Pub 4012

IRS Publications like Pub 4012 are informational booklets written by the Internal Revenue Service that provides detailed guidance on tax issues. While they do not give specific, line-by-line instructions for filling out forms, they cover nearly every possible question taxpayers might have about their taxes. Some publications are general and apply to multiple tax years, while others are tightly focused and contain the same information as each year’s specific forms. 

In addition to providing information, some IRS publications have tables and other charts that allow volunteers to quickly understand tax law for a particular deduction or credit. This is particularly useful for new and experienced volunteers since some of the more complex questions can be difficult to understand without a visual reference. IRS Publication 4012, or Pub 4012, should be a staple on every computer you use while preparing returns. It can help you answer many questions and guide you through the process of completing a tax return. Pub 4012 is the official VITA/TCE tax preparation guide and is used by volunteers for training, reference, and assessing skills. 

It is a very important book for all VITA/TCE sites to have and should be referred to constantly by volunteers, even when not working with clients. It is also an excellent resource for answering questions such as the ones found on your Volunteer Standards of Conduct (Ethics) training. It is also a good idea to keep copies of it on your computer for easy access when preparing returns.

VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide

Pub 4012, The VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide, is a book that is both a training tool and reference for volunteers. It is designed to help volunteers make the most of their time at the tax center and to provide them with important information regarding the program. It contains a variety of interesting and useful features, including a table of contents and indexes. It also teaches you about the IRS and their programs, explains how to use the IRS Online Volunteer Services tool, and shows you where to look for help in your area.

You can find the book in paper form and online at VITA Central. The book is a must-have for all VITA volunteers, whether they prepare a single return or several. The book is a bit clunky to navigate, but it will be worth the effort. It is the best way to learn about the IRS and their programs and will be a valuable resource for years to come. The book is also the newest and best VITA tool, as it was designed to help you better serve your clients and your community. It is one of many resources available at VITA Central, including the IRS Volunteer Online Services tool and other helpful tax information.

Importance of Pub 4012 as Resource for VITA/TCE Volunteers

Publications are written by the IRS to help taxpayers answer questions that arise during tax preparation. Many publications are quite lengthy and address a wide range of issues, while others are specialized and apply only to a small number of topics. A large number of IRS publications are available online, including most of the most popular ones. However, there are some publications that you can only access if you request them from the IRS.

These include Publication 17, “Your Federal Income Tax,” which covers a wide variety of important federal income tax issues, and Publication 1600, “Disaster Losses,” which provides assistance for victims of natural disasters. Another publication often a valuable resource for VITA volunteers is pub 4012, the VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide. This publication contains tables and step-by-step answers to common questions that VITA/TCE volunteers are likely to face during tax season.

All VITA/TCE volunteers should have a copy of pub 4012 on hand. This guide can be accessed online or downloaded and printed as needed. It is also a good resource for volunteers who are interested in obtaining Advance certification through Link & Learn the IRS web-based training program. In addition, it can be used as a teaching tool for volunteers who are teaching VITA/TCE clients.