Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Certification Practice Test

What should a volunteer do if they find errors in the return prepared by another volunteer?

1. Ignore the errors if the return has been submitted

2. Report the errors to the site coordinator

3. Correct the errors themselves

4. Wait until the quality review to address it

The correct answer is: Report the errors to the site coordinator

When a volunteer finds errors in a return prepared by another volunteer, the appropriate action is to report the errors to the site coordinator. This approach is essential for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the tax preparation process. The site coordinator is responsible for overseeing the operations at the VITA site and can take the necessary steps to ensure that the errors are addressed appropriately and resolved in line with established protocols. Reporting errors ensures that they are documented and that the volunteer who prepared the return receives feedback. It helps prevent similar mistakes in the future and fosters an environment of learning and improvement among volunteers. Additionally, the site coordinator typically has the authority to review and correct returns or to guide volunteers on how to handle specific situations, thus providing better overall service to clients. Ignoring the errors could lead to incorrect tax filings, which can have serious consequences for clients. Attempting to correct the errors independently without going through the proper channels might lead to confusion or miscommunication regarding the return. Waiting for a quality review may delay addressing the errors and could potentially harm clients if the issues are not resolved in a timely manner.