Tax Preparation Assistance (TPA) Program
For over 50 years, Ontario’s CPAs have supported vulnerable communities throughout the province through the Tax Preparation Assistance (TPA) program. By volunteering with a TPA clinic, CPAs help thousands of Ontarians every tax season. In times of economic uncertainty, helping individuals maximize their tax return can truly make all the difference.
On this page, you will find more information on how to volunteer for the TPA Program.
Are you looking for support at a tax preparation clinic in your area?
Visit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)'s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) website to see a complete list of clinics operating in Ontario. You can also call CRA for additional support at 1 800.959.8281.
Training materials
How the program works
Register with CRA
Register as a CVITP volunteer with the CRA here. During registration, include the name of your local CPA Ontario Association (Example: Windsor CPA Ontario Association). When registering, please declare that you are an accredited Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). After registering as a volunteer, you will also be required to apply for a volunteer EFILE number. Business EFILE numbers cannot be used for this program. Please note that RepID is now required for applying/renewing your volunteer EFILE number.
CRA approval
CRA will approve your application and provide a volunteer EFILE number via email confirmation. Please note: it may take up to 30 days for your application to be approved. If you do not receive confirmation after 30 days, please email CRA.
CPA email
Placement
A coordinator will be in touch to schedule your volunteer placement at a virtual or in-person clinic hosted by a CPA Ontario Association. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a volunteer placement. If you have not been reached out yet by your TPA coordinator, please email CRA.
CPA Ontario has unified its program with the CRA's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). When you register to volunteer, you're encouraged to indicate that you'd like to be connected with your local CPA Ontario Association. You will then be connected to a coordinator for placement in a clinic run by CPA Ontario as part of the CVITP. If those clinics do not suit your schedule, you can also volunteer with the CVITP and your coordinator will connect you with a suitable time.
Volunteer support
Volunteer support will be available from our partners at CRA. Their hours of operation are listed below for your reference. Please note that wait times may be longer than normal during the height of tax season.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. EST
Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST
Sunday: Closed
Please note that CRA online services are available 21 hours a day (due to daily maintenance activities, the services are not available from 3-6 a.m. EST)
Contact email: [email protected]
Individual income tax enquiries line: 1 800.959.8281