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Form 13615-SP: 13615 (sp)
IRS Form 13615 (sp) is used to provide information about a volunteer's certification for VITA/TCE programs, administered by the Internal Revenue Service. It requires volunteers to certify adherence to ethical conduct standards.
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IRS Form 13615-SP - 13615 (sp)
IRS Form 13615 (sp) is used to provide information about a volunteer's certification for VITA/TCE programs, administered by the Internal Revenue Service. It requires volunteers to certify adherence to ethical conduct standards.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to list the required Conduct Standards (VSC #3 through VSC #6) invalidates the volunteer's certification on Form 13615 (sp).
- 2Failing to list all required Conduct Standards (VSC #3 through VSC #6) on Form 13615 (sp).
- 3Not including the date of completion when signing Form 13615 (sp).
- 4Omitting the volunteer's professional designation (e.g., CPA, CTEC) from Part II.
- 5Failing to list the specific IRS site or sponsor organization name correctly.
Plain English
This form documents that a volunteer has met specific standards of behavior required to help prepare tax returns for eligible taxpayers through IRS VITA/TCE programs. By completing Form 13615 (sp), the volunteer certifies they will uphold high ethical standards while providing free tax preparation services.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2025-11-05 22:10:17
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when a VITA/TCE volunteer needs to certify adherence to ethical conduct standards before working at a VITA/TCE site.
- Do not use it when you are only certifying one specific role (e.g., only Quality Reviewer) and need the broader certification document, though Form 13615 (sp) covers all roles.
- Check Publicación 4961 (sp) instead when seeking additional details on ethical conduct standards for VITA/TCE volunteers.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You are a partner or site coordinator needing continuing education credits
This form relates to the Handbook, which contains further instructions and requirements.
✓ Check Publicación 5683 (or use this form itself).
A volunteer is being certified for general VITA/TCE duties
This form provides the core certification documentation required before work begins.
✓ Check this form first.
You need to verify eligibility and conduct standards for a specific role like 'Facilitator'
While all roles use this form, it confirms compliance across various job functions listed on page 1.
✓ Confirm the role matches the certification scope.
Deadline or filing window
The timing relates to when a certified volunteer requests Continuing Education Credits (CE). The form must be completed and submitted by the volunteer, with the sponsor/instructor signing and dating it for submission.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
All Volunteers
Must approve certification of ethical conduct standards · Form 13615 (sp)
Preparers, Reviewers, Coordinators, Client Facilitators, Tax Instructors
Must certify in Admission/Interview and Quality Check/Tax Law · Form 13615 (sp)
Volunteer Identity Verification
Government-issued photo ID must be used by the certifying official · Form 13615 (sp)
VSC #2 Compliance
Must not accept payment, solicit donations, or accept reimbursement payments for federal/state tax prep · Form 13615 (sp)
General Conduct
Must adhere to all Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) · Form 13615 (sp)
IRS Contact/Certifier
Coordinator, Sponsor Partner, Instructor, or IRS contact must verify identity and sign/date · Form 13615 (sp)
Before you submit
- 1Verify that all volunteers have signed and dated the Form 13615 (sp) before beginning work at the VITA/TCE site.
- 2Confirm that preparers, reviewers, coordinators, client facilitators, and tax instructors have completed their required certifications prior to signing this form.
- 3Ensure a coordinator, sponsor partner, instructor, or IRS contact has confirmed the volunteer's identity using a government-issued photo ID.
- 4Check that VSC #2 compliance is met: no accepting payment, soliciting donations, or taking reimbursement payments for tax prep.
- 5Confirm adherence to VSC #3: no using obtained taxpayer information for personal benefit (direct or indirect).
- 6Verify the form's revision date reads 10-2025 before finalizing.
- 7Ensure all required fields are completed, as this form is not valid until officially confirmed and signed.
How to file this form
- 1Obtain Form 13615 (sp) and have the volunteer sign and date it prior to working at a VITA/TCE site.
- 2Have the designated official (coordinator, sponsor partner, instructor, or IRS contact) verify the volunteer's identity using a government-issued photo ID.
- 3Ensure all required certifications (especially for preparers and reviewers) are complete before the official signs and dates this Form 13615 (sp).
- 4Submit the completed and verified Form 13615 (sp) to your local VITA/TCE site coordinator as proof of volunteer certification.
Known limitations
- 1The Form 13615 (sp) is not valid until a coordinator, sponsor partner, instructor, or IRS contact confirms the volunteer's identity, name, and address by signing and dating this form after verifying them with a government-issued photo ID.
- 2The requirements for continued education credits for partners and volunteers are detailed in Publicación 5683, VITA/TCE Handbook for Partners and Site Coordinators (in English).
- 3The Form 13615 (sp) is specific to the conduct standards agreement for volunteers in VITA/TCE programs.
- 4It does not cover all aspects of volunteer certification; preparers must also be certified in Admission/Interview, quality verification, and tax laws before signing this form.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Revision 10-2025, and this form references www.irs.gov as the source for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 10-2025.
- Form number — confirm the title header reads Form 13615 (sp).
- Catalog Number — confirm the source lists Catalog Number 28889R.
- Signature — ensure the form is signed and dated by a coordinator, sponsor partner, instructor, or IRS contact after identity verification.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the signed Form 13615 (sp) for personal records.
- 2The filing requires signature and dating by the volunteer and confirmation/signature by an authorized official (coordinator, sponsor partner, or instructor).
- 3A volunteer certifies that their reported hours are based on activities performed at their site or training facility when signing.
- 4Review Publicación 4961 (sp), Normas de conducta para los voluntarios de VITA/TCE: capacitación en ética for more detailed conduct standards information.
Sources
- SRCForm 13615 (sp) is the form that provides information about a volunteer's certification for VITA/TCE programs (Instructions p.1).
- SRCAll VITA/ TCE volunteers must approve the conduct standards and sign Form 13615 (sp) before working at a site (Instructions p.1).
- SRCPreparers, quality reviewers, coordinators, client facilitators, and tax law instructors must certify in Admission/Interview, quality verification, and tax laws before signing this form (Instructions p.1).
- SRCThe form is not valid until the coordinator, sponsor partner, instructor, or IRS contact confirms identity and signs it after verifying with a government photo ID (Instructions p.1).
- SRCVSC #2 requires volunteers to not accept payment, solicit donations, or accept reimbursement payments for federal or state tax preparation (Instructions p.1).
- SRCThe legal right to request information comes from section 301, title 5 of the U.S. Code (USC) (Instructions p.1).
Common confusion points
Who needs to sign this form?
The volunteer must sign and date it before working at a site. Additionally, the coordinator, sponsor partner, or instructor must confirm identity and sign.
What does 'VSC' stand for?
VSC stands for Volunteer Standards of Conduct (Normas de conducta para los voluntarios).
If I am a preparer, what else do I need to certify?
Preparers must also be certified in Admission/Interview, quality verification, and tax laws before signing Form 13615 (sp).
What happens if you violate the standards?
Non-compliance can result in, but is not limited to, a denial of protection for damages caused by imprudent misconduct or willful/flagrant disregard of another person's rights or safety.
Why must I provide my information?
The IRS requests this information to communicate regarding interest and/or participation in the community outreach and volunteer income tax preparation programs.
Can my response be mandatory?
No, the source states that the response provided on Form 13615 (sp) is voluntary.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Review Publicación 5683, VITA/TCE Handbook for Partners and Site Coordinators (in English) for further instructions.
Questions about IRS Form 13615-SP
What is IRS Form 13615-SP used for?
This form documents that a volunteer has met specific standards of behavior required to help prepare tax returns for eligible taxpayers through IRS VITA/TCE programs. By completing Form 13615 (sp), the volunteer certifies they will uphold high ethical standards while providing free tax preparation services.
Who must file IRS Form 13615-SP?
Volunteers must file this form, as it provides information about their certification within the VITA/TCE programs. Specifically, those volunteering for these programs are required to complete and submit Form 13615 (sp).
What information does IRS Form 13615-SP require?
The form collects personal details such as the volunteer's full name and address, along with job title(s) and employer information. It also records specific certification levels, professional designations, and the sponsor organization's details.
Where do I file IRS Form 13615-SP?
If completing the form to request CE credits, the completed Form 13615 (sp) must be sent to the local SPEC office or the manager of relations for processing.
How do I complete IRS Form 13615-SP?
A volunteer must complete all sections, including providing their personal information and listing their certification levels. The form requires a signature (electronic or handwritten) and a date before it is submitted for processing.
What happens if IRS Form 13615-SP is filed incorrectly?
Failure to adhere to conduct standards could result in consequences such as removal from all VITA/TCE programs or inclusion in the IRS Volunteer Registry to prohibit future participation.
Who needs to sign this form?
The volunteer must sign and date it before working at a site. Additionally, the coordinator, sponsor partner, or instructor must confirm identity and sign.
What does 'VSC' stand for?
VSC stands for Volunteer Standards of Conduct (Normas de conducta para los voluntarios).
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