Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Certification Practice Test

What form must all IRS-certified volunteer preparers use for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site?

1. Form 1040

2. Form 13614-C

3. Form 8857

4. Form W-2

The correct answer is: Form 13614-C

The requirement for IRS-certified volunteer preparers at VITA/TCE sites to use a specific form is essential for the consistency and quality of the tax preparation process. Form 13614-C, referred to as the “Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet,” serves as the initial document that volunteers utilize to gather all necessary information from taxpayers. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring that the preparers collect relevant personal financial information, identify eligibility for various tax benefits, and provide a structured way to review the taxpayer's data. By using this form, volunteer preparers can ensure thoroughness in their interviews and promote quality control in the tax preparation process. The structured format helps maintain compliance with IRS guidelines and improves the overall accuracy of the returns prepared. Forms like 1040, W-2, and 8857 relate to specific tax situations or types of information but do not serve as the comprehensive intake and review tool needed for the initial preparation and processing at VITA/TCE sites. Consequently, knowing that volunteers must start with Form 13614-C underlines its importance in the context of volunteer tax preparation.