Intake Checklist

Before calling the client, read through the prepopulated intake sheet attached to their ticket in the Hub. Check to see if there is information missing or additional questions you want to ask.
Client's first name *
Client's last name *
Language spoken by client (if not English)
Not required
Optional: Enter notes about missing information or additional questions you have. The text you type into this field will appear later on this form, as a reminder of the additional questions you would like to ask the client.
Not required
The Prosper Tax Help program must confirm the identity of everyone on the tax return to avoid the potential for identity theft or tax fraud.

To validate the identity of the primary taxpayer and spouse when in person, we compare the person with their photo ID. If we’re conducting an intake interview virtually, the taxpayer and spouse will send us a photo of their photo ID as well as a selfie of them holding their ID. This is so that we know the taxpayers are submitting their own documents. We will then compare the photo ID with the selfie to verify the person’s identity.

To validate a Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, which we also call ITIN, an original or photocopy that is legible must be presented. Refer to the document titled “Confirming Identity and SSN or ITIN” for a more thorough list of all acceptable IDs and acceptable proof of Social Security number or ITIN.
Do we have sufficient identity documentation? *

Yes No
Stop! You indicated the client has not submitted the required documents for tax preparation with our program. Please do not proceed with the intake interview call. Instead, please contact the client to let them know which documents we are missing and how to submit them to us.

The Prosper Tax Help income limit is $50,000 (adjusted gross income) for individuals, $75,000 for a tax household of 2-4 people, and we add $5,000 for each additional member beyond 4 people.
Does the client meet our income limit criteria? *

Yes, the client or family is within the income limit. No, the client or family is above our income limit.
Does the client qualify for one of the following exceptions to the income limit? *

Current or retired military personnel or surviving spouse (with a military ID or DFAS documentation). Resident of a Foundation Communities property. Staff member at one of our tax site hosts (Asian American Resource Center employees, Southeast Health and Wellness Center employees, LifeWorks employees, Round Rock Public Library employees - with proof of employment). Prosper Tax Help volunteer tax preparer. Foundation Communities staff member (with proof of employment). Nonresident filing a 1040-NR. None of the exceptions above apply.
Stop! You indicated the client does not meet our income limit criteria, and does not qualify for an exception. Please do not proceed with the intake interview call.

For those who are out of scope for our services or over our income limit:

Alternative option 1: Prepare your taxes online using MyFreeTaxes:

There is another option for those whose returns are out of scope, over the income limit, or for those who do not want to wait in line: you can prepare your return using MyFreeTaxes, an online software that benefits the Tax Help program. The software is free for the tax returns with less than $66,000 in income. For higher incomes, fees apply.

Every tax return completed for zip codes within our service area is counted by the IRS as part of the Tax Help program’s impact. Please share the link with your friends and family! Visit www.myfreetaxes.com.

2020 Updates: MyFreeTaxes does not have an income limit this year. BUT Schedule C, D, and E are not free.

Support is available 10am-10pm (ET) 7 days per week at 866-698-9435 or via chat on the website.

Alternative option 2: Get your taxes prepared for free with AARP:

Another option for those who are over the VITA income limit and would like assistance preparing their return is a local AARP Tax-Aide. Tax preparation services are free. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or call 2-1-1.

Call the client.

If they indicate they are ready for their interview, ask them to verify the last four digits of their SSN/ITIN.
Last four digits SSN/ITIN verified? *

All set! No, the client is applying for an ITIN. I am completing this intake interview in person.

Can you be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return (such as your parents)? That is to say, did someone else provide more than half of your support during the tax year? *

Yes, I can be claimed. I did not provide more than half of my own support. No, I cannot be claimed. I provided more than half of my own support.
Have you, your spouse, and/or any of your dependents been issued an Identity Protection PIN? *

Yes. No.
Intake Specialist: Please let the taxpayer know an IP PIN issued in 2021 is required in order to electronically file their tax return.

Are you here on an F, J, M or Q Visa? *

Yes No
You indicated the client is here on an F, J, M or Q Visa. You can either use this screening tool to determine whether the client will file a 1040 or 1040-NR OR you can select below that you are unsure and someone else will screen the client.
Based on the screening tool, will the client file a 1040 or a 1040NR? *

The client will file a 1040. The client will file a 1040-NR. I am unsure whether the client should file a 1040 or a 1040-NR.
You indicated the client should file a 1040-NR or that are unsure which form the client should file.
- If working virtually, please stop the interview and ask the Intake Lead to assign the ticket to Rania.
- If working in person, please stop the interview but still upload all tax documents (minus this intake checklist) to a ticket and ask the Intake Lead to assign the ticket to Rania.
In all cases, please tell the client that someone will be in touch within 1 week to determine what tax form the client needs to file and continue the tax filing process.

Did the primary taxpayer arrive to the United States in 2020? *

Yes No
Is the primary taxpayer a US citizen or permanent resident? *

Yes No
You indicated the client is not a US citizen or permanent resident. Please use this screening tool to determine whether the client meets the Substantial Presence Test and whether they will file a 1040 or a 1040NR.
Does the primary taxpayer meet the Substantial Presence Test? *

Yes. They will file a 1040. No. They will file a 1040-NR. I am unsure whether the client should file a 1040 or a 1040-NR.
This return may be out of scope for VITA.
- If working virtually, please stop the interview and ask the Intake Lead to assign the ticket to Rania.
- If working in person, please stop the interview but still upload all tax documents (minus this intake checklist) to a ticket and ask the Intake Lead to assign the ticket to Rania.
In all cases, please tell the client that someone will be in touch within 1 week to determine which form the client needs to file and whether we can prepare the tax return for them.

Basic Information
What is the client's filing status? *
Which spouse will file as the primary taxpayer? *

First Name Last Name
Which spouse will file as the secondary taxpayer (spouse)? *

First Name Last Name
What is the primary taxpayer's job title? *
What is the secondary taxpayer's job title? *
Intake Specialist: Since you indicated the taxpayer wishes to file as Married Filing Separately (MFS), refer to the Filing Status & Dependents section of CTC Resources to see when we can or cannote prepare an MFS return. Please note: Taxpayers living in another state may or may not have to meet all of the stated requirements. Stop and check with your Intake Lead if a taxpayer who wishes to file Married Filing Separately does live in another state.
Since you indicated you will filing Married Filing Separately, what is your spouse's name? *

First Name Last Name
Since you indicated you will filing Married Filing Separately, what is your spouse's SSN/ITIN?
Not Required
Since you indicated you will filing Married Filing Separately, what is your spouse's date of birth?
Not Required

Call the client.

Preliminary Screening Questions

Basic Information

Dependents

Health Insurance

Health Savings Account

Education Credits

State Returns

Retirement Income

Child Care Expenses

Self-Employment Income