IRS Form 13615 Spanish – In the world of tax preparation assistance, the IRS offers valuable programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) to help eligible taxpayers file their returns for free. For Spanish-speaking volunteers or those serving Spanish-speaking communities, IRS Form 13615 Spanish plays a crucial role. This form, officially titled “Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement – VITA/TCE Programs (Spanish Version),” ensures that all participants maintain high ethical standards and provide quality service. If you’re considering volunteering or managing a VITA/TCE site, understanding this form is essential for compliance and program success.
What Is IRS Form 13615 Spanish?
IRS Form 13615 Spanish is the Spanish-language version of the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement used in the VITA and TCE programs. It outlines the ethical guidelines that all volunteers must follow to protect taxpayers and uphold the integrity of these free tax assistance initiatives. The form is required annually for anyone involved in the programs, including coordinators, tax preparers, quality reviewers, instructors, greeters, screeners, and client facilitators.
The VITA program primarily assists low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, and limited English proficient taxpayers, while TCE focuses on seniors. Both programs rely on certified volunteers to prepare accurate tax returns, and this agreement ensures volunteers adhere to strict professional and ethical standards.
Key details about the form:
- Revision Date: October 2025
- Posted Date: November 5, 2025
- Purpose: To certify that volunteers have completed required training and agree to follow the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC).
Volunteers must pass the VSC certification test with at least 80% accuracy before signing the form. The form becomes valid only after an approving official (such as a site coordinator or sponsoring partner) verifies the volunteer’s identity using government-issued photo ID and signs it.
The Importance of Volunteer Standards of Conduct in VITA/TCE Programs
The VSC are designed to build public trust in the VITA/TCE programs by ensuring volunteers provide high-quality, ethical service. Failure to comply can lead to severe consequences, including removal from the program, deactivation of the site’s electronic filing identification number (EFIN), or even referral for criminal investigation.
These standards emphasize confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism, which are vital for handling sensitive taxpayer information. By signing Form 13615 Spanish, volunteers commit to upholding these principles, making the form a cornerstone of program integrity.
Key Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) Outlined in the Form
The form details six core standards that all volunteers must follow. Here’s a breakdown:
- Follow All Quality Site Requirements (QSR): Volunteers must adhere to all operational guidelines for VITA/TCE sites, including timely filing of returns and proper use of reference materials.
- Do Not Accept Payment or Donations: No volunteer can receive compensation, solicit donations, or accept refund payments for preparing federal or state tax returns.
- Avoid Soliciting Business or Misusing Information: Volunteers cannot use taxpayer data for personal gain or solicit business from those they assist.
- Do Not Prepare False Returns: Knowingly filing inaccurate returns is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid Disgraceful Conduct: Volunteers must not engage in criminal, dishonest, or any behavior that negatively impacts the programs.
- Treat Taxpayers Respectfully: All interactions must be professional, courteous, and respectful.
These standards apply to all aspects of volunteer conduct, even outside the site, if it affects the programs.
How to Complete and Submit IRS Form 13615 Spanish?
Completing the form is straightforward but requires prior certification:
- Complete Required Training: Pass the VSC test and any additional certifications (e.g., Intake/Interview and Quality Review, Tax Law) via Link & Learn Taxes (LLT).
- Sign the Form: Indicate your agreement to the VSC by signing and dating it.
- Verification: Present government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) to the approving official for identity confirmation. The name on the form must match the ID and any tax software used.
- Approval: The official signs and dates the form, making it valid.
Note: High school students in official VITA/TCE programs may use school ID as an exception. The form must be completed before volunteering at any site.
Where to Download IRS Form 13615 Spanish?
You can download the latest version of IRS Form 13615 Spanish directly from the official IRS website. Here’s the link: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13615sp.pdf.
For additional resources, visit the IRS VITA/TCE page or search for related publications like Publication 4961 (VITA/TCE Volunteer Standards of Conduct – Ethics Training).
Additional Resources for VITA/TCE Volunteers
- Training Materials: Access Link & Learn Taxes for certification courses.
- Related Forms: Form 13615 (English version), Publication 5166 (VITA/TCE Volunteer Quality Site Requirements).
- Support for Spanish Speakers: The IRS provides resources in Spanish to support multilingual volunteers and taxpayers.
By participating in VITA/TCE and adhering to Form 13615 Spanish, volunteers contribute to a trusted system that helps millions file taxes accurately and ethically. If you’re interested in volunteering, start by reviewing the standards and completing your certifications today.