & board, Uniforms, Transportation, Computer access

•Supplementary expenses

Qualified Tuition Program (QTP) (529 Plan)*

OOS if taxable

•Higher Education: Books, Supplies, Equipment

•Room & board if at least half-time student

•Expenses for special needs services

•Computer Equipment, computer software, or Internet access and related services

•Elem/sec (K-12) education: tuition only, see Pub. 970

•Principal or interest on beneficiary's or sibling's student loan. The amount of distributions for loan repayments of any individual is limited to $10,000 lifetime. Retroactive to tax year 2019

Education Exception to Additional Tax on Early IRA Distributions*

•Books, Supplies, Equipment including computer or peripheral equipment, computer software and internet access and related services if used primarily by the student enrolled at an eligible education institution

•Room & board if at least half-time student

•Expenses for special needs services

Education Savings Bond Program*

OOS

•Payments to Coverdell ESA

•Payments to QTP

Employer-Provided Educational Assistance*

•Books, Supplies and Equipment

•Principal or interest on any qualified education loan

Business Deduction for Work-Related Education

•Transportation

•Travel

•Other necessary expenses

*Any nontaxable distribution is limited to the amount that doesn’t exceed qualified education expenses.
OOS = Out of Scope

What is the type of benefit?

What education qualifies?

What are some of the other conditions that apply?

In what income range do benefits phase out?

Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Tuition Reductions

•Undergraduate & graduate

•K-12

•Must be in degree or vocational program

•Payment of tuition and required fees must be allowed under the grant

•No phaseout

American Opportunity Credit

•Undergraduate & graduate

•A graduate student can claim the American Opportunity Credit if and only if the student hasn’t completed the first four years before the beginning of the tax year

•Can be claimed for only 4 tax years (which includes years Hope credit claimed)

•Must be enrolled at least half-time in degree program

•No felony drug conviction(s)

•Must not have completed first 4 years of postsecondary education before end of preceding tax year

•$80,000 – $90,000

•$160,000 – $180,000 for joint returns

Lifetime Learning Credit

•Undergraduate & graduate courses to acquire or improve job skills

•No other conditions

•$80,000 – $90,000

•$160,000 – $180,000 for joint returns

Student Loan Interest Deduction

•Undergraduate & graduate

•Must have been at least half-time student in degree program

•$75,000 – $90,000

•$155,000 – $185,000 for joint returns

Coverdell ESA* OOS if taxable

•Undergraduate & graduate

•K-12

•Assets must be distributed at age 30 unless special needs beneficiary

•$95,000 – $110,000

•$190,000 – $220,000 for joint returns

Qualified Tuition Program (QTP) (529 Plan)*
OOS if taxable

•Undergraduate & graduate

•K -12 for no more than $10,000 of tuition

•Apprenticeship program that is registered and certified by the Dept of Labor

•Distributions for principal or interest paid on the designated beneficiary's or their sibling's qualified student loan have a lifetime limit of $10,000 per individual. Retroactive to 2019.

•No phaseout

Education Exception to Additional Tax on Early IRA Distributions*

•Undergraduate & graduate

•No other conditions

•No phaseout

Education Savings Bond Program*
OOS

•Undergraduate & graduate

•Applies only to qualified series EE bonds issued after 1989 or series I bonds

•$91,850 – $106,850

•$137,800 – $167,800 for joint and qualifying surviving spouse with a dependent child returns

Employer-Provided Educational Assistance*

•Undergraduate & graduate

•No other conditions

•No phaseout

Business Deduction for Work-Related Education

•Required by law to keep present job, salary, status

•Maintain or improve job skills

•Can’t be to meet minimum educational requirements of present trade/business

•Can’t qualify you for a new trade/business

•No phaseout

*Any nontaxable distribution is limited to the amount that doesn’t exceed qualified education expenses. OOS = Out of Scope

Caution icon.
Taxpayers filing MFS cannot claim deductions for the American opportunity credit, lifetime learning credit, or student loan interest deductions.

Education Credits

Navigation icon.
Deductions>Credits Menu>Education Credits Form 1098-T; or Keyword: 8863

Probe/Action: To determine if a taxpayer qualifies for the education credit.

Caution icon.
Taxpayers who claim the American opportunity credit even though they are not eligible can be banned from claiming the credit for up to 10 years.

Comparison of Education Credits

Credit Conditions

American Opportunity Credit

Lifetime Learning Credit

Maximum credit

Up to $2,500 credit per eligible student

Up to $2,000 credit per return

Limit on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)

$180,000 if married filing jointly; $90,000 if single, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse

$180,000 if married filing jointly; $90,000 if single, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse

Refundable or nonrefundable

40% of credit may be refundable¹; the rest is nonrefundable

Nonrefundable—credit limited to the amount of tax you must pay on your taxable income

Number of years of postsecondary education

Available ONLY if the student had not completed the first 4 years of post secondary education before 2023. See Completion of first 4 years in Publication 970.

Available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills

Number of tax years credit available

Available ONLY for 4 tax years per eligible student (including any year(s) Hope credit was claimed

Available for an unlimited number of tax years

Type of program required

Student must be pursuing a program leading to a degree or other recognized education credential

Student does not need to be pursuing a program leading to a degree or other recognized education credential

Number of courses

Student must be enrolled at least half-time² for at least one academic period beginning during 2023 (or the first 3 months of 2024 if the qualified expenses were paid in 2023)

Available for one or more courses

Felony drug conviction

As of the end of 2023, the student had not been convicted of a felony for possessing or distributing a controlled substance

Felony drug convictions do not make the student ineligible

Qualified expenses

Tuition, required enrollment fees, and course materials that the student needs for a course of study whether or not the materials are bought at the educational institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance

Tuition and required enrollment fees (including amounts required to be paid to the institution for course-related books, supplies, and equipment)

Payments for academic periods

Payments made in 2023 for academic periods beginning in 2023 or beginning in the first 3 months of 2024

Payments made in 2023 for academic periods beginning in 2023 or beginning in the first 3 months of 2024

TIN needed by filing due date

Filers and students must have a TIN by the due date of their 2023 return (including extensions)

Educational institution’s EIN

You must provide the educational institution’s employer identification number (EIN) on your Form 8863, Education Credits.

¹None of the credit is refundable if (1) the taxpayer claiming the credit is (a) under age 18 or (b) age 18 at the end of the year, and their earned income was less than one-half of their own support or (c) a full time student over 18 and under 24 and their earned income was less than one-half of their own support; and (2) the taxpayer has at least one living parent, and; (3) the taxpayer doesn’t file a joint return.

²The standard for what is half of the normal full-time workload is determined by each eligible educational institution.

Caution icon.
Emergency financial aid grants used for a component of the cost of attendance or for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care, are not included in gross income. Taxpayers may claim the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit for eligible expenses paid with emergency financial aid grant funds if they otherwise meet the requirements for the credit. The grants may not be reported on Form 1098-T. See Higher Education Emergency Grant FAQs for details.

Who Can Claim the Credit?

•Taxpayers who paid qualified educational expenses of higher education for an eligible student unless filing MFS.

•Taxpayers who paid the education expenses for a student enrolled at or attending an eligible educational institution. To determine if eligible, go to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Post-secondary Education (OPE) website.

•The eligible student is either the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse or their dependent.

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Qualified education expenses are considered paid by the taxpayer if paid by their dependent or a third party on behalf of the dependent. If a student isn’t claimed as a dependent (even if eligible to be claimed), only the student can claim an education credit no matter who paid the expenses. Anyone paying the expenses (even directly to the institution) are considered to have given a gift to the student who in turn is treated as having paid the expenses.

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There are two 4-year tests for the American opportunity credit. First, the credit can be taken for only 4 tax years. Second, the student must not have completed four years of post secondary academic credit before the beginning of this tax year. Follow the examples in the “Who is an Eligible Student for the American Opportunity Credit” section in Publication 970 for additional information.

Who Can Claim a Dependent’s Expenses?

If the taxpayer…

Then only…

Has a dependent who is an eligible student

The taxpayer can claim the credit based on that dependent’s expenses. The dependent can’t claim the credit.

Doesn’t claim the dependent on the tax return

The dependent can claim the credit. The taxpayer can’t claim the credit based on the dependent’s expenses.

Who Can’t Claim the Credit?

•Married filing separately filing status

•Anyone listed as a dependent on another person’s tax return

•Taxpayers whose modified AGI is more than the allowable income limits

•Taxpayer (or the spouse) was a nonresident alien for any part of the tax year unless one of the exceptions listed in Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, applies

What Expenses Qualify?

•Expenses paid for an academic period starting in 2023 or the first 3 months of 2024

•Expenses not refunded when the student withdraws from class

•Expenses paid with the proceeds from a loan

What are Qualifying Expenses?

•For the American opportunity credit, course-related materials are books, supplies, and equipment needed for a course of study whether or not the materials are purchased from the educational institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance. The purchase of computer or peripheral equipment, computer software, or Internet access and related services qualify for the credit if the student needs the computer for attendance at the educational institution.

What is Tax-Free Educational Assistance?

•Tax-free parts of scholarships and fellowships

•Pell Grants (see Publication 970)

•Employer-provided educational assistance (see Publication 970)

•Veterans’ educational assistance

•Any other nontaxable payment (other than gifts or inheritances) received as educational assistance

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Don’t reduce the qualified education expenses by any scholarship or fellowship reported as income on the student’s tax return if the use of the scholarship isn’t restricted and used to pay education expenses that aren’t qualified (such as room and board).

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Taxpayers must have a Form 1098-T from an eligible educational institution to claim education benefits. If a student's educational institution isn't required to provide Form 1098-T to the student, they can claim a credit without Form 1098-T if the student otherwise qualifies, can demonstrate that they (or a dependent) were enrolled at an eligible educational institution, and can substantiate the payment of qualified tuition and related expenses. Refer to Publication 970 for required steps.

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If the student includes the tax free educational assistance in income, has a filing requirement, and unearned income (including the taxable scholarship) over $2,500, the student may need to file Form 8615, Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income (Kiddie Tax). Form 8615 is in scope for Native Americans receiving per capita payments and Alaska residents receiving permanent fund dividends. For all other purposes, Form 8615 remains Out of Scope.

Determining Qualified Education Expenses

Box 1 may include nontaxable scholarship and grant amounts. Some students may choose to pay nonqualifying expenses with scholarship/Pell Grant funds, making the scholarship/Pell Grant taxable. This is true even if the scholarship/grant was paid directly to the school. This may increase the amount of qualifying expenses that can be used in calculating an education credit. Examples can be found in Coordination with Pell grants and other scholarships or fellowship grants in Publication 970.

Determine the amount paid by verifying the payment received from the student account statement with the amount shown in Box 1 of Form 1098-T. Remember to include books, supplies, course related materials and equipment if claiming the American opportunity credit. Also remember to include out of pocket payments made by the student or on the student’s behalf. This includes student loans, payments, credit cards and taxable portions of scholarships/grants.

Example – Bill and Sue are eligible to claim the American opportunity credit for their daughter Sarah, who is in her first year of college. They have a Form 1098-T with $7,000 in box 1 and a $3,000 Pell Grant in box 5. During your interview with Bill and Sue, you determine that $3,000 was paid by Pell Grant and $4,000 was paid by loan proceeds. They paid $500 for books in 2023. To calculate the eligible expenses for their credit, take the $7,000 ($3,000 grant + $4,000 loan) paid in 2023, plus the $500 for books and enter on line 1 of the worksheet below. The $3,000 Pell Grant will be entered on line 2a. The line 3 amount is $3,000. Subtracting line 3 from line 1, you get qualified education expenses of $4,500. If the resulting qualified expenses are less than $4,000, the student may choose to treat some of the grant as income to make more of the expenses eligible for the credits.

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If the student doesn’t have a copy of their student account statement, ask them to go online through their college or university to get this information.

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Forms 1098-T with amounts listed in boxes 4 or 6 are Out of Scope (OOS).

Entering Education Credits

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Deductions>Credits Menu>Education Credits and/or Income>Other Income>Other Compensation>-Scholarships and Grants; or Keyword: 1098 or 8863

1.If the taxpayer was under age 24 at the end of the year and met the conditions as outlined in the student under age 24 chart in this tab, they can’t take the refundable American opportunity credit.

2.See determining qualified expenses page earlier in this tab.

For lifetime learning credit, course-related books, materials, and supplies are not included as qualified expenses unless paid directly to the institution as a condition of enrollment.

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TaxSlayer will allow you to compare the education benefits and determine the largest refund using each benefit.

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Federal Section>Deductions>Credits Menu>Education Credits Form 1098-T; or Keyword “8863” or “1098-T”

•Only the taxpayer is eligible to claim the credit if he or she claims the student as a dependent. Only the student is eligible if he or she isn’t claimed as a dependent (even if he or she can be claimed) - no matter who pays.

•For the American opportunity credit only, qualified tuition and related expenses include books, supplies and equipment needed for the course, whether or not they were purchased from the institution as a condition of enrollment. See qualifying expenses earlier for additional clarification regarding computers.

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If American opportunity credit is selected but the taxpayer is determined to be ineligible after answering qualifying questions, TaxSlayer will automatically change the credit to lifetime learning without changing the tax preparer’s credit selection or any other warning.

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The bottom portion of this screenshot and the chart on the next page refers to students filing their own return.

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See Disallowance of Certain Refundable Credits in Tab I, Earned Income Credit, if the taxpayer received a letter saying they had to complete Form 8862, Information To Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance.

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The following aren’t qualifying expenses for education credits: room and board, insurance, medical, transportation, or personal expenses, even if the amount must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance. If the educational expenses are associated with sports, games, hobbies, or other noncredit courses, see Publication 970 for more information.

Student Under Age 24 Claiming American Opportunity Credit

For a student claiming the credit on their own return

Probe/Action: Ask the taxpayer

Action

1. Were you under 24 at the end of 2023?

If NO, do not use this chart; you DO qualify to claim part of the allowable American opportunity credit as a refundable credit if you meet all other qualifications.

If YES, go to question 2.

2. Were you over 18 at the end of 2023?

If YES, go to question 3.

If NO, go to question 4.

3. Were you a full-time student (defined below) for 2023?

If NO, stop here; you DO qualify to claim part of your allowable American opportunity credit as a refundable credit.

If YES, go to question 5.

4. Were you 18 at the end of 2023?

If YES, go to question 5.

If NO, go to question 6.

5. Was your earned income (defined below) less than one-half of your support for 2023?

If NO, stop here; you DO qualify to claim part of your allowable American opportunity credit as a refundable credit.

If YES, go to question 6.

6. Were either of your parents alive at the end of 2023?

If NO, stop here; you DO qualify to claim part of your allowable American opportunity credit as a refundable credit.

If YES, go to question 7.

7. Are you filing a joint return for 2023?

If NO, you DO NOT qualify to claim part of your allowable American opportunity credit as a refundable credit.

If YES, you DO qualify to claim part of your allowable American opportunity credit as a refundable credit.

Earned income. Earned income includes wages, salaries, professional fees, and other payments received for personal services actually performed. Earned income includes the part of any scholarship or fellowship that represents payment for teaching, research, or other services performed by the student that are required as a condition for receiving the scholarship or fellowship. Earned income does not include that part of the compensation for personal services rendered to a corporation which represents a distribution of earnings or profits rather than a reasonable allowance as compensation for the personal services actually rendered.

Full-time student. Solely for purposes of determining whether a scholarship is considered support, you were a full-time student for 2023 if during any part of any 5 calendar months during the year you were enrolled as a full-time student at an eligible educational institution, or took a full-time, on-farm training course given by such an institution or by a state, county, or local government agency.

Support. Support includes food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, education, and the like. However, a scholarship received by a full-time student isn't considered support.

Tab K: Finishing the Return

Completing the e-File Section

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Access the E-file section by selecting E-file from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen

e-File Process

When all the data has been entered, complete the e-file section. The return should not be filed (e-filed or as a paper return) until the e-file section has been completed.

Click e-File in the left navigation bar.

The software will display any errors and warnings concerning the return.

1.If the software displays an error on the return, read the error carefully and select Visit for that error.

2.Make corrections to the return to eliminate the error.

3.Select e-File again.

4.Select Fix This for each e-file error until you correct all errors.

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You cannot e-file the return until you correct all e-file errors.

5.Next, review any warnings.

6.If you need to change any information to eliminate a warning, select Federal Section in the left navigation bar and make corrections to that section of the return.

7.Review your notes. If you need to change something in the return, select the appropriate section in the left navigation bar and make changes.

8.When you finish reviewing warnings and notes, select Continue.

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You can still e-file the return with warnings, but review each warning to ensure that you completed the return accurately.

Return Details

Your site will be the default entry for the ERO and EFIN boxes and no action is necessary in most cases. If you are volunteering in an ad hoc or virtual site, log into the software with the user name assigned to that site. The software will display an ERO drop-down box and defaults to the main location. Select the correct location from the preprogrammed list.

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On some laptop displays, the sidebars obscure the Submission Page button. You should close one or the other sidebar to get a complete e-file process display, or reduce the zoom setting for the browser display.

9.Select the Only transmit the state return(s) box if the state return is to be e-filed, but federal will not be filed. You may need to do this if the taxpayer is not required to file a federal return or has already filed a federal return.

Select an E-file option for the federal return even though you are not electronically filing the federal return. Then complete the remainder of the information on the E-File and Submission pages.

To apply a federal refund towards next year’s taxes open Federal>Payments and Estimates>Apply Payments to Next Year’s Taxes.

To apply state refund to next year’s state taxes, go to State>Payments>Apply your State Refund.

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For a no refund/no payment return, select e-file mail payment

State Return(s)

Enter type of state return

If the state return is marked as Paper and the federal return is e-filed, confirm this is the correct choice and not a mistake.

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For a no refund/no payment return, select e-file mail payment

IRS e-file Signature Authorization

The taxpayers’ PINs are defaulted to 1+ the last four digits of the SSN in the electronic return record before the taxpayers sign Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization. The taxpayers must sign and date Form 8879 before the ERO originates the electronic submission of the return and after reviewing the return and ensuring the tax return information on the form matches the information on the return.

Taxpayer PIN Guidelines

The PIN can be any five numbers except all zeros. If filing a joint return, a PIN is needed for the taxpayer and spouse.

How to use the Practitioner (ERO) PIN in TaxSlayer

98765 is defaulted in Office Setup

The information is pulled from Office Setup to Part III of Form 8879

Third Party Designee Info

Third party designee info can be completed if the taxpayer wishes, but the designee is never the volunteer preparer.

Completing Bank Account Information and Entering Direct Deposit Information

If direct deposit or direct debit is selected for either federal or state return, the Taxpayer Bank Account Information screen will appear.

In this section, the preparer inputs the bank routing and account number for direct deposit of refund or automatic withdrawal of balance due.

Re-loadable Prepaid Bank Cards:

The taxpayer must provide the routing number and account number for the card so that it can be entered on the bank information screen.

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See Pointers for Direct Deposit of Refunds later in this tab.

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Use written or electronic account information from the financial institution.

10.Input the name of the bank as stated on the check (Optional).

11.Input both the routing and account number twice on this screen

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(Administrator) Configuration>Office Setup

Split Refund Option

When the taxpayer elects to direct deposit his or her refund into two or three accounts or to purchase saving bonds, you will need to answer additional questions in the e-file section.

First, someone with Administrator privileges must go to Configuration>Office Setup and mark the box for Offer 8888. This will allow all preparers at that site to offer Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases). Form 8888 also supports double-entry of bank routing and account information.

Form 8888 is incorporated into the e-file section. This form cannot be accessed through the left menu or form finder.

Only one active account is displayed at a time. If the taxpayer wants the refund deposited into multiple accounts, the preparer will expand the 2nd, then the 3rd account.

Purchase Savings Bonds

From Split Refund Screen, savings bonds can be purchased.

See Publication 5381, Fact Sheet: Filing Season 2023: Form 8888 and Series I Savings Bonds for VITA/TCE Partners.

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U.S. Series I Savings Bonds Taxpayers can request that their refund (or part of it) be used to buy up to $5,000 in series I savings bonds. Taxpayers can buy bonds electronically by direct deposit into their TreasuryDirect® account. Or, if they don’t have a TreasuryDirect® account, they can buy paper savings bonds.

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TreasuryDirect® Account Taxpayers can request a deposit of their refund (or part of it) to a TreasuryDirect® online account to buy U.S. Treasury marketable securities and savings bonds. For more information, go to Treasury Direct (www.treasurydirect.gov)

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The taxpayer’s name must be on the account in order for a refund to be deposited.

Entering Direct Debit Information

Payment date can be set up for due date of return or prior. If filing return after the due date, direct debit date must be the same date as the date the return is being transmitted or be within the previous five days of that date.

Instructions for canceling a direct debit are shown on Form 8879.

State ID (Optional)

Some states require a drivers license or additional taxpayer identification in order to e-file the return. This screen will appear only if there is a state return. A second section for spouse will appear below on a joint return.

Select driver's license or ID, license number, date issued, date expires and issuing state. Some states will accept an expired license/ID, otherwise for an expired license/ID select Not Provided. See state requirement and work around if applicable.

Global Carryforward

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Paper Form 15080, Consent to Disclose Tax Return Information to VITA/TCE Tax Return Preparation Sites, is not needed if the taxpayer denies the Global Carryforward of return data to all sites, enters his/her own PIN into TaxSlayer, or if the site uses another tax preparation software.

Accept = Next year, the taxpayer's data will carry forward to any VITA/TCE site using TaxSlayer.

Decline = Next year, the taxpayer's data will carry forward only to the VITA/TCE site that prepared the return.

Questions

Answer national and local questions.

Use these fields for information that is helpful to your site. For example, these fields could be used to enter the preparer’s name and/or new versus returning taxpayers. These fields are used by the military to report rank, grade, enlisted/retired, etc.

After the end of the tax season a custom report can be created.

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If your site or group administrator marked a question as Required, you must answer the question to continue. If you select BACK before you answer the required questions, TaxSlayer Pro Online does NOT save any of the data entered on this page.

Completing the Submission Page

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TaxSlayer Pro Online indicates in State Return Information if the preparer selected Paper Return for the state(s) associated with the return.

Return Status

Use tags as directed by your site coordinator. After you're finished preparing the return, select Mark tax return ready for review. Once the Quality Reviewer confirms the accuracy of the return, mark the return Approved. After the return is shared with the taxpayer(s), select Mark tax return as complete.

Extra button appears after ready for review is checked (approve or deny) which has to be checked before the reviewer can mark Complete.

Most preparers won't see the transmit button.

Customer Portal

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TaxSlayer left menu>VITA/TCE publications and User Guides>Attachments. Scroll down to bottom of list and download Combined Guide, Misc. Returns and Optional Features.

Inviting Taxpayers to the Customer Portal – Initial Invitation

You can invite the taxpayer to the Customer Portal at any point after you complete the taxpayer's Basic Information pages. To begin the invitation to the Customer Portal, use the following steps:

1.Do one of the following:

a. Select Create Customer Portal from the taxpayer drop-down menu,

b. Select Create Customer Portal from the left navigation panel,

c. Select CUSTOMER PORTAL on the Submission page

TaxSlayer displays the Customer Portal Link page, defaulting the taxpayer's phone number and/or email address from Basic Information

2.Verify the taxpayer's phone number or email address, or type the information in the appropriate box.

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If you type both a phone number and email address, the Customer Portal defaults the invitation to the taxpayer's email address. Select CONTINUE.

TaxSlayer Pro Online displays a message that the link was sent to the taxpayer successfully. Each link is unique to the taxpayer. It cannot be used to create a Customer Portal account for another taxpayer.

Working in the Customer Portal

As the tax preparer, you can send tax documents to the taxpayer, access files when the taxpayer uploads them, and chat with the taxpayer. This provides a full range of communication and document sharing options when working with a taxpayer on a tax return.

Making Tax Documents Available to the Taxpayer

When you need a taxpayer to review tax documents, whether as a review before filing or after filing, you can make those documents available through Customer Portal. To do so, use the following steps:

1.Navigate through the return to the Submission page.

2.Click SEND TAX RETURN DOCUMENTS TO CUSTOMER PORTAL.

Accessing Documents After Taxpayer Upload

After a taxpayer uploads documents, you can access them from Scanned Documents. To do so, use the following steps:

1.Click Scanned Documents from the Taxpayer drop-down menu. TaxSlayer Pro Online displays the Scanned Documents page, which includes any tax return documents you have made available to the taxpayer through Customer Portal and any documents the taxpayer has uploaded.

2.Download the documents as needed.

Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return

Form 8453 will be used to transmit specific supporting documents that can’t be e-filed. Those paper forms, schedules and supporting documents include:

•Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (or POA that states the agent is granted authority to sign the return)

•Form 8332, Release / Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent (or certain pages from a divorce decree or separation agreement, that went into effect after 1984 and before 2009) (see instructions)

•Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets (or a statement with the same information), if you elect not to report your transactions electronically on Form 8949. Form 8453 is to be mailed to the Austin Submission Processing Center within three business days.

Mail Form 8453 to:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: Shipping and Receiving, 0254
Receipt and Control Branch
Austin, TX 73344-0254

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Alternatively, a PDF of the attachments can be attached to the electronic return. In that case, no Form 8453 is required. To do this, scan the document to create the PDF. However, only select forms can be uploaded into TaxSlayer. Refer to Form 8453 for a list of acceptable documents.

Quality Review Process

Quality Site Requirement #2: Intake/Interview and Quality Review Process, requires that all tax returns must be quality reviewed to ensure accuracy. Every item on the Quality Review Checklist must be addressed while reviewing Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet, all supporting documents, return preparer comments, and the completed tax return. The taxpayer must be available to explain any discrepancies the quality reviewer may discover.

There are two acceptable quality review methods:

Designated Review – This preferred quality review method uses a designated quality reviewer. This is a volunteer who is solely dedicated to reviewing returns prepared by the other volunteers at the site.

Peer Review – When a designated quality reviewer is not available, volunteers can review each other’s returns.

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Self-review is not allowed. All returns must be quality reviewed by another volunteer certified to the level required for the return.

Quality Review Checklist

•Taxpayer's (and spouse's, if married filing jointly) identity was verified with a photo ID during the visit

•The volunteer return preparer and quality reviewer are certified to prepare/review this return and return is within scope of the program

•All Form 13614-C questions in Parts I through V are answered and any "unsure" answers were discussed with the taxpayer and correctly changed to "yes" or "no"

•All Form 13614-C applicable information in the shaded area on Page 1 was completed by the certified volunteer preparer

•Check Form 13614-C for additional comments left by the return preparer

•Names, addresses, SSNs, ITINs, and EINs are verified and correct on the return

•Filing status is correct

•Dependency determinations are correct. If Taxpayer can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return, verify that it is properly recorded in the basic information section.

•All Income on Form 13614-C (with or without source documents) checked “yes” in Part III is verified and correct

•All applicable adjustments to income are verified and correct

•Standard or itemized deductions are correct

•All eligible credits are correct

•All applicable provisions of Affordable Care Act (ACA) were considered for each person named on the tax return and are correct

•Federal income tax withholding and estimated tax payments are correct.

•Direct deposit/debit and checking/saving routing and account numbers are correct

•Confirm federal and state return types are correct (for example, e-file or paper)

•SIDN is included and correct on the return

•During the visit, the taxpayer(s) was advised that they are responsible for the information on their return

•Any errors identified or incomplete Form 13614-C were discussed with the preparer

Refer to 5838, VITA/TCE Intake/Interview and Quality Review Handbook, for additional guidance on how to conduct a quality review.

Due Diligence

All IRS tax law-certified volunteers are required to exercise due diligence. This means, as a volunteer, you are required to do your part when preparing or quality reviewing a tax return to ensure the information on the tax return is correct and complete.

Doing your part includes: confirming a taxpayer’s (and/or spouse, if applicable) identity and providing top-quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities.

Generally, an IRS-certified volunteer may rely in good faith on information from a taxpayer without requiring documentation as verification. However, part of due diligence requires volunteers to ask a taxpayer to clarify information that may appear to be inconsistent or incomplete. When reviewing information for accuracy, volunteers need to ask themselves if the information is unusual or questionable. Follow-up questions are required when these types of items are identified.

TaxSlayer Basic Quality Review – Print Set

Quality Review using TaxSlayer: Refer to 5838, VITA/TCE Intake/Interview and Quality Review Handbook.

Return Open: After the return is prepared and still opened by the preparer, the preparer should select Quality Review from the drop down list on the Submission page in TaxSlayer. The Quality Reviewer may select the “Quality Review” print set. Users can display the return in Adobe Reader without printing.

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A peer-to-peer reviewer may use the “Return Open” process.

Return Closed: If the preparer closes the return, the Quality Reviewer should select the printer icon drop down list from the Client List page. This list will include the printer options for the Quality Reviewer.

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A designated reviewer may use the “Return Closed” process.

Selecting the Quality Review print set while the return is opened or closed, the Quality Reviewer will be able to review all documents included in the tax return. Compare the IRS Form 13614-C to the embedded TaxSlayer Intake/Interview sheet to verify all the correct documents are included in the tax return.

Once the basic Intake/Interview documents are reviewed, the Quality Reviewer should review the other pages included in the print set of the tax return. These pages include forms, schedules, and worksheets required to complete the Quality Review of the tax return. Once the Quality Reviewer confirms the accuracy of the return, the return should be marked Approved. When the return is shared with and Form 8879 is signed by the taxpayer(s), select the Mark tax return as complete button. By selecting this option, TaxSlayer makes the return available for transmission to the TaxSlayer Processing Center.

Return Signature

A return isn’t considered valid unless it is signed. Both spouses must sign if the return is filed jointly. The return should be dated and the occupation lines should be completed. Advise the taxpayer they’re responsible for the information on the return.

When Someone Can Sign for You

Child’s Return

If a child can’t sign his or her name, the parent, guardian, or another legally responsible person must sign the child’s name in the space provided followed by the words “By (parent or guardian signature), parent or guardian for minor child.”

Incapacitated Spouse

If the spouse can’t sign because of injury or disease and tells the taxpayer to sign for him or her, the taxpayer can sign the spouse’s name on the return followed by the words “By (your name), Husband (or Wife).” A dated statement must be attached to the return. See Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, for requirements to include in the statement.

Military Spouse

If the taxpayer’s spouse is unable to sign the return because he or she is serving in a combat zone or is performing qualifying service outside of a combat zone, and the taxpayer doesn’t have a power of attorney (POA) or other statement, the taxpayer can sign for their spouse. Attach a signed statement to the return that explains that the spouse is serving in a combat zone. See Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, for other situations.

Court-Appointed Conservator or Other Fiduciary

If you are a court-appointed conservator, guardian, or other fiduciary for a mentally or physically incompetent individual who has to file a tax return, sign your name for the individual and file Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship.

Power of Attorney (POA)

Attach a copy of the taxpayer’s original paper POA to a copy of Form 8453 for the site to send to the IRS once the return is accepted. Alternatively, you may scan the POA as a PDF and attach the PDF to the return prior to creating the e-file. See Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), Chapter 1. For additional details, see Publication 947, Practice Before the IRS and Power of Attorney, and Form 2848 Instructions. Even when the taxpayer’s agent is using a power of attorney different than Form 2848, follow the same process.

Mail the POA with Form 8453 to:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: Shipping and Receiving, 0254
Receipt and Control Branch
Austin, TX 73344-0254

Deceased Taxpayer

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Basic Information>Personal Information>Taxpayer is deceased; or Keyword: PER

If the spouse died during the year and the surviving spouse didn’t remarry, a joint return can be filed. If a taxpayer died before filing the return and had no filing requirement but had tax withheld, a return must be filed to get a refund. If the decedent had a filing requirement, the taxpayer’s spouse or personal representative will have to file and sign a return for the person who died. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator, or anyone who is in charge of the decedent’s property. If no one has yet been appointed as executor or administrator, the surviving spouse can sign the return for the deceased spouse and enter “Filing as surviving spouse” in the area where the return is signed.

If filing a paper return, write “Deceased,” the decedent’s name, and the date of death across the top of the tax return. TaxSlayer will automatically note on the top of Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, the decedent’s name, and date of death.

Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, is invalid once the taxpayer dies; therefore Form 56 or new Form 2848 signed by estate executor or representative must be completed. See Publication 559, Survivors, Executors, and Administrators, for details.

Claiming a Refund for a Deceased Person

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Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms>Form 1310

If filing MFJ and both spouses are deceased, add a Form 1310 for each spouse. Court-appointed representatives should file the return and attach a copy of the certificate that shows their appointment. All other filers requesting the decedent’s refund should file the return and attach Form 1310, Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer. The software completes this form. In some cases, e-filing is permitted; however, the program may generate a warning and block e-filing. In this case, the return must be paper filed with a copy of their appointment document.

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If either Option A or B is selected under Part I, you will receive a message that the return must be paper filed.

Only option C is allowed electronically and completion of Part II is required. The taxpayer must provide proof of death if requested by IRS. The taxpayer must also certify they are entitled to the refund and will administer the funds as stated under state law.

Printing the Tax Return

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Client Search>Office Client List or e-File Section>Last Screen (Submission)>Print Return

A copy of the return can be printed by selecting the Printer Icon located on the Client Tax Return row from the Office Client List. A copy of the tax return can also be printed from within the return. The print location from inside the return is located on the Submission page under the e-File section. After all required information has been entered on the e-file page, select Save. The program will display the Submission page. From this page, click on the drop down arrow, select the appropriate print set, and then select Print Return. Sites have the option to create their own print sets as a means of saving paper. Once the PDF is generated, you can choose the pages you wish to print and the number of copies you wish.

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Direct debit information does not print automatically with the print set TAXPAYER COPY PRINT. The first page of the QUALITY REVIEW print set includes a return summary with the direct debit account, amount, and date. Print this page for taxpayers with a direct debit, and the taxpayer should review the information to make sure it is correct.

Distributing Copies of Returns

Taxpayer

•Form 1040 with all forms/schedules including signed Form 8879 and Form 8453, if applicable.

•Organize the taxpayer’s copy of the return according to the attachment sequence at the top right corner of each form. Any supplemental schedules are put at the end.

•Form 8332, if applicable.

•Original Power of Attorney, if applicable.

•State forms/schedules, as applicable.

•All other taxpayer documents including Form(s) W-2 and Form(s) 1099.

Electronic Return Originator (ERO)

•Form 8453 and attachments for mailing.

Paper Federal Return

•Signed Form 1040 with all forms/schedules.

•Organize the federal copy of the return according to the attachment sequence at the top right corner of each form. Any supplemental schedules are put at the end.

•Attach federal copies of Form(s) W-2 and any Form(s) 1099 with withholding.

Paper State Return

•Signed state return with all forms and schedules.

•Attach a copy of the federal return if required by state instructions.

•Attach state copies of Form(s) W-2 and any Form(s) 1099 with withholding.

Where to File Paper Returns

When a paper return must be filed, advise the taxpayer to sign and mail the federal return to the applicable IRS address for the state where the taxpayer lives. See Tab P, Partner Resources for a list of addresses.

The taxpayer must be given an exact copy of the paper return to be filed. Additional copies of the schedules and worksheets should also be provided. If applicable, state income tax returns should be signed and mailed to the appropriate address for that state. State mailing address can be found on the state tax form or on the tax department’s website.

Pointers for Direct Deposit of Refunds

1.Using a check, paper or electronic documentation from the financial institution as proof of account, verify:

a. Routing Transit Number (RTN). The RTN must contain 9 digits and begin with 01 through 12 or 21 through 32.

b. Depositor Account Number (DAN). The DAN can be up to 17 characters. Include hyphens but omit spaces and special symbols. Don’t include the check number or the dollar amount on canceled checks. On the sample check on the next page, the account number is 20202086. The 16-digit number on a debit card is not the account number.

2.Don’t use a deposit slip for proof of RTN as this may not be the same RTN used for direct deposit. For direct deposit into a savings account, the taxpayer should obtain a statement from the financial institution to verify the routing and account number for direct deposit. For direct deposit into a checking account, if the taxpayer doesn’t have a canceled check, the taxpayer should also contact their financial institution.

3.Entering the incorrect RTN and/or DAN will result in a 4-6 week delay of the refund, or it may go into someone else’s account. If the direct deposit is voided, a paper check will automatically be mailed to the address on the electronic tax form.

4.Double-check the RTN of the financial institution if:

a. You are unfamiliar with the financial institution. (Some types of accounts that exist through brokerage firms can’t accept direct deposits.)

b. The RTN is for a credit union, which is payable through another financial institution. The taxpayer should contact his or her credit union for the correct RTN.

5.Savings Bonds - Taxpayers can buy U.S. savings bonds with their federal tax refund. Even if the taxpayer doesn’t have a bank account or a Treasury account they can elect this option. Taxpayers can make bond purchases for themselves. Refer to Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases), or the IRS website for more details.

6.Remember the split refund option: If a taxpayer chooses to direct deposit his or her refund into two or three accounts, you will need to complete Form 8888. In TaxSlayer, Form 8888 is completed as part of the e-file section.

Caution icon.
Financial institutions generally don’t allow a joint refund to be deposited into an individual account. The IRS isn’t responsible if a financial institution refuses a direct deposit.

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If the bank routing number or account number is not obtained from a check, you should consult with the Site Coordinator regarding the procedure for verifying direct deposit information.

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Direct deposit of a taxpayer’s refund is to be made to an account (or accounts) only in the taxpayer’s name. Advise taxpayers their refund may only be deposited directly into his/her own account(s). Taxpayer’s federal and state refunds can’t be deposited into VITA/TCE Volunteer or any associated partner’s personal or business bank/debit card accounts.

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To combat fraud and identity theft, IRS permits a maximum of three refunds to be electronically deposited into a single financial account.

The fourth and subsequent refunds automatically convert to a paper refund check and will be mailed to the taxpayer.

Balance Due Returns

General Information

•Taxpayers don’t have to pay if balance due is less than $1.

•Payment in full is due by the April filing due date to avoid interest and penalties.

•Taxpayer should file his or her return by the filing due date, including extensions to avoid a failure-to-file penalty.

•There are separate penalties for filing late and paying late. The late filing penalty is higher.

•Advise taxpayers to file the return on time, even if they can’t pay the full amount owed. They should pay as much as they can with the return to reduce penalties and interest.

Payment Methods

See Publication 5034 (en-sp), Need to Make a Payment?, for a one-page summary of payment options that you can print for taxpayers with a balance due.

1.Electronic Funds Withdrawal

a. E-filing allows taxpayers to file their return early and schedule their payment for withdrawal from their checking or savings account on a future date up to the April filing due date. Advise taxpayers that they should check their account to verify that the payment was made.

2.IRS Direct Pay

a. IRS direct pay on the IRS website is a free payment from your checking account to the IRS. Use this secure service to pay your tax bill or make an estimated tax payment directly from your checking or savings account at no cost to you. You’ll receive instant confirmation that your payment has been submitted. Just follow the easy steps below. Bank account information isn’t retained in IRS systems after payments are made. Check your state department of revenue website for direct pay options for a state amount owed.

It takes just 5 easy steps to make a payment:

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Provide your tax information

Verify your identity

Enter your payment information

Review and electronically sign the transaction

Print or record your online confirmation number

3.Check or money order payments

a. Don’t attach the payment to the return.

b. Refer to instructions on Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher and/or State Voucher.

c. Submit the payment with a properly completed Form 1040-V and/or State Voucher. Don’t staple or attach the payment to the 1040-V.

d. Don’t mail cash.

4.Credit card payments

a. American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa cards are accepted.

b. A convenience fee will be charged by the service providers.

c. For details, go to Pay Your Taxes by Debit or Credit Card or Digital Wallet (www.irs.gov/paybycard).

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See Form 1040 Instructions for additional information.

Tips icon.
Taxpayers can check the balance owed on their account by creating an account on IRS.gov or by requesting an account transcript. www.irs.gov/account

5.Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)

a. Taxpayers can use EFTPS to pay their federal taxes, but they must enroll first. EFTPS is a fast, easy, convenient and secure service provided free by the Department of Treasury. For more information or to enroll, go to EFTPS: The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (www.irs.gov/eftps) or call EFTPS Customer Service at 1-800-555-4477 (for individual payments). TTY/TDD help is available by calling 1-800-733-4829. Assistance is available in Spanish at 1-800-244-4829.

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You must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to use this application. This application cannot accommodate Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)

6.Cash (at a retail partner)

a. Taxpayers can make a cash payment without the need of a bank account or credit card at more than 27,000 retail locations nationwide. To find a location near you, go to IRS site Pay With Cash at a Retail Partner (www.irs.gov/paywithcash).

7.Pay by Mobile Device

a. To pay through a mobile device, taxpayers may download the IRS2Go app.

What if the taxpayer can’t pay?

Online Payment Agreement (OPA):

If the taxpayer’s balance is $50,000 or less, the taxpayer can make a payment arrangement at Apply Online for a Payment Plan (www.irs.gov/paymentplans). If the taxpayer can pay within 180 days, there is no user fee for an Online Payment Agreement (OPA). Taxpayers may also call the IRS to set up a shortterm payment plan.

If the taxpayer requires more than 180 days to pay, there is an installment agreement user fee. The amount of the fee is less if the payments are set up using direct debit or applying online compared to applying by phone, mail, or in person. If the taxpayers' income is below certain limits, they may qualify for a reduced fee, which may be identified when going through the OPA process. See Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, instructions for fee information and Form 13844, Application for Reduced Use Fee for Installment Agreement.

Taxpayers can revise their agreement via OPA.

OPA can be used even before the taxpayer receives a bill for the balance due.

Taxpayers who don’t use OPA:

If the taxpayer can pay within 180 days, the taxpayer must call IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

If the taxpayer needs longer than 180 days, the application for an installment agreement can be made by using Form 9465. If the return is being filed electronically, Form 9465 can be included with the e-filed return. In TaxSlayer, go to Miscellaneous Forms, Installment Agreement Request, and complete the requested information. However, OPA payment plans are processed quicker than requests made with electronically filed returns.

If the taxpayer requires more than 180 days to pay, there is an installment agreement user fee. The user fee is more using this method than using OPA. Low income taxpayers may qualify for a reduced user fee by using Form 13844.

Taxpayer who need to revise their agreement must call IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or file a new Form 9465. This may also be done in TaxSlayer.

Requesting additional time to pay due to undue hardship

The taxpayer can request an extension of time to pay if paying the tax by the due date will be an undue hardship. For details see Form 1127, Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship. This form is Out of Scope.

Offer in Compromise

If the taxpayer can’t pay through an installment agreement and/or by liquidating assets, they may be eligible for an Offer in Compromise (offer). An offer is an agreement between the taxpayer and the IRS that settles a tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS may accept an offer if:

•The IRS agrees that the tax debt may not be accurate,

•The taxpayer has insufficient assets and income to pay the amount due in full, or

•The taxpayer has exceptional circumstances and paying the amount due would cause an economic hardship or would be unjust.

The taxpayer can use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool (www.irs.gov/offers) to determine if an offer is a realistic option to resolve their balance due. The questionnaire format assists in gathering the information needed and provides instant feedback as to eligibility. To apply for an offer, the taxpayer must read and complete the forms located in Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise. An offer is subject to a user fee. If the taxpayers' income is below certain limits, they may qualify for a waiver of the user fee. The application for this is part of Form 656-B.

How Can a Taxpayer Avoid a Balance Due in the Future?

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Taxes withheld are based on filing status, dependents, and other adjustments on the return.

•If the taxpayer didn’t have enough withheld from his/her paycheck, pension income or taxable Social Security benefits and there is an amount owed on the current return:

◦Advise the taxpayer to access the Tax Withholding Estimator (www.irs.gov/withholding).

◦Advise the taxpayer to submit a revised Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, to the employer. For pension income, taxpayers should submit a revised Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments, to the pension payer or contact the pension administrator to increase withholding.

◦Advise taxpayers who receive retirement payments other than pensions or annuities to submit Form W4-R, Withholding Certificate for Nonperiodic Payments and Eligible Rollover Distributions, to the payer of their retirement payments to increase withholding.

◦Advise taxpayers who received taxable Social Security benefits or unemployment to submit Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request, to request withholding from Social Security of certain other federal government payments.

•If the taxpayer had income that wasn’t subject to withholding (such as self-employment, interest income, dividend income, or capital gain income):

◦Explain estimated taxes to the taxpayer. In TaxSlayer, add Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, and complete it. Discuss with taxpayer(s) whether to use the minimum required amount or the total amount expected to be due.

•Advise the taxpayer to review Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax.

•Forms or Publications can be obtained from IRS.gov.

•If the taxpayer is receiving the advanced premium tax credit (APTC), they should notify the Marketplace when they have any significant change to geographic location, income, family size or a life event.

Notes icon.
This information only applies to federal balance due returns. For state information, consult the applicable state.

Estimated Tax Payments

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Payments & Estimates>Vouchers for 20XX Estimated Tax Payments; or Keyword VOU

1.Enter amount to be printed on each voucher. Taxpayer can make pen and ink changes to a voucher if the situation changes during the year

Vouchers will be generated when the return is printed. To enter State Estimated Payments, go to State>-Miscellaneous Forms

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When the IRS due date falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the due date is the next business day.

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Federal Section>Payments & Estimates>Apply Overpayment to Next Year’s Taxes

Tab L: Resident/NR Alien

Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Tree

Determine residency status for federal income tax purposes.

¹If this is your first or last year of residency, you may have a dual status for the year. See Dual-Status Aliens in Pub 519. (Out of Scope)

²In some circumstances you many still be considered a nonresident alien and eligible for benefits under an income tax treaty between the U.S. and your country. Check the provision of the treaty carefully (Must be certified appropriately).

³See Days of Presence in the United States in Pub 519 for days that do not count as days of presence in the U.S. (Exempt individuals such students, scholars, and others temporarily in the U.S. under an F, J, M, or Q visa's immigration status do not count their days of presence in the U.S. for specified periods of time).

⁴If you meet the substantial presence test for the following year, you may be able to choose treatment as a U.S. resident alien for part of the current tax year. See Presence Test under Resident Aliens and First-Year Choice under Dual Status Aliens in Pub. 519. (Out of Scope).

⁵Nonresident students from Barbados, Hungary, and Jamaica, as well as trainees from Jamaica, may qualify for an election to be treated as a U.S. Resident for tax purposes under their tax treaty provisions with the U.S. A formal, signed, election statement must be attached to the Form 1040 (preparation of the statement is Out of Scope). (It continues until formally revoked).

Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Chart

Chart on this page is an alternative to the flowchart on prior page, but the information is the same.

Determine residency status for federal income tax purposes.

Step

Probe/Ask the taxpayer

Action

1

Were you a lawful permanent resident of the United States (had a “green card”) at any time during the current tax year?

YES – RESIDENT Alien for U.S. tax purposes1,2

NO – Go to Step 2

2

Were you physically present in the United States on at least 31 days during the current tax year?³

YES – Go to Step 3

NO – NONRESIDENT Alien for U.S. tax purposes⁵

3

Were you physically present in the United States on at least 183 days during the 3-year period consisting of the current tax year and the preceding 2 years, counting all days of presence in the current tax year, 1/3 of the days of presence in the first preceding year, and 1/6 of the days of presence in the second preceding year?³

YES – Go to Step 4

NO – NONRESIDENT Alien for U.S. tax purposes4,5

4

Were you physically present in the United States on at least 183 days during the current tax year?³

YES – RESIDENT Alien for U.S. tax purposes1,2

NO – Go to Step 5

5

Can you show that for the current tax year you have a tax home in a foreign country and have a closer connection to that country than to the United States? *(Out of Scope, Form 8840, Closer Connection Exception Statement for Aliens required)

YES* – NONRESIDENT Alien for U.S. tax purposes⁵

NO – RESIDENT Alien for U.S. tax purposes1,2

¹If this is your first year of residency, you may have a dual status for the year. See Dual Status Aliens in Pub 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens. (Out of Scope)

²In some circumstances you may still be considered a nonresident alien and eligible for benefits under an income tax treaty between the U.S. and your country. Check the provision of the treaty carefully. (Out of Scope)

³See Days of Presence in the United States in Publication 519 for days that do not count as days of presence in the U.S. (Exempt individuals such as students, scholars, and others temporarily in the U.S. under an F, J, M, or Q visa’s immigration status do not count their days of presence in the U.S. for specified periods of time.)

⁴If you meet the substantial presence test for the following year, you may be able to choose treatment as a U.S. resident alien for part of the current tax year. See Substantial Presence Test under Resident Aliens and First Year Choice under Dual Status Aliens in Publication 519. (Out of Scope)

⁵Nonresident students from Barbados, Hungary, and Jamaica, as well as trainees from Jamaica, may qualify for an election to be treated as a U.S. Resident for tax purposes under their tax treaty provisions with the U.S. A formal, signed, election statement must be attached to the Form 1040 (preparation of the statement is Out of Scope). (It continues until formally revoked.)

If after using the Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Tree (Page L-3) you have determined a taxpayer is a Resident Alien for U.S. Tax Purposes, and does not meet any of the exceptions that would be outside of the scope of the VITA program, select one of the filing statuses listed under the Basic Information Section in TaxSlayer Pro. A Resident Alien is treated like a U.S. Citizen when determining filing status.

If after using the Resident or Nonresident Alien Decision Tree (Page L-3) you have determined a taxpayer is a Nonresident Alien for U.S. Tax Purposes, as the initial return screen opens or under the Basic Information Section in TaxSlayer Pro, select Nonresident Alien, if you have certified under the Foreign Student and Scholar Module and the taxpayer’s circumstances are within the scope of the Foreign Student and Scholar VITA program. After selecting the Nonresident Alien filing status, you will be given three (3) choices; Single nonresident alien, Married nonresident alien, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse with dependent child.

You will only complete a tax return for a Nonresident Alien if you have certified on the Foreign Student and Scholar Module, and at least 1 other person at your site, who is also certified on the Foreign Student and Scholar Module, can quality review the return.

Be sure to have the taxpayer complete Form 13614-NR, Nonresident Alien Intake and Interview Sheet, and use Publication 4011, VITA/TCE Foreign Student and Scholar Volunteer Resource Guide, to conduct the Quality Review.

Electronic Filing of Returns with Valid ITIN

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Federal Section>Income> Form W-2; or Keyword “W”

Returns can be electronically filed when the taxpayer has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but has a Form W-2 with a Social Security Number (SSN) that belongs to another taxpayer. The taxpayer may be working on an erroneous Social Security number. Use that Social Security number only on the Form W-2.

1.The taxpayer’s ITIN must be entered on the personal information screen in the space provided for the taxpayer’s or spouse’s Social Security number, if applicable.

2.When completing the Form W-2 in TaxSlayer, enter the SSN shown on the paper Form W-2. The Internal Revenue Service requires the manual key entry of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) as it appears on Form W-2 received from the employer for all taxpayers with ITINs who are reporting wages. The ITIN that was entered when the return was started won’t auto-populate the TIN on Form W-2 for these ITIN filers.

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ITIN taxpayers requesting to file Forms 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts etc., with an incorrect Social Security Number must file a paper return. These returns can’t be e-filed. There are no procedures in place to e-file these types of returns.

Creating a Temporary ITIN when the Spouse and/or Dependent(s) are Applying for an ITIN

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Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms> Form W-7; or Keyword: W7 or ITIN

TaxSlayer will not generate temporary ITINs for the taxpayer, spouse and/or dependents on a return if Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is needed. The ITIN application requires a federal tax return be associated with all Form W-7 applications (with some exceptions) as noted in the instructions for Form W-7. Federal tax returns can’t be filed using electronic return preparation software without a TIN (taxpayer identification number). If the taxpayer is working under an erroneous Social Security number, that Social Security number should be used only on the W-2.

1.In the TIN field for all individuals needing to complete Form W-7, enter all digits as zeros “0”. A return requiring three temporary TINs will be entered as follows:

The spouse’s

000-00-0000

The first dependent’s

000-00-0000

The second dependent’s

000-00-0000

2.Ensure that a check mark is correctly listed next to "Check here if the individual does not have an SSN, ITIN, or ATIN.

3.Select "Yes" to the statement "This dependent will be completing a Form W-7, Application for ITIN."

4.Select each individual in TaxSlayer. Fill in the name of each family member applying for an ITIN on a separate Form W-7 application. Make sure that names match required documentation that clients will be submitting with their W-7 application(s). See Tab B, Starting a Return and Filing Status, Determining the Last Name of the Taxpayer section for additional information.

5.Print the return package, and provide the return package to the taxpayer to mail with Forms W-7 to the address shown on the Form W-7 instructions.

6.If the taxpayer has a family pack that includes multiple Forms W-7 with one return, or multiple returns with one Form W-7, these forms should be staggered and stapled together to show the entire package as a family pack. This will prevent separation of the forms/returns that could delay the processing time.

7.Have taxpayers mail Form W-7 application(s), all original supporting documentation or certified copies of documents from the issuing agency, and tax return or take to a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) or local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) for ITIN Authentication.

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Not all TAC offices are authorized to perform ITIN Authentication. See the list of supporting documentation in the Instructions for Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

8.If applicable, prepare a copy of the state return with a copy of the federal return attached. If taxpayers will not owe state taxes, suggest they hold the state return until they receive their official ITIN letter(s), which may take 7 weeks (9 to 11 weeks if submitted during peak processing periods, January 15 through April 30). Once the ITIN(s) is assigned, record them on the state tax returns before mailing.

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Any ITIN that wasn't included on a U.S. federal tax return at least once for three consecutive tax years will expire on December 31 of the third consecutive tax year of non-use. ITINs with middle digits (the fourth and fifth positions) “70,” “71,” “72,” “73,” “74,” “75,” “76,” “77,” “78,” “79,” “80,” “81,” “82,” “83,” “84,” “85,” “86,” “87” or “88” have expired. In addition, ITINS with middle digits “90,” “91,” “92,” “94,” “95,” “96,” “97,” “98,” or “99” assigned before 2013 have expired. These affected taxpayers who expect to file a tax return this year must submit a renewal application. If a renewal application was previously submitted and approved, the applicant does not need to renew again.

For more information refer to Instructions for Form W-7.

The following communication products provide information on the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program.

Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens

Publication 519 (SP), U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens (Spanish Version)

Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN

Publication 1915 (SP), Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN (Spanish Version)

Tab M: Other Returns

Amended Returns

Overview of Amended Return Preparation Process in TaxSlayer

Navigation icon.
Access the federal and state amended return screens from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen.

Taxpayers should file Form 1040-X, Amended Return, to correct any errors or omissions on a return they have already filed. Taxpayer should file an amended return if they:

•received another Form W-2, a corrected Form W-2, or another income statement that was not reported on the original return

•received an additional Form 1099 (such as unemployment compensation) or a corrected Form 1099 that was not reported on the original return

•claimed dependents, deductions or credits they should not have claimed

•did not claim dependents, deductions or credits they could have claimed, or

•should have used a different filing status.

When to file an amended return?

File an amended return after an original return has been submitted and accepted. You can confirm this using:

•Where's My Refund?

•Taxpayer’s on-line account

Generally, taxpayers must file a claim for a credit or refund within 3 years after the date the original return was filed or within 2 years after the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. Returns filed before the due date (without regard to extensions) are considered filed on the due date (even if the due date was a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday).

The option to electronically file an amended return is only available for tax year 2019 and later. Amended returns for any other tax years or tax types must be filed by paper. A Form 1040-X can be e-filed if the SSN matches a previously "accepted" e-filed return (even non-TaxSlayer e-files). Taxpayers will be allowed to electronically file up to three "accepted" amended returns. After the third accepted Amended Return, all subsequent attempts will reject.

Amended returns must also be filed by paper if:

•the original return was filed by paper.

•the primary Social Security number is different from the one provided on the original return, then the Amended Return must be filed by paper.

•the spouse’s Social Security number (if applicable) is different from the one provided on the original return.

•the original return was filed as a surviving spouse.

•responding to an IRS notice and including other changes to the return not included in the notice (send to address on notice)

•your site did not prepare the original e-filed return and you are unable to recreate the original e-filed return with all documents

Direct deposit is available on tax year 2021 and subsequent electronically filed amended returns. However, direct debit is not available.

The current processing time is more than 20 weeks for both paper and electronically filed amended returns.

Tips icon.
Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, Form 1040-SS, U.S. Self-Employment Tax Return (Including the Additional Child Tax Credit for Bona Fide Residents of Puerto Rico), and Form 1040-PR, Self-Employment Tax Return - Puerto Rico can be amended electronically for tax years 2021 forward.

Taxpayers can also amend their return electronically if there is change to their filing status or to add a dependent who was previously claimed on another return.

For more information, see IRS Form 1040-X FAQs (www.irs.gov/filing/amended-return-frequently-asked-questions).

Deleting an Amended Return

To delete an unwanted amended return:

•Go to the 20XX Amended Return menu and select Delete Amended Return.

•If a return was previously filed, then delete any changes made in TaxSlayer.

•Select Summary/Print>View/Print Return and verify there is no 1040-X. If a return was previously filed, then also confirm it matches the originally filed return.

Notes icon.
The above actions will only delete the federal amended return.

If needed, you must separately delete state amended returns (or answer "No" within the state to the "Do you want to file an amended return?")

If the VITA/TCE site amending the return prepared the original return in TaxSlayer, print a copy of the return. A copy of the original federal and state returns is available in the Client Status section on the Office Client List page.

To view and print the original filed and accepted return, go to client list>client tools>Client Status.

1.Clicking on these links displays the original accepted return. Other Icon is Form 9325 , Acknowledgement and General Information for Taxpayers Who File Returns Electronically.

The guidance for preparing an amended return depends on whether or not the VITA/TCE site prepared the original return.

Caution icon.
When changing the filing or residency status, TaxSlayer warns that all state returns will be deleted. Regardless of the state, the steps to amend a state return are consistent. TaxSlayer asks for the state refund amount or the amount paid if there is a state balance due.

Original Return Prepared by the Site and Accepted in TaxSlayer

2.Pull the original tax return amounts to Form 1040-X, Amended Return, column A. Original Amount, by taking the following steps:

a. Find and open the original return in TaxSlayer.

b. Select 20XX Amended Return. TaxSlayer displays the Amended Tax Returns – Form 1040-X page:

c. Select Begin on the Original Return Information line.

d. Because the IRS accepted the return through TaxSlayer, the software defaults the original accepted return information on this page. Compare the carryforward information to the printed original return. Make changes if necessary. If the IRS issued a notice and made an adjustment to the original return or if the taxpayer previously filed an amended return, update the information accordingly using these documents.

e. Show amount paid with original return and any additional tax paid later on designated line.

f. TaxSlayer asks for the state refund amount, or the amount paid if there is a state balance due. If amending a state return, go to the Payments and Credits line and select Begin or Edit. Enter the amount paid with the original state return or state refund received.

g. If the taxpayer is changing personal exemptions, has changed their address, or wants to change an election for the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, select the appropriate check boxes at the bottom of the page. If the taxpayer is not adding or removing an exemption, uncheck the last box.

h. When finished, select Continue.

3.Go to Make corrections for Amended Return and make all necessary changes based on the new information from the taxpayer. (For example, if the taxpayer needs to add a Form W-2, add it now as you would if preparing a return normally.)

4.Amend the State Return (if needed)

a. Select Begin on the Amend State Return(s) line. If there are no state changes, skip to step 5.

b. Select Amend State for the state you need to amend.

c. Select Begin on the Amended Return line.

d. Read the screen and select Yes from the drop-down list.

e. Select Begin on the Review and Complete Amended Return line.

f. Select Begin on each line of the State Return: Review and Complete Amended Return page. Use the printed original return to ensure all information has been entered correctly based on the original accepted return.

g. When you finish reviewing all information, select Back.

h. TaxSlayer Pro displays the State Return: Amended Return page. When finished with all the information for the amended return, select Save, then Exit return to leave the state’s page. Repeat as necessary for other states.

5.Review amended return and explain changes

a. From the Amended Tax Return – Form 1040X page, select Print Amended Return, select Begin, then Continue. On the “Print Results” page select Print your 20XX Tax Return.

b. In the PDF file of the return, examine Column A to verify all the information agrees with the original Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Return. Next, verify the amounts in Column C agree with the amended return figures. Then, confirm Column B is the difference between Columns C and A, which represents the amounts of what is being added or removed.

c. Verify the correct amount overpaid or owed. On page 2, verify that all information is correct and that appropriate boxes are checked for qualifying children eligible for Child Tax Credit.

d. If the state form is amended, scroll down the pdf to the state forms and verify that additions to or subtractions from the federal AGI that were manually made on the amended state return are correct.

e. Write down which lines have changed on Form 1040-X and state amended return.

f. Select Begin on the Explain Changes line. Enter each line number and an explanation for the change on that line. Repeat with each state amended return (menu wording and location varies by state).

g. Ask a Quality Reviewer to double-check all entries on the federal and state amended returns.

6.If the amended return will be e-filed:

a. Go to e-file section and select the radio button for amended tax return.

b. At the following screen, set the return type to either E-file: Mail Payment or E-file: Paper Check. Direct deposit is available on tax year 2021 and subsequent electronically filed amended returns. However, direct debit is not available. Do not select the option for direct debit even if offered by TaxSlayer.

c. Continue through the remainder of the Submission section.

d. Print return copies for taxpayer (including Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization) and state as shown below. Form 8879 may show incorrect amount of balance due (1040-X Line 20) or overpayment (1040-X Line 21) – if so, make pen and ink change.

E-file Print Chart

Tax Forms

Total

IRS

State

Taxpayer

1040-X*

2

1

1

1040 (with “As Amended” written across the top)

1

1

Any federal forms changed or added*

2

1

1

State voucher (if any)

1

1

Any required State forms

2

1

1

e. If amended return results in a balance due, review Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher. If amount is not correct, make pen and ink change. If no 1040-V in print package, go to this 1040-V link, choose voucher for year of amended return and fill in the fillable form. Provide taxpayer with address from current 1040-V since remittance addresses on prior year 1040-Vs may have changed.

f. Share return with taxpayer and secure signature(s) on Form 8879.

g. In TaxSlayer, mark return Complete. Transmit if authorized to do so, otherwise, save and exit.

h. After return has been transmitted, check status on Client List>Tools>Client Status. There will be a listing for return type of 1040 (Amended). Ensure return is accepted.

i. E-file or prepare paper return for state amended return filing, as appropriate, after federal e-filed amended return is accepted. Confirm state return was transmitted and accepted after it was e-filed. TaxSlayer support for e-filing state amendments is TBD.

7.If amended return will be a paper return: Print forms as indicated in table below.

Paper Return Chart

Tax Forms

Total

IRS

State

Taxpayer

1040-X*

3

1

1

1

1040 (with “As Amended” written across the top)

1

1

Any federal forms changed or added*

3

1

1

1

State voucher (if any)

1

1

Any required State forms

2

1

1

a. Staple to the front of the 1040-X:

i. A copy of any Form W-2 or Form W-2c that supports changes on this return.

ii. A copy of any Form W-2G or 1099-R that support changes on this return, but only if tax was withheld.

b. If there is a balance due, taxpayer needs to include the payment with the 1040-X. Attach the payment to the 1040-X. No separate payment voucher is needed. Direct debit is not available for amended returns. Alternatively, the taxpayer can make a payment through direct pay on IRS.gov.

c. Direct deposit is not available for paper filed amended returns.

d. Verify the state payment voucher amount (if used for your state) and that the state amended return requirements are met.

e. Do not attach the original return

f. Have the taxpayer(s) sign the 1040-X and amended state return.

g. If responding to a notice from the IRS to include other changes not included in the notice, send the federal amended return to the address shown on the notice. If not, use the address in the 1040-X instructions.

Notes icon.
If e-filing, use client status to check on transmission or acceptance

Original Return Not Created by the Site Preparing the Amended Return

Notes icon.
The taxpayer must provide a copy of the original return, IRS adjusted amounts after the original return was processed, or previously filed amended returns.

1.Since the return does not currently exist, create a federal return and state return, if applicable, that includes the amended information. These return figures comprise Form 1040-X, Column C.

When amending a return electronically, all documents must be input individually.

2.Go to the 20xx Amended Return menu > Original Federal Return Information screen to provide the original return information.

a. This menu populates Form 1040-X, column A. Enter information from original return, or adjusted figures if a previous amendment was filed or an IRS adjustment was made.

b. Form 1040-X columns C will populate based on the return prepared with the amended information. Column B will populate based on the differences between Columns C and A.

c. Go to the Amend State Return screen.

d. Select Edit Amended link at Amended State Return screen.

e. Select Amended Return.

f. Select Yes at the Create Amended Return box.

g. Complete entries at Review and Complete Amended Return screen, particularly entries involving dollar amounts.

3.When you have confirmed or entered all amounts from the original return, continue with steps 4 through 7 above.

Tips icon.
Taxpayers can use the Where's My Amended Return? online tool to check the status of their Form 1040-X.

Prior Year Returns

Who Can Prepare Prior Year Returns?

Sites are encouraged to prepare prior year returns if they have the required technical resources described below. Prior year returns may only be prepared and reviewed when the tax topics are within scope for VITA/TCE and within the volunteers’ current levels of training and certification. They don’t need to be certified in the actual prior year. Determining the certification level of the return is described below in Getting Started.

Getting Started:

•TaxSlayer only provides software for the 5 years prior to the current tax year.

•A current year Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet, must be completed for each prior year and will be used to determine the scope and certification level of each return. Review the From 13614-C revision for the prior year being prepared. Ask questions pertaining to tax law provisions applicable for that year that may no longer be relevant for the current year. Ask your relationship manager for an electronic copy of the prior year Form 13614-C if the site does not have hard copies available for reference.

•Taxpayers with Out of Scope returns should be advised to seek assistance from a professional tax preparer.

•Assign prior year returns to experienced volunteers if at all possible.

•Direct Deposit and Form 8888 are available for prior year returns. If scheduling direct debit for a prior year return, the payment date must be the date the return is transmitted. Taxpayers may use Direct Pay on www.irs.gov to make a payment.

•If completing returns for more than one year, complete the earliest tax return year first (e.g. 2020). After completing the 2020 return, log out and log back in. Then the 2021 return can be started with some carryforward (even if the 2020 return has not been transmitted). TaxSlayer may start the 2021 return without the name showing in the client list. Scroll down or search for the SSN.

Technical Resources:

The following tools are useful resources:

•Prior year return tax preparation software.

◦TaxSlayer Pro® Online users can access the prior year software from the home page.

◦Desktop sites will need to download and install the prior year software from the TaxSlayer website. Sites will use their current EFIN and setup the software as usual. No registration codes are needed with TaxSlayer.

•Applicable Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), Publication 4012, VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide, and Quality Site Requirement Alerts/Volunteer Tax Alerts (available on the IRS website).

•Taxpayer’s Wage and Income Transcripts from their IRS records are extremely useful.

Notes icon.
Taxpayers can access their transcripts online at Get Your Tax Records (www.irs.gov/transcript). To register for a new account, see Create a New Account on IRS.gov for instructions. Taxpayers can also request transcripts to be mailed to the address on file which takes 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery. In addition, taxpayers can request a transcript via Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, or by calling 1-800-908-9946.

Transcripts ordered online will be masked (redacted). Without EINs, the return cannot be e-filed. EXCEPTION: An unmasked wage and income transcript can be provided to the taxpayer when needed for preparing and filing a return. Only the taxpayer, or the taxpayer’s authorized representative, or the authorized individual for the decedent can make the request. An unmasked transcript may be provided to a taxpayer (or representative) by requesting it in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Appointments are required. Go to Contact Your Local IRS Office (www.irs.gov/appointments) to find a TAC office near you

•Prior year publications and instructions to forms and schedules are available on the IRS website.

•Use the online tool Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) for answers to many current and prior year tax law questions. ITA is available on the IRS website.

Whether to E-File or Mail Prior Year Returns:

Only the two most current prior years can be e-filed. Older prior year returns must be mailed to the appropriate IRS address from the list in Tab P, Partner Resources, “Where to File” page. Also, refer to Tab K, Finishing the Return, for additional information regarding balance due returns and payment options.

Expired Tax Topics and Other Issues Applicable to Prior Years:

Refer to the Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), for the applicable tax year and review the “What’s New” section.

What if a site cannot prepare a requested prior year return?

If possible, refer the taxpayer to other VITA/TCE sites that offer prior year return service. Otherwise, advise the taxpayer to seek assistance from a paid tax preparer.

Notes icon.
Don’t refer taxpayers to their local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center because they no longer prepare tax returns for individuals.

Filing an Injured Spouse Allocation in TaxSlayer

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms>Form 8379

Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, is filed by one spouse (the injured spouse) on a jointly filed tax return when the joint overpayment was (or is expected to be) applied (offset) to a past-due obligation of the other spouse. By filing Form 8379, the injured spouse may be able to get back his or her share of the joint refund.

To properly determine the amount of tax owed and overpayment due to each spouse, an allocation must be made as if each spouse filed a separate tax return instead of a joint return. So, each spouse must allocate his or her separate wages, self-employment income and expenses (and self-employment tax), and credits such as education credits, to the spouse who would have shown the item(s) on his or her separate return.

1.If the second box is checked, the refund will be generated in both names.

2.If the “Is the injured spouse legally obligated…” box is checked, Form 8379 cannot be filed.

3.Allocate any refundable child tax credit, child and dependent care credit, additional child tax credit, and education credit solely based on a dependent’s education expenses to the spouse who would have claimed the qualifying child (or qualifying relative) as a dependent if separate returns had been filed. Allocate any other credits as the taxpayer determines.

For more information regarding allocating income, deductions and credits, see Form 8379 Instructions

Caution icon.
Generally, if you file Form 8379 with a joint return on paper, the time needed to process it is about 14 weeks (11 weeks if filed electronically). If you file Form 8379 by itself after a joint return has been processed, the time needed is about 8 weeks. Processing errors can increase the time needed to process the form.

Record Keeping

Taxpayers should keep copies of their tax returns as part of their tax records. It can help them with the preparation of future tax returns, and they'll need them if they file an amended return or are audited.

Copies of their returns and other records can also be helpful to their surviving spouse or the executor or administrator of their estate.

How Long To Keep Records

Taxpayers must keep their records as long as they may be needed for the administration of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code. Generally, this means they must keep records that support items shown on the return until the period of limitations for that return runs out.

The period of limitations is the period of time in which the taxpayer can amend their return to claim a credit or refund or the IRS can assess additional tax. For additional information, refer to the Period of Limitations chart in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals).

Filing an Extension Using TaxSlayer

Navigation icon.
Miscellaneous Forms>Form 4868; or Keyword: 4868 or EXTE

Form 4868 – Application for Extension

How To File Your Extension

1.Enter your Information: Fill out all of the information in the “Required Extension Information” section below. Select Continue.

2.E-File Your Extension: Start by selecting e-file from the navigation bar. You will then be given the option to file your return (Form 1040 and supporting schedules), or to file your extension (Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). Complete the extension e-file process. You should get an acknowledgment regarding your extension (whether the IRS accepted or rejected it) by email within the 24-48 hours of filing.

3.Amount Paid with Extension: You will need to pay the amount due that you enter for “Amount Paid with Extension.” You can do this in one of 3 ways:

a. Pay by electronic withdrawal from your checking account: You can choose to pay your “payment” amount as an electronic withdrawal from your checking account. Once you enter the amount you would like to pay, check the box that appears to select this option. Enter your banking information, the date you would like the transaction to take place, and re-enter the amount to pay for confirmation. When you submit your extension, the withdrawal information will be sent.

b. Pay by credit card: You can use your credit card and pay by phone by contacting one of the IRS approved service providers. For details, visit www.irs.gov and select the Make a Payment button.

c. Mail in your payment with your Form 4868: The form will print with your draft tax return. Mail the form with your payment by check or money order.

Automatic 60 Day Extension to File

Notes icon.
Taxpayers whose main home is located in a disaster area are now automatically provided an extension of time to file returns, pay taxes, or complete other time-sensitive acts beginning on the first date specified in a federal disaster declaration and ending 60 days after the last date specified in that federal disaster declaration. Impacted taxpayers no longer need to wait for the IRS to announce postponed deadlines. This automatic relief applies to federal disaster declarations issued after December 20, 2019.

Notes:

Tab N: Using TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop

Navigating TaxSlayer® Pro (Desktop)

Notes icon.
This tab provides key highlights for using the desktop software TaxSlayer Pro. For specific tax law content refer to the appropriate tab in the Publication 4012, VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide. See VITA/TCE: TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop User Guide on the VITA/TCE Springboard for software details on starting and preparing a return, working with the Premium Tax Credit, entering income, deductions, etc., completing a state return, and finishing a return.

1.To begin a new return select Start New Return

2.Access the E-file section to transmit/e-file returns and extensions, check acknowledgments and print reports.

3.Client Status – search by SSN and display the taxpayer’s Social Security number, phone numbers, address, Federal return type, IRS Transaction date, and Reject information.

4.View Returns – allows you to enter a specific SSN or pick from the client list and choose from View/Print options. You cannot edit a return from View Returns.

5.Configuration – to set up the program defaults, preparers, etc.

6.Utilities – this menu allows you to backup and recall returns, and do other administrative tasks.

7.To edit an existing return, select the return in the Client List.

8.Select Print to print returns, extensions, and blank forms.

The toolbar appears at the top of the screen throughout the program, although some icons may not appear on all screens:

9.Select KB Search to search the knowledge base.

10.This icon brings up a Client Status screen. You can search by SSN and display the taxpayer’s Social Security number, phone numbers, address, federal return type, IRS Transaction date, and Reject information.

11.The HELP button takes you to the VITA/TCE Blog. You can search by category or keyword. Requires an internet connection.

12.Check the Message Center.

13.Brings up a link to IRS publications, forms and instructions. Requires an internet connection.

14.Many input screens provide an icon at the top of the screen that allows you to view the form from the current menu.

View from the exit screen when you mark the return as not complete.

15.Brings up the extension menu, where you can create or select an extension.

16.View rejected returns. The number here reflects the rejected returns for the whole site.

General Input Highlights

•To begin a new return, enter a SSN.

•Existing returns are viewable from the main Desktop page immediately after logging in.

•From the client list, you can start a new return by entering the SSN in the box provided.

•If the return does not exist, the software will ask if you want to create a new return.

•If the prior year exists, the software will ask if you want to carry forward the information from last year.

•If there is no Cancel button, hit the ESC key to get out of a single-entry screen.

•You can go to a return section by selecting the menu on the upper left or use the hot links from the specific lines of the Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

•You can select Form Finder on the lower left side to open a new form or open an existing form by selecting it in the completed forms list.

•View Form Option – many input screens provide an icon at the top of the screen that allows you to view the form from the current menu. You can also find forms by selecting the magnifying glass icon.

•When entering dependent information pay attention to the drop-down screens to capture unique situations that may apply.

Personal Information

1.If the spouse or dependent’s last name is the same as the taxpayer’s, TaxSlayer Pro automatically fills that box with the taxpayer’s last name after you hit the tab key

2.If you enter the primary SSN again on this screen, you’ll receive a warning if it doesn’t match the SSN you entered when starting the return

Caution icon.
Without an SSN or ITIN, the return cannot be e-filed. You may be able to file a paper return.

Desktop will allow you to leave the phone number and email address blank – but you should get as many phone numbers for the taxpayer as possible.

Premium Tax Credit

When you are finished entering the Personal Info for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents, desktop will ask about Marketplace coverage.

If you select Yes for Marketplace coverage, you will have to open the Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit later to add the information from the Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. A diagnostic warning will display to remind you.

The Personal Information summary menu will appear next. If you need to change your answers to the Marketplace questions, you can select that item.

Income – Key Highlights

After entering personal and Premium Tax Credit information, enter all items of income. Refer to Tab D, Income, for additional information and specific instructions on these topics. The list of income items is found in the income menu screen. If you exit or are at the Main Menu, you can select the corresponding menu option to get back to the item that you want.

Select the specific item and follow the software prompts.

•To enter Taxable Scholarship, Prisoner Earned Income, or Foreign Compensation, select Other Compensation on the W-2 Menu.

•Interest/ Dividend Income will be entered from either Income Menu Option 2 or 3 depending on the amount of the income. If you start with option 3 (less than $1500) and then put any amount using option 2 (Sch B), any amounts input under option 3 are ignored and lost.

•Private activity bond interest (PAB) is entered in Tax Computation>Alternative Minimum Tax>Interest from specified private activity bonds exempt from the regular tax.

•The Schedule C can be accessed through Option 6 of the main Income menu. Remember to enter the Principal Business Activity Code on the Schedule C.

•When entering gross receipts, this would include income reported on Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions, as well as all other cash and any other income received related to the business activity.

•To enter Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses, select Option 7 from the main Income menu and then enter the transactions. Select Other in the Edit Capital Gain/Loss Transactions screen to enter capital loss carryovers and to access the Sale of Home worksheet. See Tab D, Income, for more information on Capital Gains/ Losses.

•If an adjustment to basis or net capital gain is required, enter the adjustment amount and select the adjustment code(s) from the list. For most transactions, no adjustment to gain or loss is needed. You may need to enter an adjustment if the basis provided is incorrect, another situation applies that requires a change to the basis, or if the taxpayer is able to exclude some or all of the capital gain.

•To use the Simplified Method, check the box labeled “SGR” in Box 2A of Form 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc.

•To enter other income that is not already listed in the Other Income Menu box, select Option 1 and then enter the income.

Public Safety Exclusions

To enter the amount of the health insurance exclusion for a Public Safety Officer (PSO), from the Main Menu of the Tax Return (Form 1040)

1.Select Income Menu

2.Select IRA/Pension Distributions (Form 1099-R/RRB, SSA)

3.Select New and fill out the Payer’s Information

4.Enter the Gross Distribution in Box 1 as it is shown on the 1099-R

5.Subtract the amount of any Qualified Retired Public Safety Officer Distribution from the Gross Distribution and enter the different Taxable Amount. Exit this menu. The smaller of the amount of the premiums for health and/or long-term care (LTC) insurance or $3,000 can be excluded (subtracted) from distribution.

6.Next to letter “j” labeled Public Safety Officer, enter the excluded amount.

7.Select the line on Form 1040 where Form 1099-R is reported. When you view Form 1040, the abbreviation PSO will be displayed in the left margin.

If you selected Form 1040 wages line, you will be prompted to input the amount of distribution being excluded. The exclusion and the abbreviation PSO will print on the dotted line next to the wages amount.

Caution icon.
This is a guide on entering Public Safety Officer Distributions into TaxSlayer. This is not intended as tax advice.

Tips icon.
Any amount exceeding $3,000 is entered on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions as insurance cost. The insurance can be for the taxpayer, spouse and family. When Form 1099-R, Box 7 is Code 4 (distri- bution due to death), the PSO deduction may no longer be used.

Entering Medicaid Waiver Payments

(that may be excluded from income under Notice 2014-7):

•Qualified Medicaid waiver payments that are wages not reported on Form W-2, box 1 – The payments are already excluded from gross income and earned income. The tax preparer should complete the tax return as usual if the taxpayer does not choose to include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in earned income. A taxpayer who chooses to include qualified Medicaid waiver payments in earned income must report the payments as wages on line 1.

•Qualified Medicaid waiver payments reported on Form W-2, box 1 – In the TaxSlayer software, complete the Form W-2 as provided. Enter the amount of qualified Medicaid waiver payments received in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box at the bottom of the screen. Check the box just above the payment box if the taxpayer chooses to include the amount in the calculation of earned income for the EIC and the CTC.

•Qualified Medicaid waiver payments reported on Form 1099-NEC or Form 1099-MISC and the taxpayer is in the business of providing home health care services – Complete a Schedule C and enter the Form 1099-NEC or Form 1099-MISC as provided. Enter the amount of qualified Medicaid waiver payments received in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box at the bottom of the screen. Check the box just above the payment box if the taxpayer chooses to include the amount in the calculation of earned income for the EIC and the CTC.

•Qualified Medicaid waiver payments reported on Form 1099-MISC and the taxpayer is not in the business of providing home health care services – These payments are considered “other income” and are not reported on a Schedule C. Complete the Form 1099-MISC as provided. Enter the amount of qualified Medicaid waiver payments received in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box at the bottom of the screen. These payments are not subject to employment taxes and are not earned income, because they are not employee compensation or earnings from self-employment.

Credits – Key Highlights

•To enter tax credits select the Credits Option to bring up the Credits Menu.

•To enter a specific credit select the appropriate menu option and then follow the software prompts.

•You must answer due diligence questions in order to claim Earned Income Credit (EIC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Certain answers will cause the taxpayer to not receive CTC and EIC. Go to “View Results” and choose “Why No EIC Calculated” to see why. “If EIC Checklist was Not Answered Correctly” is checked, you must go back and correct your answers on Form 8867.

Printing from Desktop

There are different print settings available:

Tab O: Using TaxSlayer® Pro Online

Logging in to TaxSlayer® Pro Online

1.To set up TaxSlayer® Pro Online as a Favorite, use the following steps:

2.Open Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

3.Type https://vita.taxslayerpro.com in the address line. Current and prior year software can be accessed upon logging in.

4.In Microsoft Edge,

a. Select the 3 horizontal dots at the upper right side of the screen, then the favorites icon appears

b. Select Add

c. In Name, type the name you want the favorites to display

d. Select OK

5.In Chrome,

a. Select the 3 vertical dots at the upper right side of the screen

b. Select to display Bookmarks

c. Select Bookmark this page

Tips icon.
If using Chrome set your browser settings to allow popups and redirects from the TaxSlayer site. Settings>Privacy and Security>Site Settings>Popups and Redirects. On the Allow line, click Add and enter https://vita.taxslayerpro.com:443

Notes icon.
Screenshot above only references Chrome.

Tips icon.
Another technique in Chrome to unblock a site is to go to a page where pop-ups are blocked. In the address bar, click Pop-up blocked. Click the link for the pop-up you want to see. To always see pop-ups for the site, select Always allow pop-ups and redirects from [site], and then Done.

Logging in to Pro Online

The user name isn’t case sensitive. To log in to TaxSlayer® Pro Online, enter your Username and Password, then select Login. For added security, TaxSlayer uses a method called Multifactor Authentication, where a code is sent to you at a known point of contact to verify your identity.

You will be prompted to verify your account by having a code sent either to your email address or a cell phone capable of receiving text messages. In most cases, text messages are the fastest method of verification. Select your preferred option, and select Send Code.

When you receive your code, enter it and select Verify.

Tips icon.
If your account was set up with only an email address, the cell phone option will not appear.

You will need to perform this process periodically based on systems requirements.

Notes icon.
See TaxSlayer User Guide for updated login procedures

Notes icon.
After two unsuccessful login attempts, you will be required to select I'm not a robot.

Pro Online Homepage

The Welcome Menu is the “Main Menu” of the program. It is the first screen the program takes you to every time you log into your office account. From the Main Menu, you will find Menu Options that contain functions pertaining to the program. Each part of the program can be accessed by clicking on the gray Select button. This screen shot will be different based on your permissions level.

1.Open the Message Center bar (under Welcome) to review any messages that were sent to you. Delete those no longer needed.

2.Select to start a new return.

3.Select to open an existing return.

4.This option displays the Review Returns page, listing all returns that tax preparers have marked for review. The Quality Reviewer can select returns to review, and then mark the return as Approved or Rejected. This option will appear for volunteers with the appropriate permissions.

5.Configuration: Used by site administrators to manage site options and preparers.

6.Reports: Used by site administrators to view pre-configured reports.

7.Quick method of transmitting returns to the IRS through search based on name or SSN. Returns must be marked “Complete” to be transmitted. This option will appear for volunteers with the appropriate permissions.

8.Import Desktop returns – Users of Pro Online have global carryforward for prior year client information carryforward. Returns prepared in Desktop for the prior year will carryforward to Desktop. If the EFIN is transitioning from Desktop to Pro Online and wishes for the carryforward to Pro Online, select Import Desktop Return. This just needs to be done once at the beginning of the season.

Tips icon.
After selecting Start New 20XX Tax Return, you can select a client profile. Each profile will send you to appropriate data input screens for that kind of taxpayer, e.g., working family with kids, retired with investments, retired without investments. Recommend using Basic (No Profile), which provides access to the entire navigation suite.

Tips icon.
The list below has helpful hints on how to navigate within TaxSlayer software easier.

•Form Finder: Open forms to TaxSlayer entry screens by entering the form number or keyword in the form search box.

•Use the navigation menu to jump directly to a section of the tax return. Forms already entered will show on this menu.

•1040 View: From the Summary/Print page, click on any blue line item to go to that entry screen.

•Type dates without leading zeros and tab between fields rather than using the pull down menu.

•Make Internal Note: To make a note that will not be transmitted to the IRS but will stay with the file from year to year (until manually deleted), select the pull-down arrow to the right of the taxpayer’s name in top right corner and select Notes. Then give the note a name and enter details. This note will be attached to the page where you created it and it will also be accessible from the Client Search List.

•Viewing individual schedules and forms: If a print icon appears beside the form name in any menu click on it to create a PDF of just that form or schedule. In addition, there is a print icon for the state return if you want to preview it.

•For attachments such as Form 8332, a POA, or certificate of court appointed rep's appointment, as well as a portion of a broker statement, go to Capital Gains and select PDF Attachments.

•To Deactivate a return, go to Client List>Tools>Deactivate.

•From the Client List, select Client Status to view any rejected or accepted returns and/or select a Print of a return that was e-filed.

Navigating TaxSlayer® Pro Online

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Income

Income

This section is used to enter the various types of income that should be reported on the tax return. Select Begin to enter an item of income or select Edit to update an item of income. See Tab D, Income, for more directions on entering specific types of income.

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Deductions

Deductions

The deductions entry screen is used to enter the various types of deductions (adjustments/credits) that should be reported on the tax return. Select Begin to enter a deduction or select Edit to update a deduction. See Tab E, Adjustments; Tab F, Deductions; Tab G, Nonrefundable Credits; Tab H, Other Taxes, Payments and Refundable Credits; Tab I, Earned Income Credit; and Tab J, Education Benefits, for additional information and specific instructions on these topics.

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Other Taxes

Other Taxes

This section is used to enter any other tax types for which the taxpayer may be liable. Select the Begin button next to any other tax item to enter in data applicable to the taxpayer. See Tab H, Other Taxes, Payments and Refundable Credits, for additional information and specific instructions.

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Payments and Estimates

Payments & Estimates

This section is used to enter such items as payments, apply overpayments to next year’s return and to print vouchers for next year’s estimated payments. Select the Begin button next to any payment or estimate item to enter in data applicable to the taxpayer. See the Tab H, Other Taxes, Payments and Refundable Credits, for additional information and specific instructions.

Navigation icon.
Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms

Miscellaneous Forms

This section of the Federal Section is used to enter the following:

•Injured Spouse Allocation (Form 8379)

•Claim a Refund Due to a Deceased Taxpayer (Form 1310)

•Application for Extension (Form 4868)

•Married Filing Separate Allocation

•IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)

•Installment Agreement (Form 9465)

•Application for ITIN (Form W-7)

•Power of Attorney (Form 2848)

•Explanations (Preparer Notes) are transmitted in the e-file to the IRS, unlike Internal Notes discussed earlier.

After preparing or reviewing a form, Continue must be selected in order to save information on that form. Other forms may be added from the navigation column or the Form Finder box on the left-hand side. It is not necessary to navigate back into the Income or Deductions pages. However, in the state return, click Continue on each state page until the Exit [state name] Return prompt is reached. (If Continue is not an option, select Back.)

Navigation icon.
State Section

State Section

Since the IRS cannot train volunteers to prepare state and local tax returns, partners are responsible for scheduling appropriate state and local tax training for volunteers wherever this service will be voluntarily offered.

The State of Residency will auto-fill when the Zip Code is entered in the Basic Information section. The State of Residency can be changed manually in the Basic Information section after the state has auto-filled. If you don’t have a state return, you can select Continue or use any of the navigation options on the left side of your screen.

The following states don’t have a general state income tax return: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and New Hampshire levies a tax on interest and dividend income.

For Military certification, refer to the note in Tab B, Starting a Return, Entering Basic Information regarding the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA).

Additional states can be added to the return file at the Add Another State Return link in the State Return home page. Choose a state from the pick list or by selecting the state on the United States map and select Continue. Select the taxpayer’s state residency type. The residency types for most states are resident, part year resident and nonresident. Select Continue. You can prepare up to 3 states for a taxpayer.

To delete a state return, select State Section from the left side of your screen. Select the delete icon next to the state that you would like to delete.

Summary/Print Page

The Calculation Summary screen is an overview of each section of the tax return. Select the show details link located next to each item to view a breakdown of what items are included in the tax return. You can view and/or edit each item of income, adjustments, tax, payments, etc., by selecting the link from the expanded list. You can toggle between the Summary View or the 1040 View, which allows you to link from most of the line items on the Form 1040. The prior year comparison option will contain return data if a prior year return was completed through the software.

Select View/Print Return to create a PDF of the return that can be printed or reviewed. This view/print option will be the TaxSlayer default print set, not your site's default print set. Your site's print sets and other print options available from the Client search screen are shown in the sample below.

Quality Review

When performing a quality review, you can access the quality review print set by navigating to the Office Client List, click the arrows next to the printer icon and select QUALITY REVIEW. These are the default print sets, but your site may have defined custom print sets for your use.

Refer to Publication 5838, VITA/TCE Intake/Interview and Quality Review Handbook, for complete quality review instructions.

Navigating TaxSlayer

Form or Topic

Keyword

Navigation to Data Entry Screen

Pub 4012 Page

982 Reduction of Tax Attributes…

982 or CANC

Income>Other Income>Cancellation of Debt 1099-C, 982>Exclusions (Form982)

EXT-6

1040-ES Estimated Tax Payments (Vouchers)

VOU

Payments & Estimates>Vouchers for 20XX Estimated Tax Payments

K-28

1040-X Amended Return

N/A

Access the federal and state amended return screens from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen

M-3

1095-A Health Insurance

N/A

Access the Health Insurance section from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen

H-10

1098 Mortgage Interest Statement

1098

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Mortgage Interest and Expenses>Mortgage Interest Reported on Form 1098

F-12

1098-E Student Loan Interest

STU

Deductions>Adjustments>Student Loan Interest Deduction

E-17

1098-T Tuition Statement

1098 or 8863

Deductions>Credits Menu>Education Credits and/or Income>Other Income>Other Compensation>Scholarships and Grants

J-12

1099-A Acquisition or Abandonment

CAP

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Sale of Main Home Worksheet or use Capital Gains and Loss Items

EXT-3

1099-B Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange

CAP

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Capital Gains and Loss Items

D-32

1099-C Cancellation of Debt

CANC

Income>Other Income>Cancellation of Debt 1099-C, 982>Cancellation of Debt (Form 1099-C)

D-71

1099-DIV Dividends

DIV

Income >Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-18

1099-G State Tax Refund

Income>Form 1099-G Box 2

D-20

1099-G Unemployment Compensation

U or G

Income>Form 1099-G Box 1

D-6

1099-INT Interest Income

INT

Income>Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-18

1099-K Payment Card and Third Party…

N/A

Income>Schedule C

D-24

1099-LTC Long-Term Care and Accelerated Death Benefits

8853 or LTC

Deductions>Adjustments>Medical Savings Account Form 8853>scroll to Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance Contracts (Form 1099-LTC)

D-66

1099-MISC Miscellaneous Income

MIS

Income>1099-MISC

D-67

1099-NEC Nonemployee Compensation

NEC

Income>1099-NEC

D-22

1099-OID Original Issue Discount

INT

Income>Schedule B – Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-14

1099-R IRA Distribution

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

D-43

1099-R Pension Distributions

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

D-43

1099-R Retirement

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

D-43

1099-S Proceeds from Real Estate Transaction

-S

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Capital Gains and Loss Items

D-38

1099-SA HSA

HSA

Deductions>Adjustments>Health Savings Account Form 8889

E-10

1310 Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer

1310

Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms>Form 1310

K-19

2120 Multiple Support Declaration

N/A

Basic Information>Dependents/Qualifying Person>Dependents/Qualifying Person>This dependent qualifies for a Multiple Support Declaration

C-6

4852 Substitute for Form W-2

W

Income>Form W-2>Add a W-2 Wage Statement. Then select: This is a substitute W-2

D-8

4852 Substitute for Form 1099-R

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

Then select: Check here if this is a substitute 1099-R

D-43

5329 Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans and Other Tax-Favored Accounts

5329

Other Taxes>Tax on Early Distribution

H-6

5498-SA

HSA

Deductions>Adjustments>Health Savings Account Form 8889

E-10

CSA 1099-R Civil Service Annuity Paid

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

D-47

CSF 1099-R Statement of Survivor Annuity Paid

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

D-47

K-1 Beneficiary’s (or Partner’s) Share of Income

K-1

Income>Other Income>K-1 Earnings

D-59

RRB 1099 Railroad Retirement Benefits (Tier 1 blue form)

SSA

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Social Security Benefits/RRB-1099

D-57

RRB 1099-R Railroad Retirement Benefits (Tier 2 green form)

RRB

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>RRB-1099-R

D-56

SSA-1099 Social Security Benefits

SSA

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Social Security Benefits/RRB-1099

D-57

W-2 Wages & Salaries

W

Income>Form W-2>Add a W-2 Wage Statement

D-8

W-2G Gambling Winnings

W2G

Income>Other Income>Gambling Winnings W-2G

D-65

Alimony Paid

ALIM

Deductions>Adjustments> Alimony Paid

E-14

Alimony Received

ALIM

Income>Alimony Received

E-14

Amended Return

N/A

Access the federal and state amended return screens from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen

M-3

American Opportunity Credit

8863

Deductions>Credits Menu>Education Credits Form 1098-T

J-8

Annuity Calculator, Simplified Method or Public Safety Officer Exclusion

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R>Calculate taxable amount

D-45

Attachments

CAP

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>PDF Attachments

D-32

Brokers Statements

N/A

See appropriate 1099

Business Expenses

SC or BUS

Income>Schedule C>General Expenses, and

Income>Schedule C>Car and Truck Expenses

D-28
D-30

Cancellation of Debt

CANC

Income>Other Income>Cancellation of Debt 1099-C, 982>Cancellation of Debt (Form 1099-C)

D-71

Capital Gains

CAP

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Capital Gains and Loss Items

D-32

Capital Gains Distributions

DIV

Income >Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-18

Capital Loss Carryover

CAP

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Other Capital Gains Data (including Capital Loss Carryover)

D-32

Charitable Distribution from IRA

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R then subtract distribution that was sent directly from an IRA to charity from Box 1 and enter the difference in Box 2a., and

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Nontaxable Distributions to add QCD indicator to return

D-43
D-52

Child and Dependent Care Expenses

2441

Deductions>Credits Menu>Child Care Credit

G-14

Deactivate Return

Client List>Tools>Deactivate

Deceased Taxpayer

PER plus 1310

Basic Information>Personal Information>Taxpayer is deceased, and complete Form 1310 if person filing the form is other than the spouse and getting a refund.

Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms>Form 1310

K-19

K-19

Direct Deposit/Direct Debit

Access the E-file section by selecting E-file from the navigation menu on the left side of the screen

K-3

Dividend Income

DIV

Income >Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-18

Donations to Charity

CHAR

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Gifts to Charity

F-14

Early Withdrawal Penalty (not on 1099-INT)

EARL

Deductions >Adjustments

E-3

Earned Income Credit for Married Filing Separate (MFS)

PER

Basic Information>Personal Information>Filing Married Filing Separate and meets the requirements to claim the EIC

I-4

Education Expenses

8863

Deductions >Credits Menu>Education Credits Form 1098-T

J-8

Educator Expenses

EDUCA

Deductions>Adjustments> Educator Expenses

E-8

Elderly or Disabled Credit

ELD

Deductions>Credits Menu >Credit for the Elderly or Disabled Schedule R

G-23

Energy Credit

ENER

Deductions>Credits>Residential Energy Credits

G-20

Estimated Tax Payments paid for current tax year

FED

Federal Section>Payments & Estimates

H-9

Estimated Payment Vouchers (Federal) for next year

VOU

Payments & Estimates>Vouchers for 20XX Estimated Tax Payments

K-28

Exempt Interest

INT

Income>Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-14

Extension, Filing for

4868 or EXTE

Miscellaneous Forms>Form 4868

M-13

First-Time Homebuyer Credit (Repayment)

FIR

Other Taxes>Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit

H-4

Foreign Tax Credit

1116

Deductions>Credits Menu>Foreign Tax Credit Form 1116

G-8

Gambling Winnings

W2G

Income>Other Income>Gambling Winnings W-2G

D-65

Gambling Losses

2G or W2G

Income>Other Income>Gambling Winnings W-2G, or

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Other Itemized Deductions

D-65

F-15

Health Savings Accounts

HSA

Deductions>Adjustments>Health Savings Account Form 8889

E-10

Household Employee Income (no W-2)

OTHER

Income>Other Income>Other Compensation>Household Employee Income

D-65

Identity Protection PIN

PIN

Basic Information>IRS Identity Protection PIN, or Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms>IRS Identification PIN

P-6

Injured Spouse

INJ

Miscellaneous Forms>Form 8379

P-10

Interest Income or Interest Income not on a Form

INT

Income>Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-14

IRA Contributions (Traditional IRA)

IRA D

Deductions>Adjustments>IRA Deduction

E-15

IRA Contributions (ROTH IRA)

8880

Deductions>Credits Menu>Retirement Savings Credit Form 8880>Enter Any Current Year Traditional or Roth IRA Contributions (Do not re-enter Traditional IRA contributions already reported in the IRA Deduction menu)

E-16

IRA Distributions

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

D-43

IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (Not a Charitable Gift Annuity)

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R then subtract distribution that was sent directly from an IRA to charity from Box 1 and enter the difference in Box 2a., and

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Nontaxable Distributions to add QCD indicator to return

D-43

D-52

IRA Rollover

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R THEN, check the box “Check here if all/part of the distribution was rolled over and enter the rollover amount.” Go back and reduce Box 2a by amount of rollover.

D-43

ITIN, Application for

W7 or ITIN

Miscellaneous Forms>Form W-7

L-5

Jury Duty Pay

Income>Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere

D-65

Jury Duty Paid to the Employer

Deductions>Adjustments

E-3

Lump Sum Social Security Benefit

SSA

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Social Security Benefits/RRB 1099>Begin Worksheet

D-58

Medical and Dental Expenses

MED

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Medical and Dental Expenses

F-7

Medicaid Waiver Payments on W-2 (that may be excluded from income under Notice 2014-7)

W

Income>W-2

THEN, enter amount of MWP in the Medicaid Waiver Payment box below box 13 (this amount will be subtracted on Schedule 1).

Also check the box above this amount if TP wishes to include MWP in earned income

D-12

Mileage for Charitable Travel

CHAR

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Gifts to Charity>Noncash Gifts to Charity

F-14

Mileage for Medical Travel

MED

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Medical and Dental Expenses

F-7

Mortgage Interest and Points Paid

MORT

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Mortgage Interest and Expenses>Mortgage Interest Reported on Form 1098

F-12

Mortgage Interest Paid—not on Form 1098

MORT

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Mortgage Interest and Expenses>Mortgage Interest Not Reported on Form 1098

F-12

Noncash Donations that total $500 or less

CHAR

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Gifts to Charity>Noncash Gifts to Charity

F-14

Notary Income

SELF

Income>Schedule C and also Other Taxes>Self-Employment Tax>Enter Exempt Notary Income (exempt from SE tax and EIC)

D-21

OID Interest

INT

Income>Schedule B – Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-14

Other Income (prizes, jury duty, etc.)

Federal>Income>Other Income

D-65

Pension Distributions

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R

D-43

Personal Property Taxes

TAX

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Taxes You Paid

F-10

PIN, Identity Protection

PIN

Basic Information>IRS Identity Protection PIN or

Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms>IRS Identification PIN

P-6

Private Activity Bond interest

INT

Income>Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-14

Prizes and Awards

N/A

Income>Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere

D-65

Public Safety Officer Exclusion

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R>Calculate taxable amount

D-45

Real Estate Taxes

TAX

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Taxes You Paid

F-10

Refunds of State and Local Income Tax (if reportable)

Income>Form 1099-G Box 2

D-20

Retirement Savings Credit

SAVE or 8880

Deductions>Credits Menu>Retirement Savings Credit Form 8880

G-18

Roth IRA Contributions

IRA

Deductions>Credits Menu>Retirement Savings Credit Form 8880 THEN, enter any current year traditional or Roth IRA contributions

G-18

Royalties (Simple royalties with no associated expenses)

SC

Income>Schedule E

D-63

Sale of Main Home

-S

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Capital Gains and Loss Items

D-38

Sale of Stock

CAP

Income>Schedule D/Form 8949>Capital Gains and Loss Items

D-32

Sales Tax Deduction

TAX

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Taxes You Paid

F-10

Schedule C

SC

Income>Schedule C

D-21

Scholarships and Grants

OTHER

Income>Other Income>Other Compensation

D-68

Self-employed Health Insurance Deduction

HEA

Income>Schedule C>General Expenses>Health Insurance

E-9

Self-employment Income

SC

Income>Schedule C

D-21

Seller-financed Mortgage Interest Paid

MORT

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Mortgage Interest and Expenses>Mortgage Interest Not Reported on Form 1098

F-12

Seller-financed Mortgage Interest Received

INT

Income>Schedule B - Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income>Seller Financed Interest Income

D-17

Simplified Method

-R

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Add or Edit a 1099-R>Calculate taxable amount

D-45

Social Security Benefits

SSA

Income>Form 1099-R, RRB, SSA>Social Security Benefits/RRB-1099

D-57

State and Local Taxes Paid

TAX

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Taxes You Paid

F-10

Student Loan Interest

STU

Deductions>Adjustments> Student Loan Interest Deduction

E-17

Substitute W-2

W

Income>Form W-2>Add a W-2 Wage Statement Then select: This is a substitute W-2

D-8

Tax Exempt Interest

INT

Income>Schedule B-Forms 1099-INT, DIV, OID>Interest or Dividend Income

D-14

Taxable Refund Worksheet or State and Local Tax Refund Worksheet

Income>Form 1099-G Box 2

D-20

Taxes Paid, Federal or State Estimated

FED

Federal>Payments & Estimates

H-9

Taxes Paid, State and Local Estimated

FED or STATE

Federal>Payments & Estimates

H-9

Tip Income (not reported to employer)

W

Federal Section>Income>W-2>Unreported tips

H-4

Tip Income (not reported to employer because tips were less than $20 per month)

4137

Other Taxes>Tax on Unreported Tip Income

H-4

Traditional IRA Contributions

IRA D

Deductions>Adjustments>IRA Deduction

E-15

Tribal Per Capita Payments not on 1099

Income>Other Income>Other Income Not Reported Elsewhere

D-65

Unemployment Compensation

G

Income>Form 1099-G Box 1

D-6

Unemployment Compensation Repayment—Same Year as Benefit Received

G

Income>Form 1099-G Box 1

D-6

Volunteer Expenses

CHAR

Deductions>Itemized Deductions>Gifts to Charity

F-14

Vouchers for Estimated Payments Federal State

VOU

Payments & Estimates>Vouchers for 20XX Estimated Tax Payments

K-28

Wages & Salaries

W

Income>Form W-2>Add a W-2 Wage Statement

D-8

W-7 Application for ITIN

W7 or ITIN

Miscellaneous Forms>Form W-7

L-5

Tab P: Partner Resources

Resources for Assisting Taxpayers

Information for Assisting People with Disabilities

There are many misconceptions about interacting with people with disabilities. Publication 5192, Ten Key Points of Communicating with People with Disabilities, covers the 10 core disability etiquette points that volunteers should be aware of when working with this group.

Serving Taxpayers Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Taxpayers who are deaf or hard of hearing have varying ranges of language skills and abilities. Some can communicate verbally with you, while others cannot. Some can read lips, and some communicate with English Exact Sign which is a method of sign language that mimics the English language precisely as it is spoken. However, most taxpayers who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate with American Sign Language (ASL). Publication 5231, Key Points for Communicating with People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, provides helpful points of etiquette for volunteers serving this group at the VITA/TCE sites.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing is available TTY 1-800-799-4889.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center – Appointment Service

The IRS requires appointments at Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) locations throughout the United States. Taxpayers will call a new toll-free number to make an appointment for face-to-face service. Taxpayers requiring an appointment at a TAC location should call 1-844-545-5640.

The IRS also provides Virtual Tax Services at various locations that do not have a TAC. With this model, taxpayers sit at a designated workstation and are assisted by an IRS employee who appears on screen and is located in a remote office.

IRS Voice and Chat Bots

Voice bots are software powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that allow a caller to navigate an interactive voice response (IVR) system with their voice, generally using natural language. Chat bots simulate human conversation through web-based text interaction, also using AI-powered software to respond to natural language prompts.

The IRS has deployed voice and chat bots in English and Spanish for phone lines that assist taxpayers with tax payments issues or understanding an IRS notice they may have received. The bots are now available to help taxpayers with:

•How to make one-time payments

•Answers to frequently asked questions

•Collection notice clarification

IRS voice bots will also enable taxpayers to authenticate their identity to establish payment plans, request a transcript and obtain information about their accounts, such as payoff details.

Other Languages

IRS is translating tax resources into more languages. Currently, basic tax information is available in twenty languages. Refer to www.irs.gov/mylanguage.

Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet, is available in multiple languages. These can be downloaded at www.irs.gov/forms-instructions.

1.Taxpayers may choose to receive written communication from the IRS in a language other than English. Mark the appropriate box in the Basic Information section in TaxSlayer and select the language from the drop-down list.

IP PIN Guidance for Identity Theft Victims

Being sensitive towards victims of identity theft is critical to assisting taxpayers through a confusing and frustrating situation. Remember victims of identity theft are:

•Victimized by identity thieves, mostly through no fault of their own, and

•Trying to comply with tax laws, file a tax return and pay their fair share of taxes

Taxpayers can receive IP PINs in two ways. From mid December through early January, the IRS mails Notice CP01A to taxpayers previously identified as identity theft victims. The notice includes a 6-digit Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) to be entered on the tax return. Taxpayers are mailed Notice CP01A every year as long as the identity theft indicator remains on their account (usually 3 years). Taxpayers may also Opt-In to receive an IP PIN. (See Voluntary Opt-In IP PIN for more information).

Use the most recent IP PIN regardless of the tax year.

Use the chart below when assisting taxpayers who are victims or may be victims of identity theft at VITA/ TCE site.

If...

Then...

Identity Protection PIN (IP) PIN was issued to primary and/or, secondary and/or dependent taxpayer(s)

Ensure the IP PIN is input correctly on the tax return.

Taxpayer received an IP PIN but didn’t bring it with them

1.Complete a tax return for the taxpayer.

2.Provide the taxpayer with a complete copy of the tax return. (Provide two copies - one copy to keep for their records and the other copy if the taxpayer will mail the tax return.)

3.Refer to Lost, Misplaced or Non-Receipt of IP PIN on the following page.

4.If the taxpayer wants to e-file, arrange for the taxpayer to provide the IP PIN by returning to the site or via telephone.

Taxpayer received an IP PIN but misplaced or lost it

1.Complete a tax return for the taxpayer.

2.Provide the taxpayer with a complete copy of the tax return. (Provide two copies - one copy to keep for their records and the other copy if the taxpayer will mail the tax return.)

3.Refer to Lost, Misplaced or Non-Receipt of IP PIN on the following page.

4.If the taxpayer receives original or a reissued IP PIN and wants to e-file, arrange for the taxpayer to provide the IP PIN by returning to the site or via telephone.

Taxpayer didn’t receive IP PIN but IRS rejected the e-filed tax return because the IP PIN wasn’t entered.

1.Refer to Lost, Misplaced or Non-Receipt of IP PIN on the following page.

2.Provide the taxpayer with two complete copies of the tax return.

3.If the taxpayer receives the original or a reissued IP PIN and the taxpayer wants to e-file, advise the taxpayer to provide the IP PIN by returning to the site or via telephone.

4.If IRS doesn’t provide the IP PIN, advise the taxpayer to follow IRS instructions in mailing the tax return. There may be processing delays as IRS verifies the taxpayer’s identity.

IRS rejected the taxpayer’s tax return because the taxpayer’s primary/ secondary/dependent SSN was previously used.

1.Advise the taxpayer to contact the IRS for assistance. If required, they will advise the taxpayer to complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, and to mail it with their tax return to the IRS. Taxpayers can electronically complete and submit Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Use a fillable form at IRS.gov, print, then attach the form to your return and mail your return according to instructions. The IRS will respond in approximately 30 days after all the necessary information is received.

2.Provide the taxpayers two copies of their tax return. One copy for the taxpayer to keep for their records and the other copy to mail.

Lost, Misplaced or Non-Receipt of IP PIN

If a taxpayer didn’t receive his/her new IP PIN or the taxpayer misplaced it, the taxpayer has two options:

1.Register and create a user profile to get his/her current IP PIN. The registration process will require the taxpayer to provide specific personal information and answer a series of questions to validate his/her identity. Go to Retrieve Your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) at www.irs.gov/retrieveippin.

2.Contact IRS at 1-800-908-4490 to request his/her IP PIN to be reissued by mail if the taxpayer is unable or unwilling to create an account on the IRS website.

The taxpayer will need to mail a paper tax return without the IP PIN if either of the following situations apply:

1.The taxpayer has moved since January 1 of this year, or

2.It’s after October 14 and the taxpayer hasn’t filed his/her current or prior year tax return.

Existing IP PIN users seeking to retrieve their numbers should not apply for a new IP PIN with Form 15227. The Form 15227 application process is only for taxpayers who are newly opting into the program and do not already have an IP PIN requirement.

IRS will review the return to confirm the taxpayer’s identity which may delay a refund.

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Basic Information>IRS Identity Protection PIN or Federal Section>Miscellaneous Forms>IRS Identification PIN; or Keyword: PIN

To enter a taxpayer’s IP PIN in the tax software, select Miscellaneous Forms under the Federal Section on the left navigation bar and then select IRS Identification PIN and complete the screen as shown.

Voluntary Opt-In IP PIN

Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program Expanded for all Taxpayers

Taxpayers may voluntarily opt-in to receive an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). The six-digit IP PIN prevents the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their electronic or paper tax return. If taxpayers want to opt in, please note:

•They must pass a rigorous identity verification process.

•Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity proofing process.

Here’s how it works:

•Taxpayers may go to the Get an IP PIN (www.irs.gov/ippin) tool on IRS.gov, pass Secure Access authentication and immediately access a six-digit IP PIN. Before using the Get an IP PIN tool the taxpayers should review the requirements at www.IRS.gov/secureaccess.

•Do not file a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, for clients who are not tax-related identity theft victims and who are voluntarily opting into the program.

•When prompted by tax preparation products, clients or their tax preparers must enter the IP PIN issued to the primary and/or secondary taxpayers or their dependents.

•An electronic tax return rejects if an incorrect IP PIN is used.

•Taxpayers with either a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) who can verify their identities are eligible.

•An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year. Clients must obtain a new IP PIN each year at the start of the filing season by accessing the account they created at www.irs.gov/ippin.

•While currently there is no opt-out feature, the IRS may add this feature later for taxpayers with online access.

Alternatives to online Get an IP PIN tool:

Taxpayers who cannot authenticate their identities online may file Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number. The taxpayers adjusted gross income on the last filed return must be below $73,000 for Individuals or $146,000 for Married Filing Joint. An IRS assister will call taxpayers to ask a series of questions to verify their identities. Once the taxpayer's identity is verified, they will receive their IP PIN via the U.S. Postal Service usually within four to six weeks.

Taxpayers who cannot authenticate online or with the Form 15227 process, have the option to verify their identities in person by making an appointment at an IRS office. Taxpayers must bring one current government-issued picture identification document and another identification document to prove their identity. An IP PIN will be issued within 3 weeks if their identity is authenticated at a local office.

Frequent Taxpayer Inquiries

Taxpayers normally ask questions during the interview process about the topics covered in this section. Visit the IRS.gov website, or see Publication 17 for additional topics and information.

Installment Payment

Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process, explains taxpayers’ rights and responsibilities regarding payment of federal taxes.

Copies of Prior-Year Returns

For information purposes: Taxpayers can go to Get Your Tax Record at www.irs.gov/transcripts to register and secure a transcript which partially masks the personally identifiable information of everyone listed on the tax return. To access this transcript online they must have email and be able to prove their identities with enhanced verification. Taxpayers can also request masked transcripts to be mailed to the address on file which takes 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery. In addition, taxpayers can request a transcript via Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, or by calling 1-800-908-9946.

For tax preparation purposes: Taxpayers or other third parties who require an unmasked transcript for tax return preparation or filing may contact the IRS, present proper authentication to prove their identities and an unmasked transcript will be mailed to the taxpayer’s address of record.

If a photocopy of a return is needed, taxpayers should complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. Mail to the address for the state the taxpayer lived in when the return was filed. See addresses on Form 4506.

Amended Returns (See Tab M, Other Returns)

Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, should be used by taxpayers to amend their return. Many mistakes are corrected in processing by the IRS, and a letter of explanation is mailed at the time an error is identified or when a refund is issued. In these cases, taxpayers aren’t required to file an amended return as the corrections have already been made.

Preparation of amended returns has expanded in the VITA/TCE programs. Sites can choose to file amended returns even if they didn’t prepare the original return. See Tab M, Other Returns, for additional information on preparing amended returns. Taxpayers can check the status of their Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, for the current year and up to three prior years at Where's My Amended Return.

Taxpayer Address Changes

Taxpayers should use Form 8822, Change of Address, to notify the IRS of any change of address. If taxpayers move after filing the return and before a refund is received, they should notify their old post office and the IRS of their new address.

Recordkeeping

Taxpayers should keep their tax documents until the statute of limitations runs out for the return. Usually, this is three years from the date the return was due or filed, or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. Keep basis documents and returns until the property is disposed of or sold. See Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses, for details. In some cases of unreported income, the IRS has up to 6 years from date of filing to assess additional taxes.

Returns filed before the due date (without regard to extensions) are considered filed on the due date (even if the due date was a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday). Refer taxpayers to Publication 17, Filing Information section, or Recordkeeping at www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/record-keeping.

FREE Tax Preparation Locations

Consult your Site Coordinator for information about the location of other VITA/TCE sites in your area. Taxpayers may go to Get Free Tax Prep Help at irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/, download the IRS mobile app IRS2Go, or call 1-800-906-9887 for more information. For AARP Tax Aide sites, go to AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator at www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html or call 1-888-227-7669 for this information.

Problems Navigating the IRS

Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Your local advocate’s number is at www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov, and in your local directory. You can also call 1-877-777-4778.

See Publication 1546, The Taxpayer Advocate Service Is Your Voice at the IRS, for details on what TAS provides.

Refund Information

Taxpayers should be directed to Where's My Refund? at www.irs.gov/refunds for specific information about their refund. Taxpayers can view refund information for the current 2 prior years.

Innocent Spouse Relief

Taxpayers who file a joint tax return are jointly and individually responsible for the tax and any interest or penalty due on the joint return even if they later divorce. In some cases, a spouse (or former spouse) will be relieved of the tax, interest, and penalties on a joint tax return. Spousal relief is granted in certain situations when a taxpayer can prove he/she isn’t liable for amounts due in joint filing situations.

Taxpayers should see Publication 971, Innocent Spouse Relief, which explains the types of relief, who may qualify for them, and how to get them. Married persons who didn’t file joint returns, but who live in community property states, may also qualify for relief. (Out of Scope)

Injured Spouse Relief

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Miscellaneous Forms>Form 8379

An injured spouse claim is different from an innocent spouse relief request. An injured spouse can request the division of tax overpayment attributed to each spouse. The injured spouse must file Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, to request his or her portion of a joint refund. Reference Tab M, Other Returns, and see Publication 4491 and Form 8379 Instructions for additional details.

Married Filing Separately

Unless required to file separately, married taxpayers may want their tax figured on a joint return and on separate returns, to make sure they are receiving the most advantageous filing status. Filing separately may be advantageous for some taxpayers in certain situations, however, most married taxpayers would pay more combined tax on separate returns than they would on a joint return. See Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), Filing Status section, for Special Rules (which outlines the disadvantages). Taxpayers who filed a Married Filing Jointly return cannot amend their return to change to Married Filing Separately after the due date of the return. There is an exception for deceased taxpayers.

Social Security Numbers and Account Information

Social Security Administration no longer issues Social Security Number verification printouts in their field offices. Taxpayers may get this information using the my Social Security Account feature on the Social Security Administration website. Local Social Security offices will continue to provide benefit verification letters.

Volunteers should enter names into the tax software as they appear in SSA records in order to minimize rejected returns.

Hardship Refund Request

A taxpayer’s tax refund will be offset (intercepted) to pay outstanding federal tax debts, child support, federal nontax debts, state income tax debts, and unemployment compensation debts. When a tax refund is offset, the taxpayer will receive a letter explaining how the refund was applied to his or her outstanding debt.

If a taxpayer would face a hardship from a tax refund offset and has only outstanding federal tax debts, he or she can request an Offset Bypass Refund (OBR) from the IRS. Refer the taxpayer to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to see if they meet TAS case acceptance criteria. The OBR typically should be requested before the return is filed because the OBR must be approved before the refund is offset.

Requests for hardship relief from other debts must be made to the agency to which the debt is owed. The Treasury Offset Program (TOP) can confirm whether a tax refund will offset for these other debts and provide details about the debt and a contact phone number for the agency to which the debt is owed. The TOP Call Center can be reached weekdays at 1-800-304-3107, TTD 800-877-8339, between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

Missing Refund

When a taxpayer has verified that they did not receive a refund, even though IRS records or a letter specifies otherwise, they can initiate a trace by calling 800-919-9835 or filing Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. Form 3911 should be mailed to their usual IRS Service Center or sent there via FAX. See list of FAX numbers at www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov.

Where to File

Where Do You File?

Mail your return to the address shown below that applies to you.

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Envelopes without enough postage will be returned to you by the post office. Your envelope may need additional postage if it contains more than five pages or is oversized (for example, it is over 1/4” thick). Also, include your complete return address.

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Make the check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.” Taxpayers should write “2023 Form 1040” and the first name listed on the tax return (primary taxpayer), address, daytime phone number, and primary taxpayer’s Social Security number (SSN) on their payment and enclose it with Form 1040-V. Do not staple or attach to Form 1040-V.

IF you live in...

And you ARE NOT enclosing a payment use this address …

and you ARE enclosing a payment use this address...

Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999-0002

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 931000

Louisville, KY 40293-1000

Pennsylvania

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999-0002

Internal Revenue Service

P. O. Box 802501

Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501

Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0002

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 1214

Charlotte, NC 28201-1214

Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999-0002

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 1214

Charlotte, NC 28201-1214

Arizona, New Mexico

Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0002

Internal Revenue Service

P. O. Box 802501

Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501

Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Ogden, UT 84201-0002

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 802501

Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501

A foreign country, U.S. possession or territory*, or use an APO or FPO address, or file Form 2555 or 4563, or are a dual-status alien

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0215 USA

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 1303

Charlotte, NC 28201-1303 USA

*If you live in American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands, see Pub. 570, Tax Guide for Individuals With Income From U.S. Possessions.

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Mailing addresses for amended returns can be found in the instructions for Form 1040-X.

Where’s My Refund

Taxpayers can access information about their refunds for the current and two prior tax years at Where's My Refund (www.irs.gov/refunds).

Taxpayers should view their Online Account to see payment history, prior year adjusted gross income (AGI), or other tax records.

Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)

The ITA tool (www.irs.gov/ita) is a tax law resource that takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions on a limited number of topics.

•Simply answer the questions and select Continue to progress to the next question screen.

•You may need to collect information before the interview such as income amounts, taxes owed and credits you are claiming.

•The tool includes a crossover feature that allows you to move from certain tax topics to another without needing to enter the same answers multiple times. The Review/Start Over buttons allows you to adjust responses to previously asked questions.

•When you reach the response screen, you have the option to print the entire interview and the final response.

For additional information on tax law resource tools, go to Tax Topics at www.irs.gov/taxtopics.

Tax Information for Individuals

IRS.gov/individuals has links for topics such as:

•View your Tax Account

•Get Your Transcript

•Options for paying your taxes

•Understanding your IRS notice or letter

Tab Q: TaxSlayer® Admin

Contingency Plans for Continuing VITA/TCE Return Preparation Operations

(During Unexpected Circumstances)

In the event that the following situations occur:

•Software system outages

•The Site’s internet or equipment isn’t operating

•A Quality Reviewer isn’t available (see Quality Review Only Using the Virtual Model, below)

Partners may, at their discretion, choose among the following pre-approved options to continue preparing tax returns in lieu of closing the site for the day:

•Temporary Virtual VITA/TCE Process (explained below).

•TaxSlayer® ProWeb Alternative Preparation Solution¹ using TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop.

•Offer Facilitated Self Assisted² (FSA) services, if available. Options include TaxSlayer FSA and VITA Free File.

Temporary Virtual VITA/TCE Process

Secure Taxpayer Consent:

•The taxpayer must present proof of identity, which includes a photo identification for him/her and if applicable, their spouse.

•The taxpayer agrees to use the virtual process by signing completed Form 14446, Virtual VITA/TCE Taxpayer Consent. Taxpayer must answer “Yes” or “No” to the question regarding Request to Review your Tax Return for Accuracy.

•The appropriate virtual method(s) and step-by-step procedures will be explained to the taxpayer and timeframes will be established for the taxpayer to return to the site and complete the process.

A secure process for authenticating both the taxpayer and the volunteer must be provided to the taxpayer in the event that additional information is required to complete the tax return. Please refer to Publication 4299, Privacy, Confidentiality, and Civil Rights – A Public Trust, for more information.

Intake/Interview:

•The intake and interview process must be performed before the taxpayer leaves the site.

•IRS tax law certified volunteers must conduct the initial interview following all the steps outlined in Pub 5101, VITA/TCE Intake/Interview and Quality Review Training.

•The volunteer will need to make notes on the Form 13614-C, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet, indicating the appropriate filing status and qualified dependents.

◦Eligibility determinations for deductions and credits will be made and documented on the Form 13614-C.

◦All oral testimony must be thoroughly documented on the Form 13614-C for use during the return preparation at a later time.

•The verified SSNs and/or ITINs will need to be written on the Form 13614-C for all persons that will be included on the tax return.

¹This option should be established during the Pre-Planning Phase of site operations. Refer to Contingency Plan Option, later in this tab.

²This option should be established during the Pre-Planning Phase of site operations. Refer to Publications 5683, VITA/TCE Handbook for Partners and Site Coordinators, for more detailed information.

Contingency Plans for Continuing Site Operations

•A telephone number where the taxpayer can be reached will be secured for use by the IRS tax law-certified volunteers. Refer to Publication 4299 for more information on establishing protocols to authenticate the identity of both the volunteer and the taxpayer.

•The taxpayer will leave their tax documents and the completed Form 13614-C for their tax return to be prepared once the software can be accessed and/or when a non-face-to-face quality review will be conducted.

•The taxpayer will be given a date/time to return to the site to participate in the quality review and/or sign the Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, and secure a copy of their return. If a timeframe can’t be provided while the taxpayer is still onsite, the Site Coordinator will provide this information to the taxpayer as soon as a timeframe is available.

Quality Review Only Using the Virtual Model:

If the site is able to prepare the return using normal face-to-face procedures but the return isn’t able to be Quality Reviewed during the taxpayer’s visit:

•Follow all of the procedures in the Form 14446

•Complete the tax return as normal

•Explain that the taxpayer will be contacted by the Quality Reviewer Refer to Publication 4299 for more information.

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Do not rely on this section alone. For more detailed information on how to use the virtual VITA/TCE process throughout the filing season refer to virtual VITA/TCE process located in Publication 5450, VITA/TCE Site Operations.

100% Virtual Process

See Publication 5450, VITA/TCE Site Operations, for updates to the 100% Virtual Process.

TaxSlayer Pro Alternative Solution Contingency Plan

TaxSlayer offers the TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop application to prepare and e-file returns in the event that the TaxSlayer® Pro Online is unavailable. If that happens, you can use TaxSlayer Pro’s desktop application to prepare and e-file returns.

Download the TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop application in advance so that your site does not have any downtime. Do not install it on a network as a contingency plan. Instead, install on a stand-alone computer with an internet connection.

To download the desktop application, see Contingency Plan Option on the next page.

Tips icon.
For a complete listing of contingency options, refer to IRS Publication 5683, VITA/TCE Handbook for Partners and Site Coordinators.

In order for the TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop contingency plan to work successfully, it is important to keep the designated computers updated with the latest desktop software versions. TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop automatically updates the first time you open it each day if the computer is connected to the internet. It is recommended that you do this daily or weekly.

If a software system outage necessitates the use of a temporary contingency plan, you can use the installed and updated version of TaxSlayer® Pro Desktop to complete any returns you need to prepare during the outage. Sites will be able to work the return completely from the desktop application, including e-filing and getting acknowledgments. The return will remain in the desktop application for the duration of the filing season.

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Returns prepared using the desktop software during a contingency plan will be transmitted from the desktop software. Use the desktop software to retrieve any acknowledgement associated with the returns transmitted from the desktop software.

When TaxSlayer® Pro Online is available again, use it to prepare new returns and complete any returns you started previously in TaxSlayer® Pro Online.

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You will have to run separate reports for these returns and manually add them to your online return count.

Contingency Plan Option

Contingency Plan – TaxSlayer Pro, also referred to as Desktop, should be utilized in the rare occasions where TaxSlayer® Pro Online is unavailable or the site loses internet for an extended period of time. The Desktop software should be downloaded and installed as part of pre-season preparation. Follow the instructions below to download the desktop software:

Access Springboard

The URL is https://vita.taxslayerpro.com/

1.Click My Account Login in the top right corner to login with username and password created from the link provided by TaxSlayer when your order was originally placed.

2.From the Springboard, download the ProOnline User Guide for detailed contingency procedures

3.To download the TaxSlayer Pro program from the internet, complete the following steps:

•Look for Other Options to the right of the screen

•Select Install 20XX TaxSlayer Pro Software

•Select Run

•Follow the on screen prompts to download and install the TaxSlayer Pro software

Notes icon.
Select Account History to access your EFIN/Office validation code that is required to be entered into the software during setup.

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If you are running anti-virus software or a firewall in the background, be sure that you select Allow, Permit, or Unblock if prompted to do so to allow the TaxSlayer Pro program files to download and install.

Install the software on a standalone computer with internet connection to be used in the event TaxSlayer® Pro Online is unavailable for an extended period of time.

Rejected Returns

The most common rejects involve errors in the taxpayer’s or dependent’s Social Security numbers (SSNs) and the Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) that appear on the Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and Forms 1099. The IRS performs a name match on these numbers that can cause a return to be rejected. Typographical and other errors can often be easily resolved. The taxpayer may need to be contacted to determine the correct EIN or SSN and to verify the taxpayer’s last name. Neither the IRS nor TaxSlayer Pro can resolve these rejects.

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Each individual transmission of a tax return resulting in a reject is added to the total number of rejects for the site. Each individual rejection increases the overall rejection rate for the site.

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Refer to the TaxSlayer Validation Errors report to identify federal or state returns not accepted.

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See also the TaxSlayer Reject Resource Guide. In TaxSlayer, go to the side menu and choose VITA/ TCE Publications and User Guides. Click on Attachments and scroll down to the reject guide.

Top Reject Codes

Top Reject Codes

Suggested Solutions

500 Primary SSN and Primary Name Control of the Tax Form must match data from the IRS Master File.

Verify name and SSN or ITIN. Double check source document. Review name and SSN control.

501 Qualifying SSN on Schedule EIC and the corresponding Qualified Name Control must match data from the IRS Master File.

Can be a companion to Reject Code 504. However, if the Qualifying Child listed for EITC is a dependent on page one of tax return and only Reject Code 501, verify source data for year of birth or verify with client the year of birth. IRS only verifies year – not month or day – of birth.

502 Employer Identification Number of Form W-2,W-2G, or 1099-R must match data from the IRS Master File.

Based on the Acknowledgement (ACK) Report, determine if W-2, W-2G or 1099R. If more than one, determine from ACK Report which number. Double check the source document. If still incorrect, contact payer or have client contact payer. If still unable to resolve, have taxpayer mail in the return.

503 Last name for the secondary taxpayer on the return does not match the IRS Master File and/or SSA records.

Verify the name, SSN or ITIN. Ask to see the Social Security card of the spouse. Check for spelling and transposition errors. If the data entered is incorrect, make the corrections and retransmit the return.

504 Dependent’s SSN must match data from the IRS Master File.

Verify name and SSN or ITIN. Check spelling and data entry. Have the client contact Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify information. Ask to see the Social Security card(s).

506 Qualifying child’s SSN listed for the purpose of claiming Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been used on another tax return.

Verify SSN of the dependent. If correct, the return will need to be mailed. Explain that this could be inadvertent error on a mailed return OR it is possible someone else may have knowingly claimed this dependent.

507 Dependent’s SSN on the Form 1040 was previously used for the same purpose.

Verify SSN of the dependent. If correct, the return will need to be mailed. Explain that this could be inadvertent error on a mailed return or it is possible someone else may have knowingly claimed this dependent.

194, 515, 902 or 932 Duplicate SSN in IRS database. A tax return has been filed previously for the SSN.

Verify SSN. If correct, the return will need to be mailed. Work with the taxpayer to determine if ID Theft could be the cause, see Tab P, Partner Resources.

516 SSN is listed on another return as a dependent.

Verify SSN. If correct, the return will need to be mailed.

It is possible someone else may knowingly claimed the dependent.

535 Qualifying SSN on Schedule EIC and the corresponding Year of Birth must match data received from the SSA.

Verify birthday, name and SSN of each child.

541 Taxpayer must be older than qualifying child on Schedule EIC.

Verify birthdays of taxpayer and child.

600 Taxpayer must file Form 8862 to claim EITC after disallowance.

Complete Form 8862, Information To Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance.

Tab R: Glossary and Index

Glossary

Acknowledgment (ACK) – A report generated by the IRS to a Transmitter that indicates receipt of all transmissions. An ACK Report identifies the returns in each transmission that are accepted or rejected for specific reasons.

Adjusted Basis – Original cost of a capital asset plus any increases or decreases to that cost, such as commissions and fees.

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) – Gross income minus adjustments to income. Gross income includes wages, dividends, capital gains, business income, retirement distributions as well as other income. Adjustments to income include such items as educator expenses, student loan interest, alimony payments or contributions to a retirement account. AGI will never be more than gross total income on the return and in some cases may be lower.

Adjustments to Income – Adjustments such as educator expenses, penalty on early withdrawal of savings, and contributions to a traditional IRA, that are subtracted from total income on Form 1040, to establish the AGI.

Adopted child – An adopted child is treated the same as a natural child for the purposes of determining whether a person is related to you in any of these ways. For example, an adopted brother or sister is your brother or sister. An adopted child includes a child who was lawfully placed with a person for legal adoption.

Basis – The original cost of a capital asset.

Blind – A taxpayer is considered blind if either totally blind or has a certified statement from eye doctor that:

•Taxpayer cannot see better than 20/200 in the better eye with glasses or contact lenses or

•Field of vision is not more than 20 degrees

The taxpayer does not have to produce the certificate, but should have it if IRS asks for it.

Capital Gain or Loss – The difference between the basis of a capital asset and the amount received when it has been sold.

Carry-back – the portion of an income tax deduction (as for a net operating loss) or credit which cannot be taken entirely in a given period and which may be deducted from taxable income of a prior period.

Custodial and Noncustodial Parent – The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child lived for the greater number of nights during the year.

The other parent is the noncustodial parent. If the child lived with each parent for an equal number of nights during the year, the custodial parent is the parent with the higher adjusted gross income.

Dependents – Either a qualifying child or a qualifying relative of the taxpayer.

Direct Deposit – An electronic transfer of a refund into a taxpayer’s financial institution account.

Due Diligence – Due diligence, when used in context with claiming the Head of Household filing status or certain credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), refers to requirements that income tax return preparers must follow when determining eligibility to file a return or claim for refund as Head of Household and when determining eligibility for, and the amount of, certain credits including the EITC.

Earned income – Any income received for work, such as wages or business/self-employment income.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – A refundable tax credit for most people who work but do not earn high incomes. The purpose of the EITC is to reduce their tax burden and to supplement the wages of working families whose earnings are less than the maximums for their filing status.

Education Credits – A credit based on qualified education expenses the taxpayer paid during the tax year that will reduce the amount of tax due.

Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) – An identification number assigned by the IRS to accepted applicants for participation in IRS e-file.

Estimated Tax Payments – Payments paid quarterly by the taxpayer if the expected tax due exceeds certain limits. Generally, estimated payments are made by taxpayers that have income from self-employment, dividends, interest, capital gains, rent, and royalties.

Exempt Income – Nontaxable income that is generally not shown on the return and not included in the income tax computation. There are some instances when exempt income is shown on the return but not included in the income tax computation such as interest income produced from certain types of investments.

Exemption – The deduction for personal exemptions is suspended (reduced to $0) for tax years 2018 through 2025 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Although the exemption amount is zero, the ability to claim an exemption may make taxpayers eligible for other tax benefits.

Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) – A method taxpayers can use to file their own return using a web-based tax preparation software program.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion – Certain taxpayers can exclude income earned in, and while living in, foreign countries.

Foster Child – A foster child is an individual who is placed with you by an authorized placement agency or by judgment, decree, or other order of any court of competent jurisdiction.

Full-time Student – You’re a full-time student if you’re enrolled at a school for the number of hours or classes that the school considers full-time. You must have been a full-time student for some part of each of 5 calendar months during the year. (The months need not be consecutive.)

Gross income – All income received in the form of money, goods, property, and services that isn’t exempt from tax.

Health Savings Account (HSA) – A medical savings account available to taxpayers who are enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Funds contributed to an account are not subject to income tax.

Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) – A six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers that helps prevent the misuse of their Social Security Number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. Allows taxpayer to file electronically.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) – A tax processing nine-digit number issued by the IRS. ITINs are issued regardless of immigrant status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement.

IRS e-file Signature Authorization (Form 8879) – Declaration document and signature authorization for an e-filed return filed by an Electronic Return Originator.

IRS Master File – Known as the IRS Individual Master File (IMF), this application receives data from an array of sources to aid the IRS regarding tax return submissions. The IMF includes tax return filing information, payment information, examination results, and related documents.

Itemized Deductions – Specific personal expenses such as unreimbursed medical or dental expenses subject to a limitation, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions that allow taxpayers to reduce their taxable income.

Legally Blind – See Blind.

Main Home – Ordinarily, a home the taxpayer lived in most of the time. It does not have to be a traditional house. A single-family home, a condominium, a cooperative apartment, a mobile home, and a houseboat each may be a main home.

If a taxpayer owns and lives in just one home, then that property is their main home. Taxpayers with more than one home cannot choose which home to designate as their main home. Taxpayers who own or live in more than one home, must apply a "facts and circumstances" test to determine which property is their main home. See Publication 523, Sale of Home for details.

Medicaid Waiver Payment – These are payments treated as difficulty of care payments when received by an individual care provider for care of an eligible individual (whether related or unrelated) living in their home.

Name Control – The first four significant letters of a taxpayer’s last name that the IRS uses in connection with the taxpayer SSN to identify the taxpayer, spouse and dependents.

Nonrefundable Credits – A dollar-for-dollar reduction of the tax liability. Nonrefundable credits can only reduce the tax liability to zero.

Nonresident Alien – Any individual who is not a U.S. Citizen, Resident Alien, or U.S. National and has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year.

Nontaxable Income – Generally excludable and not shown on the return, such as gifts and inheritances.

Other Taxes – Other taxes such as self-employment tax, taxes on IRAs and other qualified retirement plans, and repayment of first-time homebuyer credit, are added to the income tax from the tax tables to establish the total tax.

Payments – Payments such as federal withholding, Earned Income Tax Credit, and Additional Child Tax Credit, are subtracted from the total tax to establish the amount overpaid or the amount owed.

Practitioner PIN Method – An electronic signature option for taxpayers who use an Electronic Return Originator to e-file.

Refundable Credits – Reduces the tax liability below zero and allows an individual to receive a tax refund. Refundable credits such as federal withholding, Additional Child Tax Credit, and Earned Income Tax Credit can be used even if there is no tax liability.

Rejected Return – A tax return that has been transmitted to the IRS, but due to validation issue(s), the IRS has not accepted for e-filing. Rejected Returns must either be re-transmitted and accepted or paper filed.

Resident Alien – Any individual who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, but meets the either the green card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year.

Routing Transit Number (RTN) – A number assigned by the Federal Reserve to each financial institution.

Self-Select PIN Method – An electronic signature option for taxpayers who e-file using either a personal computer or an ERO. This method requires the taxpayer to create a five-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use as the signature on the e-file return and to submit authentication information to the IRS with the e-file return.

Sheltered Workshop – A school that:

•Provides special instruction or training designed to alleviate the disability of the individual; and

•Is operated by certain tax-exempt organizations, or by a state, a U.S. possession, a political subdivision of a state or possession, the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Standard Deduction – A dollar amount that reduces the amount of income for which an individual is taxed, including an additional standard deduction for individuals who are blind or age 65 or over.

Student – To qualify as a student, your child must be, during some part of each of any 5 calendar months of the year:

1.A full-time student at a school that has a regular teaching staff, course of study, and a regularly enrolled student body at the school, or

2.A student taking a full-time, on-farm training course given by a school described in (1), or by a state, county, or local government agency.

The 5 calendar months do not have to be consecutive. An on-the-job training course, correspondence school, or school offering courses only through the internet does not count as a school for dependency exemption purposes.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are permanently and totally disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Amount does not necessarily remain constant all year. It is possible to get SSI alone or in conjunction with Social Security benefits.

Taxable Income – Adjusted Gross Income minus standard or itemized deductions and qualified business income (QBI).

Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) – An independent organization within the IRS, led by the National Taxpayer Advocate. Its job is to ensure every taxpayer is treated fairly and that taxpayers know and understand their rights. TAS offers free help to taxpayers in dealing with the often-confusing process of resolving tax problems they have not been able to resolve on their own. TAS has at least one taxpayer advocate office located in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Temporary Absence – You and your qualifying person are considered to live together even if one or both of you are temporarily absent from your home due to special circumstances, such as illness, education, business, vacation, military service, or detention in a juvenile facility. It must be reasonable to assume the absent person will return to the home after the temporary absence. You must continue to keep up the home during the absence.

Totally and Permanently Disabled – An individual is permanently and totally disabled if both of the following apply.

1.He or she can’t engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental condition.

2.A doctor determines the condition has lasted or can be expected to last continually for at least a year or can lead to death.

Unearned Income – Any income not produced from work, such as unemployment income or income produced by investments.

Virtual VITA/TCE Methods – Includes any site where face-to-face activities are not used during the tax preparation process. The IRS-tax law certified preparer who prepares the return and/or the quality reviewer are not face-to-face with the taxpayer.

Includes temporary VITA/TCE Contingency Plan, Drop-Off Site, an Intake Site plus a Return Preparation and/or Quality Review Site.

Wash Sale – The sale of securities at a loss and the acquisition of the same (substantially identical) securities within 30 days of the sale date (before or after). The loss is added to the cost of the new stock or securities, increasing the cost basis.

Index

Symbols

401K

Distribution xv, xvi, D-43, D-44, D-45, D-49, D-50, D-51, D-52, G-19, H-6, N-7, O-10, O-11, O-12

Early distribution D-50, D-51

rollover D-37, D-48, D-50, D-51, D-53, G-19, H-7, O-12

A

Abandonment or foreclosure EXT-3

ABLE account xvi

ACA

Federal Poverty Lines iii, H-24

Filing threshold H-15

Form 8962 xxi, H-10, H-11, H-12, H-13, H-15, H-16, H-17, H-18, H-19, H-20, H-25, H-26, N-6

Healthcare.gov tax tool H-22, H-23

Ineligible for the PTC H-18

MAGI of dependents H-15

Members of the household H-22

Minimum essential coverage H-19

Unexpected APTC repayments H-20

Additional child tax credit A-6, B-5, D-50, G-5, R-5

Adjusted basis D-40

Adjusted Gross Income R-3

Adjustments to income R-3

Adopted child C-3, C-5, C-7, G-4, G-6, I-6

Ad valorem F-10

Alimony viii, ix

American opportunity credit O-11

Archer MSA xvi, F-8

Armed Forces Gross Income D-3, D-4

B

Balance due H-16, K-24

Bank account D-70, K-24

Birth date B-20

Blind F-4

Bona fide residence D-72, D-73, D-74, D-75

Bond D-19

Business miles D-31

C

Cancellation of Debt (COD) EXT-3, D-3, O-11

Entering cancellation of credit card debt and student loan debt forgiveness in TaxSlayer D-71

Principal Residence EXT-3, EXT-6, D-66

Capital Gain Distribution D-18

Capital gains and losses D-32

Adjustments to Basis D-36, D-37

Capital loss carryover xx, D-32, N-7, O-11

Cost basis D-33

Date Acquired or Date Sold D-33

Entering Capital gains and losses D-34, D-35, D-59, N-7

Inherited xii, xx, D-4, D-33, D-34, D-50, G-19

Carry forward N-5

Charitable contributions D-29, F-14, R-4

Charitable Gift Annuity D-50

Child and dependent care C-4, D-9, G-12, G-13, G-14

Child’s Interest and Dividends xviii, H-5

Civil Rights xxii, Q-3, 03

Civil Service Retirement D-47

Codes

1099-R Box 7 D-50, D-51

early distribution H-7

Commuting D-30, D-31

Consent xix, K-10, Q-3

Co-ops D-4, D-68

Cost of goods sold D-27

Credit card debt viii, xiv, D-69, D-71

Custodial parent C-8, G-12, K-14, R-3

Customer portal B-21, K-13

D

Death of a taxpayer

Deceased spouse B-12, B-13, B-16, D-38, K-19

Deceased taxpayer xvi, K-19, O-8, O-10, O-11, P-10

Dental expenses C-9, D-5, D-44, F-5

Dependent/qualifying person

Chart B – For Children and Other Dependents A-4

Children of divorced or separated parents C-3, C-4, C-5

Custodial Parent C-4, C-8, G-12, K-14, R-3

Medical and dental expenses F-5

Rules for Claiming a Dependent C-3

Worksheet for Determining Support C-9

Deposit slip K-22

Direct deposit of refunds K-7, K-22, K-23

Disability income D-50, G-22

Disability severance payments D-5

Dividend income

Dividend reinvestment plan D-18

Qualified dividends xiii, D-59, F-16

E

Earned income table D-66, G-13, I-3

Energy credit G-3

Estimated tax payments

1040-ES vii, K-27, O-10

State estimated payments D-20, H-9, K-28

Examples of nontaxable income D-4

Examples of taxable income D-3

Exempt income D-59, R-4

Extension of time to file xvii, M-13

F

Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) R-4

Federal Poverty Lines H-24

Fellowship grant A-4, A-5, I-3, J-4, J-11

Filing requirements A-3, B-16

First-time homebuyer credit A-5, D-39

Foreclosure EXT-3

Foreign address B-21

Foreign bank accounts xxi

Foreign earned income D-72, D-73, D-74, G-5, R-4

Foreign tax credit D-19, G-8

Form 56 xiii, K-18

Form 656-B K-26

Form 709 xiii

Form 843 xiii

Form 1040

Job Aid B-3

Starting a new return B-10

Form 1040-C xiii

Form 1040-ES vii, K-27, O-10

Form 1040 Job Aid B-3

Form 1040-NR B-16

Form 1040-SR vii

Form 1040-SS vii

Form 1041 K-1 D-60

Form 1045 xiii

Form 1065 K-1 D-62

Form 1066 xiii

Form 1095-B xiii

Form 1095-C xiii

Form 1098 xiii, O-10

Form 1098-C xi, xiii

Form 1098-E xiii, O-10

Form 1098-Q xiv

Form 1099 K-21

Form 1099-A xiv, EXT-3, O-10

Form 1099-C

qualified principal residence indebtedness EXT-3

Form 1099-DIV D-18

Form 1099-G xiv, O-10

Form 1099-INT D-15

Form 1099-K xi, xv, D-21, D-26, N-7, O-10

Form 1099-LTC xv, D-66

Form 1099-MISC

Medicaid waiver payments D-12, N-8

Other income D-65, D-66

Schedule C D-22

Form 1099-OID xi, xv, O-10

Form 1099-PATR viii, xv

Form 1099-Q viii, xv

Form 1099-QA viii, xvi

Form 1099-R

CSA 1099-R D-44, D-47

Disability under minimum retirement D-48

Distribution codes D-50, D-51

Employee contributions D-44

Nontaxable distribution D-52

Rollovers D-48

Roth IRA D-49

TaxSlayer navigation D-43

Treated as wages D-46

Form 1099-S xvi, A-6, D-38, O-10

Form 1099-SA viii, xvi, O-10

Form 1116 x, xvi, D-19

Form 1127 xvi

Form 1310 xvi

Form 2106 viii, xvi

Form 2120 xvi, C-6, O-10

Form 2441 xvii, D-9, G-12, G-13, G-14, G-15, G-16

Form 2555 viii, xvii, I-5

Form 2848 xvii, K-14, O-8

Form 3468 xvii

Form 3520 xvii

Form 3800 x, xvii

Form 3903 ix, xvii

Form 4136 xvii

Form 4137 xvii, D-9

Form 4562 xi, xii, xvii

Form 4684 xvii

Form 4797 xvii

Form 4835 xvii

Form 4852 xvii, O-10

Form 4868 xvii

Form 4952 xvii

Form 4972 xvii

Form 5329 A-5, D-50, D-51, H-6

Form 5405 ix, xvii

Form 5498 xvii

Form 5498-ESA xvii

Form 5498-QA xviii

Form 5498-SA xviii

Form 5695 xviii

Form 6251 xviii

Form 6252 xviii

Form 6781 xviii

Form 8275 xviii

Form 8275 R xviii

Form 8283 xviii

Form 8332 xviii, C-8, K-14

Form 8379 xviii, P-10

Form 8453 C-8, D-35, K-21

Form 8582 xii

Form 8615 viii, xv, xviii, A-5, H-5, J-10

Form 8621 xviii

Form 8801 x, xviii, A-6

Form 8805 xviii

Form 8814 xviii

Form 8815 xviii

Form 8821 xviii

Form 8822 P-8

Form 8829 xix

Form 8833 xix

Form 8834 xix

Form 8839 xix

Form 8848 xix

Form 8853 xix

Form 8857 xix

Form 8862 xix, G-7, Q-8

Form 8863 xix, G-3

Form 8865 xix

Form 8879 Q-4

Form 8880 xix, D-10, G-17

Form 8886 xix

Form 8888 vii, xix, K-22

Form 8889 H-8

Form 8903 xix

Form 8908 xix

Form 8910 xix

Form 8911 xix

Form 8915-B xix

Form 8919 xix

Form 8936 xix

Form 8938 xix

Form 8948 xix

Form 8958 xx

Form 8959 xx

Form 8960 xx

Form 8962 xxi, H-12

Form 8995-A xxi

Form 9465 xxi, O-8

Form 13614-C B-1

Form 13844 xxi

Form 14039 xxi, P-5

Form RRB 1099 D-57

Form SS-8 xxi

Form SSA-1099 D-42, D-57, O-11

Form T (Timber) xiii

Form W-2

Address D-8

Box 10 G-12

Box 12 D-10, G-17, H-18

Dependent Care D-9, G-12

Medicaid Waiver Payments D-12

Retirement Savings Contributions G-17

Form W-2G D-65

Form W-4 K-27

Form W-4P K-27

Form W-7 B-23, O-8

Foster care payments C-10

G

Gambling losses F-5

Gambling winnings O-11

gift vi, xii, xx, D-38, D-50, F-10, J-9

Gifts to charity F-5, F-14, O-12, O-13, O-14

Global carryforward K-10, O-5

Grants. See Fellowship grants

Gross income test B-13, D-3

H

Hardship refund P-10

Healthcare.gov tax tool H-22, H-23

Health insurance premiums D-44, D-45, H-7

Health savings accounts

Qualifying medical expenses E-14

Home. See Sale of home

Home equity interest F-6

Household employee income D-65

How to use this guide v

I

Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN) O-8

Income

Armed Forces Gross Income D-3, D-4

Gig economy D-21, D-24

Income quick reference guide D-3

Less common income D-21, D-65, D-66, D-71, D-72

Self-employment income D-21

Individual taxpayer identification number viii, I-4, K-25, L-5, L-6, R-4

Inheritance vi, xii, xx, D-4, D-38, J-10, R-5

Injured spouse O-8, O-12, P-10

Innocent spouse P-10

Insolvency Determination Worksheet D-24, D-25

Installment agreement K-25, O-8

Insurance premiums. See Health insurance premiums

Interactive tax assistant v, M-10, P-12

IRA

Charitable gift annuity O-12

Converting D-48

Distributions from IRAs H-7

Qualified charitable distribution D-50, O-12

Rollover deadline D-48

IRS Direct Pay K-24

IRS e-file Signature Authorization R-4

IRS master file R-4

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) L-6, P-3

ITA. See Interactive tax assistant

Itemized deductions D-20

Cash contribution F-6

Gifts to Charity F-14

Married filing separately F-10

Persons Not Eligible for the Standard Deduction F-3

Schedule A – interest F-12, F-13

Schedule A – medical expenses F-8, F-9

Schedule A – taxes D-10, F-10

ITIN. See Individual taxpayer identification number

J

Joint and survivor annuity D-47

Jury duty D-3, D-65

K

Keeping up a home B-15

Kiddie Tax xviii, A-5, H-5, J-10

Kidnapped child C-3

L

Legislative Extenders D-71

Less common income D-21, D-65, D-66, D-71, D-72

Long-term care insurance D-66

Lump-sum distributions xvii, D-58

M

Minimum essential coverage H-19

Miscellaneous deductions F-8

Modified Adjusted Gross Income H-15

Motor vehicles D-31

Multifactor Authentication O-4

Multiple support agreement B-14, C-3, C-10

mySocialSecurity account B-18

N

Newspaper carrier D-22

Nominee xiv, xv, D-16, D-37

Noncash donations F-6, O-13

Noncustodial parent B-14, R-3

Nonrefundable credits G-7, R-4

Nonresident alien decision tree B-6, B-7, L-3, L-4

Nontaxable income. See Examples of nontaxable income

Notary fees D-3

O

Offer in compromise K-26, 02

Office client list K-20, M-4, O-9

Office of Personnel Management D-47

OID interest O-13

Other income. See Less common income

Other taxes, payments, and refundable credits A-5, D-51, H-1

Out of scope. See Scope of service

P

Patronage dividends D-4

Payments and estimates O-8

Pell Grant J-11

Penalty K-24

Pension distribution D-42

Pension income K-27

Permanently disabled C-3, R-5

Personal information B-20, G-17, L-5, N-6, P-6

Personal property tax F-5, F-10

Personal representative K-19

Points paid O-13

Poverty lines H-24

Power of attorney K-14, K-18, K-21, O-8

Practitioner PIN Method R-5

Printing K-16, K-20, N-9, N-10

Prior year data B-11

Prisoner earned income D-7, N-7

Property taxes D-31, O-13

Public safety officer D-45

Q

Qualified business income deduction D-19, F-16

Qualifying child dependent C-4, C-5, C-6, G-6

Qualifying child of more than one person C-3, C-4, C-5, G-4, I-7

Qualifying relative B-14, B-23, C-3, C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8, C-9, C-10, D-3, G-7, M-11, R-3

Quality review process xxii, K-15, K-16

R

Railroad retirement benefits B-17, D-56, I-3, O-11

Rejected returns B-24, N-4, P-10, Q-8, R-5

Required minimum distribution D-52, D-53

Residency status B-21

Residential energy credit G-3

Retirement savings contributions credit G-17, O-13

Rollover deadline D-48

Royalty income D-59, D-63

S

Sale of home D-38, D-39, D-40, D-41

Sale of stock D-35, O-13

Sales tax D-20, F-10, F-11, O-13

Savings bond D-16, D-19

Schedule 1 viii, B-5

Schedule 2 ix, A-5, B-5

Schedule 3 x, B-5, H-16

Schedule 8812 xiii, xviii

Schedule A – itemized deductions F-7

Schedule C – car and truck expenses D-26, D-30, D-31

Schedule C – general expenses D-28, D-29

Schedule C – menu D-26

Schedule C – questions about your business D-27

Schedule D – capital gains and losses D-32

Schedule E viii, xii, D-59, D-63, D-64

Schedule R xiii

Schedule SE F-16, H-3

Scholarships D-65

Scope of service vi, xii, B-8, D-3, D-32

Self-employed health insurance deduction ix, D-29, E-3, E-9, F-7, F-9, H-21, O-13

Self-employment income D-21, D-26, O-13

Seller financed mortgage interest D-17, O-14

Sick pay D-11

Simplified method D-19, D-43, D-44, D-45, D-46, D-47, D-50, D-56, F-15, N-7, O-11, O-14

Sole proprietor F-16

Split refund K-22

Standard deduction F-4, F-16, R-5

Statutory employee D-10

Student loan interest O-10, O-14

Supplemental security income D-4

T

Taxable income. See Examples of taxable income

Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) R-6

Temporary absence B-1, C-3, C-6

Tiebreaker Rules C-4

Tip income D-9

Transcripts M-9

Tribal per capita payments D-3, O-14

U

Unemployment compensation D-3, D-6, O-14

Unreported tip income H-4

V

Vehicle license registration fee F-10

Veterans D-4

View form option N-5

Virtual VITA/TCE R-6

Volunteer expenses O-14

W

Wash Sale D-36

Welfare D-4

Withholding D-10, D-67

Worksheet for determining support C-9

Worldwide income D-72

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) – Assistance With Tax Problems

Has your taxpayer received a letter from the IRS or has their federal refund been offset?

An LITC may be able to help.

What are LITCs?

LITCs are organizations that represent and advocate for taxpayers who have tax problems with the IRS. They are independent from the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). LITC tax professionals offer services for free or a small fee.

Who can receive LITC help?

Taxpayers whose incomes are below a certain level may be eligible for assistance (generally not to exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level). Up to 10% of the cases accepted by an LITC may include taxpayers who have income above 250% of the poverty level. For this reason, it is often best to refer a taxpayer and allow the clinic to make the eligibility determination.

What issues can LITCs help with?

LITCs can help with many federal tax issues, e.g., making payments or requesting collection alternatives such as currently not collectible status or an offer in compromise, helping to gather proof to show eligibility for tax exemptions and credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, obtaining tax refunds that were stolen due to identity theft, and appealing IRS decisions. Individual taxpayers include self-employed taxpayers or individual tax debt even if it is related to operation of a business. LITCs may also help with taxpayers who have both a federal tax dispute and related state and local tax disputes. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language.

Where are LITCs located?

To find the closest LITC or learn more about LITCs, visit www.irs.gov/litc or download IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, at www.irs.gov

Taxpayers can also obtain this publication by calling the IRS toll-free at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Note: Your site can order printed copies of Publication 4134 to keep on hand and you can contact your local LITCs and request copies of their brochures or business cards. All LITCs provide education about taxpayer rights and responsibilities. LITCs funded under a pilot program educate individuals for whom English is a second language about their taxpayer rights and responsibilities and may not offer representation assistance. IRS Publication 4134 and the LITC locator tool note these clinics.

Taxpayer Advocate Service Is Here to Help You

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), led by the National Taxpayer Advocate, that helps taxpayers and protect taxpayer rights. TAS offers free help to taxpayers when a tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, when they’ve tried and been unable to resolve their issue with the IRS, or when they believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn't working as it should. TAS strives to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and knows and understands their rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:

•Visit www.TaxpayerAdvocate.irs.gov/contact-us;

•Check your local directory; or

•Call TAS toll-free at 877-777-4778.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service’s website, www.TaxpayerAdvocate.irs.gov, is a resource for all taxpayers. It covers a variety of tax-related concepts and problems, breaking each down to describe what taxpayers should know, what they should do, and where they can get more help if needed. Taxpayers can also learn about their taxpayer rights.

If a taxpayer comes into a VITA/TCE site with a tax problem they have been unsuccessful in resolving with the IRS, is facing a financial difficulty due to an IRS problem, or believes an IRS system, process, or procedure is not functioning as it should, TAS may be able to help.

Taxpayer Civil Rights

The Department of the Treasury-Internal Revenue Service will not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, reprisal, sex (in education programs or activities) or age in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from the Internal Revenue Service.

Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency should be able to participate in or benefit from programs and services that IRS supports. Taxpayers with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation and taxpayers with limited English proficiency may request language assistance to access service. For additional information refer to Publication 4053 (en-sp), Your Civil Rights are Protected Poster for IRS Assisted Programs (VITA/TCE/LITC) (English & Spanish Version), for reasonable accommodation.

If a taxpayer believes that he or she has been discriminated against, a written complaint should be sent to:

Internal Revenue Service Civil Rights Unit

1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 2413

Washington DC 20224

Email: edi.civil.rights.division@irs.gov

Do not send tax returns, payments or other non-civil rights information to this address.

Information for Volunteers

TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer Volunteer Support

Need site SIDN when you call

1-800-421-6346 (Do not give to the public)

TaxSlayer via E-Mail

support@vita.taxslayerpro.com

TaxSlayer Chat

From inside a return, select Help and Support, then choose Chat

Prior Year Return Access

Current and 6 previous years accessible from one URL

vita.taxslayerpro.com

Internal Revenue Service

VITA/TCE Hotline for tax law questions (volunteer use only)

1-800-829-8482 (800-TAX-VITA)

Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

No service on Saturdays

IRS e-file Help Desk

1-866-255-0654

Identity Theft Unit

1-800-908-4490

Taxpayer Assistance Centers

1-844-545-5640

Quality and Volunteer Tax Alerts

www.irs.gov/individuals/quality-and-tax-alerts-for-irs-volunteer-programs

IRS Toll-free line

1-800-829-1040

Order IRS Forms and Publications

1-800-829-3676

Information to Assist Taxpayers

Refund Offset Inquiry (Bureau of the Fiscal Service)

1-800-304-3107

IRS Tax-Help for Deaf (TDD)

1-800-829-4059

Taxpayer Advocate Service

1-877-777-4778

Social Security Administration

1-800-772-1213

Treasury Retail Securities (savings bonds)

1-844-284-2676