Welcome, Volunteers!
Thank you, volunteers! We appreciate all the hard work you do, starting with the training and certification process. Here at CASH Oregon, we want to make the process of learning to be a Tax Counselor as easy as possible. Here are some resources to help you on your way.
On this resources page, you find all the Training Links that you need, find out How to Get Help with your studies as you work towards certification, and learn about Registering for Orientation and Training.
Training Links and Resources
Essential Training Links
Link and Learn
Whether you’re completing Independent Study, or just reviewing material you learned in your four day class, you’ll find the IRS’s online course very useful. The “Tax Facts” Lesson in the Training Toolkit will get you started for each section, and you can use the other tools to review the concepts and learn to apply it in TaxWise software. You will complete your Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced courses on Link and Learn, and you will take your Standards of Conduct course in the Online Testing site
Practice with the Practice Lab
This practice software is very close to what you’ll be using when you volunteer at your tax site. The password is “learntwo.” Make a note of your 6-digit number for this site - you will use it and your zip code to log in, and you will also use your number to create new returns! Please Note: This site only works with Windows computers running Internet Explorer. Sorry, Mac Users! Come visit us at the Study Center to use a compatible computer.
Get a Jump Start in the Practice Lab with our Introduction Video. Now that you’re learning Tax Law, you’ll want to find out how to apply it using tax software. This video will get you started with the Practice Lab and on your way to finishing your tests! Click here to view the video! (A Media Player is required. May take a minute to load - please be patient.)
Take Your Tests Online
You can take all of your tests online, and take the Standards of Conduct Course. Remember, you must pass Standards of Conduct, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced to become a certified AARP Tax-Aide Tax Counselor. When you’re done, click the link to print your volunteer agreement with scores on it and bring it to class with you. Make a note of your username and password for this site! Please Note: The online test and the test in IRS Publication 6744 are not identical. The online test questions are a mix of the Test and Retest questions in the Test book.
Learn More
Watch Action-Packed Tax Prep in these Fun Videos.
Even when taxpayers fill out an intake and interview sheet, you still need to ask the right questions to get the information you need. Watch one tax detective in action in these fun videos.
Get Video Tax Tips from the IRS.
IRS agents answer common questions about taxes. Some of you and your taxpayers may have these questions, too!
Learn the Hows and Whys of Understanding Taxes
Why do we pay taxes, anyway? When was the first income tax put in place? What were the tax rates in 1920? Find the answer to these questions and more using the IRS’s online curriculum, Understanding Taxes.
Federal Tax Information from the IRS
Look at Pub. 17, the 1040 Instructions, and all the other detailed publications you need at the IRS website.
Oregon Tax Information from the Department of Revenue
Find the Pub. 17 ½, Form 40 Instructions, and everything else you want to know about Oregon State Taxes at the Department of Revenue’s website.
How to Get Help
We all need some help sometimes!
And as a volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide and CASH Oregon, you’re never alone. There are lots of ways to get help as you go through your training.
Get Help in Person by visiting a Study Center to work with experienced volunteers who will help you complete practice returns answer questions. This is also a great place to go if Macintosh computer issues are making it hard to access the PracticeLab and complete your test. Click here to view the Study Center Schedule.
Get Help over the Phoneby calling CASH Oregon at 503-243-7765. We will get you in touch with an experienced volunteer to answer your question.
Get Help Online with our Web Resources for Volunteers. Sometimes, the answer you’re looking for is only a click away.
Get Help on Paper - don’t forget the resources in your training packet! The spiral-bound Pub. 4012, your Volunteer Resource Guide, is especially helpful. Experienced Tax-Aide Volunteers say that 90% of questions about Tax Law and TaxWise can be answered using this book! This is the answer key to the red Problems and Exercises book you received at orientation (Pub. 4491-W).
Register for Orientation and Training
All new volunteers must attend Volunteer Orientation. You’ll learn about the volunteer experience and how to become a tax counselor, get your training materials, and learn about the training process. Register for Volunteer Orientation here.
Register for training online. New Volunteers will receive the web address for training registration at orientation. Returning Volunteers will receive it in an email.
