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.

How the program works

Register with CRA

Register as a CVITP volunteer with the CRA here. During registration, please 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

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/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.

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

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