Thought Leadership, Research & CPA Spotlights

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.

Find out more on this page on how to volunteer for the TPA Program.

Are you looking to receive support through 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

2021-2022 Guides are now available.

CVITP registration guide: New volunteers

CVITP registration guide: Returning volunteers

EFILE renewal guide

How the program works

Register with CRA

Register as a volunteer with the CRA here. During registration, please include the name of your local CPA Ontario Association (Example: Windsor CPA Ontario Association). After registering as a volunteer, you will also be required to apply for a volunteer EFILE. Business EFILE numbers cannot be used for this program.

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

Receive a welcome email from CPA Ontario which will include details on training opportunities.

Placement

A coordinator will be in touch to schedule your volunteer placement at a virtual clinic hosted by a CPA Ontario Association.

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. In doing so, you'll be connected to a coordinator for placement in a virtual 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 to a placement that fits your availability.

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 this unprecedented time.

EFILE Helpdesk

CVITP Dedicated Help line for volunteers: 1 866.398.3488

New year-round hours updated (November 2021)
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. EST
Saturday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. EST
Sunday: Closed

This number is for CVITP volunteers only. Do not share this number with individuals outside of the CVITP.

Contact email: [email protected]
Individual income tax enquiries line: 1 800.959.8281