2025-2026 Readiness

📘 Module 9: Tax Season Readiness & Return Review

Putting It All Together With Real Client Scenarios

👋 Welcome to Module 9!

You’ve made it through the full course — now it’s time to bring everything together.

This module helps you:

✅ Review the full return process
✅ Practice using real-world scenarios
✅ Build confidence handling different types of clients
✅ Check your work before submitting
✅ Be prepared to file returns accurately, legally, and efficiently

🧾 Start-to-Finish Tax Flow

Here’s what preparing a full return should look like:

Step 1: Collect Documents

W-2s, 1099s, IDs, SSNs
Dependent info
Income and expense records (if self-employed)
Childcare or education forms (if needed)

Step 2: Ask Intake Questions

Filing status?
Any dependents?
Income sources?
Any credits they usually get?

Step 3: Enter Data into Software

Go step-by-step
Check for errors as you go
Use the software’s prompts and warnings

Step 4: Review for Accuracy

Do the numbers make sense?
Do dependents qualify?
Is anything missing?
Double-check Social Security Numbers and bank info

Step 5: Go Over the Return with the Client

Explain the refund or balance due
Make sure they understand what was claimed
Have them sign all required forms

Step 6: Submit the Return

E-file with correct PTIN attached
Keep a copy for your records

🧠 Student Practice: Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Simple W-2 + One Child

Client: Crystal

W-2: $24,500
1 child, age 4
Files Head of Household
Paid for daycare
Wants direct deposit

Practice Tips:

CTC and EIC likely apply
Ask for SSNs, daycare provider info
Software will calculate refund based on income + credits

Scenario 2: Self-Employed, No Kids

Client: Devon

Uber & Door Dash income: $42,000
No dependents
Keeps all expenses in CashApp
Doesn’t know about paying quarterly taxes

Practice Tips:

Schedule C and SE tax required
May owe taxes — explain estimated payments
Business deductions can lower what he owes

Scenario 3: HOH Dispute

Client: Alicia

Claimed 2 children
One of them was also claimed by another parent last year
Received a letter from the IRS

Practice Tips:

Ask who the child lived with
Review support and custody info
Explain that proof is needed for EIC/CTC

🔁 Compliance Review Checklist

✅ SSNs match exactly
✅ All income sources are reported
✅ Credits are backed by proof if needed
✅ No double-claimed dependents
✅ Bank info is correct
✅ Client understands the return
✅ All forms are signed
✅ Due Diligence (8867) is completed when required

📝 Module 9 Quiz

1. What’s the final step before e-filing a return?
A) Collect payment
B) Print the return
C) Have the client review and sign
D) Guess the refund

2. What form do you use to claim business income?
A) 1040-EZ
B) W-2
C) Schedule C
D) 8862

3. What happens if a child is claimed on two tax returns?
A) The IRS accepts both
B) The refund is doubled
C) One will be rejected or flagged
D) The return gets priority

4. What should you check before entering bank info for a refund?
A) The client’s Instagram
B) If the client prefers a check
C) Routing and account number
D) Zip code

5. True or False: A return is “audit-proof” if you keep documentation and follow IRS rules.
A) True
B) False

✅ Answer Key: