As part of the intake process, what must each site ensure?

During the intake process, it is crucial for each site to ensure that returns are within the scope of VITA/TCE. This is because VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) programs have established guidelines that define the types of tax situations they are equipped to handle. These guidelines ensure that the volunteers assisting taxpayers have the necessary training and understanding of the tax laws relevant to those situations. Compliance with the scope helps protect both the volunteers and the taxpayers by ensuring that only appropriate cases are processed, thereby minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring a quality service.

While it is important to strive for taxpayer satisfaction, efficient volunteer work, and quick processing of returns, these factors do not supersede the fundamental requirement that the returns handled fall within the established criteria of the program to maintain quality and adherence to regulations.