Get ready to volunteer
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Get ready to volunteer
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- Roles and responsibilities
- CVITP volunteer requirements
- Getting access to the tax software
- Safeguarding an individual's information
- Supplies and logistics
PDF version (opens in new window)Roles and responsibilities
Depending on the community organization you are volunteering with, you may be assigned one or more of the following roles:
- Tax preparer: Prepares tax returns by paper, electronically, or both
- Support Roles: Includes greeter, interpreter, screener or administrator
Before starting the training, review the roles and responsibilities you will assume as a CVITP volunteer on the CRA's Understand your roles and requirements page.
Please note: This is a YouTube video and will only play for those with unrestricted Internet access.
CVITP volunteer requirements
To participate as a CVITP volunteer, ensure that you have met all of the requirements for your role(s).
For a full list of requirements, refer to Understand your roles and requirements.
Requirements that apply to all volunteers include:
Complete your annual volunteer registration
Returning volunteers must provide their Volunteer Identification Number (VIN) when registering for the program.
Ensure you are affiliated with a CVITP organization
It is your responsibility to become affiliated. A CVITP officer may be able to help you, however, the number of organizations needing volunteers varies by region and affiliation may not be possible.
Important note
Once approved to participate with the CVITP, you will receive an email confirming your approval and your Volunteer Identification Number (VIN).
For more information or assistance, contact your CVITP officer.
Requirements that apply to some volunteer roles include:
Providing a valid police records check (PRC) to your organization
A PRC must be provided if any of these apply:
- You have a support role with access to taxpayer information
- You prepare and submit paper tax returns
- You use Auto-fill my return (AFR)ecords check to your organization if you are:
CVITP tip
A police records check is valid if it has been issued within the last three years. Contact your organization if you have any questions.
If you are an electronic tax preparer, remember to:
- obtain a RepID using the Represent a Client portal
- apply for an EFILE number or renew your existing EFILE account
Important note
When applying for an EFILE number or renewing your EFILE account, you will need your RepID.
Do not apply for or renew your EFILE number if you will not electronically transmit tax returns. Your EFILE number could be suspended if your account is not used.
Getting access to the tax software
Your organization or CVITP officer will send you an email containing the link required to download the software and UFile activation key.
A new version of UFile CVITP software is released each year.
If you need to install the UFile CVITP tax software for prior tax years, your organization or CVITP officer can provide you the required software and activation keys.
Your organization may also provide you with a CVITP Organization Identification Number (COIN). This number is used to count the number of tax returns electronically sent by your organization through UFile CVITP.
For more information, refer to EFILE-NetFile setup under Setting up the software.
Safeguarding an individual's information
Follow these steps to ensure you are keeping an individual's information safe:
- Do not use or disclose the individual's information for any purpose other than to complete their tax return
- Store the individual's information securely in a locked drawer or cabinet and never leave their information unattended
- Be mindful of your surroundings when speaking with individuals, especially in a virtual clinic setting when other people are present or there are nearby devices like Google Home or Alexa
- Tell your community organization and your CVITP officer immediately if a security breach such as lost, stolen or compromised data occurs
Supplies and logistics
To ensure you can efficiently perform your role, we suggest having the following:
Recommended supplies:
- Desktop or laptop computer
- Internet connection
- Mandatory forms:
- TIS60 – Community Volunteer Income Tax Program - Taxpayer Authorization
- Pre-filled Authorization request – signature page (if using Auto-fill my return)
- UFile CVITP activation key
- EFILE number and password
Useful supplies:
- Printer and USB flash drive
- Federal income tax and benefit information
- Forms:
- T1 Adjustment request (T1-ADJ)
- Direct deposit enrolment (8001-552E)
- Address change request (RC325)
- Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201)
- Pre-addressed tax centre envelopes
- Pencils, paper, calculator, stapler and other general office supplies
Forms commonly used by CVITP volunteers can be accessed and printed directly from the Forms, job aids and fact sheets page. For information on how to order forms online or over the phone, refer to Contacts and links.
Logistics:
- Time of arrival (before the start of your shift)
- Duration of appointments (time scheduled for each appointment)
Virtual clinics
If you will be preparing tax returns virtually, ensure you have:
- a phone
- an email address
- a tablet or other device able to support video calls
For more information on how to prepare tax returns virtually, refer to Procedures for tax preparation.
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2025-10-27