Internal Revenue Service United States Department of the Treasury
Level Basic Intermediate Advanced Military International

Screening and Interviewing

Interview Techniques

Topic Activity

How Would You Respond?

Alice lost her husband, Rodney, to cancer during the year. The couple has two teenage daughters, Julie and Samantha. Alice has come to the VITA/TCE site with some questions about completing her tax return. In this interview, the tax preparer is trying to determine the appropriate filing status for Alice. Follow along in the conversation and select the correct question to ask. Click here to listen to the conversation.

You: Hi, I'm John. How may I help you today?

Alice: Hi, I'm Alice Moore. I need some help with my tax return. My husband died and I'm trying to deal with my tax situation.

How would you respond?

Okay, when did he die?
Oh, I'm so sorry about your loss. It must be very difficult for you.


Alice.